YOUR FRENCH ROAD TRIP!

Hi Kathy & Jessica,

I’m so excited to work with you to help plan your French country road trip. I’m looking forward to welcoming you to the incredible Tarn Region - a true hidden gem in France. It’s like stepping back in time and I just know you’ll love discovering the beautiful landscapes and medieval villages.

Below, you’ll find my suggested itinerary along with a few of my favorite highlights. I’ve also included further excursions for your last couple of days (click links for deeper investigation). Next, I’ve shared my top hotel recommendations which you can look over and decide upon. Once you choose, I can reserve your rooms for you. Of course I have wonderful suggestions for restaurants, farmers markets, historical site visits, gardens, shopping and more!

“Bienvenue dans le Tarn”

This Southwestern region is one of France’s best-kept secrets. It’s quite popular with the British so you’ll frequently hear english speakers (though you’ll still feel worlds away from America). The landscape is simply stunning and there is so much to do and see. You can spend your days wandering through the vast number of historic villages, visit incredible food markets, have leisurely lunches along the picturesque river gorge, drive through vineyards and fields of wild flowers, linger in wonderful antique shops and get a real taste of la vie en rose.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, May 24th
Pick-up at Toulouse airport (late afternoon). Drive approximately 1 hour to your hotel, get settled. Wander the town and have an early dinner to be properly rested for the week.

Day 2 - Sunday, May 25th
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Shop the famous Saint Antonin farmers market (I’ll guide you to try regional specialties). Take a break for a hot drink in the town square. Riverside picnic (weather dependent) or lunch along the river. Drive through the Gorge de l’Aveyron. Tour medieval villages of Penne and/or Bruniquel. Dinner in Saint Antonin.

Day 3 - Monday, May 26th
Visit the stunning villages of Puycelsi, lunch in Castelnau Montmiral and continue to Cordes sur Ciel. History, shopping and gorgeous views abound.
Dinner in Les Cabannes or Cordes.

Day 4 - Tuesday, May 27th
Explore further afield. Visit the incredibly photo-worthy village of Saint Cirq Lapopie. Option to visit a prehistoric cave Pech Merle or take a walk along the Chemin de Halage. Continue through the Vallée du Célé to dine and stay the night in the heritage city of Figeac.

Day 5 - Wednesday, May 28th
Drive along the scenic Lot River to visit the 11th century village of Conques (UNESCO world heritage site). Continue our tour through the countryside until we reach the brick city of Albi (UNESCO cathedral, shopping, gardens). Have an early meal in Albi or continue to Toulouse for a later dinner. Stay overnight in Toulouse before your early flight.

Day 6 - Thursday, May 29th
Taxi to the Toulouse airport for your flight back home.

Trip Highlights

  • Historical Sites

  • Hilltop Villages

  • Castles

  • Gardens

  • Beautiful Landscapes

  • Antique Shops

  • Red Brick Cities

  • Marchés

Accommodation Options

May 24th-26th - you will spend 3 nights and 2 days exploring the Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne regions.

Note: Most B&Bs only offer king or queen beds (some provide two twin beds but can be a bit tight) so you may opt for 2 rooms or stay in a 2 bedroom townhouse (to be decided).

Stay in Saint Antonin Noble Val
A lovely medieval village on the Aveyron river. Famous for it’s Sunday marché. The film “The Hundred Foot Journey” with Helen Mirren was filmed here. There are plenty of good restaurants and shops within walking distance.

La Résidence
This is a great choice for location and guests love it. It has that old world charm, large rooms and includes a fresh breakfast in the lovely garden or dining room each morning.
Price range from $370-440 for one room for 3 nights (taxes not included)
Read reviews and see more photos

Mamie Angele
This is a new B&B in town run by a nice young couple. The rooms are decorated in a modern boutique style. Homemade breakfasts are served in their tea room or the back garden.
Price starts at $315-$340 for one room for 3 nights (taxes not included)
Read reviews and see more photos

Maison Saint Antonin
For an alternative option, you can stay in a townhouse in the heart of the village. This tasteful home has a full living room, kitchen, 2 separate bedrooms and a bathroom. Breakfast is not included but I can help you stock up on some items and show you the local bakeries.
Price starts around $640 for 3 nights (taxes not included)
Read reviews and see more photos

Stay in Figeac (Lot region)
Beautiful well-preserved heritage town in the Lot Valley. Ancient palaces, medieval boutiques and open air markets are some of the highlights of this small city.

May 27th - we will spend one night in the Lot River region after a day of exploring further afield.

Chambre d'hôtes Conquans
This amazing 14th century B&B comes highly recommended from past clients. Located in the city center it’s full of history and charm. Breakfast is included and dinner upon request. It also has a spacious 2 bedroom loft.
Price starts around $200 per night (taxes not included)
Read reviews and see more photos

May 28th - We will continue touring around the Lot region, then head back to Toulouse so you can catch your flight the morning of the 29th.

Stay in Toulouse
The “Ville Rose” or “Pink City” famous for its brick facades, this is France’s 4th largest city. A very different feeling from Paris, it has a hospitable southern charm. It’s brimming with history and cultural events, a thriving food scene and narrow streets and squares with great boutiques.

Le Grand Balcon Hotel
A 4-star hotel in the center of the city featuring 1930s decor.
A room with two single beds is available for $140 per night. Breakfast is an additional $23 per person.
Read reviews and see more photos

OVYO Hotel
A contemporary 4-star hotel, close to the river’s edge and the city center. A family room is available with a queen and twin bed for $179 a night. Breakfast is an additional $17 per person.
Read reviews and see more photos

Itinerary Includes:

• Your personalized route for May 24-29th (5 nights)

• A curated guide according to your desires, suggested daily activities with room for spontaneity

• Toulouse airport pick-up

• All hotel reservations

• Guided driving tour each day. Pick-up from your hotel at 9 or 10am, all-day touring with stops when you’d like, drop-off by 5 or 6pm in time for resting and dinner

• Information on the area such as history, regional specialties and points of interest

• Restaurant recommendations for lunches and dinners (I will reserve in advance)

• Unlimited emails to help you prepare and answer any questions

Price: $3000 USD

Not included: hotels, restaurants, admission to any sites or paid activities, car expenses (rental, gas, tolls)