Toulouse Circuit

This 8-day tour will take you on a voyage across the captivating landscapes of Occitania and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, nestled in the scenic southwest of France, with Toulouse as your point of departure and return. Discover a myriad of picturesque medieval villages scattered on the banks of river Lot, Aveyron and Tarn, such as Puy L’Évêque, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Belcastel and many more. Savor regional specialties like duck confit, Cahors and Gaillac wine, truffles, saucisson sec and goat cheese. Hike in les Gorges de l’Aveyron and experience a magical hot air balloon ride over breathtaking landscapes. Journey deeper into the heart of heritage as you traverse the rolling hills and vineyards of the Lot Valley, Aveyron’s rugged cliffs and the Tarn region. Conclude your odyssey in Albi, where the crimson hues of its cathedral mirror the fiery passion of its history. You will make cherished memories of an unforgettable gastronomic and cultural adventure in Southwest France. This itinerary can be changed and adapted to your liking. It is a great choice for history lovers, for couples seeking romantic escapes and for all gourmets out there.

08 Days – From £3,400 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Toulouse, Cahors, Saint Cirq Lapopie, Belcastel, Najac, Albi and more

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (upgrades to superior hotels and chateaux possible)
10-day car-hire: vintage car with manual transmission (full tank at pick-up, insurance, technical assistance)
App with GPS
Car delivery to the door of your hotel
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
All mandatory local taxes
24/7 assistance in English during your trip

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International & Domestic Flights / Train Ticket
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Meals not mentioned in the description
Additional kms
Photographer, Guide, Driver (can be arranged on request)

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. The access point is Toulouse Airport (TLS) which has several direct connections to major European cities.

Alternatively, travel by train from Paris to Toulouse.

How to Book

Send us an email to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added.

The best time to visit the Occitania and Nouvelle-Aquitaine is from April to November. However, the weather is milder in spring and autumn. July and August can be quite hot.

Day 1 - Toulouse

Begin your journey in the captivating “Pink City” of Toulouse, where terracotta buildings line the picturesque Garonne River. Stroll along the riverbanks to the iconic Pont Neuf before delving into the old town’s labyrinthine streets. Let the scent of freshly baked croissants and brewing coffee guide you to charming patisseries. Explore the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a testament to Toulouse’s rich history. For a celestial experience, venture into the cosmos at the Cité de l’Espace, where space-themed wonders await. Seek solace in the verdant oasis of Jardin des Plantes, amidst exotic flora. As night falls, lose yourself in the vibrant energy of Place du Capitole, the beating heart of the city. Overnight at Hôtel Albert 1er.

Day 2 - Puy L'Eveque & Cahors

After breakfast, pick up your car and venture into the rolling hills and vineyards of the Lot Valley. Puy L’Évêque welcomes you with its medieval skyline, crowned by a majestic 12th-century castle. Wander through quaint alleyways and visit the Church of Saint-Sauveur dating back to the 13th-century. Stroll along the banks of the Lot River and soak in the serene ambiance. For lunch, enjoy regional delicacies like duck confit and cassoulet, complemented by the robust flavors of Cahors wine. After lunch, set forth on a scenic drive to Cahors, where the Pont Valentré stands as a testament to medieval engineering prowess, spanning across Lot River. Cross its storied arches, tracing the footsteps of bygone knights. Overnight at Chateau De Mercues.

Day 3 - Saint Cirq Lapopie & Conques

After breakfast, venture into rolling hills and valleys of the Lot and Aveyron regions, where medieval villages beckon with timeless allure. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of the most beautiful villages in France, perches atop cliffs, its stone houses clinging to the Lot River’s edge. Lose yourself between narrow streets and visit the castle. Indulge in the flavors of Quercy cuisine, including truffles and goat cheese, before continuing your odyssey to Conques, a hidden gem nestled in the rugged hills of the Aveyron Valley. Visit the Abbey of Sainte-Foy and admire its ancient frescoes. Navigate cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, uncovering treasures like the golden reliquary of Sainte-Foy. Overnight at Hotel Sainte Foy.

Day 4 - Belcastel to Cordes-sur-Ciel

After breakfast, venture into the picturesque countryside of the Aveyron and Tarn regions. Your first stop is Belcastel, a beautiful medieval village perched on the banks of the Aveyron River. Take a tour of the enchanting castle dating back to the 15th-century. Continue to Najac, another medieval gem nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Aveyron Valley. The majestic 13th-century fortress exudes timeless grandeur. Next, ascend to Cordes-sur-Ciel, a hilltop village offering panoramic vistas and splendid architecture. Explore Cordes-sur-Ciel’s labyrinthine alleys and squares, visit the Saint-Michel Church and relax in one of the charming cafes. Immerse yourself in the flavors of the region, savoring dishes like aligot and magret de canard amidst breathtaking landscapes. Overnight at Domaine de Perches.

Day 5 - Gorges de l'Aveyron

Early in the morning, awaken your senses with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over Les Gorges de l’Aveyron, where lush forests and ancient villages unfurl beneath you (1-2 hours). Celebrate your aerial adventure with a Champagne breakfast before immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Gorges de l’Aveyron canyon. Traverse winding roads, pausing at viewpoints to capture the majesty of cascading waterfalls and soaring cliffs. Hike forest trails, discovering hidden ruins and charming villages nestled in the verdant hillsides, alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Aveyron River. Indulge in picnics by the riverside or kayaking excursions along the tranquil waters of the Aveyron River, marveling at the sheer beauty of your surroundings. Birds of prey will be soaring high above the canyon walls. Overnight at Domaine de Perches.

Day 6 - Tarn Region & Wine

After breakfast, wind your way through the scenic countryside to Castelnau-de-Montmiral, where medieval charm awaits amidst vineyards and valleys. Explore cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, savoring the timeless allure of this bastide town. Continue your journey to Gaillac, a haven for wine enthusiasts, where bustling markets and historic sites await amidst picturesque riverside setting. Embark on wine tastings, pairing Gaillac’s finest with regional delicacies like charcuterie and local cheeses at Domaine de la Chanade or Domaine Plageoles, two highly regarded wineries in the Gaillac region. Learn about the winemaking process, grape varietals, and terroir from knowledgeable staff or winemakers. Overnight at Domaine de Perches.

Day 7 - Albi

After breakfast, make your way to Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its magnificent red-brick cathedral and historic old town. Marvel at the imposing Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, a testament to Gothic splendour and one of the largest brick buildings in the world, before wandering the medieval quarter’s labyrinthine streets. Stroll along the banks of the Tarn River, admire the picturesque Pont Vieux, a 14th-century stone bridge that offers stunning views of the city beyond. Admire the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec’s collection, housed within the former bishop’s palace, and soak in the city’s timeless beauty as the sun sets over the Tarn River. Soak in the timeless beauty of Albi’s skyline at sunset. Overnight at Alchimy.

Day 8 - Return to Toulouse

After breakfast, drop the car off at the Toulouse Airport (1 hour) and take your onward flight, carrying cherished memories of a gastronomic and cultural odyssey through the region. Depart with a heart full of experiences and a longing to return. Or, if you want to discover the Mediterranean Coast of France, we propose to discover the route leading from Toulouse to Marseille. Here you will find a detailed program. Make your way to Perpignan and discover the beautiful places all along the coast, all the way till Marseille, or even further, till Nice. Here is the second proposed itinerary to follow. Both can be done the other way around and adjusted according to your available time.

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