We began offering our “Hidden Treasures of France” tour back in 2013, and since then it has become one of our most popular tours, and one of my favourites to accompany. From an exquisite village in northern Provence to the French Alps, and finishing with a beautiful barge cruise in Alsace, this one is one of the really special tours we have to offer.
You can see all the details of this tour including the detailed itinerary, on this page:
But as they say, a picture says a thousand words… so this blog is a pictorial of this enchanting tour! I hope you enjoy it!
We are offering this tour in September 2018, so please contact us if you are interested in joining us!
“Hidden Treasures” starts in the exquisite village of Grignan (shown in the main photo above with our group enjoying a picnic!), in northern Provence. We stay for five days – unpack, relax and enjoy village life in between discovering the history and traditions of the area on slow-paced excursions each day.
We stay at the superb “Clair de la Plume” hotel which is a small boutique hotel with a beautiful restaurant, delightful garden terrace and fabulous breakfasts!
Grignan is the quintessential charming Provence village – and not on the main tourist route, so it is quiet and peaceful – and with its own gorgeous little market!
During the week we explore the region, with its spectacular views, hill villages and stone farmhouses…
discover Mont Ventoux (the “scourge of the Tour de France”), the historic walled city of Avignon, and wander through ancient streets
Including the fascinating Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine, with its two thousand-year-old ruins and another great local market.
Another highlight of our stay is our truffle tasting and meeting these beautiful truffle dogs!
Next, we continue on to the magnificent French Alps and the wonderful little town of Annecy, where we stay for three nights on Lake Annecy:
We discover the cobblestone streets and beautiful canals of Annecy (oh, and another terrific market!), enjoy a superb dinner cruise on the lake…
and discover the breathtaking beauty of Chamonix and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe!
Our stay in the Alps is topped off by a special dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant on the shores of Lake Annecy.
The final part of our tour is a very special week on board the beautiful luxury hotel barge, “Panache”. Panache cruises in Alsace, an exceptionally beautiful part of northern France filled with rolling hills, charming villages and endless vineyards. With our attentive crew and talented private gourmet chef providing mouth watering cuisine & premium local wines, this week is an unforgettable finish to this wonderful tour.
Here’s some of our moorings and moments from our week in Alsace!
Relaxing on board, cruising peaceful waterways & enjoying a special evening of on-board entertainment – and fascinating excursions including the Lalique Museum…
Sailing right though the beautiful historic town of Saverne, and mooring there for the night right in front of the Palace…
Magnificent Strasbourg is a highlight of the cruise…
And plenty of time to walk and ride along the towpath while the barge is cruising!
Our next tour will depart August 31st, 2018 and we still have limited places available so please contact us at info@toujoursfrance.com.au or 1800 606 838 if you would like more information!