Welcome! We are pleased you are thinking about joining us in the Lot Valley in June 2012. Below is an outline of what you can expect for the week should you chose to stay with us.
We will be providing your room, a French breakfast, aperitif hour drinks and snacks, dinner (and cooking tips) as well as guided tours to different towns and destinations.
Sunday check-in starts at 4PM, we will have drinks and food waiting for you once you have settled into your room(s). Once you have refreshed yourselves join us for drinks by the pool and take time to acquaint yourselves with the grounds and all the places there are to relax. Sunday will be an informal day to allow you to acclimate yourselves to your new time zone and catch up on some fresh air.
Monday is our wine-buying day. We will visit the town of Cahors where you can taste some local wines and stock up on your favorites. There is a lot to do in Cahors but we will focus on the wine and the Bridge featured in our poster at Z Bistro, which affords a lovely view of the Lot River. You may chose to follow Gilles to lunch or try a place that catches your fancy – either way lunch is on your own. If you want to practice speaking French we encourage you to strike out on your own and “parler francais.”
Tuesday we journey through the valley to Rocamadour – the most beautiful place on earth…..really! Bring your walking shoes and be prepared to exercise your body and let your imagination soar as you view the valley from the heights of Rocamadour.
Wednesday is an unplanned day – you may be feeling the jet lag or you may be ready for more site seeing. Either way this is a day for you to do what makes you happy….
Thursday we will visit the caves of Padirac. Journey the length of the Eiffel Tower (by elevator or stairs or both) as we descend into the caves, line up and hop onto a boat as we ride the underground river and begin our tour of the caves.
Friday we visit the artist town of Saint-Cirque Lapopie, nestled into the hills and across the river Lot. When we break for lunch be sure to try the Fennelon liquor drinks, which are made from local walnuts…yum!
Saturday we depart earlier than normal to the town of Figeac. This is where Gilles grew up and where they have a lovely outdoor market where we will purchase the ingredients for our “last supper” together. We will also show you the Rosetta Stone replica and many other beautiful sights.
The home we are staying in is amazing and allows each of us the privacy of our own bed and bathroom. Gilles and I will not enter your rooms at any time during your stay, please let us know if you need new towels or fresh bedding.
Breakfast in France is juice, coffee and bread with butter and jam. If you prefer something different there will also be eggs, yogurt and fruit available.
Lunch is your time to go your own way or come along with Gilles, Logan and I as we try new restaurants. Lunch is not included in the weekly price as this is the perfect way for you to try new foods at the least expensive time of day. We can practice ordering food in French at home so you have more confidence to try it on your own…..
Dinner and aperitif hour will be a nightly ritual. Logan will serve you’re your aperitif of choice along with aperitif snacks as we sit and catch up with each other, or play a game of boules or table tennis. Join Gilles in the kitchen for a relaxed lesson on cooking with regional – fresh ingredients as we prepare the evening meal.
After dinner we encourage you to take a walk, enjoying the grounds and scenery. Since each bedroom has a private entrance and exit to the central courtyard we will never know if you sneak out for a late night swim or bout of table tennis!
You will need to arrange for your flight to and from France as well as a car rental. The closest airport is in Rodez, then Toulouse and further out (about 2+ hours) is Paris. Remember European cars run smaller than our American ones so if you are a party of 4 be sure to check on the seating and luggage capacity before you hire the car, and confirm what type of gas it takes. France is part of the EU so be sure to purchase Euros – you can do this on-line at most banks. Bring your passports and an alternative credit card for your American Express as not all businesses in Europe accept AMEX.
Finally, thank you for trusting Gilles, Logan and I to show you our France. We hope you enjoy your visit and look forward to sharing the experience with you.
Gilles, Logan and Tina
Sign-up Details:
Week 1 June 10 through 17, 2012
Week 2 June 17 through 24, 2012
Week 3 June 24 through July 1, 2012
Check in is Sunday after 4 PM
Check out is Sunday by 11 AM
Price is $1,500 per person based on double occupancy per week. Does not include air or ground transportation.
Payment is required in full prior to departure. We will accept cash, American Express, Visa or MasterCard.
Contact Tina for payment details - available weeks and rooms will be updated below as reservations are confirmed.
Room 1st Floor Twins (1AF)
Week 1 - UNAVAILABLE
Week 2 - available
Week 3 - UNAVAILABLE
Room 1st Floor Double (1CM)
Week 1 - UNAVAILABLE
Week 2 - available
Week 3 - available
Room Ground Floor Twins (GFM)
Week 1 - available
Week 2 - UNAVAILABLE
Week 3 - available
Room Ground Floor Double (GFV)
Week 1 - available
Week 2 - UNAVAILABLE
Week 3 - available
Room Ground Floor Double (GFC)
Week 1 - available
Week 2 - UNAVAILABLE
Week 3 - available
LAST UPDATED: 01.31.12
