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2 Adresse activité pri ncipale Adresse li gne 2 Adresse li gne 3 Adresse li gne 4 Télép hon e : Téléc opie : Messa geri e : xyz@ micr osoft.com Self drive tours in France For more fifteen years we have been walking and travelling up and down all the France regions and gathering an in-depth and extensive local knowledge we want to share with you through these self drive tours. We know all the places we invite you to discover, we drove all the scenic minor roads you will follow. We know and work with the hotels we recommend you. Travel with Sentiers de France will guarantee you quietness and unforgettable vacations, will save your precious time and unnecessary stress planning your trip. Enjoy your vacations, we take care of everything Travel with freedom and flexibility Our self drive tours are an excellent option for individuals, couples, families and small groups who want to travel France regions for an indepth discovery and leisure. You travel at your own pace and stop wherever you want for as long as you wish, always knowing that your accommodation is assured. Own car or rental car. If you come from an european countries, you can travel our tour with your own car otherwise, with our car rental partners, we offer you a large range of rental cars. Nom de l'organisation Large choice of accommodation from the luxurious chateaux to simple family-run hotels Comprehensive detailed travel information A tour package will be delivered to you the first day, including : An english tourist guide, a route notes with detailed daily itinerary, driving distances, times and directions, GPS waypoints of landmarks and sites to visit, map of towns you stop and itinerary of walking town discovery tour list of restaurants, specialities shops, wine-producers...on the road, touring maps (1/100,000 scale) of the region to assist throughout your travel. Emergency phone number 24 hours a day, all week long Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 2

3 SD01 Loire and its chateaus 8 day and 7 night self drive tour in Loire valley This tour starts at Orléans early in the morning and finishes late afternoon on the 8th day at Angers Day 1 - Loire upriver from Orleans in this first day you will tour some chateaus and historic monuments, Gien dominated by its red-bricked castle, the medieval fortress of Sully sur Loire, Saint Benoit sur Loire basilica and Orleans, one of the oldest towns in France. Day 2 - Visit of Chambord and Cheverny castles, walking discovery tour of Blois and its chateau. True Mecca of the French Renaissance Chambord chateau is the embodiment of the royal power of François I and then Louis XIV. After the excessiveness comes the refined elegance of Cheverny castle with its white-stone facade, XVII century furniture and decoration and its beautiful English style park. Atop a headland overlooking the Loire River, the Blois castle is a true masterpiece which reunites around a same courtyard four castles from different eras. Day 3 - Visit of Chaumont castle and its gardens. Tour of Amboise, visit of the royal, chateau, the Clos Lucé manor, last home of Leonardo Da Vinci and Chanteloup pagoda (a 18 century Chinese style construction) at the edge of the forest. Day 4 - Visit of Chenonceau castle and walking discovery tour of the old city of Tours. Day 5 - To day you will visit - the Villandry castle and its famous Renaissance gardens the medieval castle of Langeais the elegant Azay le Rideau chateau buit on an island in the middle of the Indre River the Ussé castle or Sleeping Beauty s chateau since it is said to have inspired Charles Perrault. Day 6 - the day will start with the tour of the medieval city of Chinon dominated by a fortress. You will discover Candes St Martin, a quaint village along Loire River and Montsoreau castle before reaching and tour the Fontevraud abbey, which was one of the vaster monastic ensembles of the Christian world. You will tour the fortified city of Montreuil-Bellay. Day 7 - you will visit the Saumur castle which overlooks the Loire River. Then you will follow the Loire banks to discover the Romanesque church of Cunault and admire some great landscapes along the famous corniche angevine(road carved in the cliff) before visiting some beautiful chateaus as Serrant and Plessis Bourré. Day 8 - Tour of Angers, its fortified castle, the Saint Maurice cathedral and the famous medieval master piece the tapestry of Apocalypse. Rates of these tours click here Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 3

4 SD03 Loire valley 13 day and 12 night self drive holidays in Loire valley. The tour starts early in the morning near Gien and finishes late afternoon on 13th day at Angers. Day 1 : Loire valley between Briare and Gien visit of chateau de La Bussiére, the town of Briare and its famous canal bridge, the medieval castle of Saint Brisson sur Loire and Gien dominated by its red-bricked castle. Day 2: Loire valley between Gien and Orleans visit the medieval chateau of Sully sur Loire, Saint Benoit sur Loire basilica the pre-romanesque oratory of Germigny-Les-Pres, built during Charlemagne s reign around Tour of Orleans, one of the oldest towns in France. Day 3 : Loire valley from Orleans to Blois you will visit the pleasant city of Meung sur Loire with its strange chateau with an austere medieval face and the graceful opposite opening onto gardens. You will cross the Loire river to visit the imposing basilica of Cléry Saint André and continue to Beaugency a medieval city which houses some beautiful monuments. You will visit the chateau of Talcy and the beautiful XVII century castle of Menars Day 4 : Chateaus of Chambord and Cheverny, two of the most beautiful chateaus in Loire valley. On the way to Blois you will stop to discover the little Renaissance chateau of Troussay and the Beauregard chateau. Day 5 : this day is devoted to the discovery of Blois, its chateau built in stages between the 13th and the 17th century, reflects changing architectural styles over five centuries, the Saint Louis cathedral, some beautiful churches. We invite you for a stroll through the lanes of the old city to see some beautiful Renaissance dwellings. Day 6 : visit of the medieval chateau of Fougéres Chaumont castle and its beautiful gardens - the famous chateau of Chenonceaux built over the Cher river. Day 7 : Visit of Amboise, the royal chateau, first Renaissance castle built in the Loire valley, the Clos Lucé manor where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years and the strange chanteloup pagoda, the only remains of a huge Baroque chateau. Day 8 : Visit of Tours, rich in History. You will discover some beautiful monuments, wooden houses,.. In the afternoon we invite you to visit the Saint Côme priory and the Meslay barn, one of the rare specimens of civil architecture from the XIII century. Day 9 : To day you will visit - the Villandry castle and its famous Renaissance gardens the medieval castle of Langeais the elegant Azay le Rideau chateau buit on an island in the middle of the Indre river the Ussé castle or Sleeping Beauty s chateau since it is said to have inspired Charles Perrault. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 4

5 Day 10 : the day will start with the tour of the medieval city of Chinon dominated by a fortress. You will discover Candes St Martin, a quaint village along Loire river and Montsoreau castle before reaching and tour the Fontevraud abbey, which was one of the vasted monastical ensembles of the Christian world. Day 11 : visit of - the medieval chateau Le Rivau and its gardens castle of Brézé which houses an underground fortress and a village dug at bottom of the 18 meter deep ditches! Then you will tour Montreuil -Bellay surrounded by ramparts and its chateau. Day 12 : you will visit the Saumur castle which overlooks the Loire river. Then you will follow the Loire banks to discover the Romanesque church of Cunault and admire some great landscapes along the famous corniche angevine before visiting some beautiful chateaus as Brissac, Serrant and Plessis Bourré. Day 13 : Tour of Angers, its fortified castle, the Saint Maurice cathedral and the famous medieval master piece, the tapestry of Apocalypse. Rates of these tours click here Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 5

6 SD02 Most beautiful chateaus in Loire valley 5-day & 4-night self drive tour in Loire valley This tour starts at Blois in early morning and ends on 5th day in late afternoon at Angers Day 1 : tour of Blois chateau which combines four distinct wings around a single courtyard visit of Chambord castle, the peak of Renaissance art and Cheverny chateau ranking among the most beautiful of Loire castles. Day 2 : visit of castles of Chenonceaux and Chaumont Chenonceau is not only remarkable for its architecture and history but also for the fine quality of its collections. Chaumont sur Loire is former fortified castle dominating the Loire river. Tour of Amboise city, visit of the royal chateau. Leonardo Da Vinci, who spent his last few years in Amboise, rests in the castle s St Hubert chapel, a fine example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, the Clos Lucé manor in which Leonardo da Vinci lived and Chanteloup pagoda at the edge of the forest. Day 3 : To day you will visit - the Villandry castle and its famous Renaissance gardens, the last of the large chateaux built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance the medieval castle of Langeais the elegant Azay le Rideau chateau built on an island in the middle of the Indre river the Ussé castle or Sleeping Beauty s chateau since it is said to have inspired Charles Perrault the 15C powerful medieval fortress of Langeais Day 4 : Visit of the Fontevraud abbey. founded around 1101, Fontevraud was one of the largest monasteries in the West. Overlooking the beautiful River Thouet, Montreuil-Bellay is the last fortified town in Anjou. Chinon was an important medieval town and many buildings (three churches and numerous ancient houses of timber, brick, and tufa stone.) from that period are preserved Day 5 : Visit of the Saumur castle which overlooks the Loire river - Tour of Angers, its fortified castle, the Saint Maurice cathedral and the famous medieval master piece the tapestry of Apocalyse Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 6

7 SD05 Roman and medieval Provence 8 day and 7 night self drive holidays to discover historical Provence The tour starts and finishes late afternoon on the 8 th day at Avignon or Aix en Provence Day 1 - arrival at Avignon. Tour of the Popes city that harbors many monuments and museums, some are ranked among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Day 2 - Visit of Villeneuve lez Avignon and Avignon. In the morning, transfer by taxi to Villeneuve on the other bank of the Rhone river for a tour of the city that was the residence of Popes, Cardinals and Prelates of the Pontifical court. You walk back to Avignon to better admire the Benezet bridge and will continue to visit Avignon and its quaint districts. Day 3 - Carpentras, villages in Dentelles of Montmirail and Vaison la Romaine. Pick up of the rental car. You will tour the ancient town of Carpentras before starting a drive in the Dentelles of Montmirail to discover some wine producing villages (Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas, Vacqueyras ) and reach Vaison la Romaine with its Roman ruins and romantic medieval perched town. Day 4 - Orange, Uzes and the Pont du Gard. Passing through vineyards, you will reach Orange and will visit the famous antic theatre, the Arc de Triomphe and some other monuments. Then, you will head to Uzes, a lovely medieval city. You will end this day by the discovery of the Pont du Gard, the tallest and the most beautiful aqueduct bridge in the Roman world. Day 5 - The day starts with the tour of two medieval cities, Beaucaire and Tarascon, located of both sides of Rhone river before reaching Nîmes and discover some Roman monuments as the Maison Carrée or the arena. You will cross the Petite Camargue to reach the medieval city of Aigues Mortes, departure point of two Crusades. You will continue to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, pleasant city on Mediterranean seaside before reaching Arles. Day 6 - Visit of Arles. A rich history of more 2000 years, a huge inheritance of monuments. All the Roman and Romanesque buildings of Arles are listed as UNESCO world heritage. Day 7 - Historic and religious sites in Alpilles mountains. You will visit the Montmajour abbey, cloister of which is dated back from the 12 th century, the ruins of the aqueduct and flour mill of Barbegal, the only hydraulic Roman factory known in the world, the Alphonse Daudet s windmill, the tiny and beautiful St Gabriel chapel, the rocky fortress of Les Baux de Provence and its medieval village. After crossing the Alpilles mountains, you will reach the ruins of Glanum, a former Roman commercial city and further, St Remy de Provence. Day 8 - Luberon and abbeys. The first stop will be Fontaine de Vaucluse and its famous Sorgue river springs. Then, you head to Gordes and the Cistercian Senanque abbey. You will discover Roussillon, a picturesque colored village perched on ochre cliffs and Apt, typical Provencal city, Luberon capital. You ll go to the Luberon Mountains via the Roman Pont Julien (bridge) and along the Combe of Lourmarin (deep and narrow valley) to reach Lourmarin and Silvacane abbey, abandonned during the 15 th century. End of the tour of Avignon or Aix en Provence Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 7

8 SD04 Provence This is a 14 night and 15 day self drive tour in Provence The tour leaves early in the morning and finishes late afternoon on the 15th day in Marseille Day 1 : arrival at Avignon - Tour of the Popes city that harbors many monuments and museums, some are ranked among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Day 2 : Visit of Villeneuve lez Avignon and Avignon - In the morning, transfer by taxi to Villeneuve on the other bank of the Rhone river for a tour of the city that was the residence of Popes, Cardinals and Prelates of the Pontifical court. You walk back to Avignon to better admire the Benezet bridge and will continue to visit Avignon and its quaint districts. Day 3 : Carpentras, wine-growing villages in Dentelles of Montmirail - Pick up of the rental car - You will tour the ancient town of Carpentras before starting a drive in the Dentelles of Montmirail to discover some wine producing villages (Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas, Vacqueyras ) Day 4 : Mont Ventoux and perched villages in Dentelles - You will reach Malaucène and start the ascent of Mont Ventoux, Giant of Provence along the northern road. Breathtaking view from the top. You drive down along the southern road via picturesque villages as Bedoin to head to Dentelles de Montmirail. For a scenic tour in these white chalky mountains to discover some perched villages as Le Barroux, La Roque Alric, Suzette and Crestet. Day 5 : Visit of Vaison la Romaine and Orange, two cities very prosperous in Roman times. You will visit the Roman city and its many vestiges, the medieval city hung on the hill and some masterpieces of Romanesque art Romance in Provence like the old cathedral ND of Nazareth and its cloister. Visit of Orange, well-known for its ancient theatre and its triumphal arch. Day 6 : Pont du Gard, Uzés and Nîmes - You will start this day by the discovery of the Pont du Gard, the tallest and the most beautiful aqueduct bridge in the Roman world. Then you will tour Uzés, a lovely medieval city before reaching Nîmes and discover some Roman monuments as the Maison Carrée or the famous arena. Day 7 : Camargue and Arles The Camargue is an immense flat era of seashore, marshlands and fields between the Mediterranean sea and the two arms of the river Rhone delta with a fantastic flora and fauna. You will visit Aigues Mortes, a medieval fortified city in the middle of marshes and Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, well-known for gypsies pilgrims before reaching and touring Arles, a city of Art and History. All the Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles are listed as UNESCO World heritage. Day 8 : Alpilles discovery tour, Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence - You will visit the Montmajour abbey, cloister of which is dated back from the 12 th century, the ruins of the aqueduct and flour mill of Barbegal, the only hydraulic Roman factory known in the world, the Alphonse Daudet s windmill, the tiny and beautiful St Gabriel chapel, the rocky fortress of Les Baux de Provence and its medieval village. After crossing the Alpilles mountains, you will reach the ruins of Glanum, a former Roman commercial city and further, St Remy de Provence. Day 9 : Luberon and ochre s villages - The first stop will be Fontaine de Vaucluse and its famous Sorgue river springs. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 8

9 Then, you head to Gordes and the Cistercian Senanque abbey. You will discover Roussillon, a picturesque colored village perched on ochre cliffs and and later, will have a stroll through the Colorado de Rustrel, a vast quarry site where ochre was once extracted. Day 10 : Perched villages in Luberon- You head to Petit Luberon mountain via Pont Julien, a bridge built by Romans on the via Domitia linking once Italy to Spain, to discover some old perched villages as Maubec, Oppede le Vieux, Menerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux before reaching and visiting Cucuron, Vaugines and Lourmarin, on the othe side of mountain. Day 11 : Silvacane abbey and Aix en Provence You will cross the Durance river to visit the austere but beautiful the Silvacane Romanesque abbey. you will head to Aix en Provence, ancient capital of Provence region where you will discover its architectural and cultural heritage by walking around the old Roman town and the quarters built in Middle-Ages or Renaissance. Day 12 : tour in the Sainte Baume and Sainte Victoire mountains, two sacred Provence mountains you will discover some beautiful places as the basilica of Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume, picturesque villages of Trets, Sainte Zacharie and Gemenos. Day 13 : Cassis and Calanques To day you will reach the Mediterranean sea and will discover a tiny jewel, Cassis before taking a boat for a Calanques discovery tour. Then you will continue your driving tour via the amazing Soubeyranes cliffs to Marseille. Return of the car Day 14 : Discovery tour of Marseille and its monuments or you can spend this day on the Frioul islands at only 20 minutes by boat from Le Vieux Port Day 15 : Marseille, end of the tour in late morning. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 9

10 SD06 Sceneries of Provence 8 day and 7 night self drive holidays to explore the most beautiful sites in Provence the tour starts in Avignon and finishes late afternoon on the 8 th day at Marseille. Day 1 : arrival at Avignon - Tour of the Popes city that harbors many monuments and museums, some are ranked among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Day 2 : Dentelles of Montmirail and Mont Ventoux - Scenic tour in the Dentelles of Montmirail, white chalky mountains to discover some wine producing and perched villages as Beaumes de Venise, le Barroux, la Roque Alric, Suzette You will reach Malaucène and start the ascent of Mont Ventoux, Giant of Provence along the northern road. Breathtaking view from the top. You drive down along the southern road via picturesque villages as Bedoin to head to Vaison la Romaine and Orange, your overnight stop.6 Day 3 : Ardeche Gorges, Pont du Gard and Nîmes - You head to Vallon Pont d Arc, the village at the entrance of these famous and impressive gorges. For 35 km, you will follow the scenic route with numerous view points. Then, you will discover the Pont du Gard, the tallest and most beautiful acqueduct bridge in the Roman world, before reaching Nîmes and its Roman buildings. Day 4 : Camargue and Arles The Camargue is an immense flat era of seashore, marshlands and fields between the Mediterranean sea and the two arms of the river Rhone delta with a fantastic flora and fauna. You will visit Aigues Mortes, a medieval fortified city in the middle of marshes and Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, well-known for gypsies pilgrims before reaching and touring Arles, a city of Art and History. All the Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles are listed as UNESCO World heritage. Day 5 : Alpilles discovery tour, Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence - You will visit the Montmajour abbey, cloister of which is dated back from the 12 th century, the ruins of the acqueduct and flour mill of Barbegal, the only hydraulic Roman factory known in the world, the Alphonse Daudet s windmill, the tiny and beautiful St Gabriel chapel, the rocky fortress of Les Baux de Provence and its medieval village. After crossing the Alpilles mountains, you will reach the ruins of Glanum, a former Roman commercial city and further, St Remy de Provence. Day 6 : Ochre Luberon and perched villages in Petit Luberon mountain - You will tour Roussillon, a picturesque colored village perched on ochre cliffs and later, will have a stroll through the Colorado de Rustrel, a vast quarry site where ochre was once extracted. Then, you head to Petit Luberon mountain to discover some old perched villages as Maubec, Oppede le Vieux, Menerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux before reaching Lourmarin, on the other side of mountain. Day 7 : Aix en Provence, Sainte Victoire and Sainte Baume mountains - The day will start with the visit of the Romanesque abbey of Silvacana, before exploring Aix en Provence, a history city. Then, you will discover the two sacred Provence mountains and some provencal villages as Gemenos built upon the last foothills of the Sainte Baume mountain. Day 8 : Cassis and Calanques - You will fall in love with Cassis, the beautiful and tiny port surrounded by cliffs or vineyards. You will discover the Calanques and the Soubeyranes cliffs above the Mediterranean sea before reaching Marseille, last stop of this tour. Rates of these tours click here Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 10

11 SD07 Popes Provence and Luberon 8 day and 7 night self drive holidays to discover Popes enclave and Luberon the tour starts and finishes in Avignon Day 1 - arrival at Avignon - Tour of the Popes city that harbors many monuments and museums, some are ranked among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Day 2 - Orange and the Popes enclave After touring Orange well-known for the Arc de triomphe and its antic theater you will drive through Popes enclave to discover beautiful villages, rich in History as Mornas, Bolléne, La Garde Adhemar, Grignan, Valréas or Richerenches. Day 3 - Mont Ventoux and perched villages in Dentelles - You will reach Malaucène and start the ascent of Mont Ventoux, Giant of Provence along the northern road. Breathtaking view from the top. You drive down along the southern road via picturesque villages as Bedoin to head to Dentelles de Montmirail. For a scenic tour in these white chalky mountains to discover some perched villages as Le Barroux, La Roque Alric, Suzette and Crestet. Day 4 - Vaison la Romaine, the wine-growing villages of the Dentelles and Carpentras Day starts with the visit of Vaison-La -Romaine the Roman city and the medieval town dominated by its imposing castle perched upon a rocky headland. You shall then go round the Dentelles of Montmirail visiting picturesque villages : Seguret, Sablet, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Baumes de Venise, famous for its sweet wines. Visit of the ancient town of Carpentras and the Saint Siffrein Cathedral, a southern gothic masterpiece. Day 5 - Luberon and ochre s villages - The first stop will be Fontaine de Vaucluse and its famous Sorgue river springs. Then, you head to Gordes and the Cistercian Senanque abbey. You will discover Roussillon, a picturesque colored village perched on ochre cliffs and and later, will have a stroll through the Colorado de Rustrel, a vast quarry site where ochre was once extracted. Day 6 - Perched villages in Luberon- You head to Petit Luberon mountain via Pont Julien, a bridge built by Romans on the via Domitia linking once Italy to Spain, to discover some old perched villages as Maubec, Oppede le Vieux, Menerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux before reaching and visiting Cucuron, Vaugines and Lourmarin, on the othe side of mountain. Day 7 - Grand Luberon mountain - This morning you will tour the fort of Buoux, a fortified, abandoned hilltop village on a rock spur. It protected the only passage for centuries trough the Luberon mountain. You will continue to Apt, capital of Luberon and candied fruitswhere you will visit the Sainte Anne cathedral and its tresors. Then you will discover Grand Luberon mountain and some picturesque villages as Saignon, Auribeau, Sivergues, Cereste on the North flank. You will ascent the Grand Luberon and will reach the other side to visit Cucuron, pleasant village and Vaugines, a lovely little village with a 11th-century church. Through vines and olive trees fields you finally reach Lourmarin. Day 8 - Silvacane abbey, Regalon gorges and Cavaillon you will visit the Romanesque style abbey of Silvacane. You will take the road to Cavaillon running between Durance river and bottom of the Petit Luberon, crossing Cadenet and Lauris, pleasant villages. You can have a walk through the Regalon gorges before reaching Cavaillon, French capital of melons but the town has other attributes we invite you to discover before heading to Avignon where tour ends. Rates of these tours click here Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 11

12 SD08 Reims, Epernay and vineyards 5 day and 4 night self drive holidays in Champagne vineyards The tour starts in Epernay and finishes in Reims. Day 1 : Arrival at Epernay visit of the town and some champagne houses as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Mercier, De Venoge, De Castellane Day 2 : discovery tour on Côte des Blancs and South Epernay hillsides. You will tour some villages well known to champagne connoiseurs : Cuis, Cramant, Avize, Oger, le Mesnil sur Oger, Vertus and Bergères les Vertus. Day 4 : Montagne de Reims (Reims mountain) you will drive around and discover some famous villages as Ay, Bouzy and Ambonnay. You will discover some strange trees in the Faux de Verzy Forest and continue this tour via Vernezay and its lighthouse! vine museum to-day, Chigny les Roses, and some beautiful chapels in the middle of vineyards. Day 3 : Marne valley from Epernay to Dormans. The day starts with the visit of Hautvillers, the cradle of Champagne before touring some picturesque villages in Marne valley or taste some champagne from local producers. Day 5 : Visit of Reims - An unforgettable city, both for its champagne and for its rich history which is best expressed through its varied and prestigious architecture. Day 6 - Reims. Tour ends after breakfast. We recommend leaving Reims towards the beginning of the afternoon, after having visited a museum or a couple champ a g n e c e l l a r s throughout the morning. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 12

13 SD10 Champagne route 8 day and 7 night self drive tour in Champagne. The tour starts in Epernay ans finishes late afternoon in 8th day at Troyes. Day 1 : Arrival at Epernay visit of the town and some champagne houses as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Mercier, De Venoge, De Castellane Day 2 : discovery tour on Côte des Blancs and South Epernay hillsides. You will tour some villages well known to champagne connoiseurs : Cuis, Cramant, Avize, Oger, le Mesnil sur Oger, Vertus and Bergères les Vertus. Day 3 : Marne valley from Epernay to Dormans. The day starts with the visit of Hautvillers, the cradle of Champagne before touring some picturesque villages in Marne valley or taste some champagne from local producers. Day 4 : Montagne de Reims (Reims mountain) you will drive around and discover some famous villages as Ay, Bouzy and Ambonnay. You will discover some strange trees in the Faux de Verzy Forest and continue this tour via Vernezay and its lighthouse! vine museum to-day, Chigny les Roses, and some beautiful chapels in the middle of vineyards. Day 5 : Visit of Reims - An unforgettable city, both for its champagne and for its rich history which is best expressed through its varied and prestigious architecture. Day 6 - Saint Thierry hills and Ardre valley. A tour through forests and vineyards to discover some old typical villages, beautiful churches and some sites of historic interest. Day 7 -Cote des Bar, another Champagne production area which is a mix of deep forests, large valleys where hillsides are covered with vineyards and typical villages at bottom. Day 8- you will forget Champagne for a couple of hours to discover Troyes a lovely medieval town which has a long past, a rich architectural heritage and was famous for its great fairs in Middle Ages. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 13

14 SD11 Perigord, Dordogne et Quercy 13 day and 12 night self drive holidays. The tour starts in Perigueux and finishes late afternoon on 13th day in Cahors Day 1 Périgueux and Brantôme. The trip begins with a visit around the architecturally rich patrimony of Périgeux, the capital of Périgord. It continues with the discovery of the abbey of Chancelade in the luxurious green valley of Beauronne; the priory of Merlande, lost in an isolated valley hidden in the depths of a forest; and ends in a little village called Brantôme nicknamed «the Venise of Périgord». Day 2 Le Périgord Vert ( green - 1of 4 regions of the Dordogne department). Today s 120km drive takes you through the heart of this green land, scattered with beautiful lakes, immeasurable streams and picturesque villages such as La Chapelle Faucher or Thiviers. You will visit the magnificent Renaissance castle of Puyguihem and the idyllic village of Bourdeilles, overlooked by a fortress encompassing no less than two castles, before returning to Brantôme. Day 3 Bergerac and the Périgord Pourpre (purple). The day starts with a visit to Bergerac which is both an old town and a sub-prefecture of the Dordogne. Parts of the old town have been restored and there is even a no smoking tobacco museum! Continuing through the vineyards you will discover some beautiful country houses such as the bastides of Beaumont du Périgord and Monpazier and the magnificent castles of Biron and Monbazillac. Here you will taste the famous sweet wine that is the pride of the region. Day 4 The Dordogne from Bergerac to Trémolat. While driving through this distinctive region you will discover: picturesque villages; outstanding castles; the abbey of Cadouin; the still functioning ancestral paper-making windmill of Larroque; and the numerous panoramic viewpoints of the Dordogne. In particular the castle of Lanquais and the flamboyant Gothique architechure of the church of Cadouin, and the cingle de Tremolat seen from the top of the cliffs overhanging the Dordogne. Day 5 The Dordogne from Trémolat to Sarlat. Fortresses overlooking typical villages such as St Cyprien, Beynac and Cazenac (perched on the cliff) make this possibly one of the most beautiful stretches of the Dordogne. You will see the hanging gardens of the castle of Marqueyssac which overhang the river and the magnificent village of La Roque Gageac built next to the vertical cliff face. The day ends on arrival at Sarlat. Day 6 Sarlat and the Périgord Noir (black). The morning is devoted to the visit of the medieval styled town of Sarlat, with its narrow streets providing sanctuary for numerous Gothic and Renaissance hotels. After lunch, begins the discovery of Périgord Noir, its old villages, typical houses, Roman churches and castles. First a walk around the Mansion of Eyrinac with its typically French gardens, then the fortified abbey of St Amand de Colmy before finishing back in Sarlat at the end of the day. Day 7 The valley of Vézère and its Prehistoric past. During this trip you will discover Montignac; the Lascaux cave; the Thot Cro- Magnon Centre, a centre full of learning games and activities about Prehistoric life, Saint Léon de Vézère, the Roque Saint Christophe and finishing with the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies of Tayac. Return to Sarlat at the end of the day. Day 8 The Dordogne from Castelnaud to Souillac. Continuing up the Dordogne, you will discover numerous castles; fortresses; luxurious second homes; and old fortified country houses, such as Domme perched on a cliff edge. The surprises continue with the castle of Fénelon built on a succession of rocky terraces, one of the most beautiful castles of Black Périgord. The day ends at the old town of Souillac, built around a once powerful abbey of which only the church remains. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 14

15 Day 9 The Dordogne from Souillac to Beaulieu sur Dordogne. Leaving the Périgord region for Quercy, discover the wonders of the underground world of the caves of Lacave and the famous abyss of Padirac. Visit the magnificent and picturesque villages of Carennac or Loubressac. From the top of the cliffs you can admire the magnificent cirque of Autoire, before visiting the village and the impressive medieval castle of Castelnau. Finish the day at Beaulieu sur Dordogne. Day 10 Rocamadour and the most beautiful villages of Haut Quercy. Perched on the side of a cliff and dominated by its castle, Rocamadour, a Mecca of Christianity, always fascinates the tourist. After visiting this village you enter the first foothills of the Massif Central and the discovery of magnificent and picturesque villages such as Curemonte, Collonges la Rouge, Turenne and Martel. Each one steeped in history and beautifully restored. Day 11 From the Causse de Gramat to the Valley of Célé. Crossing the Causse, an enormous limestone plateau covered with thin vegetation, you will come across several hamlets and typical regional villages before reaching the beautiful villages and magnificent landscapes of the luxurious green valley of Célé. To end the day visit the extremely well preserved Middle Aged rich trading city of Figeac. Day 12 The Lot Valley from Capdenac to Cahors. Your day starts with a visit to Capdenac le Haut, a Roman city with medieval relics hiding behind its ramparts. Going down to the Lot valley you will discover magnificent villages and sites such as Saut de la Mounine or Saint Cirq Lapopie. This is a small picturesque village perched on the side of a cliff that has not changed over the centuries. Your day ends in Cahors, a very prosperous village in the Middle Ages which still has numerous monuments including the famous bridge Pont Valentré. Day 13 The Lot Valley from Cahors to Bonaguil. Continue along the Lot passing through the vineyards of Cahors, which cover the sides of the valley; unique small French wine villages; and the beautiful castle of Mercués, today a luxury hotel. Finally you will reach the castle of Bonaguil, a magnificent late 15 th century fortress. The trip ends back at Cahors. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 15

16 SD09 The Dordogne valley This is a 6 night and 7 day self drive tour in the Dordogne valley The tour leaves Bordeaux early in the morning and finishes late afternoon on the 7 th day at Beaulieu sur Dordogne. Day 1 Libourne and Saint Emilion Leaving Bordeaux in the direction of St Emilion you will pass through Libourne, a fortified castle and port built on the Dordogne in the 13th century. The medieval city is known throughout the world not only for its wines but also its numerous historical monuments including the largest troglodyte church in Europe carved out of the cliff by monks between the 8 th - 12 th centuries. Day 2 The Jurade of Saint Emilion and Monbazillac Today s visit will take you through the 8 communes of the Jurade of St Emilion including their vineyards. The landscape you will traverse is a collection of UNESCO listed Natural World Heritage sites. Then follow the Dordogne until you reach the small vineyards of Monbazillac. Day 3 The Dordogne from Bergerac to Limeuil Once you ve finished your visit of the old town of Bergerac and maybe its amazing Tobacco museum, go back up the Dordogne in order to visit several abbeys including Cadouin, before arriving at the Cingle de Trémolat. This is a meander whose concave side is made up of high white cliffs covered in forests and shrubs and from which there are breathtaking views of the Dordogne. Day 4 The Dordogne from Limeuil to Sarlat (the capital of Black Perigord) The Dordogne is filled with villages of outstanding natural beauty such as Beynac,Cazenac and La Roque Gageac, stunning gardens such as Marqueyssac and castles. Day 5 Visit of Sarlat The sheer beauty of this old town will sweep you off your feet while you walk through the maze of narrow medieval streets sheltering numerous gothic and Renaissance hotels. Day 6 The Dordogne from Castelnaud to Souillac This river also formed an important border between France and Aquitaine, a land ruled by the English for many centuries. The river banks abound with fortified castles and bastides. Discover the castle of Castelnaud, the royal bastide of Domme, the castle of Fénélon and then the elegant 15 th Century castle of Milandes, once home to Joséphine Baker. Your last port of call is Souillac a small village built around an abbey. Day 7 The Dordogne from Souillac to Bretenoux There are many surprises in store for you today. Firstly the visit to Rocamadour, a village and sanctuary perched on the side of a cliff! Then descend 325ft into the depths of the earth to visit the Padirac Chasm or Gouffre de Padirac. Continune through the beautiful villages of Gluges, Carennac, Loubressac before arriving at Castelnau-Bretenoux castle which stands on a rocky spur above the Dordogne valley. Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 16

17 SD12 Périgord 8 day and 7 night self drive holidays through Perigord. The tour starts in Perigueux and finishes late afternoon in Souillac or Brive la Gaillarde. Day 1 Périgueux and Brantôme. The trip begins with a visit around the architecturally rich patrimony of Périgeux, the capital of Périgord. It continues with the discovery of the abbey of Chancelade in the luxurious green valley of Beauronne; the priory of Merlande, lost in an isolated valley hidden in the depths of a forest; and ends in a little village called Brantôme nicknamed «the Venise of Périgord». Day 2 Le Périgord Vert ( green - 1of 4 regions of the Dordogne department) Today s 120km drive takes you through the heart of this green land, scattered with beautiful lakes, immeasurable streams and picturesque villages such as La Chapelle Faucher or Thiviers. You will visit the magnificent Renaissance castle of Puyguihem and the idyllic village of Bourdeilles, overlooked by a fortress encompassing no less than two castles, before returning to Brantôme. Day 3 Bergerac and the Périgord Pourpre (purple) The day starts with a visit to Bergerac which is both an old town and a subprefecture of the Dordogne. Parts of the old town have been restored and there is even a no smoking tobacco museum! Continuing through the vineyards you will discover some beautiful country houses such as the bastides of Beaumont du Périgord and Monpazier and the magnificent castles of Biron and Monbazillac. Here you will taste the famous sweet wine that is the pride of the region. Day 4 The Dordogne from Bergerac to Trémolat. While driving through this distinctive region you will discover: picturesque villages; outstanding castles; the abbey of Cadouin; the still functioning ancestral paper-making windmill of Larroque; and the numerous panoramic viewpoints of the Dordogne. In particular the castle of Lanquais and the flamboyant Gothique architechure of the church of Cadouin, and the cingle de Tremolat seen from the top of the cliffs overhanging the Dordogne. Day 5 The Dordogne from Trémolat to Sarlat. Fortresses overlooking typical villages such as St Cyprien, Beynac and Cazenac (perched on the cliff) make this possibly one of the most beautiful stretches of the Dordogne. You will see the hanging gardens of the castle of Marqueyssac which overhang the river and the magnificent village of La Roque Gageac built next to the vertical cliff face. The day ends on arrival at Sarlat. Day 6 Sarlat and the Périgord Noir (black). The morning is devoted to the visit of the medieval styled town of Sarlat, with its narrow streets providing sanctuary for numerous Gothic and Renaissance hotels. After lunch, begins the discovery of Périgord Noir, its old villages, typical houses, Roman churches and castles. First a walk around the Mansion of Eyrinac with its typically French gardens, then the fortified abbey of St Amand de Colmy before finishing back in Sarlat at the end of the day. Day 7 The valley of Vézère and its Prehistoric past. During this trip you will discover Montignac; the Lascaux cave; the Thot Cro-Magnon Centre, a centre full of learning games and activities about Prehistoric life; Saint Léon de Vézère; the Roque Saint Christophe; and finishing with the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies of Tayac. Return to Sarlat at the end of the day. Day 8 The Dordogne from Castelnaud to Souillac. Continuing up the Dordogne, you will discover numerous castles; fortresses; luxurious second homes; and old fortified country houses, such as Domme perched on a cliff edge. The surprises continue with the castle of Fénelon built on a succession of rocky terraces, one of the most beautiful castles of Black Périgord. Your Tour of the Périgord ends at the old town of Souillac, built around a once powerful abbey of which only the church remains today. Rates of these tours click here Self drive tours in France Sentiers de France 17

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