A great escape for the curious traveler seeking awe and wonder, exceptional regional French cuisine, and 4-star luxury for less! This is a side of France others often overlook.
Join me as I delve into the rich history and heritage of Languedoc, France, to bring the region’s captivating stories to life alongside regional expert guide Mariette Emile.
We will escape on an intimate, small-group journey through the wild heart of southern France, beginning in Montpellier — the Paris of the south — we’ll travel through the Cévennes Mountains and into the Gorges du Tarn, then on to Albi, home of Cathars, pastel merchants, and Huguenots, with an option to add a guided tour and lodging in Toulouse.
This carefully paced escape threads dramatic limestone gorges, medieval villages, and lively market squares with the relaxed rhythms of château life, which includes four nights at Château de la Caze in the Gorges du Tarn. Each day balances active discovery — scenic drives, village walks and optional hikes — with sensory encounters including tastings, artisan demonstrations and farm visits.
Along the way, we’ll explore intriguing local histories, and you’ll have the rare opportunity to suggest settings and characters for my forthcoming work. Just before we step into flat bottom boats to glide along the Tarn River, I will offer a “Sense of Place” creative interlude session to deepen the experience — also a great tool for those who enjoy writing of any form — inviting reflection on place, story, and memory. This trip is perfect for curious travelers who love history, walking in their ancestors’ footsteps, regional French cuisine, and thoughtful conversation.
