Dordogne, Albi and Carcassonne

Immersed in France’s bucolic rural heart, see its charming honey-coloured rural villages, sophisticated prehistoric art, gorgeous gardens and timeless medieval towns bursting with market-day life.

A region rich in history - the Romans ruled here for 400 years, introducing the vine, and leading to rich wine culture. The medieval marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II intertwined English and French destinies, culminating in the Hundred Years’ War, with its legacies visible in splendid walled towns and hilltop castles.

From the very dawn of European art and civilisation come the remarkable stone-age cave paintings of Lascaux. The sheer intricacy of this work and the skill and imagination used is beyond belief. Art and culture thrive here, with craftsmen settling in peaceful villages and Albi showcasing its remarkable Cathedral. Nestled along the River Tarn, Albi was home to Toulouse-Lautrec, featuring a superb exhibition of his work.

There is so much to experience on this multi-destination European tour - the exquisite beauty of the French countryside, the allure of the enchanting villages, and the seemingly idyllic lifestyle of the French themselves.