With Experience (my) France, You Will Live Like the Locals Do

You will eat and drink the best that the region has to offer, stopping in scenic places for a delightful picnic of local wines, cheeses, sausages and pâtés, dining at select restaurants, or gather with locals at a weekly producers’ market in a village square.

Add this unique French experience to your bucket list!

Experience (my) France is a small tour organization, the only known offering very special guided and hosted French immersions. The 10-day tours are guided and hosted by Véronique. She’s ready to take you on an off-the-beaten path tour of France’s hidden gem, Aveyron, located in the southwest of France.

From June to September inclusive, each experiential tour is customised, allowing you to live at a slow pace, share your experience with like-minded travellers, and live like a local in a region where food, wine and culture are part of the daily life. If you’re not drawn to large, organised group tours, the idea of travelling with a maximum of 7 people is very appealing. It allows for flexibility and down-time in the itinerary, which is a must for an experiential tour. Another amazing thing about this experience is how few other tourists you will ever see—and no tour buses!

An off-the-beaten path French tour path filled with goosebump moments is awaiting you, where you’ll build up lifetime memories and countless stories to tell back home!

A typical day might begin with a healthy breakfast (or a yummy homemade quiche) followed by a drive to one of the many gloriously quaint ancient villages or towns with ample free time for individual exploration. Weather permitting, lunch might consist of a group picnic on a scenic overlook where lively conversation and local wine enhance the relaxed atmosphere and group bonding. Afternoons would be spent exploring other remarkable sites with dinner at around 7 or 8 pm. Particularly alluring to our past guests have been the multitude of ancient churches, castles and village architecture which recalled both the simplicity and dangers of Medieval times. And while you’ll discover about a dozen of these incomparable villages, there is ample variety and an assortment of other attractions. Museums, dinner at local farmers’ market, wine tastings, a comprehensive visit to a working farm and a tour of the Roquefort cheese caves are just a few of the treats in store for the Aveyron adventurer.

You will experience a century-old family organic farm, now owned by Véronique’s cousin, Benoit. At the farm, you’ll be be involved in the process of preparing to-go meals like a pro. You’ll meander through heritage-filled villages such as Conques, on the way to Santiago de Compostella which is one of the feature jewels. You’ll be amazed by its abbey, you will discover its 800 year-old gold treasure, and the abbey’s stained glass windows designed by world-renown Rodez contemporary artist Pierre Soulages now 95 years old. Since 2014, Rodez hosts the only museum dedicated to Pierre Soulages’s art.

You will live like the locals do.

Every day you will eat and drink the best that the region has to offer. You’ll stop in scenic places for a delightful picnic of local wines and cheeses, sausages and pâtés. You’ll dine at different restaurants, or occasionally gather with locals at a weekly producers’ market in a village square. Tip: make it your personal mission to try everything.

You can expect very private visits.

As an example, Toulouse-Lautrec’s childhood castle is located a few minutes away from your home base. The visit will be led by his great grand-niece. You’ll discover the centuries-old secrets of Marcillac wine directly from locals Philippe Teullier and his mother, vintners for generations. Experience the wineries from the inside, and taste the Marcillac aromas of red fruits, such as raspberry and blackcurrent. Don’t worry, Véronique, your host and guide will translate! Véronique grew up in the area and has spent much time exploring it, so her knowledge of places is extensive. Take amazing shots of the cobblestone-paved middle-ages’ streets of the village of Castelnau- Pegayrols.

Remember that your next experience will be entirely customized to your desires and needs!

What’s included:

* High-end but feel-at-home hosting by your personal bilingual guide in her Art Nouveau home in Baraqueville.

* A fully customized and unique concept of guided experience of Aveyron and further afield. Just let us know what’s of interest to you.

* Your dependable guide and host will give you access to opportunities only she can propose, as she’s an Aveyron local. She will open local doors for your best experience in France.

* Three gorgeous meals a day (nine breakfasts, ten lunches, nine dinners and wines chosen by Véronique). Lunches and dinners will occur at select local restaurants picked for their excellence, or at farmers’ markets; picnics and will be accompanied by a lovely local wine.

* Transfers to and from Rodez airport, or Rodez train station.

* No additional charge for single occupancy.

* Tours run even with one guest only.

What’s not included:

* Airfare to/from Rodez,

* Gifts, and souvenirs.

* Travel insurance.

Act now!

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