Tours for 2014

The photo above is of one of the chateaux of the Dukes of Brittany. It is less than 2 kilometres from where I lived near the village and beach of Suscinio. It still holds happy memories of my time there and my frequent visits with guests, as well as time for myself catching up with old friends. It was here that I used to pick up my children from the chateau car park after school- what a privilege! Can't wait to be there again next year! We will be running the Brittany tour in September 2014.

Tours for 2014 are up on the website and ready for bookings. Some guests have already booked for June tours, so send an email and let us know if you are thinking of joining us. Places still available.

End of September tours

A great way to finish the tours for 2013. These beautiful gardens near Beuvillers are some of the best in France. After our day in Rouen, it was good to have a walk in the peace and quite of these acres of gardens surrounding old cottages.

And one of the group found a new friend!

Rouen cathedral, painted many times by Claude Monet, one of France's leading impressionist artists who lived in Giverny. Rouen has an old town centre with many timbered houses and their famous clock on an archway near the centre of the old town. There is a cross erected where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Her story may be found all around the city and on documents issued by the Office of Tourism.

Bayeux

Bayeux cathedral - a part of our interesting walk around the old town of Bayeux, one of the few which remains unspoilt by the bombings of the second world war. After lunch, and a visit to the world famous Bayeux tapestry of William the Conqueror's successful battle of Hastings in 1066, we went to Omaha Beach. A tasting of the local Normandy artisan ice creams on the way there and some Calvados, cider and pommeau tasting on the return trip,  brought us back from the sombre thoughts of war to our more furtunate position today.

Ile aux Moines

Our Friday excursion for the last day in Brittany was excellent. A boat trip across the Golfe du Morbihan to Ile aux Moines (Monk's Island), a brisk walk through the quaint village and along the coastal walking trail brought us to this little sandy (almost deserted) bay. The point of interest was in watching the process of extracting a boat from the bay with a tractor. It took so much discussion, removal of trousers and shoes, putting on of same and more discussion by two local men, we had a distinct impression that they had all day to complete the task. Lunch in a village creperie before walking to the port for the return trip completed a beautiful day.

Provence, Pyrenees, Dordogne

Less than two weeks and we will be touring again in some of France's most beautiful regions. For details have a look at this link http://www.slowtours.com/index.php?PID=4 and download the details on the 'Personalised Tours' at the bottom of the page. Some previous clients suggested that I should update my blog 'notice board' more frequently while I'm away, as they would like to see photos and hear about the trip as it happens, so I will be doing that and putting more photos here. These clients will be joining me next year for a similar tour, so want to see where they will be going! Here is a photo from the Dordogne region - the 'black' Dordogne. There are four regions in the Dordogne known as the 'black', the 'purple', the 'white' and the 'green'. Everyone has their own preferences, but I love all four. Each has its own character and local produce. The region is known for its famous 'foie gras', walnuts, sweet wines and truffles. Fortunately there are so many opportunities for walking, canoeing and exercising that hopefully the good food and wine will not take too much effect.

Wonderful weather in the South of France

Stunning scenery in the area known as 'Haute Provence' - where a little exercise after lunch is not such a bad idea! Slow Tours will be running a 3 week tour in September (brochure is not yet on the website) which will include this unbelievably beautiful lake, a boat trip on the famous Canal du Midi as well as a week in the Dordogne and a visit to the medieval town of Carcassonne. Call or email for further details

This photo shows one of the small medieval villages which is a part of our September 2009 tour. Provence has many ancient villages perched on top of hills and this one overlooks the magnificent Bandol valley of vineyards.

Here is a photo taken by one of the group during our June Provence tour this year showing the lavender fields in full bloom. It was an amazing experience to drive with the windows open and inhale the gorgeous perfume of fresh lavender on the warm summer air.

Provence 2010

Dates for the June Provence tour in 2010 are now finalised. We will be staying in the beautiful 'mas provencal' near Bonnieux where we had such an enjoyable time this year. This fully refurbished old stone farmhouse, surrounded by cherry orchards and vineyards, sits on top of a hill with a stunning view of the Luberon valley from the swimming pool and gardens. All bedrooms are large and have bath or shower. Dates are June 12th - 26th 2010 with a maximum of 14 people. Use the contact form on the website if you would like further information - and don't delay as this will fill quickly.

From sunny Provence

Tuesday 2nd June

The weather here is just beautiful and I've been enjoying staying with friends before the Provence sejour starts on Saturday. Debbie and David from Queensland were with me last week, and we spent a great day together visiting parts of the Luberon and having a wonderful canoe trip down the river Sorgue. I'm really looking forward to spending two weeks with my guests in our beautiful 'mas provencal'. My first job when I return to Australia at the end of June is to put some new photographs onto the website, so keep a lookout for updates.

The September Provence tour, from 12th - 26th, will be in the same beautiful accommodation as this one starting on Saturday and there are still some places available.

Carol