France Dordogne to Provence

Your journey begins with an overnight flight from home to Toulouse, France (TLS). Please Note:  You will need to land and be ready to travel by 11 AM on September 9. If your preferred flight schedule lands later in the day you will need to depart a day earlier and overnight at a Toulouse Airport hotel (recommendations will be sent in your first pre-departure packet).

Depart Toulouse this morning to begin your journey north to the lesser-known city of Cordes sur Ciel. The fascinating architecture of Cordes sur Ciel coupled with its amazing position perched on top of a hill makes Cordes one of the most remarkable medieval towns in France. Cordes is a well preserved bastide with dozens of narrow streets to explore.  For the photographer there are photo opportunities at every turn of a corner as gothic archways frame beautiful timber framed buildings.

Continue your drive north for a panoramic photography stop of Rocamadour before arriving in Sarlat, your home for two evenings. Yellow sand-stoned historical buildings line the streets, including a beautiful cathedral. The pedestrian Rue de la Republique runs the length of the old town with a maze of side streets on either side. Just above the cathedral is the ancient abbey cemetery. Photograph the mix of Roman and Gothic architecture of the mansions, hotels, and quaint French cafes and shops as you wander the winding streets with your guides.

Enjoy a relaxing morning the next day in Sarlat, in and around the village market. Depart for La Roque-Gageac and enjoy a walking tour with your guide and Eileen along the Dordogne River. For a different perspective there will be photography from a traditional flat bottom boat called Gabare. Overnight SARLAT (B, D; B)

Depart after an early breakfast to enjoy time in Saint Cirq La Popie, perched on top of magnificent limestone cliffs overlooking unspoiled views of the Lot Valley. Voted one of the most picturesque villages of France is no wonder, since painters, poets and writers have been flocking here for years. Along the river is Chemin de Haiage, a towpath carved by hand in the 1800’s. From the towpath the gabares were drawn by men or draft animals along the river.

After lunch on your own continue to the lovely village of Conques. In the center of Conques, parts of the original town walls and gates survive, sealing in the narrow village streets (many of which are cobbled) and with many fine medieval houses spread out across the hillside – almost all the houses seem to have great views into the valley below. Although the main sights in Conques are the Abbey and its treasury, you will also come across places of interest including the stone gateways, the communal bread ovens (which still work), the convent, a castle and fortifications. Overnight CONQUES (B, D)

Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert is located in the Occitaine Region of Provence. It is one of the lesser-known tourist sights and is therefore picture perfect for photographers. Located in the Herault Valley, a classical Mediterranean landscape surrounds the town and abbey along with other warm, traditional villages in the deep gorges.

After lunch on your own continue your drive to Arles, your home for the next four evenings. Arles is most famous for two things, its Roman ruins and its association with Van Gogh. Open squares with bustling cafes linked by narrow streets lined with attractive houses and shops, many looking old and faded and all the more romantic as a result.

There will be a photography session this afternoon, getting to know this traditional Provence village.

The next day enjoy an early morning photography session at the famous Pont Du Gard, an amazing Roman aqueduct bridge. Afterwards continue to Avignon. Avignon is a historic town on the Rhone River in Provence, and a beautifully preserved medieval town surrounded by the original fortified city walls.

Another morning rise early, driving to Saint Remy De Provence for their traditional Provencal Market. Enjoy free time wandering the quaint streets of Saint Remy on your own or with Eileen. Reconvene in the afternoon for an amazing experience at Carrieres de Lumieres show in Beaux de Provence. Photograph the traditional limestone village of Baux-de-Provence, rising above the village are castle ruins, with olive groves in the surrounding valley. Return to Arles for evening on your own.

Your last full day from Arles you will experience capturing the feel of a traditional ranch in Camargue. Photograph the horses, cowboys, and cattle, followed by a lovely dinner at the ranch getting to know the trade and traditions. Overnight ARLES (B, D; B; B; B, D)

Depart Provence today with a photography session in Carcassonne. One of the many hilltop towns of the region boasting an amazing citadel which protected the city for centuries. There is a lack of symmetry as you wander inside the walls, with its fifty-two towers, enclosing old stone buildings, dreamland passageways and winding alleys.

Return full circle to Toulouse. The hotel is in the old town of Toulouse and Eileen will organize a photography walk late in the day if you would like to join her. Toulouse is the capital of France’s southern Occitanie region, it is said to have a rose-tinted sheen. The lights come to life on bridges and the surrounding historical architecture. A great place to decompress after your amazing program in France.Overnight TOULOUSE (B)

There will be a group transfer time this morning (time to be announced) for flights home. (B if time allows)