Freewheeling France itineraries

FREEWHEELING FRANCE - sample itineraries

ALSACE

Monday: Your itinerary starts in Strasbourg and heads north

through the pretty villages of Hagenau and Wissembourg. After

lunch you wind through the pine-clad hills of the northern Vosges

Mountains to La Petite Pierre for a traditional hotel which has

been in the same family for three generations.

Tuesday's route leads to forests, waterfalls, chateaux, castles and

churches, via Saverne, Haut Barr, Marmoutier and Obernai for a

two night stay in a family-run hotel in the centre of town.

On Wednesday you explore Obernai, the neighbouring wine

villages and Alsace's holiest spot, Mont Ste-Odile.

Thursday's itinerary follows the wine route, via Haut Koenigsbourg

and Ribeauville to the picturesque wine village of Riquewihr,

where you stay for three nights.

Friday takes you along the southern wine route to Eguisheim and

the huge Eco-Musee de Haute Alsace - a working medieval village.

Saturday is market day in Colmar - a lovely town with superb

museums, medieval streets and buildings and wine merchants

galore.

Your holiday ends on Sunday after returning to Strasbourg (or to

Mulhouse for its superb museums of textiles, wallpaper and cars).

We recommend a two night stay in Strasbourg before or after your Freewheeling France itinerary. We can book you into a good central hotel.

Beaujolais vineyard

Harvest time, Riquewihr

BORDEAUX-LOT VALLEY

Monday - your itinerary starts in Bordeaux and takes you to the Medoc, where an elegant hotel-restaurant amongst the vineyards
of Margaux will be your base for three nights.
Tuesday - an optional visit to Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, before
taking a ferry the Gironde for the citadelle at Blaye and the Bourg
and Fronsac vineyards. Overnight Margaux.
On Wednesday you discover Libourne and St-Emilion; famous for
macaroons, wine and the Eglise Monolithe. Overnight Margaux.
On Thursday you head south through the Sauternes vineyards to
the Armagnac town of Condom. Overnight in the hill village of
Lectoure at a historic 18th century mansion, complete with a
pool, a wonderful restaurant and magnificent views.
Friday’s route takes you to the Lot Valley, via Puymirol for a
chance to experience one of France's best restaurants. Overnight
in Touzac at a picturesque converted mill with garden, swimming
pool and sauna.
On Saturday you explore the pre-historic grotto at Peche Merle,
the cliff-clinging St Cirq Lapopie and taste the Lot Valley wines.
Overnight Touzac.
On Sunday the itinerary leads you back to Bordeaux via one of
France's largest fortified chateaux and the16th century Chateau
de Montbazillac in the Dordogne Valley.

We recommend a two night stay in Bordeaux before or after your Freewheeling France tour. We can book you into a good central hotel.

Harvest-time in the Medoc

Mouton Rothschild cellars

Vineyards, Riquewihr

BURGUNDY- Cote d’Or

Monday - your itinerary starts in Lyon and leads you through the
Beaujolais and Maconnais vineyards to a delightful country inn
with a notable restaurant - your base for two nights.
On Tuesday sample the local chardonnay on the wine trail and
visit the ancient abbey at Cluny.
On Wednesday head north to Tournus, and its exquisite 10th
century church. Then through the Chalonnais vineyards to
Beaune, for two nights at a charming hotel.
On Thursday, explore Beaune. Afternon excursion through the
Cote de Beaune to La Rochepot and the medieval village of
Nolay. Overnight Beaune.
Friday takes you through the famous Cote de Nuits vineyard to
Dijon. Your comfortable hotel for the next two nights is in the
antique quarter, near the pedestrian zone.
Saturday is market day in Dijon, so you can enjoy the abundance
of fresh local produce, before discovering Dijon's rich history and
its wonderful restaurants. Overnight Dijon.
The tour ends on Sunday in Dijon, which has good high speed
road and rail connections.

We recommend at least a two night stay in Lyon or Dijon before or after your Freewheeling France tour. We can book you into a good central hotel in either city.

Pates & charcuterie,

Dijon Market

BURGUNDY-Chablis

Monday - your itinerary starts in Dijon and takes you through the
beautiful Ouche Valley to Chateauneuf and on to the medieval
walled town of Semur-en-Auxois, where you stay at a handsome
old mansion for two nights.
On Tuesday your circuit includes the picturesque hilltop village of
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, the chateau and gardens at Bussy-Rabutin
and the historic abbey of Fontenay. Overnight Semur-en-Auxois.
On Wednesday, discover the Renaissance chateau at Ancy-le-
Franc and the 16th century village of Noyers en route to
Auxerre, where your base for three nights is an elegant mansion
with swiming pool and garden.
Thursday’s itinerary explores historic Auxerre, followed by an
optional excursion to Chablis. Overnight Auxerre.
Friday is Auxerre's market day, so a good day for a picnic lunch in
the Yonne Valley, exploring the wine villages of Bailly, St-Bris and
Irancy, as well as medieval Clamecy. Overnight Auxerre.
Saturday’s route follows the dramatic Cure Valley to underground
caverns and the great 12th century basilica at Vezelay. Then winds
through the forest and hills of the Morvan regional park to Saulieu
for an old coaching inn with a notable restaurant.
Tour ends on Sunday returning to Dijon, for high speed train
connections to Paris, Lyon and beyond.

We recommend a two night stay in Dijon either before or after your Freewheeling France itinerary. We can book you into a good central hotel.

Chablis lookout

Semur-en-Auxois

CHAMPAGNE

Monday - your itinerary starts at Charles de Gaulle Airport,

Paris, where we recommend you collect your vehicle. The route

quickly leads you to the Marne Valley for a scenic drive to

Epernay - your base for three nights at a central hotel.

En route, a lunch stop is suggested at a beautiful chateau in a

parkland setting with medieval ruins, or at a modest road-side inn.

On Tuesday you can explore Epernay on foot, discovering and its

champagne houses and museums. An optional 33km driving circuit

is suggested through the vineyards and back roads to Hautvillers.

Overnight Epernay.

On Wednesday you’ll visit historic Reims and follow the wine trail

around the Montagne de Reims. Overnight Epernay.

Thursday’s route takes you south, through the Cote des Blancs to

Sezanne for a family hotel with the best kitchen in the region.

Friday’s itinerary loops around Troyes to discover a small village

market, the cheese town of Chaource and the wine village of Les

Riceys, before returning to Troyes to a traditional hotel with a

traditional restaurant.

Saturday is a car-free day, exploring Troyes, its weekly market and

its medieval pedestrian quarter. Overnight Troyes.

Sunday is the last day of the tour and the route takes you back to

Paris. Choose either the direct route (191km) or a scenic drive

through Sens and Fontainebleau.

Verzenay

DORDOGNE

Monday - your itinerary starts in Bordeaux and takes you to the
picturesque village of St Emilion. Enjoy the cobbled streets, the
magnificent underground church and savour the wine.
On Tuesday follow the Dordogne river to Bergerac, then up to
the Monbazillac vineyards and the oval bastide village of Issigeac on
the way to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Overnight in a lovely hotel with a
notable restaurant.
On Wednesday enjoy the attractions of Les Eyzies; cave paintings,
prehistory museum and grottoes before a late afternoon
departure to Sarlat, your base for the next three nights.
On Thursday explore Sarlat and then take a short excursion to the
chateau at Beynac-et-Cazenac, the gardens at Marqueyssac and
the cliff dwellings at Roque-Gageac.
Friday’s route takes you to the cliff-clinging villages of Rocamadour
and Domme. Overnight Sarlat.
On Saturday head west through bastide country to Duras for a
welcoming hotel-restaurant.
On Sunday return to Bordeaux via the Entre-Deux-Mers
vineyards.
We recommend a two night stay in Bordeaux before or after your Freewheeling France tour. We can book you into a good central hotel.

Dordogne village houses

LOIRE

Monday’s itinerary starts in Tours and leads you along the Loire
to Langeais and the Bourgeuil vineyards before reaching Chinon;
your base for four nights at a character hotel with private parking.
On Tuesday, an early start will reward you with the best view of
the fairytale chateau at Ussé, before visiting Azay-le-Rideaux; one
of the most beautiful of the Loire's Renaissance chateaux. Return
to your hotel via the Chinon vineyards.
Wednesday’s route takes you back to Azay-le-Rideau for market
day, en route to Villandry for its chateau and gardens.
Overnight Chinon.
Thursday is market day in Chinon. Picnic or indulge in a grand
lunch at Chateau Marçay, before exploring the ancient abbey at
Fontevraude and the Saumur wine trail. Overnight Chinon.
Friday’s programme leads you through Loches to the upper Loire
for Pouilly-sur-Loire, home of Pouilly-Fumé. A charming hotel-
restaurant on the banks of the Loire is your base for two nights.
On Saturday, visit the hilltop village of Sancerre, taste the goat
cheeses and explore the Route des Vins.
The tour ends on Sunday; returning to Paris directly, or by the
scenic route through Montargis and Fontainebleau.
We recommend a two night stay in Tours before your Freewheeling
France itinerary. We can book you into a good central hotel.

RHONE VALLEY-PROVENCE

Monday’s itinerary starts in Lyon and takes you south to discover
the Roman history of Vienne and the great wines of Condrieu and
Hermitage, before reaching the hamlet of Mirmande. Overnight at
a charming inn with superb views and a notable restaurant.
On Tuesday you follow the Drome river to Crest and Saillan and
then over the hills into Provence, to the artisan villages of Dieulefit
and Poet-Laval, en route to Vaison-la-Romaine. A charming family
hotel in the heart of the village will be your base for three nights.
Wednesday’s itinerary explores the Roman and medieval history of
Vaison-la-Romaine, the vineyards of Gigondas and Beaumes-de
Venise and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Thursday is market day in Nyons, famous for its olive oil, so it’s the
perfect chance to savour the produce of the region. Afternoon
circuit to the lavender and essential oil producing villages, before
heading up Mt Ventoux for spectacular views.
Friday’s route leads you to Avignon, via Orange and its famous
Roman theatre, and the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.
Saturday is a car-free day in Avignon with its papal palace,
museums, shops and the bridge.
The tour ends on Sunday in Avignon, which has good road and rail
connections.
We recommend at least a two night stay in Lyon. We can book you into a good central hotel.

Chateau Chambord

Marqueyssac

Blois

Les Andelys

Monet’s Garden,Giverny

CHATEAUX & GARDENS AROUND PARIS

Monday - this DELUXE tour starts at Orly Airport, Paris, from
where we suggest you collect your vehicle. The route takes you
quickly to Fontainebleau for a leisurely visit to its chateau and
gardens before heading east to the River Seine for Thomery,
where you will be based for two nights at a simple inn with a
superb restaurant, heated pool and tennis courts.
On Tuesday you discover the magnificence of Vaux-le-Vicomte (the
model for Versailles, with gardens by Le Notre) and the riverside
village of Moret-sur-Loing. Overnight Thomery.
On Wednesday you visit Milly-la-Foret and Dampierre en route to
St Leger-en-Yvelines, where a charming, thatched-roof inn with an
excellent restaurant is your base for three nights.
Thursday’s itinerary takes you to Rambouillet for market day and to
Chartres for its magnificent cathedral. Overnight St Leger.
A day at Versailles fills Friday’s programme. Overnight St Leger.
Saturday’s route features historic Rouen with its cathedral,
numerous museums and shops. Overnight in Les Andelys on the
bank of the River Seine at a Norman inn with a famous Michelin-
starred restaurant.
The tour ends on Sunday and you return to Paris, via Giverny for
Monet's house and garden.

BESPOKE FRANCE

Robert Buchanan & Barbara Keen

PO Box 5489 DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

ph : 03 472 7856 fax : 03 472 7855

email : bestour@xtra.co.nz

info@bespokefrance.co.nz

Lyon

Mas Dame Winery, Provence

Southern Champagne

The freedom of independent travel with the security of pre-booked hotels & a detailed route guide.

BACK TO HOME PAGE

EMAIL
BESPOKE FRANCE

GO TO MAP