Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
This 11-night self-drive grand touring holiday of France takes you in a rather circular route from Calais to Provence, across to the Dordogne, north to the Loire and Normandy before returning home. You start at the gateway to France, Calais, and then drive south-eastwards through the Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, passing Reims to stay in the Champagne region at Epernay. Continue towards Burgundy, with its Romanesque churches and abbeys. As you drive south, this touring route runs parallel with the Saône River all the way to Lyon, the point of confluence with the mighty Rhône. From here, drive alongside this mighty river, following its course further southwards, admiring the changing scenery until you reach the red terracotta roofs of Provence. There is time to explore and delight in this charming region: ancient province of the Romans, land of poets and painters. Witness the stunning variety of the landscape of France as you journey from region to region, to spend time at Albi on the River Tarn and then amongst the lush green countryside and vineyards of the Dordogne. You then reach the Loire Valley, and discover the region’s majestic châteaux, regal gardens and hunting forests. Your final stop is near the very pretty, artists’ haven and fishing port of Honfleur on the Normandy coast.
Highlights
Champagne • Burgundy • Visit Beaujolais • Provence • Visit Avignon • Albi • Dordogne • Loire • Visit Amboise • Visit Chateau de Chenonceaux • Visit Saumur • Normandy • Honfleur • Visit Rouen
Day by day
You cross by Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, and then drive south-east passing the historic towns of Arras and Laon into the Champagne region, to spend one night at Epernay. Nestling between the Aisne and Marne valleys, Epernay and its nearby rival, Reims, are at the heart of the Champagne vineyards. If time permits, visit a winery such as Champagne Tribaut. This family run business supplies such prestigious companies as Krug and Taittinger and opens its cellars and vineyards for tours and tastings.
Journey south from Epernay passing the mediaeval town of Troyes and the cathedral city of Dijon, into the arable land and rolling hills of Burgundy. Another of France’s most prestigious wine regions, Burgundy is set apart by the golden hue of its limestone villages, which turn ochre in the light of the setting sun and seem to cast the communities back to their mediaeval roots. You stop in the village of Gilly-les-Citeaux, surrounded by the vineyards of Burgundy and near the famous villages of Vosne-Romanee and Nuits-St-Georges. You spend one night here.
Today’s drive follows the course of the Saone and the Rhone to the village of Crillon-le-Brave in the Vaucluse, and near the Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Beaumes-de-Venise vineyards, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. It is a drive of 4 to 5 hours but there is plenty to do along the way with all sorts of interesting side excursions that you could choose from. You can choose to dally a while in Burgundy itself, perhaps visiting Beaune or any of the wine villages nearby, or veer off the main route to visit the Benedictine abbey of Cluny, founded in the 10th century, or take a detour into Beaujolais, with its steep vineyards and villages of golden-brown stone. Then continue following the Rhone valley south, perhaps with further sorties into the Roman towns of Vienne or Orange, before reaching Mazan or Crillon-le-Brave where you stay for two nights.
From Mazan or Crillon-le-Brave we suggest you spend today visiting the Luberon with its charming landscape of vines, olives, lavender and sunflowers, hill-top villages of golden stone such as Bonnieux and Gordes, and perhaps stopping off at the town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse with its spring waters and associations with romantic poets dating back to Petrarch.
Today’s route can be covered in just over four hours, but there are various interesting deviations that you might be interested in. The first is to visit the Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, and then to journey north-west through Uzes and Ales and into the Cevennes national park. At some point north of Ales you cut across in a south-westerly direction so long as you join the A75 in order to cross the famous Viaduc de Millau, designed by Norman Foster and which crosses the valley of the River Tarn. Shortly after crossing the bridge you take a more straightforward route to Albi on the River Tarn where you stay for two nights.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albi is bursting with the remarkable history of France. The most immediate point of interest in this small town is its red-brick mediaeval cathedral, St. Cecilia’s. Witness how its imposing exterior blends into the delicate wood and stone decoration of its interior. Adorning the whole western wall are extensive murals depicting the Last Judgement. Just next door, the Bishop’s palace houses the Toulouse Lautrec museum, dedicated to the works of the post-impressionistic iconographer Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. From outside the cathedral, you can make your way west to the square which overlooks the River Tarn or pass the museum to walk across the thousand-year-old Old Bridge. Albi retains the look and feel of its traditional way of life. Nearby, visit the vineyards of Gaillac and its neighbouring fortified villages, navigate the beautiful mediaeval streets of Cordes sur Ciel.
Today we recommend taking the day to take a leisurely drive from Albi towards Montauban and then to venture into the land of the Three Musketeers, Gascony. Gascony is a charming, soft and gentle land of brown-stone villages and golden fields, gently undulating, and whose numerous castles bear witness to the fortifications of by-gone centuries, when this land was a bastion of the English, ceded to France only in 1453. Gascony is known for its Armagnac and its sunflowers, its rural way of life and is still very much a secret part of France. Stop off in the pretty towns of Auch, Lectoure or Condom before reaching your base in the Dordogne.
Your base is in the village of Tremolat in the valley of the River Dordogne and within reach today for excursions to capture the essence of this popular region. The Dordogne valley is scattered with ruined castles that you see as you drive along the river. Sarlat is a bustling and very pretty market town you might want to visit and prehistory presents itself in the caves at Les Eyzies and Lascaux. If you head east instead you reach the town of Bergerac and its vineyards.
From Tremolat you pass the vineyards of St Emilion and Pomerol before taking the motorway north passing Cognac, Saintes and Poitiers. Your stop is in Amboise on the River Loire.
You have a full day to explore the Loire Valley. The town of Amboise itself is home to the castle and the Clos Luce where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked. Son et Lumiere shows are held at the castle. There is a farmers' market. Nearby is the famous Chateau of Chenonceaux and a short drive the other side of Tours is the Chateau of Villandry with its renowned formal gardens. To the south, the town of Chinon itself sits on the bank of the river Vienne, at the base of a rocky hill that supports the Chinon Fortresse Royale. The Fortress dates from the 10th century. For a more unusual angle, visit the Musée de la Poire Tapée de Rivarennes (Pressed Pear Museum). Not far from Chinon is the picturesque chateau of Azay-le-Rideau.
Your penultimate day takes you north from the Loire valley passing Le Mans and Alencon, Lisieux and Pont-l’Eveque to your overnight stay in the countryside near Honfleur.
Stop off to visit the picturesque fishing port of Honfleur before crossing the Seine and making your way back to Calais for your return Eurotunnel crossing.
Excellent. So much easier coming to you than trying to book accommodation ourselves. Will certainly come to you again, especially for a self-drive holiday.Mr D, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Prices from £2,520 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Holiday Code FRSD01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
You cross by Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, and then drive south-east passing the historic towns of Arras and Laon into the Champagne region, to spend one night at Epernay. Nestling between the Aisne and Marne valleys, Epernay and its nearby rival, Reims, are at the heart of the Champagne vineyards. If time permits, visit a winery such as Champagne Tribaut. This family run business supplies such prestigious companies as Krug and Taittinger and opens its cellars and vineyards for tours and tastings.
Journey south from Epernay passing the mediaeval town of Troyes and the cathedral city of Dijon, into the arable land and rolling hills of Burgundy. Another of France’s most prestigious wine regions, Burgundy is set apart by the golden hue of its limestone villages, which turn ochre in the light of the setting sun and seem to cast the communities back to their mediaeval roots. You stop in the village of Gilly-les-Citeaux, surrounded by the vineyards of Burgundy and near the famous villages of Vosne-Romanee and Nuits-St-Georges. You spend one night here.
Today’s drive follows the course of the Saone and the Rhone to the village of Crillon-le-Brave in the Vaucluse, and near the Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Beaumes-de-Venise vineyards, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. It is a drive of 4 to 5 hours but there is plenty to do along the way with all sorts of interesting side excursions that you could choose from. You can choose to dally a while in Burgundy itself, perhaps visiting Beaune or any of the wine villages nearby, or veer off the main route to visit the Benedictine abbey of Cluny, founded in the 10th century, or take a detour into Beaujolais, with its steep vineyards and villages of golden-brown stone. Then continue following the Rhone valley south, perhaps with further sorties into the Roman towns of Vienne or Orange, before reaching Mazan or Crillon-le-Brave where you stay for two nights.
From Mazan or Crillon-le-Brave we suggest you spend today visiting the Luberon with its charming landscape of vines, olives, lavender and sunflowers, hill-top villages of golden stone such as Bonnieux and Gordes, and perhaps stopping off at the town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse with its spring waters and associations with romantic poets dating back to Petrarch.
Today’s route can be covered in just over four hours, but there are various interesting deviations that you might be interested in. The first is to visit the Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, and then to journey north-west through Uzes and Ales and into the Cevennes national park. At some point north of Ales you cut across in a south-westerly direction so long as you join the A75 in order to cross the famous Viaduc de Millau, designed by Norman Foster and which crosses the valley of the River Tarn. Shortly after crossing the bridge you take a more straightforward route to Albi on the River Tarn where you stay for two nights.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albi is bursting with the remarkable history of France. The most immediate point of interest in this small town is its red-brick mediaeval cathedral, St. Cecilia’s. Witness how its imposing exterior blends into the delicate wood and stone decoration of its interior. Adorning the whole western wall are extensive murals depicting the Last Judgement. Just next door, the Bishop’s palace houses the Toulouse Lautrec museum, dedicated to the works of the post-impressionistic iconographer Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. From outside the cathedral, you can make your way west to the square which overlooks the River Tarn or pass the museum to walk across the thousand-year-old Old Bridge. Albi retains the look and feel of its traditional way of life. Nearby, visit the vineyards of Gaillac and its neighbouring fortified villages, navigate the beautiful mediaeval streets of Cordes sur Ciel.
Today we recommend taking the day to take a leisurely drive from Albi towards Montauban and then to venture into the land of the Three Musketeers, Gascony. Gascony is a charming, soft and gentle land of brown-stone villages and golden fields, gently undulating, and whose numerous castles bear witness to the fortifications of by-gone centuries, when this land was a bastion of the English, ceded to France only in 1453. Gascony is known for its Armagnac and its sunflowers, its rural way of life and is still very much a secret part of France. Stop off in the pretty towns of Auch, Lectoure or Condom before reaching your base in the Dordogne.
Your base is in the village of Tremolat in the valley of the River Dordogne and within reach today for excursions to capture the essence of this popular region. The Dordogne valley is scattered with ruined castles that you see as you drive along the river. Sarlat is a bustling and very pretty market town you might want to visit and prehistory presents itself in the caves at Les Eyzies and Lascaux. If you head east instead you reach the town of Bergerac and its vineyards.
From Tremolat you pass the vineyards of St Emilion and Pomerol before taking the motorway north passing Cognac, Saintes and Poitiers. Your stop is in Amboise on the River Loire.
You have a full day to explore the Loire Valley. The town of Amboise itself is home to the castle and the Clos Luce where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked. Son et Lumiere shows are held at the castle. There is a farmers' market. Nearby is the famous Chateau of Chenonceaux and a short drive the other side of Tours is the Chateau of Villandry with its renowned formal gardens. To the south, the town of Chinon itself sits on the bank of the river Vienne, at the base of a rocky hill that supports the Chinon Fortresse Royale. The Fortress dates from the 10th century. For a more unusual angle, visit the Musée de la Poire Tapée de Rivarennes (Pressed Pear Museum). Not far from Chinon is the picturesque chateau of Azay-le-Rideau.
Your penultimate day takes you north from the Loire valley passing Le Mans and Alencon, Lisieux and Pont-l’Eveque to your overnight stay in the countryside near Honfleur.
Stop off to visit the picturesque fishing port of Honfleur before crossing the Seine and making your way back to Calais for your return Eurotunnel crossing.
Excellent. So much easier coming to you than trying to book accommodation ourselves. Will certainly come to you again, especially for a self-drive holiday.Mr D, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Prices from £2,520 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Holiday Code FRSD01
Our prices include
● Eurotunnel return crossing from Folkestone to Calais for car and passengers
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Classic double room at La Briqueterie, Épernay
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Tradition double room at the Château de Gilly, Gilly-lés-Cîteaux
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Superior double at the Chateau de Mazan or Classic double room at Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, Crillon-le-Brave
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Deluxe double room at La Réserve, Albi
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Superior double room at Le Vieux Logis, Tremolat
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Tradition double room at the Choiseul, Amboise
● 1 night's bed and breakfast in a Country room at Auberge de la Source, near Honfleur
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
Additional information
Driving times for this touring holiday (approximate)
Calais to Epernay 3 hours
Epernay to Gilly-les-Cîteaux 2 hours 50 minutes
Gilly-les-Cîteaux to Mazan/Crillon-le-Brave 4 hours 30 minutes
Mazan/Crillon-le-Brave to Albi 4 hours 30 minutes
Albi to Tremolat 4 hours
Tremolat to Amboise 5 hours
Chinon to Honfleur 3 hours 15 minutes
Honfleur to Calais 2 hours 30 minutes
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
Hostellerie La Briqueterie is a 5-star boutique hotel, perfectly situated for exploring the wineries of the Champagne region, including some of the most prestigious champagne houses. Delicious cuisine and excellent spa facilities afford guests a truly tranquil experience.
Classic double room
Château de Gilly is a 5-star hotel a former Benedictine Priory in the heart of the Burgundy wine region. The hotel retains many of its original features and serves excellent cuisine for a luxurious experience.
Tradition double room
The Château de Mazan is a luxury, 4-star hotel in a beautiful natural location. Luxury accommodation, gourmet cuisine and unique artistic touches afford guests a truly relaxing and tranquil experience.
Superior double room
Hôtel Crillon le Brave is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel in a village of the same name in the Provence countryside not far from Mont Ventoux. This is an excellent point for exploring the Rhône wine country. Gourmet local cuisine, spa facilities, beautiful surroundings and wonderful views ensure a luxury experience here.
Classic double room
La Réserve is an exclusive 5-star family-run Relais & Châteaux hotel in a beautiful riverside location. Exceptional gardens and grounds and seasonal gourmet cuisine make this an ideal base from which to explore the UNESCO listed town of Albi.
Deluxe double room
Le Vieux Logis is an exclusive 4-star hotel with outstanding charm and character in a glorious countryside location. Michelin-starred gastronomy and superb manicured grounds afford guests a truly tranquil and indulgent retreat.
Superior double room
Le Choiseul is a very attractive, 4-star traditional hotel in Amboise, a superb location for visiting the region. Excellent cuisine and pristine grounds and gardens afford guests a truly tranquil and indulgent experience.
Tradition double room
Auberge de la Source is a 4-star hotel in an idyllic country location a few miles from Honfleur and near the Cider Route and Calvados distilleries. The excellent fresh local cuisine and secluded setting afford guests a truly tranquil and authentic Norman experience.
Country room
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Excellent. So much easier coming to you than trying to book accommodation ourselves. Will certainly come to you again, especially for a self-drive holiday.Mr D, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Prices from £2,520 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Holiday Code FRSD01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Burgundy
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Burgundy is an opportunity to explore an area which is famous throughout France as being a region rich in wine and gastronomy as well as in history and art. The best-known area of Burgundy is that of the Cote d`Or and the Cote de Beaune located close to Beaune with its villages whose names are those of some of the most famous wines; Gevrey Chambertin, Nuits St Georges, Pommard, Meursault and Montrachet. Beaune itself, deserves a visit with its enchanting 15th Century Hotel Dieu and wine museum. While on holiday in Burgundy you will find that almost everywhere there are offers of wine tastings and direct sales. This area of eastern France is all too often visited just en route from the north to the south, but we would urge you to linger a little longer and enjoy a longer holiday in Burgundy to explore the region in detail. A self-drive touring holiday is an excellent way to explore Burgundy, offering the chance to discover the vineyards of northern France; to combine a stay here with one in Beaujolais; to travel further south en route to Provence; or to enjoy a tour around the whole of France.
Highlights of Burgundy
Cultural highlights include Burgundy wines and marcs, local wine festivals, the Beaujolais vineyards, and the Romanesque architecture.
Climate of Burgundy
Average air temperatures in centigrade: Jan: 6.1, Feb: 5.9, Mar: 10.3, Apr: 15.3, May: 15.8, Jun: 23.8, Jul: 25.8, Aug: 26.1, Sep: 21.2, Oct: 15.5, Nov: 9.1, Dec: 6.2. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Champagne
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Champagne offers the chance to explore one of the great historic provinces of France. Known in the 9th century under Charlemagne for its agricultural riches, it became famous for its produce and celebrated fairs. Today, though known of course for its eponymous sparkling wine, and despite lying en route from the UK to the south of France, Champagne is one of the least visited regions in France, an under sung gem waiting to be explored. Naturally, bubbly looms large on the list of attractions for visitors to the region, with Epernay, a lovely town on the chalky hills southwest of Reims, the undisputed champagne capital of the world. Here, you can enjoy tastings at the home of several champagne producers, including Moet & Chandon and Perrier-Jouet. Smaller producers can also be visited between the pretty towns of Bar sur Aube and Les Riceys. Champagne can also be tasted at the celebrated Taittinger cellars in Reims, the largest town in the Champagne. A bustling university city, Reims has all the feel of a busy regional capital, with a fabulous old town and magnificent 13th century cathedral, one of the greatest gothic buildings of northern France. Largely made up of undulating hills and pretty farmland, Champagne's landscape rises in the north towards the densely wooded, river-riven walker's paradise of the Ardennes, with the Plateau de Langres in the south home to the fortified Roman hill town of Langres, sometimes known as the Carcassonne of the North - without the crowds. Due to its proximity to the north coast of France, the Champagne region can easily be incorporated into a self-drive touring holiday of the Northern Vineyards or can be used as a stopover en route to the French Alps and Lakes.
Highlights of Champagne
Champagne cellar visits in Reims, Epernay and in vineyards along the Aube; the old town of Charleville Mezieres, capital of the Ardennes department; Charles de Gaulle's country residence and burial site, Colombey les Deux Eglises; Reims, with one of the finest medieval cathedrals in France, once the coronation place of French kings, now with one of the best son-et-lumieres in France; Reims' magnificent Roman triumphal arch; Lac du Der, the biggest reservoir in Europe, one of the most important migration routes for Europe's waterfowl, sheltering vast flocks of cranes, passing through in their thousands in spring and autumn; the fortified hill town of Langres, ‘Carcassonne of the North’ - minus the crowds; la foret d'Orient near Troyes and Montagne de Reims, both Regional Natural Parks; river trips along the Seine, the Marne, and the Aube; the 13th century gothic cathedral of Troyes, with its spectacular stained glass windows; autumn wine festivals.
Travel around the Champagne region
The Champagne region is reached very easily from the UK by air and rail. With the most extensive rail network in Western Europe, France is a great country to explore by train. The nationally owned SNCF (Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer) runs fast, efficient services between the main towns. Buses cover the rural areas, but services can be rather sporadic, with departures often at awkward times. To visit Champagne's cellars - the main reason for being here - by far the best option is to rent a car.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Dordogne
The Dordogne region at the heart of Perigord abounds in clear, flowing rivers, craggy hillsides of golden rock, hill top villages and castles built of the local stone, and attractive houses with grey slate roofs and mini turrets, with vines trained along their walls. A holiday in the Dordogne is ideal for those seeking a combination of activity, sightseeing and relaxation. There are pre-historic grottoes to explore, market towns of mediaeval houses and cobbled streets such as Sarlat, numerous sporting activities such as riding and cycling and castles to visit. Plus, the gastronomy of the Dordogne is renowned for its truffles, foie gras, `magret de canard` and walnuts. The Dordogne region possesses much of the essential delights for a visitor to France. A self-drive touring holiday is an excellent way to travel to the Dordogne, perhaps discovering the chateaux and manor houses of northern France along the way. A quicker alternative is to travel to the region by train, collecting a hire-car on arrival which allows you to explore at your own pace.
Highlights of Dordogne
Cultural highlights include ceramics, wine festivals, foie gras and truffles, wild mushrooms, castles, valleys, water-sports, and local walks.
Climate of Dordogne
Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan: 10.0, Feb: 9.4, Mar: 12.2, Apr: 19.5, May: 18.0, Jun: 23.7, Jul: 27.2, Aug: 25.7, Sep: 24.2, Oct: 19.7, Nov: 15.4, Dec: 11.0. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Loire Valley
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Loire Valley offers travellers a chance to explore this magnificent region, known as the `Garden of France`, traditionally the hunting grounds of the Kings of France, is renowned for its gentle countryside, vineyards, forests, rivers and numerous chateaux. At the centre of this region are the regal river Loire and its numerous tributaries, attractive historic towns and cathedral cities such as Tours, Blois and Chinon and of course the chateaux. The chateaux range from vast palaces to fortresses, from mediaeval strongholds to Renaissance delights and include the well-known ones of Chenonceaux, Chambord, Villandry and pretty Azay le Rideau. The vineyards offer great variety from sparkling Vouvray to the reds of Chinon and Bourgueil. Our `Loire Valley` covers the central region of Touraine and the more westerly region of Anjou as well as taking in a more southern part that extends towards Poitiers. The visitor to the Loire Valley is embraced by seemingly endless amusements whatever the time of year, enticing for longer stays and so well situated for overnight stops or short breaks. It is very easy to reach the Loire Valley by train, combining a holiday here with a visit to Bordeaux. Alternatively, a self-drive holiday to the Loire Valley is an excellent option, allowing you to explore the region's Chateaux by car or to combine a stay in the region with a holiday to the Dordogne region and Normandy.
Highlights of the Loire Valley
Cultural highlights include wines and wine vinegars, wild mushrooms - (visit the mushroom museum), the Troglodyte caves, and local art exhibitions.
Festivals in the Loire Valley
Son et Lumiere in the chateaux in the summer months. Summer festival in Chinon in August.
Climate of the Loire Valley
Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan: 7.8, Feb: 6.8, Mar: 10.3, Apr: 16.1, May: 16.4, Jun: 23.6, Jul: 25.8, Aug: 24.5, Sep: 21.1, Oct: 16.2, Nov: 11.2, Dec: 7.0. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Normandy
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Normandy holds an astonishing familiarity for the British visitor, due to its lush green pastures and close historical ties. Normandy is an attractive land of white chalk cliffs, long sandy beaches, fishing ports and harbours, rich green pastures and apple orchards, half-timbered and thatched houses and barns, lively market towns, sophisticated sea side resorts such as Deauville and Cabourg and sleepy villages. Famous for its dairy produce, cider and calvados, the cuisine of Normandy is hearty reflecting both its rich pastures and its proximity to the sea. Historical ties provide links from William the Conqeror to 1944. Normandy is a gentle and friendly land, small and pretty where the comforting aroma of apple wood fires lingers in the air and where the salt of the sea is in the breeze. With its nearby location, beautiful scenery, countless activities and charming hotels, Normandy is well-suited to both short breaks and longer holidays. A self-drive touring holiday is an excellent way to explore Normandy, and the region is a perfect place to stay en route further south, perhaps to the Dordogne region or the Loire Valley.
Highlights of Normandy
Calvados, cider and camembert, horse-races in Deauville in August, markets every day of the week throughout the region, the Route du Cidre, and the summer art exhibitions.
Climate of Normandy
Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan: 7.6, Feb: 6.4, Mar: 8.4, Apr: 13.0, May: 14.0, Jun: 20.0, Jul: 21.6, Aug: 22.0, Sep: 18.2, Oct: 14.5, Nov: 10.8, Dec: 7.9. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Provence
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Provence, the land which is the ancient province of the Romans, offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, culture and traditions. From the sunflower fields of Van Gogh`s Arles, to the sandy marshes of the Camargue, from the Cezanne like landscapes of Aix inland to the olive groves and lavender beds that surround the perched hill top villages, and finally to the dramatic coastline of the azure Mediterranean where the sandy beaches, craggy corniches and fishing villages have been transformed into a sophisticated holiday playground you experience a multitude of contrasting and complementary senses and images. The perfumes of lavender, thyme, rosemary, citrus, pine and olive mingle in the air and the light is bright and clear. Add to all these sensations a wonderful climate, good food and local wine and unlimited sporting and sightseeing activities and you can understand why Provence is not just an ideal holiday destination but a romantic way of life. Provence still has miles of open road across country, tiny, sleepy villages, dramatic hills and craggy peaks, beautiful, sense enriching panoramas and aromas all waiting for you to explore and enjoy.
Highlights of Provence
Cultural highlights include santons, Souleiado Provençal fabrics, herbs and lavender, wine and olive oil, melons and pastis, boules and berets.
Provence Climate
Average air temperatures in Centigrade: January: 12.2, February: 11.9, March: 14.2, April: 18.5, May: 20.8, June: 26.6, July: 28.1, August: 28.4, September: 25.2, October: 22.1, November: 16.8, December: 14.1. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury self-drive tailor-made touring holiday of France
About Tarn and Lot
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Tarn and Lot is a chance to explore an area of southern France, including Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec which is a cathedral city on the banks of the River Tarn with a strong artistic and architectural tradition. The countryside in Tarn and Lot is green and rolling, with vineyards, river valleys and hill top villages and fortresses, such as Cordes. The town of Cahors is at the heart of the beautifully dramatic Lot valley surrounded by rolling wooded hills and vineyards. The valley itself is dotted with mediaeval towns. The area is noted for its wine and the vineyards of course can be visited. An excellent idea is to combine a holiday in Tarn and Lot with a stay in Auvergne to the north-east, enjoying a gastronomic tour around the two regions. Alternatively, the region can be included in a self-drive touring holiday through the southwest of France, or around the Dordogne, Basque Country and Massif Central. The area can also be reached by train, allowing you to enjoy a rail holiday following in the footsteps of Toulouse Lautrec.
Highlights of Tarn and Lot
Cultural highlights include music festival in Toulouse, Limoux wine, the ruined fortresses of the Cathars, the craggy valley of Aveyron, the mediaeval fortified village of Cordes, Gaillac wine, the Charcuterie of Lacaune, and the Goya museum at Castres.
Tarn and Lot Climate
Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan 12.4, Feb 11.5, Mar 12.5, Apr 17.6, May 20.1, Jun 26.5, Jul 28.4, Aug 28.1, Sep 26.1, Oct 21.1, Nov 15.8, Dec 13.5. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
