Road Scholar : Home
Southwest France

Program Number: 14253RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/9/2013 - 5/24/2013; 9/5/2013 - 9/20/2013; 5/1/2014 - 5/16/2014; 6/5/2014 - 6/20/2014; 9/18/2014 - 10/3/2014; 10/16/2014 - 10/31/2014;
Duration: 15 nights
Location: France
Price starting at: $3,999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 35; 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 8 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Romans of the fourth century tilled the soils around Saint-Emilion and began growing grapes. Today, the region ranks among the world’s foremost red wine producers. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Southwest France resonates with the marvelous consequences of long-ago choices. Discover the Bordeaux wineries with Roman roots, Basque Country traditions and the living museum of Sarlat.




Highlights

• Explore the Dordogne Valley and the prehistoric cave paintings of Rouffignac and Lascaux II.
• Examine a complete retrospective of the works of Toulouse-Lautrec at the museum dedicated to him in Albi.
• Discover each region’s unique cultural, gastronomical and wine heritage in the Perigord, Basque County and Bordeaux.



Activity Particulars

Extensive walking on uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs sometimes without railings.




Date Specific Information

5-9-2013, 5-1-2014, 6-5-2014, 9-18-2014, 10-16-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-5-2013

This date includes 1 extra night in Sarlat.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrivals Bordeaux, 3 nights; coach to Bayonne, 3 nights; coach to Pau, 2 nights; coach to Toulouse, 2 nights; coach to Sarlat, 2 nights; coach to Bordeaux Airport, 1 night; departures.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Bordeaux
3 nights

Established under the Romans, Bordeaux is renowned as a region of wines. Lectures and excursions center on this historic, multi-faceted trade. Led by an oenologist, learn about Bordeaux’s vineyards and wine economics during visits to local wineries for private tastings. Explore historic Bordeaux, the Musée d'Aquitaine and the small village of Saint Emilion.



Coach to Bayonne
3 nights

Explore the French Basque Country from Bayonne. A lecture on the history and culture of Basque Country complements a visit to Ortillopitz, a restored Basque farmhouse. Imagine the 1660 wedding of Louis XIV and the Spanish crown princess, Marie-Thérèse, at the St. Jean Baptiste church.



Coach to Pau
2 nights

Explore the phenomena of religious pilgrimage at Lourdes. A local expert leads an excursion on foot through Pau, the birthplace of Henri IV, who was said to have been baptized with a drop of the Jurançon wine native to the region. View one of France’s most beautiful tapestry collections. Learn about agriculture in the Pyrenees.



Coach to Toulouse
2 nights

Learn about the region’s architectural splendors of the Middle Ages. Walk the historic streets of Toulouse to Saint-Sernin Basilica, the largest Romanesque church in Western Europe. Explore the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. Enjoy a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi and sample cassoulet.



Coach to Sarlat
2 nights
Coach to Bordeaux Airport
1 night
Departure

Sarlat, capital of the "black Perigord," – a reference to the dark foliage of the prevalent oak trees - is famous for its gastronomy and most particularly its foie gras and truffles. The region is also well-known for the prehistoric art adorning its caves. Experience both as you explore the Dordogne Valley and the cave paintings of Rouffignac and Lascaux. A lecture and a visit to Domme introduces the Bastides, the fortified towns of the 13th and 14th centuries.




France

The epicurious and the curious find much to admire in Western Europe’s largest nation, whose agricultural riches and terrain of beaches, mountains and fertile fields have drawn residents for thousands of years. The northern region hosts the nation’s Parisian capital, as well as unique Breton culture, while the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast sports the chic beach-goers and the terraced vineyards of the interior.
Accommodations
Bordeaux: Centrally located hotel in an 18th-century building. Bayonne: Comfortable hotel in the heart of the old town. Pau: Centrally located hotel. Toulouse: Hotel in the heart of Toulouse. Sarlat: Hotel with a beautiful garden and pool.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona
  Bordeaux, France 3 nights
   Best Western Le Grand Hotel
  Bayonne, France 3 nights
   Quality Hotel Pau Centre Bosquet
  Pau, France 2 nights
   Mercure Toulouse Saint Georges Hotel
  Toulouse, France 2 nights
   Hotel de Selves
  Sarlat, France 3 nights
   Mercure Bordeaux Aeroport Hotel
  Bordeaux, France 1 night
 Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Best Western Bordeaux Bayonne Etche-Ona is a charming boutique hotel, located in the very heart of Bordeaux. With its 18th century facades, this hotel has a unique configuration of two different locations within 40 meters away from each other, each providing you with exceptional living quarters, three conference rooms, a bar and lounge, and tramway access line B stop. The Grand Théatre is 50 meters away.
  Contact info: 15 cours de l'Intendance
Bordeaux,  33000 France
phone: +33 (0)5 56 48 00 88
web: http://www.bordeaux-hotel.com/
  Room amenities: An LCD TV and a minibar are in all of the rooms.
  Facility amenities: Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Elevator, Safe, Soundproof Rooms, Heating, Baggage Storage, All Spaces Non-Smoking (Public and Private), Air Conditioning, Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, Shoeshine, Fax/Photocopying, Concierge Service, Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBD Contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and bookings.
  Check in time: 1:00 PM

 Best Western Le Grand Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Best Western Le Grand Hotel is 5 km (3 miles) from the beaches of the Atlantic Coast, in the centre of Bayonne, a city with an impressive historical and cultural heritage. Entirely air-conditioned, this Best Western hotel features comfortable and elegant rooms fitted with modern facilities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access. The English-style pub proposes an elegant setting where you can relax and enjoy a drink.
  Contact info: 21 Rue Thiers
Bayonne,  64100 France
phone: +33 (0)5 59 59 62 00
web: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/FR/Bayonne-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-Le-Grand-Hotel/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=93280
  Room amenities: Cable satellite television, Hairdryer, Mini-bar available in some rooms, Iron, ironing board available on request, Dataports, Coffee/tea maker available on request, radio / alarm clock, High-speed Internet access Free, Desk/work area, Air-conditioning, self controlled, In-room safe.
  Facility amenities: Bar, 24-hour front desk, Newspapers, Elevator, Safety deposit box, Heating, Luggage storage, Non-smoking throughout, Air conditioning, Meeting/banquet facilities, Laundry, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Currency exchange, Fax/photocopying, Multilingual staff, Coffee shop, Free WiFi is available in all areas.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Quality Hotel Pau Centre Bosquet
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Family owned for three generations, the Quality Hotel Pau Centre Bosquet is located in the heart of Pau, a few minutes' walk from the historic Old Town and the Chateau of Pau.
  Contact info: 80, Rue Emile Garet
Pau,  64000 France
phone: +33 (0) 5 59 82 58 00
web: www.hotel-pau-centre.com/index.php
  Room amenities: 70 air-conditioned rooms with direct dial telephone, WiFi access, tea and coffee tray, cable television with English channel, minibar, private bathroom with bathtub or shower and hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Breakfast room, bar, fitness room and sauna.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Mercure Toulouse Saint Georges Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located in the historic center of Toulouse, Mercure Toulouse Saint Georges is just 165 ft from Place Wilson. The Saint Georges is near the Capitole (City Hall) and next to Jean Jaurés Metro station, which allows access to all of Toulouse.
  Contact info: rue Saint Jérome
Toulouse,  31000 France
phone: +33 (0)5 62 27 79 79
web: http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-0370-mercure-toulouse-saint-georges/index.shtml
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, Data port in room, Free in-room mineral water, Telephone, Radio, Opening windows, Wi-Fi, Room service, Satellite/cable color TV, Manual temperature control, Work desk, Hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-smoking, Elevator, Safe, Heating, Baggage Storage, Air Conditioning, Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Fax/Photocopying, Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel de Selves
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: This modern hotel features a heated pool, a sauna and large terrace. It is a 5-minute walk from the medieval town of Sarlat and the cultural center. A buffet breakfast is served daily at the Hotel De Selves. There is a bar with a piano that guests are allowed to play.
  Contact info: 93 Avenue de Selves
Sarlat,  24200 France
phone: +33 (0)5 53 31 50 00
web: www.selves-sarlat.com/
  Room amenities: Direct phone, alarm clock, private safe, mini bar and television. Guest rooms are decorated in soft pastel shades and most rooms feature a private balcony or terrace. Free Wi-Fi access is available in rooms and at the internet corner.
  Facility amenities: Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Grounds, Terrace, Elevator, Safe, Soundproof Rooms, Heating, All Spaces Non-Smoking (Public and Private), Air Conditioning, Sun Deck, Sauna, Fitness Center, Spa, Massage, Hot Tub, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool (All Year), Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, Fax/Photocopying, Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Mercure Bordeaux Aeroport Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The Mercure Bordeaux Aeroport Hotel is located at Merignac airport and just 10 minutes from the center of Bordeaux.
  Contact info: 1 avenue Charles Lindbergh
Merignac,  33700 France
phone: +33 (0)5 56 34 74 74
web: www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-1508-mercure-bordeaux-aeroport/index.shtml
  Room amenities: Each room at the Mercure Bordeaux Aeroport is decorated in a contemporary style and equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms also include telephone, radio, hairdryer, free wifi, minibar, and airconditioning.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Elevator, Safe, Soundproof Rooms, Heating, Baggage Storage, All Spaces Non-Smoking (Public and Private), Air Conditioning, Restaurant With Dining Menu, Buffet-Style Restaurant, Pool Table, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Free Airport Shuttle, Business Center, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Souvenir/Gift Shop, Fax/Photocopying, Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
The program begins with Orientation 5:00 p.m. at the hotel in Bordeaux. You will be staying at Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends after breakfast on the last day. You will be staying at Mercure Bordeaux Aeroport Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: High Speed trains from Paris Montparnasse Station to Bordeaux St. Jean station operate multiple times daily. Travel time is 3.25 - 3.75 hours and fare varies.
To Start of Program
  Location:  In flight
  Transportation to site: Independent travelers can get to the Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche-Ona by the Air France shuttle at the airport. Ticket price is 8 euros. Get off the shuttle at the Alles de Tourny stop by the Office du Tourisme/Place de la Comedie. The hotel is only 2 minutes walk from there. Taxis are also available from the airport and cost approximately 50 euros to get to the hotel.
  From End of Program
  Location: In flight
  Transportation from site: A free airport shuttle service is available at the Mercure Bordeaux Aroport Hotel.
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart on Overnight Flights to France
(Thursday, May 9)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight

Day 2: Arrival in Bordeaux
(Friday, May 10)

Note: The hotel is located in a narrow historic street therefore the motorcoach drop off point is 300 feet from the hotel entrance. Luggage in and out of the hotel is handled by porters.
   
 Afternoon: Group transfer from Bordeaux Mérignac Airport to the hotel in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic center. Introduction to the program with a welcome meeting.
 Dinner: In a local restaurant within walking distance.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Bordeaux: History and the Wine Trade
(Saturday, May 11)

Note: Walking and standing on cobblestone streets in the historic district. Use public transportation. Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day with frequent stops. Walking and standing in the museum.
   
 Breakfast: Expanded Continental breakfast in the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: LECTURE: "Introduction to Bordeaux". FIELD TRIP on foot through Bordeaux’s historic center, including Saint-André Cathedral, a UNESCO listed monument. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: Taste the famous “canelets” the signature pastry of Bordeaux.
 Lunch: Continue to the Chartrons district, home of Bordeaux’s great wine families, to learn about the importance of the wine trade at the Wine Museum, with a wine tasting and lunch featuring local products.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP to Museum of Aquitaine, for an overview of the history of Bordeaux and its region.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Bordeaux’s Wine Region: The Chateaux, Villages and Vineyards of Medoc and St. Emilion
(Sunday, May 12)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles over the course of the day with frequent stops. Walking and standing on visit of Saint Emilion.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FULL DAY FIELD TRIP: Depart by private motorcoach to the Medoc and Saint-Emilion wine regions. LECTURE (on coach /on site): “Bordeaux wines: History and economic impact on the region” HANDS ON EXPERIENCE: wine tasting in a chateau of the Medoc region.
 Lunch: At a chateau.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Continue to Saint-Emilion, to explore the underground cathedral carved deep into the limestone. Enjoy some free time in the village. Return to Bordeaux.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare
   
Accommodations: Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Bayonne, the Capital of Basque Country
(Monday, May 13)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking and standing on cobblestones and paved streets in the historic center of Bayonne for 1.5 hours. Walking and standing at chocolate tasting.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: Departure by coach to Bayonne, Capital of the French Basque Country. LECTURE “Basque Country and Culture”. FIELD TRIP on foot of the medieval district of Bayonne. Discover the cathedral, the city’s fortifications and its timbered houses.
 Lunch: In a restaurant in Bayonne’s Old Town.
 Afternoon: ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: Learn why chocolate is important to Bayonne’s history at the workshop of an artisanal chocolate maker, complete with tasting.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Le Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Basque Villages and Their Traditions
(Tuesday, May 14)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking and standing on cobblestones and paved streets during visit of St Jean Pied de Port.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FULL DAY FIELD TRIP: Depart Bayonne by coach along the pilgrimage route of Saint James of Compostela, to the village of St. Jean Pied de Port. LECTURE en route: “The Phenomena of Religious Pilgrimage in the Middle Ages” Explore the village with your Study Leader.
 Lunch: Enjoy typical Basque cuisine.
 Afternoon: LECTURE en route: “The Spanish Basque people" Travel along the Nivelle Valley to the village of Espelette, famous for its peppers and to Aïnhoa, a “bastide” dating from the 17th century. Continue to the village of Sare and explore Ortillopitz, a restored Basque house that is a fine example of the typical ancestral farmhouses that are the pillars of traditional Basque culture. Return to Bayonne.
 Dinner: In a local restaurant.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a private performance of traditional Basque folkdances.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Le Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: The Seaside Resorts of European Aristocracy: Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz
(Wednesday, May 15)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking and standing on cobblestones and paved streets during visit of Saint Jean de Luz.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FULL DAY FIELD TRIP: Departure by coach to Saint Jean de Luz, a seaside resort on the Atlantic Coast. Visit St Jean-Baptiste church where Louis XIV and the Spanish Crown Princess, Marie Thérèse were married in 1660. Explore the old port and the narrow streets where you might happen upon a fish auction, the Basque game of “pelota” - also known as jai alai – or the passionate fandango dance.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: Continue to Biarritz, made fashionable as the resort of the Spanish nobility. Stroll at your leisure to enjoy the magnificent setting; the rocky cliffs and seaside promenade. Return to Bayonne.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Le Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: The Foothills of the Pyrenees: Lourdes and Pau
(Thursday, May 16)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking and standing for up to 3 miles over the course of the day. Walking and standing on cobble stone and paved streets.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: Depart to Lourdes. LECTURE en route: “The Story of Lourdes ”. EXCURSION: Explore the Domain; the Sanctuary and Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes independently.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue to Pau. FIELD TRIP on foot through the center of Pau. Visit Pau castle, the birthplace of Henri IV (1553), which holds one of France’s most beautiful tapestry collections, and take in the panoramic views of the Pyrenees mountains as you learn how the city became prized as the tranquil winter resort of the British in the 19th century.
 Dinner: Enjoy a traditional “Poule au pot” the dish of Henri IV, accompanied by Jurancon wine.
   
Accommodations: Quality Hotel Pau Centre Bosquet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Pastoral Life in the Pyrenees Mountains
(Friday, May 17)

Note: Full Day Field Trip by motorcoach with stops en route.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FULL DAY FIELD TRIP: Set out for the glaciated valley s and terraced fields of the Pyrenees National Park. LECTURE en route discusses the “People and pastoral life in the Bearn Region”, the largest of the formerly independent Pyrenees states.
 Lunch: At a typical auberge, serving the traditional soup, “garbure,” a stew of ham with cabbage and other vegetables, usually with cheese and stale bread added. It was the daily sustenance of Gascon peasants.
 Afternoon: In the village of Lourdios-Ichère, visit the eco museum, which presents agriculture today, the movement of cattle from the plains to the mountain, collecting ferns, sheep shearing, the choice of bells. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY : Meet a nomadic shepherd and a sedentary farmer. Return to Pau .
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Quality Hotel Pau Centre Bosquet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Toulouse, Historic Capitol of the Languedoc and Occitania
(Saturday, May 18)

Note: Walking and standing on Toulouse visit, 2 hours. The hotel is located in a pedestrian area therefore the motorcoach drop off point is 600 feet from the hotel entrance. Luggage in and out of the hotel is handled by porters. The walkway is paved and there is a ramp.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: Departure by coach to Toulouse. FIELD TRIP on foot of the historic center of Toulouse: to Saint Sernin Basilica, the largest Romanesque church in Western Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the City Hall located within the “Capitole”- referring to Toulouse’s role as a capitol of the Roman Empire as well as the governing magistrates - with its incomparable facades blending brick and stone, its medieval Henry IV courtyard and its magnificent “Salle des Illustres”, housing 19th century works of art. Continue to the church and cloister of the Jacobins, forming one of the most complete group of monastic structures in France; and the 16th century Bernuy Mansion, whose octagonal staircase tower is the highest in the city.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: LECTURE: “Introduction to the Languedoc region: Occitan people, land and culture.”
 Dinner: ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: Enjoy Toulouse-style Cassoulet, a slow-cooked casserole containing meat (typically pork sausages, goose, duck and sometimes mutton) and white navy beans. The dish is named after its traditional cooking vessel, the cassole, a deep, round, earthenware pot with slanting sides.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Toulouse Saint Georges Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: The Toulouse Lautrec Museum of Albi and the UNESCO City of Carcassonne
(Sunday, May 19)

Note: One hour drive Toulouse-Albi. Walking and standiing in the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, two hours. Two-hour drive Albi-Carcassonne. Carcassonne is a walled medieval city with only pedestrian access. There is a slight incline from the entrance gate to the chateau.Walking on stone payment. One hour drive Carcassonne - Toulouse. This is a necessarily long day that allows the visit to both the museum in Albi and to Carcassonne.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP to examine the complete retrospective of the works of Toulouse-Lautrec at the museum dedicated to him in Albi
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continue to the walled medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Individual audio-guides are provided to explore the chateau at your leisure.
 Dinner: Light dinner in Carcassonne.
 Evening: Return to Toulouse.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Toulouse Saint Georges Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Rocamadour
(Monday, May 20)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Rocamadour is built into the side of a cliff. Some stairs may be avoided by using the escalator, however there are many steps throughout the village that are unavoidable. Most of the village is pedestrian only.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: Departure by coach to Sarlat, in the Dordogne region. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: taste locally-made cheese.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION to Rocamadour, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of medieval times. The charming village sits perched on the rugged face of a cliff rising 492 feet above the Alzou Canyon. Follow the path of pilgrims on the Great Stairway or stroll the narrow, pedestrian-only streets. Free Time in Rocamadour. Continue to Sarlat-le-Caneda, in the heart of the “black” Perigord, a reference to the dark foliage of the trees that cover the region.
 Dinner: In a nearby restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel de Selves
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Lascaux II and Prehistoric Art of the Perigord
(Tuesday, May 21)

Note: Travel by motorcoach. Walking and standing for up to 2 hours. The Lascaux II cave is a reconstruction and the walking surface is paved and mostly flat. Walking and standing for 1 hour on the visit of Sarlat by night.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FULL DAY FIELD TRIP: Depart to the replica of the famous prehistoric cave, Lascaux II. LECTURE en route: “Prehistoric Art in the Perigord.” Continue to Les Eyzies, along the Vezere valley.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Discover the Cave of Rouffignac "Cave of a Hundred Mammoths" on an electric train ride through the caverns and view the more than 250 animal figure etchings that are scattered in this underground maze, made over 140 centuries ago. Return to Sarlat.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: FIELD TRIP: Walking exploration of Sarlat at night, when the picturesque stone streets and buildings are illuminated.
   
Accommodations: Hotel de Selves
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: The Dordogne Valley; Regional Gourmet Specialties and Medieval Bastides
(Wednesday, May 22)

Note: Travel by motorcoach on a full day excursion with multiple stops en route.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: Wednesday is market day in Sarlat. Take some time at leisure to experience the open air market that occupies the main squares of the town. FIELD TRIP: Departure by coach to Vitrac, a charming village along the Dordogne River.
 Lunch: Enjoy a gourmet experience of the tastes of the Perigord with a cooking demonstration at the chef-owned La Treille Restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continue to Domme, a typical “bastide” from the 13th Century and medieval village, overlooking the Dordogne Valley. LECTURE en route: “Introduction to Bastides”. Continue through the Dordogne valley to La Roque Gageac, a scenic town set in the cliffs dropping to the banks of the Dordogne River. EXCURSION: Meet a truffle hunter and discover the secrets of truffles, a product famous in the gastronomy of the Perigord Region, and taste the “Black Diamond”. Return to Sarlat.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner in a wine bar restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel de Selves
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: The National Prehistory Museum and Return to Bordeaux
(Thursday, May 23)

Note: Walking and standing in the museum at your own pace. Travel by motorcoach.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: At the National Prehistory Museum of France, view the largest Paleolithic collection from prehistoric sites in the Vézère valley on a self-guided visit.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continue the return drive to Bordeaux Martignac Airport, with final discussions en route to summarize all that we’ve experienced, tasted and learned.
 Dinner: In the hotel restaurant. End of Program.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Bordeaux Aeroport Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Departure
(Friday, May 24)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel breakfast room.
 Morning: The hotel operates a complimentary shuttle to the airport terminals.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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Aquitaine Map 524


Author: Michelin


Description: A regional map of the Aquitaine region from Arcachon south to Pamplona, including Bordeaux and Biarritz, at a scale of 1:200,000.



At Home in France


Author: Ann Barry


Description: Subtitled "Tales of an American and Her House Abroad," this account of life in a small village in southwestern France is shot through with Barry's irony and New York outlook on life.



Bordeaux Wine Region Map


Author: IGN


Description: A regional map of Bordeaux, shown at a scale of 1:250,000.



Cathedrals and Castles, The Cathedral Builders of the Middle Ages


Author: Alain Erlande-Brandenburg


Description: This pocket-size encyclopedia of the art, architecture and culture of the Middle Ages features hundreds of drawings, color illustrations and a brief chronology.



Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings


Author: Amy Kelly


Description: A spirited, meticulously researched chronicle that recreates the life and world of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 12th-century Europe. A Harvard University Press Classic, first published in 1950.



Insight Guide Southwest France


Author: Insight Guides


Description: An illustrated guide to Southwest France from Bordeaux to the Pyrenees, Dordogne and Mediterranean coast.



Lonely Planet French Phrasebook


Author: Marie-Helene Girard, Anny Monet


Description: This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.



Midi Pyrenees Map 525


Author: Michelin Travel Publications


Description: A nicely detailed (1:200,000), frequently updated regional map of the central Pyrenees, centered on Toulouse.



Paris to the Pyrenees, A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Way of Saint James


Author: David Downie


Description: As much a meditation on history and on what it means to be French as a traveler's account (though it has that too), David Downie's spirited book is haunted by the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix (say that 10 times fast!) and the Gallo-Roman forbears of modern France. On ancient trails through the forests of the rugged Morvan, they continue across the celebrated wine country of Burgundy and the centuries-old Via Podiensis on the Way of Saint James.



The Basque History of the World


Author: Mark Kurlansky


Description: Popular author Mark Kurlansky offers an engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque Land, discussing everything from language to culinary heritage and seafaring traditions.



The Cave Painters


Author: Gregory Curtis


Description: In this tale of art, paleontology and discovery, Curtis introduces the masterworks of cave art in France and Spain, visiting Altamira, Lascaux, Les Trois-Freres, Cosquer, Chauvet and others.



The Road from the Past, Traveling through History in France


Author: Ina Caro


Description: Time travel through France by way of its finest castles, chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. This unusual travelogue is an invaluable companion for traveling in Paris, southern France, the Dordogne and the Loire Valley, combining personal observation with large doses of well-presented history.



Timeline


Author: Michael Crichton


Description: Crichton's blockbuster fantasy combines time travel and adventures in Medieval France. A fast-paced, remarkably well-researched introduction to 14th-century Dordogne and Perigord.



Wine and War, The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure


Author: Donald Kladstrup


Description: This thrilling account of how the vinters of France saved their crops -- and their bottles -- as the Nazis approached shows that to be French is not just to fight for your country but also for your wine. Kladtsrub, who writes for Wine Spectator, and his wife Peatie, the authors focus on the activities of five winemaking families in Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.





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