Featuring Mediaeval France, the Mountains, the TGV & Paris
15 Nights in France

This 15 night program takes us from the mediaeval heartland of France to the majestic mountains of the Auvergne and the Alps. We commence in the Vienne (within the Poitou region) where we experience outstanding Romanesque architecture, typically charming villages, the porcelain producing city of Limoges and historic Poitiers. We then experience the dramatic mountain range of the Massif Central which stretches across the south of France from the rich fertile plains of the Perigord to the mighty, navigable River Rhone. It is a land of crater lakes, hot springs and volcanic peaks, rich in history, with numerous medieval castles which pay testament to the fierce contests between French and English during the 100 Years War and the routes of pilgrims seeking salvation at Santiago di Compostela. We then climb into Alpine France and the Hautes-Alpes, a highland area rich in magnificent lakes and mountain scenery dotted with typical alpine villages. We board the TGV, France's High Speed Train, to traverse the French countryside to Paris where the program ends.

Not only will we experience the best of these fascinating regions, as we explore "real France" but we will experience accommodation in VALVVF centres, which include private facilities and full board with authentic French cuisine and wine with meals! The arrangement of chalets means that in most centres, 2 people can share a "gîte", each benefiting from his or her own bedroom with a shared bathroom. Single travellers may share a "gîte" with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom so that we can offer unlimited singles at no single supplement!.

Itinerary at a Glance
Site / # Nights

• Ex Australia/New Zealand - 1, Paris - 1, Vienne La Bussiere - 4, Correze Abeille - 4, Hautes Alpes Chorges - 4, Paris - 1, Program ends in Paris prior to boarding your return flight to Australia/New Zealand.

Program Includes

• Return economy class international airfare.
• Departure taxes applicable to the standard itinerary.
• 12 nights Val Villages accommodation throughout France.
• Typical local breakfasts, lunches and dinners in Val Villages.
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Paris in en-suite share twin rooms.
• Typical local breakfasts and welcome dinner in Paris.
• Transport, lectures, and field trips as indicated.
• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Services of a study / group leader.
• Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
• Gratuities and necessary tips.
• Detailed Program Information Booklet.

Program Excludes

• Lunches and 1 dinner in Paris as well as lunches on days traveling between VALVVF villages.
• Items of a personal nature.