ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL
SMALL GROUP: from 5 to 15 people
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE: from 5 participants
LENGTH: 8 days – 7 nights
7 breakfasts – 2 lunches – 4 picnics – 6 dinners
HIKING LEVEL: EASY to MODERATE – Few changes in altitude.
ALL INCLUSIVE tour accompanied by French speaking guides.
ADD TO THIS ONE WEEK STAY IN THE REGION A FEW DAYS IN A BIG CITY TO COMPLETE YOUR TRIP IN FRANCE (ON REQUEST).
For one week, let yourself be lulled by the rhythm of life of the Gascons, enjoy a world-renowned gastronomy and the charm of bastides and villages steeped in history. A stay in a charming hotel allowing you to live every moment in one of the most beautiful regions of France!
Attention : Direct flights from/to Canada are only available on certain days of the week to this destination.
Reservations for flights and transfers (trains) to and from TARBES according to your choice of dates and destinations.
FRIDAY – Departure from Montréal or other Canadian airport.
DAY 1 (SATURDAY) : TARBES (France)
Arrival in Tarbes and drop off at hotel. As the tour starts on Sunday, this night is essential to be ready for the departure of the next day at 1 pm. Dinner on your own.
DAY 2 (SUNDAY) : TARBES – AUCH
Meeting at 1 pm in front of TARBES train station and transfer to AUCH for a visit of the historical capital of Gascony, rich in a magnificent heritage: the Sainte-Marie cathedral and the “pousterle”, the very narrow medieval streets of the old town. Dinner and accommodation in a symbolic establishment where the famous “magret de canard” was invented in 1959.
Transfer: 1 hr
DAY 3 (MONDAY) : AUCH – LAVARDENS – VALENCE SUR BAÏSE
Towards LAVARDENS, classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, visit of the village and its impressive castle which overlooks the valley. Dinner at a farmhouse. Transfer to VALENCE SUR BAÏSE for 5 nights, in a charming establishment, for a total immersion in Gascony. Supper.
Distance: 10 km – Duration: 3 hrs – Transfer: 30 mins
DAY 4 (TUESDAY) : BOUCLE DES CHÂTEAUX GASCONS – ABBAYE DE FLARAN
Departure from the hotel for a loop tour where several Gascon castles are to be found along the way and especially, the highlight of the tour, the Abbey of Flaran with a beautiful visit of this magnificent Cistercian building built in 1151. On the way back to the hotel, we will visit a real Gascon black pig farm, a species recently saved from extinction. Dinner.
Distance : 15 km – Duration: 4 h – Transfer: 20 min.
DAY 5 (WEDNESDAY) : VALENCE SUR BAÏSE – CONDOM – VALENCE SUR BAÏSE
Transfer to CONDOM, symbolic city where the famous movie “Happiness is in the meadow” was filmed, then loop on the hillsides in wine landscapes and stop at LARESSINGLE, small city nicknamed “The Carcassonne of the Gers”: undoubtedly a highlight of the day. On the way back to the hotel, visit of an authentic Armagnac producing estate, jewel of the local culture. Dinner.
Distance: 14 km – Duration: 3.5 hrs – Transfer: 40 mins.
DAY 6 (THURSDAY) : VALENCE SUR BAÏSE – LECTOURE – VALENCE SUR BAÏSE
Another loop hike with a transfer to LECTOURE, a spa town classified among the “100 Most Beautiful Detours of France”: a more than ancient city with an occupation going back to prehistory and the Gallo-Roman era. This bastide is marked by the imprint of the centuries and will reveal its most beautiful secrets. Return to the hotel. Dinner.
Distance: 9 km – Duration: 3 h – Transfer: 1 hr
DAY 7 (FRIDAY) : VALENCE SUR BAÏSE – SAINT PUY – VALENCE SUR BAÏSE
Transfer to SAINT-PUY where a farm will show you the behind-the-scenes gastronomy of the Gers: foie gras, duck breast, confits, that you will taste during an authentic meal in this farm inn! After a little digestive stroll, return to our hotel for a final delicious evening. An absolutely magical day! Dinner.
Transfer: 30 mins.
DAY 8 (SATURDAY) :
After lunch, transfer to TARBES (SNCF train station) in the morning.
Arrival in TARBES around noon – End of the stay.
SUGGESTION :
At the end of this week-long regional trip, why not plan a few days to discover one or two major cities before returning to Canada?
From TARBES, you are 2-3 hours by train from TOULOUSE and BORDEAUX, two regional capitals worth a visit and airports with direct return flights to Montreal on certain weekdays. A LA CARTE program upon request.
* Stay “à la carte” and on request. Take advantage of our experience and advice.
www.nicolevoyage.com 450-455-0991 Toll Free: 1-877-455-0991
www.euro-rando.com 514-386-1704
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