FRANCE From Paris to Biarritz in 15 days
FRANCE
From Paris to Biarritz Heather and Peter Wood will host this special golf and sightseeing trip to France. The group gathers in Paris and immediately heads south to Fontainebleau where we have two full days to play golf, visit palaces and artist’s villages, and explore the town. We then head to the beautiful Loire Valley, famous for its Chateaux, landscapes, food and wine. Over two days we play golf, visit the most stunning Chateaux in France and explore the historic towns along the river. We travel further south to the famous Dordogne Valley, stopping at the most visited tourist site in France, Rocamadour. Four nights are spent relaxing at Chateau des Vigiers, giving us ample time to tour the Dordogne Valley, play golf, have spa treatments, go shopping at the local markets and indulge in the best French food and wine the region offers. We then travel west to Bordeaux, stopping on the way at the charming village of Saint Emillion and are special guests at a new golf course development. The day ends with a guided tour of Bordeaux and some shopping. A short drive north of Bordeaux brings us to the region of Medoc, the home of the classic Bordeaux wines. We stay two nights in the heart of this region playing golf and sampling the wines. We the head south to Biarritz, where we play golf on some of the best courses in France, enjoy the beaches and make a quick trip to Spain to indulge in the local food. The trip concludes with a farewell dinner.
FONTAINEBLEAU
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE Meet in central Paris midday and board our luxury tour bus. Travel one-hour south to Fontainebleau. On the way we stop at the charming village of Barbizon, located close to Fontainebleau. Painters such as Monet came to Barbizon and founded the Barbizon school, which paved the way for Impressionism. More than a hundred artists contributed to the fame of the village, which is today renowned as cradle of landscape painting in France. Accommodation: Aigle Noir Hotel Fontainebleau (3 nights)
Fontainebleau Palace
FONTAINEBLEAU
DAY TWO SUNDAY 21ST JUNE SIGHTSEEING Chateau de Fontainebleau: Fontainebleau has been the home of kings of France’s for centuries. The State apartments of the sovereigns evoke the sumptuousness of the Court of France, and include the private apartment of Napoleon Bonaparte, which was converted for the Emperor. The spectacular forest setting and gardens are charming.
Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte
Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte: A short distance away is the château of Vaux le Vicomte, the largest privately owned castle in France. It is an architectural and decorative masterpiece. The entire edifice is dazzling in elegance, refinement and, above all, in sheer size. Its garden is designed around a perspective of over 3 kilometres and covers over 40 hectares
FONTAINEBLEAU
Fontainebleau Clubhouse
LOIRE VALLEY
DAY FOUR: TUESDAY 23RD JUNE Travel 40 minutes to the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley is renowned for its sumptuous Chateaux and the glorious valley of the Loire. The valley is now classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is rich in both history and architecture, with sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscapes and magnificent food and wine. SIGHTSEEING A day spent visiting the magnificent Chateaux that have been built along the Loire Valley. We visit Chambord and Chenonceau, the two greatest renaissance chateaux, which are resplendent amid vast hunting forests and waterways. There is time to explore the historic towns of Amboise and Blois, visit the Blois Palace and enjoy the local fine cuisine, shops and markets. ACCOMMODATION: Chateau D’Artigny (two nights)
Chenonceau Chateau
LOIRE VALLEY DAY FIVE: WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE GOLF: Les Aisses Golf Course Located in the heart of the Sologne forest, Les Aisses is a 27-hole international class golf course set in magnificent oak, pine, and silver birch woods. In addition to the serenity of this place, visitors will enjoy the diversity of this challenging course, which offers a remarkable combination of huge bunkers and water hazards along the fairways. In the afternoon we can explore more of the Loire Valley.
Kinloch
DORDOGNE VALLEY
DAY SIX: THURSDAY 25TH JUNE Travel 4 hours south to Rocamadour in the Dordogne Valley. We stop for lunch and sightseeing at Rocamadour. The site of the town of Rocamadour on a rocky plateau above the Alzou valley is phenomenal. The exquisite natural setting and beautiful buildings have made Rocamadour France's second most visited site (after Mount St. Michael, Normandy). Rocamadour never fails to make a visual impression. But this quaint village is best known for its peerless cheese making (renowned for it cheese “cabecou of Rocamadour�) as well as the religious pilgrimages made each year by clerics and laypeople alike.
We then continue on to Chateau Des Vigiers (two hours), located near Bergerac. ACCOMMODATION: Chateau Des Vigiers (four nights)
Rocamadour Cheese
CHATEAU DES VIGIERS
Our four-day package at Chateau Des Vigiers includes: Deluxe accommodation in a spacious 16 th Century Chateau room, decorated in French country style. Buffet breakfast daily One Gourmet Dinner in the Michelin star restaurant (3 courses) One Decouverte (degustation) Dinner with wine pairing in Michelin Star restaurant (5 courses including wine pairings) A choice of unlimited golf or a 90-minute daily spa treatment. Free wine tasting and access to well being facilities.
DORDOGNE VALLEY
DAY SEVEN: FRIDAY 26TH JUNE GOLF: Ch창teau des Vigiers Golf Course Les Vigiers golf course carves its way through the working plum orchards, vineyards, lake and oak woods surrounding the Ch창teau. The course is ideal for recreational golfing. The 9 th and 18th holes present interesting challenges avoiding the water hazards on one side and the Ch창teau on the other. Donald Steel, the course architect, considers the 18 th hole as one of the best he ever designed in terms of strategy and setting. In 2008, Ch창teau des Vigiers has opened a new 9 holes layout, and now features 27 holes offering 3 combinations of 18 holes. In the afternoon enjoy a spa treatment.
DORDOGNE VALLEY DAY EIGHT SATURDAY 27TH JUNE In the morning we visit the nearby town of Bergerac and spend time at the local market. Bergerac is found on the northern bank of the Dordogne River, in the western part of the Dordogne area. It is among the largest towns in the region. The highlight of a trip to Bergerac is the old town. This part of the town has some lovely streets and squares to explore, and a variety of boutique type shops. There are also several restaurants in 'old-town' Bergerac among the attractive medieval half-timbered streets, and some open-air cafes where you can pass a very pleasant hour just watching people going about their business.
In the afternoon relax at des Vigiers, enjoy a spa treatment, do some wine tasting or play some golf.
DORDOGNE VALLEY
SUNDAY 28THTH JUNE DAY NINE: SIGHTSEEING THE DORDOGNE VALLEY These are some of the many highlights of the Dordogne Valley region. Beynac Is a French medieval village perched on a rock. It is famous for its castle, conquered by Richard Lionheart’s men and then conquered and rebuilt by the French. Sarlat became a prosperous city at the end of the VIII century when the Benedictines established a monastery there, Sarlat is characterized by its rich architecture, inherited over centuries, that can be admired throughout beautiful and numerous narrow streets La Roque Gageac (the most beautiful village of the Dordogne) is 8 km south of Sarlat, on the Dordogne River. La Roque-Gageac is in a magnificent location with little more than a row of riverside houses squeezed between the Dordogne river in front, and sheltered below the overhanging cliffs behind. It is truly a 'picture postcard' village. Les Eyzies is in the heart of the Vézère Valley. Les Eyzies’ cliffs shelter numerous prehistoric sites dominating the Vézère River. The city is renowned for an abundance of archaeological wealth and its cliffs of numerous underground caves. Optional Half Day Canoe Ride down the Dordogne The geographic situation of Beynac and La Roque Gageac is perfect for a half day drifting down the Dordogne River in a canoe. Glide gently pass small villages and see beautiful sections of the river that are not visible from elsewhere.
SAINT EMILLION - BORDEAUX DAY TEN:
Saint Emillion
MONDAY 29TH JUNE We travel to the medieval town of Saint-Emillion. 50kms Saint-Emillion Golf Course Here we have the special opportunity to visit the new St Emillion Golf Course designed by Tom Doak. We will enjoy the privilege of meeting the owners and having a personal guided tour of this new course as it nears completion. Saint-Emillion Town (Guided Tour) Saint-Emilion is located in a natural setting of utmost beauty. This medieval town stands proudly at the top of the hill overlooking the worldwide renowned Saint-Emilion vineyards and is the ideal place for wine tasting and shopping. Wine Tasting at Chateau Figeac Figeac is a very ancient estate, going back at least as far as the 2nd century AD. Figeac continues to be the largest estate in the commune of SaintEmilion, with 40 hectares of vines located in an area often referred to as "Graves de Saint-Emilion�
In the afternoon we have a short-guided tour of Bordeaux, followed by some free time for shopping. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel de Sèze Bordeaux one night
MEDOC- BORDEAUX
DAY ELEVEN TUESDAY 30TH JUNE Travel north 40 minutes to the Medoc district of Bordeaux, home to the quintessential Bordeaux wine. Set amid coastal lagoons, sand dunes and pine forests, it is home to the world's most prestigious wine villages and the chateaux located in these villages, produce some of the world's most expensive wines. GOLF: Médoc Golf Course Les Vignes Classed among the top 15 golf courses in continental Europe, the Golf du Médoc offers golf lovers two superbly well designed courses. Designed by Rod Whitman, Medoc les Vignes course is set in a typically regional landscape where the beauty of the moors and of the maritime pines serve to enhance the architect’s design. WINE TASTING: Château Pichon Longueville (Grand Cru Classé de Medoc). ACCOMMODATION: MEDOC HOTEL DU GOLF (two nights)
MEDOC- BORDEAUX
DAY TWELVE WEDNESDAY 1st JULY GOLF: Médoc Golf Course Les Châteaux Site of the French open in 1999 (European PGA Tour), Medoc les Châteaux Golf Course corresponds to the pure tradition of Scottish links. Wide fairways bordered by heather, gorse, and broom, entice golfers into the delights of carefully preserved nature. The fast greens, the influence of winds from the Atlantic ocean, and the technical difficulties of the layout go to make this championship course a constant challenge. The course was designed by renowned architect Bill Coore. WINE TASTING: Château Palmer.
BIARRITZ
DAY THIRTEEN: THURSDAY 2 ND JULY Travel to Biarritz (2 hours) GOLF: Hossegor Golf Course Set in the pine forest within a mile of the ocean, Hossegor is one of the most beautiful golf courses in France with a typical British design by the famous Tim Morrison. On this natural landscape made for golf, each hole is bordered on both sides by a large variety of trees requiring straight and precise shots, especially on the long doglegs par 4. ACCOMMODATION: Mercure Regina Hotel with ocean view (two nights) After freshening up we travel 40 minutes south to the coastal town of San Sebastian in Spain. GUIDED CULINARY TOUR: We discover the beautiful, coastal city of San Sebastian and take a guided tour of the best Pintxos (tapas) Bars in San Sebastian.
BIARRITZ
DAY FOURTEEN: FRIDAY 3RD JULY GOLF: Chiberta Golf Course Designed by the most famous British golf architect, Tom Simpson (working under the orders of his employer, the Duke of Windsor) Chiberta is an international class golf course rated amongst the top ten in France. With 6 holes along the ocean border, and 12 in the pine forest, this course does not have two holes alike. When the ocean winds blow on Chiberta, it is essential to know how to work the ball (the priority is to keep the ball in the game as on the famous Scottish links), and players with a tight short game will probably stand out. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or go sightseeing and shopping in Biarritz. Farewell dinner in Biarritz.
ACCOMMODATION Aigle Noir Hotel, Fontainebleau (three nights) Located in the heart of imperial city in front of the palace of Fontainebleau, Aigle Noir Hotel is a former private mansion of the 17th century, and nowadays a 3 star hotel combining tradition and refinement. This elegant property with its unique character has lodged members of the nobility and the people of the court who accompanied the kings and queens during their visits to Fontainebleau. The 53 rooms are all decorated individually in a predominantly Empire style, and all have modern equipment.
Château D’Artigny (two nights) Chateau D’Artigny is an 18th century-style castle located in the heart of the Loire Valley, 15 km from Tours. It offers luxury accommodation with a spa, pool and gastronomic restaurant. Set within a 25 hectare park, guest rooms are situated in the castle, the Ariane Pavillion or the Frangrance House. They have fine antique furnishings. The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet regional cuisine using locally-sourced produce. Guests have access to Chateau D’Artigny’s spa facilities, including a sauna, hot tub and hamman. Chateau D'Artigny offers cooking classes and wine tasting, as well as a range of beauty treatments.
ACCOMMODATION Chateau Des Vigiers (four nights) Locally known as “Little Versailles”, the Château des Vigiers has been tastefully restored in French country-house style and is surrounded by its own vineyards and 18-hole golf course. Exposed beams and the stonework create a charming ambiance, enhanced by one of the best gourmet restaurants in the area.
Hotel de Sèze Bordeaux (one night) Hotel de Sèze is a charming four-star boutique hotel designed as an elegant house of the eighteenth century. Ideally located in the heart of Bordeaux, a few steps from Grand Theatre, main restaurants and shops. The hotel features 55 rooms that are harmoniously decorated in the sprit of the eighteenth century with exclusive furniture.
ACCOMMODATION Medoc Hotel du Golf (two nights) Located in the heart of the Medoc vineyards, Medoc Hotel du Golf is the perfect place to stay for golfers. Includes all modern facilities, swimming pool, spa, massages, restaurant, and the 2 famous Medoc golf courses on site. This comfortable four-star hotel also offers some wine tasting experience. It is ideal for avid golfers who are wine amateurs.
Mercure Regina Hotel with ocean view (two nights) Hotel Mercure Regina is a charming and comfortable 4 star hotel overlooking the Bay of Biarritz, ideally located 300 meters from the Thalassa Sea & Spa and 600 meters from the city centre. The hotel boasts 66 rooms in a traditional design, with views over the sea, pool or golf course, and features outdoor heated freshwater swimming pool. The restaurant serves local cuisine in grand surroundings at the "Jardins de l'OcÊan�
PACKAGE PRICE FRANCE 15 DAYS PARIS TO BIARRITZ Trip Package $8399 AUD* per person, twin share Deposit $1950 AUD *Note: currency fluctuations will alter the price in AUD. What’s included : 14 nights accommodation – 3 nights Aigle Noir Hotel Fontainebleau classic room, 2 nights Chateau d”Artigny superior room, 4 nights Chateau de Vigiers deluxe Chateau Room with wine and gastronomy, golf or spa package, 1 night Hotel de Seze Bordeaux superior room, 2 nights Medoc de Golf Hotel, 2 nights Mercure Regina Hotel Biarritz superior ocean view Green fees for 7 rounds of golf at: Fontainebleau GC, Les Aisses GC, Chateau De Vigiers GC, Medoc Les Vignes, Medoc les Chateuax, Hossegor GC, Chiberta GC. Daily breakfasts Three dinners. (Gourmet and degustation dinner at Chateau de Vigiers, farewell dinner at Biarritz) Unlimited golf or 90 minute daily spa treatments at Chateau de Vigiers Three wine tasting visits All transfers by private air-conditioned coach, as per itinerary Privately guided sightseeing tours to Loire Valley Castles Chenonceau and Cheverny, Saint Emillion, Bordeaux and San Sebastian, as described in itinerary Entrance tickets to Loire Valley castles Chenonceau and Chiverny, and Saint Emillion monument. Tapas tour in San Sebastian (guide included, tapas not included) Local knowledge and support through trip. Local taxes Tour golf shirt What’s not included: Air fares, both international and internal flights Travel Insurance Electric golf carts Personal items, meals (other than those mentioned in itinerary) and gratuities
PAYMENT OF DEPOSIT To secure a place, please pay the deposit of $1950 by either: 1. Bank Transfer: Please deposit funds into “The Travelling Golfer Trust A/C ” BSB: 083269 Account Number: 13 066 2440 Please quote your surname 2. Credit Card: (2.5% credit card fees apply) VISA or MasterCard. Phone Peter on 0438573271
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Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions: Cancellation Policy More than 50 days before tour commencement date: You will forfeit 20% of the package value Between 50 and 35 days before tour commencement date: You will forfeit 50% of the package value. Within 35 days of tour commencement date: No refund is payable. Notifications of cancellations must be forwarded to The Travelling Golfer in writing or email as soon as possible. peter@thetravellinggolfer.com.au There is no refund for cancellation for unused services on or after the tour commencement date. Note: Airlines have their own cancellation terms and conditions. Tour Rates Tour prices are set as a guide only and may vary due to currency fluctuations and component cost increases. All rates advertised are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change until receipt of payment in full. The Travelling Golfer reserves the right to adjust our tour cost as necessary. Any surcharges will be passed on in respect to currency fluctuations unless full payment has been received and no changes are made to your booking The tour price is for the package as detailed in the itinerary only. If changes are requested to the itinerary, then an administration fee of $100 plus any additional costs incurred will be charged, on top of the tour price. Any modifications asked for by the client less than 45 days before arrival date will only be possible if the various service providers (hotels, restaurants, golf clubs) are able to comply. Otherwise, any requested modifications could be considered as a cancellation and would be subject to the above mentioned cancellation policy. Changes to Tour The Travelling Golfer endeavours to perform all tours in line with the published itinerary, but reserves the right to change or substitute where necessary. We will substitute (at the nearest possible standard) an alternative where possible
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