DISCOVER THE JOYS OF RURAL FRANCE with author Joanne Harris YOUR ITINERARY

Join the bestselling novelist in the region that inspired the brilliant Chocolat, plus enjoy a charming tour of the Lot valley, Tarn and the Haute-garonne

The gentle pace of life and unspoilt countryside of south-west France are part of its enduring appeal, and ever since author Joanne Harris captured its village life so magically in her bestselling novel Chocolat, we’ve wanted to experience it for ourselves.

On this seven-day tour, exclusively for GH readers, you’ll explore the region, travelling by train from the limestone cliffs and medieval hilltop towns of the Lot valley to majestic Toulouse and history-rich Cahors and Moissac. ‘We’ll be taking a look at the historic little town of Nérac,’ says Joanne. ‘We’ll visit the church, the old quarter with its wooden houses and tanneries, and the chocolaterie that started everything off!’ Here, Joanne will give you a tour of the places that inspired her and take part in an exclusive talk and Q&A session. Plus, Joanne will give another fascinating talk about the creative writing process, a must for aspiring writers.

You’ll also tour ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ (Saint-cirq-lapopie, Auvillar and Lauzerte), as well as admire the ‘pink city’ of Toulouse and taste its delicious wine and cheese. This is a wonderful way to visit a lesser-known part of France and a great opportunity to see it through the eyes of one of our favourite authors.

Reasons to book

JOANNE HARRIS’S FRANCE

The bestselling author will join you in Nérac, the town that is thought to be the inspiration for the fictional setting of Lansquenet-sous-tannes in Chocolat.

DAY 1 Arrive in Montauban DAY 2 Toulouse DAY 3 Moissac, Auvillar and Lauzerte DAY 4 Montauban

DAY 5 Nérac with Joanne Harris and creative writing talk DAY 6 Cahors and Saint-cirq-lapopie DAY 7 Return home

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO…  Travel by Eurostar to Paris direct from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet, then by TGV to Montauban.

 Stay at the four-star Hotel Mercure Montauban for six nights, with breakfast each morning.

 Enjoy welcome drinks and two dinners in the hotel’s glass-domed restaurant.

 Experience Montauban on market day.

 Tour Nérac, which is believed to be the setting for Chocolat.

 Enjoy two talks and Q&A sessions with Joanne Harris, including an exclusive creative writing talk by Joanne.

 Receive a copy of Joanne’s latest book, The Strawberry Thief (one per booking).

 Go on a full-day tour to Cahors and Saint-cirq-lapopie.  Enjoy sightseeing in Toulouse.

 Tour Moissac, Auvillar and Lauzerte.

ALSO INCLUDED Transfers, coach transport and the services of a Travel Editions tour manager