DISCOVER THE JOYS OF RURAL FRANCE
Join the bestselling novelist in the region that inspired her brilliant novel Chocolat, plus enjoy a charming tour of the Lot valley, Tarn and the Haute-Garonne
The gentle pace of life and unspoilt countryside of southwest France are part of its enduring appeal, and ever since author Joanne Harris captured its village life so magically in her bestselling novel Chocolat, it’s been an area many have wanted to experience for themselves.
On this seven-day tour for House Beautiful** magazine 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 will take part in an exclusive talk and Q&A session. Plus, she will give another fascinating talk about the creative writing process, a must for aspiring authors.
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 thought to be the inspiration for the fictional setting of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes in Chocolat.
AUTHENTIC FRENCH VILLAGES
Visit stunning Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Auvillar on the Garonne river, and Lauzerte, with its half-timbered houses.
STAY IN MONTAUBAN
You’ll be based at Hotel Mercure in Montauban with its pretty pink-brick houses on the banks of the Tarn. You’ll enjoy two dinners with talks from Joanne in the hotel and have time to explore on market day.
CREATIVE WRITING TALK
Joanne will give a masterclass on creative writing process and reveal her top tips.
EXPLORE TOULOUSE
Visit two churches (Basilique Saint-Sernin and Couvent des Jacobins), and the old town, which is a dreamy jumble of coral-coloured shopfronts.
EXCLUSIVE JOIN THIS SEVEN-DAY TOUR FROM £1,349PP* EUROSTAR INCLUDED