Cordes-sur-Ciel: The Medieval Village That Floats Above the Clouds
If ever there were a village that feels like it is floating between Heaven and Earth, it is Cordes-sur-Ciel. One of the plus beaux villages
Occitanie: A Journey Through Southern France
September 15th – 24th
10 Days | Roman History | Vineyards | Medieval Cities | Hands-On Culinary Experiences
WELCOME TO OCCITANIE!
From Roman monuments and medieval cités to vineyard landscapes and vibrant southern cities, this immersive itinerary explores the layers of history, art, and daily life that define the South of France. Along the way, enjoy guided visits, regional cuisine, and time to experience each destination at a relaxed and meaningful pace.
Tuesday, Sep 15th
Day 1 — Arrival in Nîmes
Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport and settle into a comfortable private transfer to Nîmes — where Roman history and southern French life blend effortlessly. After check-in, the afternoon is yours to explore Musée de la Romanité or wander, café-hop, and ease into Occitanie. As evening falls, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.
Wednesday, Sep 16th
Day 2 — Roman Grandeur & Sweet Indulgences
A guided walking tour brings Nîmes’ extraordinary past (and vibrant present) to life, followed by a relaxed ride on Le Petit Train for broader views across the city. Free time follows, then a playful one-hour tasting at Au Flan de Coco. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Thursday, Sep 17th
Day 3 — Pont du Gard, Uzès & Vineyards
Set out for Pont du Gard, the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, then linger over a three-course lunch with drinks overlooking the aqueduct. Continue to Uzès for a gentle walking introduction and time to wander, then visit Château du Grès for a one-hour tasting and guided tour of the cellar and vineyards. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Friday, Sep 18th
Day 4 — Pézenas & Béziers
Travel west, pausing in Pézenas — perfectly preserved, quietly elegant, and full of artisan workshops and hidden courtyards. Lunch is on your own (with a local favorite suggestion), then continue to Béziers for check-in and free time before dinner together at the atmospheric Hôtel de la Prison.
Saturday, Sep 19th
Day 5 — Slow Béziers & Canal du Midi
A lighter day to truly live in Béziers, with suggested highlights like Les Halles, Pont Vieux, and sweeping views from Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire. In the afternoon, enjoy a one-hour cruise on the Canal du Midi through seven locks, followed by an eco-conscious wine tasting and vineyard tour at Domaine de la Sarabande. Dinner is on your own.
Sunday, Sep 20th
Day 6 — A Medieval Dream in Carcasonne
Travel to the walled medieval city of Carcassonne, where the day unfolds at an easy pace — ramparts, Château Comtal, and Maison de la Laine among the highlights. A virtual reality experience brings the past to life before checking into your hotel inside the fortified city, and tonight you gather for dinner featuring cassoulet.
Monday, Sep 21st
Day 7 — Cooking Class, Cordes-sur-Ciel & Albi
Begin in Montolieu for a hands-on cooking class and lunch at Les Marmites with Nathalie, preparing a seasonal meal rooted in regional traditions. Continue to Cordes-sur-Ciel, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, with time to wander its steep, winding streets and discover gardens, viewpoints, and quiet corners, then arrive in Albi for a relaxed evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Tuesday, Sep 22nd
Day 8 — Albi: Art, Cathedral & River
With a local guide, discover UNESCO-listed Albi: the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum at Palais de la Berbie, the extraordinary Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, and classic views from Pont Vieux. After lunch on your own, slow down with a boat ride on the Tarn River and a wine-and-cheese experience. Dinner is on your own.
Wednesday, Sep 23rd
Day 9 — Toulouse, La Ville Rose & A Fond Farewell
Head to Toulouse, La Ville Rose, for a guided walking tour featuring Couvent des Jacobins, Place du Capitole, and Basilique Saint-Sernin, followed by Maison de la Violette with a guided visit and tasting. The afternoon is yours — optional excursions are available — and in the evening we come together for a farewell.
Thursday, Sep 24th
Day 10 — Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Toulouse–Blagnac Airport for departure. Whether you’re heading home or continuing on to your next adventure, Occitanie has a way of staying with you — lingering like good wine, long conversations, and that unmistakable southern light.
COST TO PARTICIPATE
$3,998 – $4,751 Based on number of participants and single vs double occupants
** Ask Traci for more details
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 3 nights – Nîmes
- 2 nights – Béziers
- 1 night – Carcassonne
- 2 nights – Albi
- 1 night – Toulouse
All 5 hotels plus:
- Coach Bus
- City Taxes
- Porterage at Hotels
- Local English-speaking guides
- Traci as your personal guide throughout
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Tips to guides / drivers
- Local & International Airfare
- Lunches & Dinners stated “on own”
Meet Your Guide
Traci Parent
French Detours
As an independent travel agent with nearly 40 trips to France under her belt, Traci knows what makes each region shine—and helps others experience the best each one has to offer.
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