TRAVEL INVITE

 

Catalonia is known for its magnificent golf courses. It is also a region renowed for its wines.
The vineyards are mainly situated in the regions of Emporda, Penedès and Priorat.
In Emporda, wines are both traditional and modern. White wines made with various grape varieties (grenache blanc,…) are surprising and perfect for summer. Red wines are full-bodied but with soft tannins.
In Priorat, even the simplest restaurants treat the wines with respect, ensuring each wine has its own glass. House wines are of excellent quality and deserve such a service ! Wines from Priorat are mainly red. The best are local wines made mainly with Grenache and Carignan, with some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. These full-bodied and well-balanced wines are renowned all around the world for their elegant flavours and each wine-maker’s unique touch. During the trip you will visit a prestigious winery which launched Priorat wines in the 1980s.
If you like sparkling wines, Cava is everywhere in Catalonia and you can enjoy it as an aperitif or after a game of golf…

 

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Duration : 9 days

Type of trip : golf, wine, gastronomy, tourism

Ideal for anyone, from beginners to connoisseurs

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      ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN BARCELONE
Arrival at the airport of Barcelona.
Check-in at the hotel. Enjoy some time to relax around the pool or try some tapas.
Welcome reception and dinner.

DAY 2 : PERALADA
Golf at Peralada Golf Course.
Like all the Spanish golf courses, the club house is magnificent. This diverse and pleasant course will get you in the holiday mood.
Late afternoon enjoy some free time in the pretty town of Peralada.

 

DAY 3 : ESPOLA

You’ll enjoy sitting on the terrace, shaded from the sun by the mulberry trees, looking out over the bay of Emporda and out to the sea. Accompanied by local dishes, taste the different wines of the Emporda region and northern Spain.
Day devoted to discover the authentic region of Emporda with its typical villages, traditional wine cellars and local produce.

 

DAY 4 : PGA  CATALUNYA

Golf on the PGA Catalunya course. A championship course located in a beautiful setting surrounded by water and forest with magnificent, huge pine trees.

Evening of relaxation and gastronomy and the opportunity to discover the charm of your hotel.

 

DAY 5 : EMPORDA
Golf at Emporda Golf Course.
Late afternoon, visit a modern wine cellar offering innovative wines.
Evening by the sea.

 

DAY 6 : PRIORAT
In the morning, leave for the region of Priorat.
Arrive at your hotel and have lunch at a restaurant known for its particularly warm and friendly welcome.
That afternoon, trip around the south of the region to discover the wines of the area with a visit to a wine cooperative. The wine cooperatives are  interesting places because they offer a wide range of wines from those served directly from the barrel (which are often excellent) to prestigious bottles and even vermouth !

 

DAY 7 : PRIORAT
Traditional Catalan breakfast.
A day based around the town of Gratallops. Visit several prestigious cellars and taste the different wines, where you will see how the terroir differs from one winery to another, giving each wine a unique flavour.
Various stops to discover beautiful landscapes and panoramic views.
Olive oil is a speciality of Priorat. At the end of the day you will have the opportunity to wander around a beautiful village, visit an olive oil mill and taste the wonderful oils they produce.

 

DAY 8 : PALS
Golf at Pals Golf Course. A well-balanced course where holes follow one after another at a perfect rhythm. A real test of your golfing skills.
Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Gala dinner.

 

DAY 9
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

      OTHER INFORMATION

 

You can go by train from Paris to Barcelona (sleeper train).
There are direct flights from London to Barcelona.

 

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Duration : 1 day

Type of trip : tourism, wine, gastronomy

Ideal for all travellers

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     ITINERARY

Morning
Arrival at the train station of Tours.
Head to Chenonceaux to visit the castle and its gardens. Lunch in the Orangery.

 

Afternoon
Trip along the banks of the River Cher. Visit a winemaker who produces AOC Touraine wine to taste some Sauvignon Blanc.
Back along the banks of the Loire to Vouvray. Visit a troglodyte cellar and learn about the different winemaking methods for Chenin Blanc.
Finish the day à la Française with a glass of fizz and petits fours on a terrace overlooking the River Loire.

     

     OTHER INFORMATION

The train station of Tours is 1 ½ hours from Paris by train.

 

 

     TRAVEL INVITE

 

During this trip you will discover three of the great Italian specialties : golf courses, wines and lakes.
The golf courses are among the most beautiful in Italy. Other than their design and sporting aspect, they are situated in beautiful locations with views over the Alps or the lakes.
By visiting, you will discover the Barbera and Dolcetto-based wines and also the Nebbolio-based wines with a special mention for Barolo. The rolling hilly landscapes are perfect for winemaking and the hill-top villages are magnificent.
You will also enjoy the white wines from the DOGC of Gavi and the DOGC of Roero Arneis.
The stunning scenery of the lakes is like no other. As it is the best way to visit the lakes, you will discover Lake Maggiore and Lake Como by boat. With highlights including a visit to the Borromean Islands and an excursion in Bellagio on a Riva boat, you will experience everything the spectacular lake region has to offer.

The resort hotel of Castelconturbia will be your resort base for the trip.

When you are not out playing golf, you will be able to take some time to relax, enjoy the swimming pool and even paractice your swing on a 9-hole course.

 

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Duration : 10 days

Type de trip : golf, wine, gastronomy, tourism

Ideal for all travellers

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     ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN MILAN
Arrival at Milan train station.
Check-in at the hotel. Enjoy some time to relax around the pool or get your first golf practice in !
Welcome reception and dinner.

 

DAY 2 : CASTELCONTURBIA
Golf at Castelconturbia Golf Course.
This golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, is fascinating because it demands both skill and tactic. It is very scenic with a number of small lakes and streams, large bunkers and trees, all of this enhanced by the gentle undulations of the land. The greens are some of the most beautiful you will ever see.
Late afternoon, experience the Italian way of life with an aperitivo on the terrace of a typical bar.

 

DAY 3 : LAKE MAGGIORE
Boat excursion on the lake. Visit to the Borromean Islands.
Come back via Lake Orta.
Free time before enjoying dinner in an outdoor restaurant.

 

DAY 4 : BIELLA LA BETULLE

Golf on Biella Golf Course. A high-level course situated in a grand setting with magnificent views of the Alps.
On the way back, stop off in the small town of Ivea, where you can do some shopping in the Italian fashion boutiques, or have an espresso or cappuccino sitting out on a terrace.

 

DAY 5 : BAROLO
Travel through the magnificent landscape of the Langhe and discover the vineyards and renowned wines from the Nebbiolo cepage.
Different visits and tastings in the villages of Barolo and Barbaresco.
Arrive late afternoon at your hotel situated in the middle of the vineyards, near Asti.

 

DAY 6 : ASTI
After enjoying a breakfast of local produce ; bread, cheeses, jams and truffles if in season, explore the area of Asti with a new range of grape varieties : Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese, Arneis.
Tasting of Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Alba, as well as white wines Gavi and Roero Arneis, with delicious apricot and peach flavours.
If you like sparkling wines, you can visit a wine cellar to learn all about how Asti Spumante is made.
Back to Castelconturbia at the end of the day.

 

DAY 7 : LAKE COMO
Head to Lake Como and arrive in Bellagio late morning.
Visit Bellagio and excursion on Lake Como on a Riva boat.
On the way back, stop off at a wine cellar to taste the wines of Piedmont and North East Italy, in particular Amarone della Valpolicella.

 

DAY 8 : LAKE VIEWS
Golf on Varese Golf Course with views over Lake Varese.
Gastronomic dinner in Ranco, served under an arbour with views over Lake Maggiore.
Each course, including dessert, will be paired with the best wine choices and why not finish your meal with a glass of Passito and a sorbet.

 

DAY 9 : CASTELCONTURBIA
Generally, golfers can’t resist another chance to play on the magnificent golf course, which you will be able to do today.
Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Gala dinner.

 

DAY 10
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

      OTHER INFORMATION

 

You can go by train from Paris to Milan (sleeper train).

 

     TRAVEL INVITE

 

4 different golf courses in different surroundings, from the forest to the sea.
Visit the vineyards of Vouvray, Bougueil, Chinon, Saumur and Muscadet.
Visit the châteaux of the Loire ; Chambord, Cheverny and Villandry.
Gastronomy with several Michelin-starred restaurants.

 

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Duration : 9 days

Type of trip : golf, wine, gastronomy, tourism

Ideal for all travellers

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     ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL
Arrival at the airport of Tours.
Check-in at the hotel.
Welcome reception and wine tasting dinner. First contact with the wines of the Loire Valley.

 

DAY 2 : LES AISSES
Golf at Les Aisses, an international golf course situated in the middle of the forest with a number of ponds and streams. During your round of golf, you will be surrounded by the woodland scenery of the Sologne.
Visit to Chambord, the most impressive Renaissance castle of the Loire Valley.

 

DAY 3 : CHEVERNY
Golf at Cheverny Golf Course. After having caught a glimpse of the Château of Cheverny whilst playing golf, you will be able to visit it that afternoon.
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant

 

DAY 4 : BUBBLES IN VOUVRAY
No golf today, instead a full day in Vouvray dedicated to the tasting of Chenin Blanc.
Lunch on a terrace overlooking the Loire river.
Trip around the vineyards. Visit wineries with their famous troglodyte wine cellars. Tastings of sparkling, dry, medium dry and sweet wines.

 

DAY 5 : CHINON AND BOURGUEIL
Trip around the vineyards of Chinon and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil with a chance to meet renowned winemakers. Contrary to Vouvray, the wines here are mostly reds, sometimes full-bodied and the Cabernet Franc reigns supreme.
On the scenic route to Ancenis, stop off in Saumur to admire the town.
Arrive in Ancenis and check-in at the hotel.

 

DAY 6 : ILE D’OR GOLF COURSE
Golf at the Ile d’Or Golf Course with its magnificent views on the river Loire.
The rest of the day is dedicated to tasting a cepage found in Ancenis but which is also found abroad. Tip : this will be a question on the quiz !

Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

 

DAY 7 : THE MUSCADET AND THE SEASIDE
Trip around the vineyards of Muscadet and the Nantais area. Visit the Vendee marshes.
Arrive at your seafront hotel at the end of the day.
Take the evening to enjoy the charm of a typical seaside town.

 

DAY 8 : ST JEAN DE MONTS
Golf at St Jean de Monts Golf Course.      

Cocktail reception with the results of the  quiz. 

Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

 

DAY 9
Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to the airport of Nantes.

     OTHER INFORMATION

 

They are direct flights from London to Nantes airport and Tours airport.

 

 

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Duration : 1 day

Type of trip : tourism, wine, gastronomy

Ideal for all travellers

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     ITINERARY

Morning
Arrival at the train station of Orléans.
Then head straight to the Château of Cheverny for a visit to the castle followed by a light lunch.

 

Afternoon
Visit the Château of Chambord. On the way back, travel through the Sologne forest with its typical small villages, before joining the River Loire to head back to Orléans.
Stroll along the banks of the Loire and take a boat trip on a barge.
Wine tasting, with a chance to taste a full range of Loire valley wines. This will be the perfect opportunity for you to purchase a bottle of your favorite wine.

Accomodation in Orléans with a dinner in a gastronomic restaurant.

     

     OTHER INFORMATION

The train station of Orléans is 1h from Paris by train.

 

 

     TRAVEL INVITE

 

If you have one day to discover the specialities of the Loire Valley, this is a trip for you.

You only have to choose one of the following themes :

• 2 grapes for dry white wines
• Exclusively red
• Sparkling wine in Vouvray

And if you stay more than one day, you can choose two of them or even the three !

 

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Duration : 1 day

Type of trip : "intensive"

Ideal for connoisseurs as well as beginners

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     ITINERARY : 2 GRAPES FOR DRY WHITE WINES

 

Travel around Touraine and Saumur to discover where the best interpretations of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc can be found.

Along the banks of the river Cher, you will uncover the secrets of Sauvignon Blanc. In Vouvray and Saumur, you will discover Chenin Blanc. 3 different wine tastings will allow you to identify and learn about the two different grapes and how to compare them.

You will travel through picturesque riverside towns, some of which are classed as the most beautiful towns in France.

 

 

     ITINERARY : EXCLUSIVELY RED

 

Trips through the vineyards of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny.
Visits to 3 wineries. Wine tastings of different types of red wines ; from full bodied to light and fruity. During your visits, you will be able to talk to winemakers and learn about the winemaking process as well as taking a walk around the vineyards. In Chinon, you will enjoy a boat trip on the river Vienne and visit the medieval town.

 

 

     ITINERAY : SPARKLING WINE IN VOUVRAY

 

Discover the full range of sparkling Loire wines during 3 visits. Trips through the vineyard.

Visit 3 wineries with their impressive troglodyte wine cellars. You will have the opportunity to talk with winemakers about their expertise.

Enjoy lunch outside in the middle of the vineyards of Vouvray.

By the end of the day, you will be able to identify even the smallest differences between the different sparkling wines and will perhaps have decided which one is your favourite !

 

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Duration : 1 day

Type of trip : "intensive"

This trip is ideal for connoisseurs as well as beginners

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     ITINERARY

Discover the full range of sparkling Loire wines during 4 visits.
Trips through the vineyards.
Visit 4 wineries with their impressive troglodyte wine cellars. You will have the opportunity to talk to winemakers about their expertise.
Enjoy lunch outside in the middle of the vineyards of Vouvray or in a troglodyte cellar.
By the end of the day, you will be able to identify even the smallest differences between the different sparkling wines and will perhaps have decided which one is your favourite !

     

     OTHER INFORMATION

For any purchase of wine during the visits to the wineries, they are delivery options for it to be shipped at home.

 

 

     TRAVEL INVITE

 

With the "transport included option", you will discover the wines and the Chateaux of the Loire Valley during a one day trip.

 

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Duration : 1 day

Type of trip : tourism, wine, gastronomy

Ideal for all travellers

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     ITINERARY

 

Morning :

Arrival at the train station of Tours.

Head to Chenonceaux to visit the castle and its gardens. Lunch in the Orangery.

Afternoon :

Trip along the banks of the river Cher. Visit of a winemaker who produces AOC Touraine wine to taste a Sauvignon Blanc.

Back along the banks of the Loire to Vouvray. Visit a troglodyte cellar and learn about the different winemaking methods for Chenin Blanc.

Finish the day "à la française" with a glass of fizz and petits fours on a terrace overlooking the River Loire.

     OTHER INFORMATION

 

The train station of Tours is 1 ½ hours from Paris by train.

    

     TRAVEL INVITE

 

A special tour “off the beaten track”.

Between September and October, listen to the bellowing stags and experience the impressive phenomenon of the deer rut.
The Sologne, situated between the River Loire and the River Cher, is renowned for its forests (birch, beech, pine, oak), heathland and natural ponds.
The cuisine in this region is hearty and traditional. During the season you can find game and mushrooms on the menu. The goat cheese is delicious.
During your trip, you will experience the authentic atmosphere of the Sologne. You will stay in the heart of the region, your hotel being located in a picturesque village close to Chambord.
Enjoy and experience the French way of life with traditional gastronomy, local farmers markets with their local produce and the wines of the River Loire. You will also visit some of the greatest Chateaux of the Loire castles like Chambord and Cheverny.

 

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Duration : 5 days

Type of trip : wine and gastronomy, tourism, nature and wildlife

This trip is ideal for connaisseurs as well as for beginners

From September to October

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     ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL
Arrival at the airport of Tours.
Check in at the hotel in the heart of the Sologne.
Welcome drink and dinner at the gastronomic restaurant of your hotel.

 

DAY 2 : CHAMBORD AND CHEVERNY
Visit to 2 of the greatest French Chateaux : Chambord and Cheverny
In Cheverny, wine tasting and light lunch on the theme: wine and food pairings.
At night, go deer watching in the forest to hear the bellowing of the stags in mating season.

 

DAY 3 : TWILIGHT TRIP ON THE RIVER LOIRE

Take a walk in the forest on the lookout for wild boar! Discover the wildlife with a local guide. Visit a goat cheese farm and taste the cheeses.

At the end of the day, another experience of the wildlife with a twilight boat trip on the River Loire.

DAY 4 : THE RIVER CHER
A day dedicated to the south of the Sologne.

Visit the vineyards of Quincy and Reuilly. Going further downstream of the river Cher, visit another winery with Sauvignon Blanc.

Stopping in several villages along the river, you will discover the peaceful enchantment of the Cher Valley.

Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

 

DAY 5

Breakfast and check-out of the hotel.

Transfer to the airport of Tours.

      OTHER INFORMATION

 

They are direct flights from London to the airport of Tours.

 

     TRAVEL INVITE

 

By the end of this trip, the wine from the Loire Valley will no longer hold any secrets for you.
At the very least you will know the different “appellations” and where to find your favourite ones.

As the Loire Valley is usually divided into 4 areas (Central vineyards, Touraine, Anjou Saumur and The Nantais), we can’t just visit one or two, we have to visit them all ! The trip will therefore start from Sancerre, with its famous vineyards and wonderful cheeses. It will finish near the sea with Muscadet and seafood.

You will have the opportunity to experience the gradual progression from a continental climate towards an oceanic climate.

You will have lots of free time during this trip to discover the area and try other activities. You will be able to visit the Chateaux of the Loire and even have the chance to go on a boat trip. A special day has been organised where you will be able to cook with a local, using fresh, high quality products.

To finish, the seaside of the Atlantic Coast will be the perfect setting for a gastronomic experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. You will also visit a bakery specialising in French patisseries, where you will be able to pair wonderful deserts with magnificent wines from the Loire Valley and their foreign equivalents.

 

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Duration : 12 days

Type of trip : wine and gastronomy, cooking, tourism, equine show

Ideal for anyone, from beginners to connoisseurs

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     ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SANCERRE
Arrival at the train station of Sancerre-Tracy.

Check in at the hotel.
Free time to wander around Sancerre.
Welcome reception and dinner.

 

DAY 2 : SANCERRE
You will go straight to the heart of the subject with a presentation at the Maison des Vins of Sancerre, about the different types of Sancerre whites and the different soils. With this first tasting, you will be able to decide on which aspects you prefer : mineral, fruity etc. But you might also fall for the rosés or the reds.
The town of Sancerre is magnificent. You will discover the area whilst visiting the vineyards and experience some beautiful views.
The day will finish with a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

 

DAY 3 : THE CHER VALLEY

The Cher Valley is between the continental climate of Sancerre and the milder climate of the Touraine.
A day with several stops to see typical villages along the banks of the Cher River. You will learn to enjoy the peaceful and relaxing lifestyle of the region, visiting local markets, enjoying an aperitif at the terrace of a café, even going out on a local fishing boat.
To complete your collection of Sauvignon Blancs, you will visit a winemaker who produces AOC Touraine wine, where Sauvignon Blanc is at its best.

 

DAY 4 : FRENCH RENAISSANCE CASTLES AND GARDENS
The focus of the day will be the Chateaux of the Loire and their gardens, with visits to Chenonceau and Villandry.

 

DAY 5 : VOUVRAY
After a relaxing morning, take a trip around the vineyards and visit several wineries with their troglodyte cellars.
Tastings of the dry white, sweet and sparkling wines that Vouvray is famous for.
Vouvray wines are very pleasing and you will certainly fall for them, maybe even ordering several bottles or crates for you to enjoy at home.
Festive evening in a guinguette (open air bar) on the banks of the Loire.

 

DAY 6 : CHINON AND BOURGUEIL

Visit Bourgueil and the magnificent surrounding villages. Tastings of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil. As with Chinon, the wines here are mostly reds (there is also some rosé) with a Cabernet Franc grape.
Lunch in Chinon at a winery, pairing the food with the wine. You will be able to taste light Chinon or more full-bodied wines, depending on your tastes.
After having admired the beautiful medieval town, stop off in Saumur-Champigny to taste some wonderful Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines.
Taking the road along the banks of the river you will then arrive in Saumur.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and unwind.
Dinner at a troglodyte restaurant serving local specialties.

 

DAY 7 : SAUMUR

Saumur is a wonderfully majestic town. There is something exceptional about every aspect of this town.

You will find remarkable monuments, prestigious brands of wine and even a world-renowned bootmaker on the corner of a street.
A day dedicated to discovering Saumur, a highlight at the end of the day being the gala of the Cadre Noir, a top French equestrian centre.

 

DAY 8 : THE DOUCEUR ANGEVINE

The Anjou is a region with a mild climate (as it is closer to the sea) where life is good. The region lends its name to the French expression “douceur angevine” meaning “rural tranquillity”. You will find exceptional sweet wines like Bonnezeaux and Quarts-de-Chaumes, as well as refined dry white wines made with Chenin Blanc. There will be several stops throughout the day to give you the opportunity to taste these popular wines.
During this day you will experience the true douceur angevine with the peaceful scenery and authentic visits.
Your hotel has been chosen for its style and refinement. You will be able to relax at the end of the day in the beautiful flower garden and enjoy the many salons of the hotel, where you can have late night discussions with a glass of Cointreau (or perhaps you prefer hearing the elegant words of the famous French poet Ronsard).

 

DAY 9 : THE MUSCADET
Next, head to the coast for a change of scenery and some fresh sea air. Trip through the vineyards of the Nantais region. Follow the coastal road and stop off for oysters and a glass of Muscadet, a local tradition.
Visit the salt marshes.
Arrive at your seafront hotel at the end of the day.
Take the evening to enjoy the charm of a typical seaside town.

 
DAY 10 : THE SEASIDE
Meet in the place du marché, the market square, to buy the ingredients of your choice for a cooking workshop. You can then enjoy the dishes cooked with the market produce for lunch.
The afternoon will be free for you to enjoy some time by the sea.
In the evening, we will head to a seafront terrace for a tasting of desserts and wines, with a renowned patisserie chef. There will of course be wines from the Loire Valley during the tasting but there will also be wines from other countries, as we conclude the tastings for this trip.
The patisserie chef will be more than happy to make your favourite patisserie to order, so don’t hesitate to ask !

 

DAY 11 : THE SEASIDE
A day to relax by the sea with the possibility of taking a trip to the countryside to visit local artisans.
Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Evening at a music bar.

 

DAY 12

Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to the train station of Nantes.

     OTHER INFORMATION

 

The train station of Sancerre-Tracy is 1 ½ hours from Paris by train.
The train station of Nantes is 3 ½ hours from Paris by train.