Toulouse Lautrec and Cathar Country Tour

Set in a rolling, sun-drenched landscape of lovely historic villages and “bastide” towns, Carcassonne, Albi and Montauban are 3 particularly resplendent jewels in the regional crown, and the 2 nights spent in each gives the perfect introduction. Each has its own style and history, marked particularly by the long religious wars between the Crusaders and Cathar sect. and has been accorded official status as a site of particular cultural and historical importance. Each extends a warm welcome to visitors in search of art, culture, gastronomy and the peculiarly laid-back Southern way of life.   Carcassonne Entering the gates of the stunning medieval Citadel of Carcassonne, entirely enclosed within its ramparts, is like stepping back in time. One of the most dramatic towns of the Languedoc region and a UNESCO World Heritage site, its fairy-tale turrets and beautifully restored ramparts stretch over 2 miles to enclose a maze of medieval streets and museums, making an awesome sight from the Basse Ville on the River Aude and Canal du Midi below.   Albi Birthplace of the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and home to a museum dedicated to his life and work, and also to the awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile, red-bricked Albi is delightfully situated on the banks of the Tarn. Its recent official classification as a UNESCO World Heritage site is testimony to the cultural importance and beauty of the medieval centre of the so-called Episcopal City. A one-day Albi Pass is included to help you explore the historical centre, and includes entrance to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum and Cathedral   Montauban Officially designated a Ville d’Art et Histoire” (town of Art and History), red-bricked Montauban, on the banks of the Tarn, is undoubtedly one of the region’s best-kept secrets, just waiting to be discovered. The medieval centre retains the grid plan of the medieval city, with narrow streets, secret passageways and hidden courtyards spanning out from the remarkable Place Nationale. The Ingres museum occupies the former residence of the Counts of Toulouse and overlooks the great 14th century Old Bridge. Dinner is included on your last in the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, a fitting way to say farewell to the region.   PRICES (per person including Eurostar and TGV) 1 April - 31 October : £691 (single supp £266) Weekend reduction Apr - June and Sep - Oct in Montauban: £14 pppn Supplement twin-bedded room in Carcassonne: £7pppn, and Montauban: £12 pppn (Jul, Aug only)