Garden Tours 2024
Gardens have captured the imagination for centuries. From the very formal geometric gardens that decorate castle grounds to the most humble well tended garden of one's neighbour, France has been known for its love affair with living art. From the Haut Baran we will explore the areas we call the Quercy, Perigord and discover the horticultural riches that are unique to southwestern France. William Haas will be your guide for the trip. Born in Cincinnati of French parentage, William spent his summers at the family estate in southwest France. His college degrees include chemistry and horticulture, and his knowledge of the history and prehistory of the area is comprehensive. William and his wife Rosalie are both avid wine enthusiasts and enjoy transforming what they have in their garden into the evening meal ! Domaine du Haut Baran is described in Karen Brown's "France – Charming Bed and Breakfast Guide" as "enchanting" and is located on a "gorgeous piece of paradise".
Stay is 5 nights – Contact us if you would like to organize dates for 2024.
arrive /meet Toulouse Blagnac airport – depart Toulouse airport - we pick up/drop off everyone at same place/time.
Or arrive / meet Cahors train station - depart Cahors train station - we pick up/drop off everyone at same place/time.
Extra days can be arranged with advance notice.
Please email us to organize dates for 2024 !
Trip price : 1800.00 USD per participant
Space is limited !
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: arrive/meet Toulouse airport or Cahors train station, transfer to Haut Baran to relax and enjoy an introduction to the area by William before a sumptuous meal with many courses and many wines … served on the terrace perhaps !
Day 2: after a continental breakfast , we will explore the Périgord noir as we visit La Roque Gageac ( voted one of the most beautiful villages in France ) , and its tropical plant collection suspended from the cliffs that make this site unique. We will then travel to Sarlat were we will have lunch before setting out to discover the public garden and medieval architecture. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 3: breakfast, then a visit to the local farmers market, which is always colorful and festive. We will then tour a working lavender farm and gardens. After lunch an afternoon tour of a local winery , complete with wine tasting , will round out the day before returning to Haut Baran for dinner.
Day 4: breakfast, and we head towards Cahors to see the 700 year old Valentré bridge and the lovely gardens that surround it. We will then move east in the department to explore Saint Cirq Lapopie ( voted one of the most beautiful villages in France ) where we will have lunch and explore this village with its intimate courtyards and flower filled window boxes. A visit to Grotte Pech Merle and its 25,000 year old prehistoric art will finish our tour for the day if you are interested. Dinner will be at a local restaurant were the chef is looking for a Michelin star !
Day 5: after breakfast we will head north again to the Dordogne were we will discover Eyrignac garden. Owned by the same family for 500 years Eyrignac is an excellent example of French style trompe-l'oeil or illusion. Lunch at Eyrignac garden. Farewell dinner at the Haut Baran will include champagne !
Day 6: breakfast and transfer from Haut Baran to Toulouse airport or Cahors train station.
We retain the right to change the itinerary at any time.
What's included
- lodging (double occupancy) at beautiful Haut Baran (5 nights)
- all breakfasts
- Two lunches
- Two dinners ( at Haut Baran , includes wine )
- transfers to and from airport or train station
- transfers to and from tour sites
- expert tour guide services
- all entry fees
What is not included
- airfare
- alcoholic beverages ( except wines served with dinner )
- gratuities
- personal expenses and some meals
Everyone signing up will have to fill out a registration form.
Should you want to organize a French Garden Tour for a special date please contact us.
