The Active Gourmet

This very special part in the north of Provence, the Vaucluse is rich with truffles, lavender, honey and wonderful wines. Even the food tastes and smells of sunshine!

We'll picnic in some of the most beautiful settings you can imagine, play pétanque, glass of pastis in hand, in the shadow of a 14th century church. We'll learn about olive oil and nougat making, and shop for pique-nique fare in the colourful Vaucluse markets.

Wander through medieval villages classified among the most beautiful in France, explore Roman ruins including the famed theatre of Orange and the Pont-du-Gard, and follow trails to visit some of the stoniest vineyards in the world - Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône - we'll try them all!

Our routes are cunningly planned to reduce hill climbing to a minimum, unless, of course, you want the challenge!

We'll even picnic high on Mont Ventoux, of Tour de France fame, but never fear, the majority of us will ascend by bus before enjoying the descent.

The Bordeaux region, an area in the SW of France, is full of bastides. Before you get the wrong idea, bastides are fortified towns, many built by the English in medieval times - we'll visit several during this tour.

This area is dominated by the huge Dordogne and Garonne rivers and its widely varying, mellow golden scenery is unforgettable. We travel through unspoiled countryside, past noble chateaux and medieval villages.

The Bordeaux region is a mecca for sybarites and connoisseurs of the vivid, intensely-flavoured wines of Bordeaux, Graves and Saint-Emilion, and the famed white wines of Sauternes and Montbazillac.

You'll pique-nique beside the Dordogne and Garonne, explore the forests of the Landes, wonder at the underground cellars in Saint Emilion, visit a 14th century abbey and a fortified windmill. You'll enjoy some of our favourite country cafes, discover the historic secrets of tobacco growing and visit the best market in the region.

Food - superb. Wine - sensational. Ends with our famed au revoir banquet.

With its meandering rivers and lush green vineyards, fields of sunflowers and bountiful orchards, this mellow land of plenty has rightly earned the title of the 'Garden of France'.

Although it's best known for its numerous Renaissance chateaux, the Loire area has many charming little villages and picturesque towns - we'll stay in several.

The people are friendly, and their French considered to be the most pure in the whole of France.

During your active gourmet journey, you'll saunter beside the Loire, Indre, Cher and Vienne rivers, through mighty forests and poppy-filled fields.

You'll visit famed vineyards, often housed in limestone caverns, and pique-nique in the shadow of Sleeping Beauty's castle. You'll visit vibrant local markets selling an amazing array of produce.

Sensational gourmet dining, invigorating activity and good company!

The French Basque Country (Pays Basque) is not large, but it's very diverse.

The rugged coastline produces great seafood that forms the basis of many of the meals, and the rolling green countryside produces beef cattle and sensational sheep cheeses.

The Basques are an ancient race with a mysterious language of unknown origins, and a very proud history. They were fine explorers and seafarers, and today the Pays Basque is among the most progressive areas in Europe.

The people are passionate about their traditions and welcome the curious outsider. Our exploration, on foot and on two and four wheels, will introduce you to this unique area.

Absorb the special smells of the countryside as you cycle or wander on tiny white roads through fields of sunflowers. Experience the rhythms of the grape harvest, learn the secrets of olive oil and cheese making, and the mysteries of lake fishing and hunting.

Historic walled towns, vibrant countryside, stunning seasonal food and wine, supportive locals. What more could one ask for?

No need to pack up and move on every day - experience life on a small organic farm, learning historic recipes, sampling the produce and sucking up the atmosphere.

Return home revitalised, and not one kilogram heavier!

Striped awnings, well-stocked shops, cafes full of people enjoying refreshing drinks and watching the passing parade. Both the Romans and the Greeks spent many years in this area and many of their buildings are still standing today.

Your journey will give you the chance to explore a wide variety of landscapes, vineyards and olive groves, markets and galleries. There will be many opportunities to purchase and savour the famed "cuisine of the sun".

Our pique-niques are legendary, and we delight in encouraging people to enjoy new food experiences. We will be visiting several renowned restaurants during the tour.

You won't have the usual holiday hassle of packing and moving because we will be based in the same place for your six nights, allowing you plenty of time to relax by the pool after your day's exploring.

Glorious wines, powerful seasonal cuisine - don't miss this chance to get off the beaten track.

Piedmont is a land of plenty traversed by the mighty Po River, and reaching the very summits of the Alps. It is bordered by both France and Switzerland. The region has frequently been under foreign domination, and castles appear on nearly every hill. Many were built as early as the 10th century. In 1860, Turin became first the capital of the united Italy, keeping this role until 1865 when the capital became Florence, and then Rome in 1871.

The cuisine of Piedmont is mind-blowing! The "Slow Food" organisation (the opposite to fast food!) was born and nurtured in this zone. The markets drip with wonderful fresh produce and the pasta is made slowly - by hand - and consumed with great enthusiasm, or gusto.