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The Lot valley, Tarn and the Haute-Garonne are three of France's best-kept secrets. These beautiful regions, tucked away in the picturesque south west, boast unspoilt countryside and delightful medieval hilltop villages where locals enjoy a slower, gentler pace of life.
It was one of these that inspired Joanne Harris's bestselling novel Chocolat, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. On this exclusive seven-day tour, you'll visit Nerac, the village on which Joanne based the fictional Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, and be given a unique tour by the writer herself.
As Joanne says: 'We'll look at the historic little town and visit the church, the old quarter with its wooden houses and tanneries, and the chocolaterie that started everything off.' Joanne will also give a talk about the creative writing process and take part in a Q&A session.
You'll stay in Montauban, on the banks of the river Tarn, and explore the area, including Toulouse with its two impressive cathedrals.
Joanne Harris, is the bestselling author of 15 novels including Chocolat, shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Book Awards. Her books are published in more than 50 countries and her latest novel, The Strawberry Thief, is the fourth in the popular Chocolat series set in France.
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris and onwards to Montauban by TGV. On arrival, transfer by coach to the hotel - Mercure Montauban - for check-in.
Toulouse was once the home to the resplendent court of the Count of Toulouse, who controlled much of southern France and it continues to be an important city today, particularly in terms of aviation. The old city, the Ville Rose, is compact and easy to explore - the two churches St-Sernin and Les Jacobins plus some Renaissance townhouses are architectural gems.
The town of Moissac is best known for its magnificent Romanesque abbey church of St-Pierre - the cloisters and porch are considered masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture. Although a church was founded on the site in the seventh century, the church and cloisters date from the 11th, and have survived many wars including the siege and sacking on the town in 1212 by Simon de Montfort.
This afternoon we visit two 'Plus Beaux Villages' - Auvillar and Lauzerte. A stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela Auvillar sits on the banks of the Garonne and has some outstanding monuments, including a circular corn exchange, a clock tower and the Church of St Peter. The bastide of Lauzerte was founded in the 12th century by the count of Toulouse. The cobbled main square, stone built and half-timbered houses are delightful, as is the Pilgrim's Garden.
Today you have a full day to explore the lovely town of Montauban on market day. This laidback city, on the banks of the River Tarn, was originally a bastide built by the Count of Toulouse in 1144. The lovely old city centre, with its pink-brick houses, is a delight to wander around and there are a host of bars and restaurants to explore during the day or in the evening just a short walk from the hotel. This evening, we will enjoy a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel restaurant - open exclusively for our group - and a talk from special guest speaker, Joanne Harris.
Today we will head to Nérac which was the real life location of the fictional village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes in her bestselling Chocolat series of books. Joanne will point out relevant locations and inspirations featured in the books. This evening a second private dinner in the restaurant with a second talk from Joanne who will enlighten about her writing style and method.
For such a small town squeezed into a loop of the River Lot, Cahors has had a long and turbulent history - passing through Gallic, Roman, Moorish and English hands is just the start of it. The best known sight here is the 14th-century Pont Valentré - a beautifully well-preserved example of a medieval bridge. You'll spot Saint-Cirq-Lapopie sitting on its high bluff over the Lot River a good while before you reach the village. A member of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France", and voted the most beautiful village in France in 2012, the stone and half-timbered houses tumble over the cliff side. Head up the steep path to where the town's château once stood for wonderful views over the river valley.
Transfer back to Montauban station to catch the return TGV to Paris. At Paris, board the return Eurostar service to Ebbsfleet and St Pancras.
Four-star hotel set in a charming 18th-century building
Housed in a charming 18th-century building, the four-star Mercure Montauban is located right in the heart of the town centre opposite the cathedral. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, Bourdelle, and bar to relax in after a day's touring. Bedrooms are traditionally decorated and feature en-suite bathroom with bath or shower, a TV, telephone, wifi, minibar, air-conditioning and hairdryer.
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