Journeys: Highlights of the Pyrenees to Toulouse
About France - From $2,999.00 USD
Step into Southwestern France, where the Pyrenees meet timeless markets and storied vineyards. Wander through vibrant Basque fields, sample regional delicacies in Pau, and uncover secret Jurançon cellars alongside local winemakers. From mountain trails to Toulouse's bustling market halls, share hearty meals and warm encounters across a landscape rich in culture and colour.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Secrets of Jurançon wine, Gan
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Lunch at Les Bistrot des Halles, Pau
Your Foodie Moment: Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse. Les Halles Market in Biarritz. Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains. Delve deeper into the secret Jurançon wine district during a winery visit and tasting. Visit Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City". All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Basque foothills and fields, Storied strolls through Pau, Secrets of Jurançon wine, Les Halles Market in Biarritz, Visit to the Château de Pau, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, built to hold thousands of pilgrims, Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City".
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels – 7 nts.
Itinerary
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Biarritz
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
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Biarritz and the French Basque Countryside.
Begin the morning alongside your National Geographic Expedition Leader on a walk through the bustling Les Halles Market in Biarritz. Then, venture inland into the green fields and rolling hills of the Basque Pyrenees. Visit a local farm in Espelette to learn about the town's famous fiery red peppers and taste traditional specialties. Break for lunch on your own in Espelette before visiting St. Jean Pied de Port, a fortified medieval town set against the mountain foothills.
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Biarritz/Pau
Travel from Biarritz to Pau, a city sitting high above the Gave de Pau river, framed by distant Pyrenean peaks. Join your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre, pausing along the Boulevard des Pyrénées for sweeping mountain views before heading into the bustle of Les Halles market. Settle in for an included lunch of fresh regional specialties. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or consider an optional visit to the Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV.
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Day Trip to Lourdes.
Set out after breakfast and head through the lush Pyrenean foothills from Pau to Lourdes. Upon arrival, join your guide to explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains. Walk past the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception perched dramatically above the grotto, view the intricate mosaics of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and descend into the vast Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, built to hold thousands of pilgrims. Afterward, head into Lourdes town to enjoy lunch on your own before returning to Pau.
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Full Day Exploring Lescar and Jurançon.
Spend another morning taking in the mountain vistas surrounding Lescar on a relaxing walk. Transfer to Gan to delve deeper into the secret Jurançon wine district, known for its rich history and small-scale producers. Meet with local winemakers to walk through their vine rows, step into quiet cellars, and sample regional vintages alongside a light lunch of local produce. Return to Pau, where the evening is yours to spend as you like.
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Pau/Toulouse
This morning, head east toward Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City" known for its rosy terra-cotta brick architecture. Upon arrival, step out with your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through grand plazas, past historic churches, and along the banks of the Garonne River. The rest of the afternoon and evening are completely yours to discover cozy neighbourhood cafés, visit local museums, or explore the sunny riverside promenade. In the evening enjoy an included dinner.
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Toulouse
Walk with your Expedition Leader from the hotel to the bustling Victor Hugo Market, where the air carries the scent of ripening cheese and fresh bread. Follow a guided food tour through the stalls, meeting vendors who know every wheel and cure by name, tasting local cheeses, meats, and regional treats along the way. Afterwards enjoy a free afternoon to explore Toulouse at your own pace. In the evening perhaps gather with your group for an optional dinner.
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Toulouse
Depart at any time. We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
