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We
invite you to join French born NIA teacher France-Laude in this
intimate discovery of the joys of fitness and explorations of ancient
cultures, while we relish the physical beauty of our surroundings
and legendary therapeutic spas.
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May
25, Fri. - Paris - Biarritz
For those arriving in Paris today you can con take the train
to Biarritz from the airport or transfer to Montparnasse Station.
Those who arrive in Paris earlier will meet to be transferred
to the Rail Road Station for our train ride to Biarritz of approximately
5 hours with a possible NIA stretch class in the morning.
Included in costing TGV from Paris 2nd class.
Welcome diner in Biarritz
Night at Chateau Claire de Lune
or similar country boutique hotel. Three nights D
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May
26, Sat. - Biarritz - French Basque Country villages
Morning: depart for a discovery of typical villages classified
as "most beautiful villages of France": Aïnhoa,
Sare and Ascain. Depending on your wishes and the
weather you can either stroll through these typical villages
or take the rack and pinion train in Sare for a wonderful
view of the whole area. (train fare not included)
We will have free time for lunch on our own in Saint
Jean de Luz. In the afternoon we will walk along
the coastal trail from Saint Jean de Luz towards Hendaye
(about 2 ½ hour walk, easy). B |
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May 27, Sun. - Biarritz - Spanish Basque Country
Morning: NIA Class in a Spa and
free time for Spa treatments and pampering.
Then, we will head towards Bilbao
and visit the world famous Guggenheim
Museum (guided visit). Free time and lunch.
In the afternoon time to visit the unique Old Quarters of San
Sebastian and walk along its famous beach, Concha. B |
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Wherever
there are mountains there are valleys and passes, and
the Pyrénées are no exception. What makes
them so special here, however, is the accessibility. The
Western Pyrénées rise dramatically from
the flood-plains of the rivers to which the mountains
give birth. One moment you are on a relatively flat area,
crossed by ripples of hills, and suddenly the mountains
rise majestically before you, the steep valleys carved
by glaciers and rivers, sometimes shrouded in mists, beckoning
you on to the mysteries to be discovered by the intrepid
explorer.
Here is the home of the bear and vulture. The flowers
of the Pyrénées, like the Alpines so well-known
to gardeners, grow and bloom to their own rhythm. At times
the valley is barely wide enough to accommodate road,
river, and the old railway. To the East lie the valleys
south of Lourdes, leading to the magnificent Circe de
Gavarnie, a favorite with walkers. |
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May
28, Mon. - Argeles-Gazost - Gorges of Kakouettae
In the morning we will visit Saint
Jean Pied de Port, a marvelous cross-roads of the
route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle, at the foot of
the pass, the Col de Ronceveaux.
Continuing to Saint Engrâce,
perched on the eastern side of the Saison valley where
we will have a relaxing picnic lunch with local products.
After lunch we will hike the gorges of Kakouetta , one
of the deepest, and most beautiful gorges in the Western
Pyrénées (2 ½ hours, easy).
Before returning to our mountain hotel we will stop in
Jurançon, it's route
des vins winds its way through hidden valleys and
up steep, wooded slopes, offering sudden views of the
Pyrénées for some wine tasting.
Night in Argelès-Gazost , a picturesque mountain
town near Lourdes. Three nights B/L |
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May
29, Tue. - Argeles - Cirque de Gavarnie (UNESCO Heritage
site)
In the morning morning: NIA Class at our hotel
We will drive high into the mountains to the magnificent Cirque
de Gavarnie, (World Heritage Site of UNESCO),
a popular hiking area. To the west and southwest the valleys
of Ossoue and Epicières stretch further up towards Spain.
We will hike in this area and have lunch in one of its quaint
villages. Those who wish can enjoy the spas in the area,
some offering the well-known Thalassos therapies. B |
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May
30, Wed. - Argeles - Pic du Midi
In the morning we will drive to Pont
d'Espagne, The National Park of the Pyrénées,
which begins just above Cauterets. This is a spectacular
route, where waterfalls and torrents of the gave shoot
past every side, until the road levels out and ends at
the bridge of Pont d'Espagne.
The whole area, specially to the west, towards the Balaïtous,
is a maze of paths, lakes and peaks. Lunch today is at
one of the oldest restaurants in the region, the wonderful
Chez Louisette. After lunch,
another highlight! The Pic du Midi, the finest viewpoint
in the Pyrenees with a possible stop afterward at the
Spa in Bagnères de Bigorre
B/L
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| The
south west of France has many spa towns, thanks to the
geology of the area. The Pyrénées were thrown
up by the collision of the North African plate with Europe.
Mountain building creates heat, and thus there are hot
springs or sources as they are known in French throughout
the region. Because the water is hot, it dissolves minerals
and from time immemorial these hot, mineral-containing
waters, are considered to have healing properties. `Taking
the cure' is an important part of the health-conscious
French life. Many people take a week or more each year
to try and cure some chronic condition, or just to prevent
a chronic condition developing. |
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May
31, Thu. - Mirepoix - Saint Bertrand de Comminges
On the way to Mirepoix, a medieval bastide town, we will visit
Saint Just Valcabrère, a
fascinating little church, continuing by foot to Saint
Bertrand de Comminges (around three kilometres) classified
as "most beautiful village of France" were we will
have time for lunch.Time to hike around Saint Bertrand de Comminges
Night in Mirepoix, two nights. B |
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June
01, Fri. - Mirepoix - Carcassonne , the Cathare Country
In the morning after enjoying our NIA class
we will depart for the medieval city of Carcassonne where
we will visit and have lunch.
The presence of history in Carcassone is impressive.
Founded over 2.000 years ago and built on its present
plan in the 13th century, it is one of the most remarkable
sites surviving from the Middle Ages. It is today a Unesco
world heritage site.
Afternoon Wine tasting in Limoux
then off to mysterious Rennes le
Château. The legend of the treasure of abbot
Sauniere, made popular by 'The Da Vinci Code" looms
over the fortified village. On the way we will discuss
some of the ideas proposed in the book 'Holly Blood, Holly
Grail' which started the whole controversy. We will finish
the day in Rennes les Bains
for a well deserved spa rest before returning to our hotel.
B |
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June
02, Sat. - Mirepoix - Seu d'Urgell
On our way to Seu d'Urgell we will stop at Ax
les Thermes for NIA class and spa. From
here we will cross the principality of Andorra, visit see some
renowned Romanesque churches and of course stop for tax free
shopping in Andorra la Vella where
we can have lunch. Night in Seu d'Urgell. Three nights
B |
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June
03, Sun. - Seu d'Urgell
In the morning we will visit this old city . La Seu d´Urgell
is one of the most historically important towns in the
Catalan Pyrenees. The city was named after the imposing
cathedral (La Seu), a lovely Romanesque building of the
11th and 12th centuries.
In the afternoon we can enjoy the cities narrow cobbled
streets and arcaded shop fronts. Among the old houses
is one which belonged to the last of the anti-Popes, Pedro
de Luna. La Seu was also site of 1992 Olympic kayaking
contests, and you can try your luck with the rapids after
renting gear at the Kayak center at the Parc del Segre.
or opt for a hike in the area.
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June
04, Mon. - Seu d'Urgel - Hike in the Spanish Pyrenees / Cadi
Moixero National Park
After enjoying our morning: NIA Class and perhaps
a visit to the Tuesday local market to try the famous local
cheeses, sausages and pates. In the afternoon our guide will
take us hiking in the nearby gentle peaks surrounding area.
B |
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June
05, Tue. - Collioure - French Catalonia and the Mediterranean
Coast
Morning: Departure in direction of the Mediterranean Coast.
On route experience another means of transportation on
board the highest mountain train of France - The
Yellow Train. Arrive in Villefranche
de Conflent dominated by a little citadel and surrounded
by XVth century walls. After lunch we will visit Eus,
one of the most beautiful villages of France, and then
head forward to see the stronghold city of Elne. Night
in Collioure. Two nights B
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June
06, Wed. - Collioure - Côte Vermeille
After our NIA Class we will discover Collioure,
a little fishing village.
Collioure is the jewel of the Cote Vermeille, situated
on the road leading to Spain among Argeles sur Mer and Port
Vendres. Collioure inspired Matisse and Derain in 1905 to
embark on their explosive Fauvist colour experiments; Dufy,
Juan Gris and Picasso followed.
We will finish our tour with a wine tasting experience.
Afternoon: Hike along the Côte
Vermeille B
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June
07, Thu. Cadaques - Dali museum - Cap de Creus National Park
Morning: Reach Banyuls sur Mer
by the coastal road for a NIA class and spa session.
Afternoon: Visit the Dali museum in Figueras,
head towards Cadaques and the regional Park of Cap de Creus.
Overnight in the Costa Brava. 3 nights B |
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| Cadaqués,
located on the Cap de Creus Peninsula, facing the sea
at the head of a deep bay, surrounded by an extraordinary
landscape of grey slate and olive groves, has a truly
unique beauty and personality. Intellectuals and artists
like Picasso or Salvador Dalí have given it international
prestige, and thanks to them Cadaqués has become
an important meeting place for Western Avant-garde painters
and artists. The architecture of the town, dominated by
its church which houses an extraordinarily beautiful Baroque
altarpiece, as well as the International Music Festival
held annually, not to mention the museums and fascinating
excursions through the outlying areas, are just a few
elements that will make your visit a delightful one to
this town where art galleries and popular traditions are
upheld with strength and vitality. |
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June
08, Fri. - Costa Brava
The ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava holiday coast stretches
for 100 miles along the shores of Catalonia in Spain's north-eastern
corner. The coast although well visited retains enough green
hillsides and lonely, wild cliffs, coves and caves to belie
its reputation as one of Europe's nicest holiday destinations.
International resorts and marinas lie in close proximity to
relatively un-spoilt fishing villages and towns bearing evidence
of the area's rich history with ancient castles and fortifications.
Offshore divers revel in the abundance of wrecks to explore
in the crystalline waters, while seemingly endless sunshine
pours down on stretches of sandy or shingle beach. The untouched
natural areas and fishing industry have also resulted in making
a holiday here a gastronomic treat. Seafood reigns supreme,
from sardines to delicious lobster, but specialties also include
local wild game, like boar, duck and rabbit, which can all be
washed down with a variety of wines produced from the vineyards
that clothe the hillsides. B |
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June
09, Sat. - Costa Brava
We will
spend two days free to have a NIA retreat, relax and enjoy the
cultural life of the area on our own. B |
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June
10, Sun. - Barcelona
Today we arrive in lively Barcelona; with its artistic
and architectural heritage from Art Nouveau to Gaudi,
is one of Europe's most alluring cities. The enchanting
city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere
that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial
charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval
romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights
of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau
architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.
In the afternoon a city tour with our guide.
Hotel Duques de Bergara or similar. Two nights
B |
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June
11, Mon. - Barcelona
Day free to do some shopping, visit museums, enjoy the city...
In the evening we will meet for our farewell dinner and memory
sharing! B/D |
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June
12, Tue. Barcelona - USA
We will be transferred to the airport for our flight home. There
will be one transfer to the airport in the morning. |
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It
is possible to end the tour upon arrival in Collioure June
5,
please contact us for costing.
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