Exclusive for Mail On Sunday readers: A unique tour discovering the beauty of rural France with Chocolat creator Joanne Harris – the author of 15 bestsellers
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.
Secret France: The Valentre bridge in beautiful Cahors – one of the places on the itinerary of a seven-day tour of rural France
OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Best selling author Joanne Harris
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.
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.
REASONS TO BOOK
DISCOVER HIDDEN FRANCE
Visit Nerac, famous as the inspiration for Chocolat, as well as three of the six ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ – Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, voted France’s favourite village in 2012; Auvillar, which sits on the banks of the Garonne river; and Lauzerte, with its pretty cobbled main square.
The deal includes a stay in the heart of laidback Montauban, pictured, on the river Tarn
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS WITH JOANNE HARRIS
Enjoy two fascinating talks by Joanne Harris, one on the creative writing process and the other on her life and career.
You’ll receive a free copy of her latest novel, The Strawberry Thief, and you can ask her to sign it.
STAY IN MONTAUBAN
You’ll be based in the heart of laidback Montauban with its pretty pink-brick houses on the river Tarn. You’ll enjoy two dinners in the hotel’s excellent restaurant, and there will be plenty of time to explore.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Joanne’s latest book, The Strawberry Thief
- Travel by Eurostar to Paris direct from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet, then by TGV to Montauban.
- Six nights at the four-star Hotel Mercure Montauban with breakfast.
- Welcome drinks and two dinners in the hotel’s restaurant.
- Two talks and Q&A sessions with Joanne Harris.
- Montauban visit on market day.
- Tours of Nerac, Moissac, Auvillar and Lauzerte.
- Full-day tour to Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and sightseeing in Toulouse.
- Copy of Joanne’s book The Strawberry Thief (one per booking).
- Transfers and coach transport throughout.
- Services of a Travel Editions Tour Manager.
- Six nights at the four-star Hotel Mercure Montauban with breakfast.
The price: From £1,349*pp for seven days. The dates: September 30 to October 6, 2020. Call 020 8131 8552 quoting MOS HARRIS 0902. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/joanneharris.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Price based on two sharing a room. Subject to availability. Single supplement £288. This trip is ABTA-bonded and ATOL-protected and is exclusive to Mail Travel and selected other titles. For full T&Cs, visit mail travel.co.uk/joanneharris.
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