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Wanderlust

Slow Travel Tours Posted on February 21, 2021 by Sue AranFebruary 21, 2021

Few people realize that this Southwestern corner of France has all of the beauty and none of the crowds. Here are six reasons to visit beautiful Gascony when you can indulge your wanderlust  again, s  l  o  w  l  y.

Lavardens, Gers, France

Southwestern, France is a hidden gem of a region known historically as Gascony. Most guide books and travel agents ignore this corner of the hexagon, preferring instead to designate the south of France as either the Dordogne, or the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. But to those in the know, this unspoiled paradise is a well-kept secret. Gascony is far enough off the beaten path to retain its unique identity, yet established enough to accommodate travelers. Bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, the east by Toulouse, the north by the Garonne River, and the south by the Pyrenees Mountains, Gascony offers an intimate portrait of French rural life without the distraction of crowds. The only pause in the region’s tranquility are the many summer festivals and convivial farmers’ markets. Gascons themselves exude an uncomplicated, down-to-earth enthusiasm that is contagious. Nowhere in the south will a traveler find a warmer welcome.

History

Originally called Vasconia, Gascony was a part of Roman Gallia Aquitania. Its capital was Bordeaux. Today it’s divided between the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the French side of the Pays Basque, and the region of Occitanie. A powerful duchy in the Middle Ages, Gascony came under English rule in 1154 through the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet (Henry II) King of England, and remained English until the end of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453, when it formally became part of France.

Montréal-du-Gers, France

Medieval Villages

Gascony was England’s first colony, its influence reflected in the historically-rich fortified villages, ancient cathedrals, and grand châteaux. Between 1256 and 1325, over 300 fortified villages were built in southwest France. Each village has retained its own architectural identity, from the round, fortified village of Fourcès, to the arcaded village of Lupiac, birthplace of Charles de Batz de Castelmore, the 17th century Musketeer D’Artagnan. It was on his life and career that Alexander Dumas based The Three Musketeers.

Gastronomy

Gascony is a culinary heartland comprising a cornucopia of free-range poultry, goose and duck foie gras, confit, paté, garlic, earthy mushrooms, tender asparagus, ripe tomatoes, sweet plums, and succulent melons: it is authentically farm to table. Gascons believe good food, carefully prepared, is not a luxury, but a daily priority. In a land where food is profoundly revered, it’s easy to find a delicious meal every day.

Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne, France

Wine

Gascony has been home to viticulture for almost 2,000 years. No longer lost in the shadow of Bordeaux, it is fast becoming a hot spot, producing some of the finest white, red, and rosé craft wines in France. Small, independent domaines such as Pellehaut, Chirolet, and Uby, as well as the larger Côtes de Gascogne, Tariquet, St. Mont, Madiran, and the very distinctive Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh, are now producing award winning appellations.

Armagnac

Since the 14th century, France’s oldest brandy, Armagnac, has been produced in Gascony. Its grapes are grown in three distinct areas — Haut-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Bas-Armagnac. Each domaine has its own unique recipe in contrast to its industrialized, twice distilled cousin, Cognac. Armagnac is distilled once, with no additives permitted at any stage from grape to bottle, making it the most natural, lusty yet elegant brandy in France. The spectrum of producers range from the Domaine de Laberdolive boasted by Michelin-starred restaurants, to Domaine de Saoubis, one of the only Armagnac producers that is completely organic and biodynamic.Viella, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Nature

The Gers department, considered the heart of Gascony, is characterized by its tranquil landscape and agreeable microclimate. The hills are topped with medieval villages, the valleys criss-crossed by rivers and streams, dotted with cream-colored cows, equestrian farms, and tufted white sheep. Wooded copses, folded into the landscape, often conceal a multitude of birds and wildlife. Rows of golden-yellow sunflowers and vineyards stretch to the horizon. With few towns or villages to interrupt a leisurely ride, the countryside is delightful to drive or walk through. Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes fan across the countryside like the veins on a maple leaf.

It almost seems that time has passed by the other side of France. It’s time to discover a real gem. For a slow travel tour through this hidden gem please visit my French Country Adventures’ website: https://www.frenchcountryadventures.com/fortifiedgascony/

Sue Aran Sue Aran lives in the Gers department of southwest France. She is the owner of French Country Adventures, which provides private, personally-guided, small-group, slow travel tours into Gascony, the Pays Basque, Provence and beyond. She writes a monthly blog about her life in France and is a contributor to Bonjour Paris and France Today magazines.

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France, England and other European countries.
Posted in Slow Travel Tours | Tagged Armagnac, D'Artagnan, Fourcès, Gascony, Gers, Lot-et-Garonne, Lupiac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Southwest France | Leave a reply

Tuscany in Winter

Slow Travel Tours Posted on February 14, 2021 by George and Linda MeyersFebruary 15, 2021

People always ask “What is it like in the winter”? Well, it is far from boring here in Montefollonico. The village continues as usual–that’s the best part of not living in a tourist village. The village has seen a few changes. The grocery has a new pizza oven so Saturday nights just got better. The ATM is open, but the bank is now permanently closed. The new art gallery is open for business and our pool area is being landscaped. And last, but not least, the Lavender is growing–all 1500 plants!

Here’s a few other things happening right now at La Chiusa…

  • New herb, cut flowers and edible flower gardens are in, but need to be painted and planted.
  • More pool furniture on its way
  • Picnic tables for the Olive Grove are being built
  • Rooms are being painted and decorated
  • Reception is getting new look
  • Painters are painting
  • Gardeners are gardening–winter cleanup
  • New menu and new special events calendar
  • Hope to see you all soon sitting around the pool with a big glass of wine!

 


George and Linda Meyers George and Linda Meyers own and operate Cook in Tuscany, a cooking school in Tuscany, Italy.

Cook in Tuscany is a six-night all-inclusive Tuscan experience based in the village of Montefioralle that includes daily cooking lessons with local women, daily excursions, winery tours, cheese making, gourmet dinners, and tours of local and historic sites. Cook in Tuscany is a luxury culinary vacation for the traveler who wants to be a local and not a tourist.

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France, England and other European countries.

Posted in Slow Travel Tours | Leave a reply

Your Walk, Your Way

Slow Travel Tours Posted on February 7, 2021 by Andrew and Elizabeth GuppyFebruary 12, 2021

Our first blog post of 2021 is intended to reflect the fact that wellbeing – both mental and physical – has been at the forefront of people’s attention this past year. As we have a passion for walking, and it is widely recognised for its tremendous benefits as a form of exercise and a slower pace of travel, we wanted to share our tips and thoughts with those who might not have considered a self-guided walking tour before.

Walking towards Winchcombe

Plan the route

Planning is key to ensure that your walk turns out to be just as relaxing and enjoyable as you envisioned. For a self-guided walking tour in the Cotswolds, you can rely on us to do all the planning for you, with your walking abilities, interests, and preferences in mind. For example, a novice walker will enjoy our Best of the Cotswolds walk with an average of 6-8 miles a day, but a more experienced walker will find our Cotswold tour with longer walking days just as enjoyable. We are always more than happy to customise any of our walking tours or plan a completely tailor-made walk to match your requirements.

If you are planning a walk for yourself, we recommend the following:

Avoid getting caught in the dark by estimating how long your hike is going to take. Factor in the walking time, breaks, sightseeing, and time spent wandering off track. It is important to know your abilities and limitations, so be honest with yourself.

The Cotswolds is safe for the many solo walkers we have each year and we hire out mobile phones for peace of mind for anyone wishing to stay in touch with us.

The English Rights Of Way system gives walkers the freedom to cross privately owned land on clearly marked footpaths – Photo: Stefano Mazzotti

Walking time

For most people, walking 2 miles an hour is a relaxed, enjoyable pace. It is safe to calculate with this, even if you are less experienced. If you are not sure about your pace, it is better to plan a shorter hike and underestimate your walking abilities than having to push yourself.

Climbing up to Broadway Tower – Photo: Stefano Mazzotti

Breaks

You will need to stop from time to time to hydrate, to stretch a little or grab a snack. It is good practice to allow some time for these ‘pit stops’, but they do not necessarily need to be planned in as much detail. The lunch break is the one you should give some thought to. For example, the Cotswolds is filled with beautiful picnic spots, great pubs, and wonderful tearooms, and if you’re walking with us, you will have a handy booklet with our recommendations. If your route takes you through a more remote area, you can make a handy picnic blanket from your rain jacket and pick your spot for your locally sourced feast.

Healthy lunch at the Bantam Tea Rooms in Chipping Campden

The Bantam tea room Chipping Campden © Sue Talbot Photography

Sightseeing

You will find plenty to see on the way, and we recommend checking your route in advance to determine where you want to spend more time. Think about your interests and plan accordingly. For example, we can never resist going into a beautiful church, an interesting museum, a majestic manor house, or a charming garden.

If you tend to wander off the trail like we do, you should allow plenty of time for unplanned activities such as climbing up to viewpoints to admire the vistas, chatting to the locals, or standing on a river bank to watch the world flow by.

St Barnabas Church in Snowshill village © Sue Talbot Photography

Hidcote Manor Gardens

Getting lost

Finding the right path and doing a bit of detective work is part of the adventure. Nowadays, technology makes it easy to navigate.

If you are walking with us, our comprehensive route notes, walking app, and detailed maps should take the stress out of finding your way. You can track your position as you walk and hopefully never get lost! The app works off-line so there is no data download. Bring a mobile charger to keep you topped up for all those amazing photos if nothing else.

An excerpt from our route notes

Track your position with the walking app © Sue Talbot Photography

Appropriate gear

When it comes to clothing, layers are generally a good idea, especially in the changeable, unpredictable weather in the UK. Try to avoid cotton or any material that hangs onto heat and sweat, making your garment heavy and rather unpleasant. A moisture wicking base layer has tremendous benefits on a long hike. Pack a spare one in your rucksack for a change of clothing at lunchtime to make you more comfortable. The same goes for a light weight waterproof/windproof jacket on the outside – of course it never rains but always handy.

Hiking boots are the most important part of the gear, although the mostly gentle terrain of the Cotswolds does not require the heaviest, sturdiest boots. A pair of comfortable hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good ankle support can go a long way. Wear them on the plane, (remember those?) and take them off in transit to safe weight and space in your luggage. If you are just starting out, taking your new boots on a long hike is a bad idea. Break them in with short walks – or get ready for blisters. A good way to avoid blisters is wearing two sets of socks – heavy duty hiking socks as the outer layer and light ones as base layer.

It is wise to invest in a comfortable backpack that won’t hurt your back even on a longer walk. Packing correctly is also important – think about what you need, and pack only the essentials. It is a bit like packing your suitcase for a flight. Try to keep your backpack light so that carrying it does not become a nuisance after half an hour into the tour.

Walking poles can protect your knees from the impact of walking – Photo: Stefano Mazzotti

Walking boots at the end (or beginning) of the Cotswold Way in Bath

Water and food

Staying hydrated is important, even more so during the summer months. Make sure you always have at least 1.5-2 litres of water with you and preferably bring a refillable water bottle. Think ahead and check if you will be able to refill your bottle on the way and take more with you if not.

If you prefer to stop at a pub or tearoom for lunch, make sure there is a place (checking opening hours in advance) where you can do so. Standing in front of a closed pub after half a day of hiking is a bitter disappointment, especially with another half to go. Pretty much all of the villages have a convenience store or deli for picnic supplies for an alfresco lunch or your host maybe able to offer a packed lunch.

We always pack ‘emergency snacks’. If you or your walking partner can suddenly transform their mindset from ‘happy-go-lucky’ into ‘the-end-is-nigh’ when hungry, you will appreciate the importance of emergency snacks. A banana or a granola bar can work wonders.

A hearty lunch at the Mount Inn in Stanton

Prepare for the unexpected

It is impossible to be prepared for everything, but there are a few things that are worth having in your backpack, without the risk of overpacking. Plasters, tissues, and clean water can come in handy in case of small injuries like bruises or cuts. If you are prone to blisters, there are plasters specifically designed to soothe and protect your skin (Compeed/second skin).

A flashlight or a headlamp does not take up much space but it can be very useful in case of an unexpected delay in completing your walk or the walk back from the pub after dinner, especially during the winter months when it gets dark sooner.

Finally, the most important thing you should never leave home without is common sense. If something unexpected happens, remain calm, think about what you need and what you have access to. And remember, if you are on Cotswold Walks tour, we are always just a phone call away.

We know that setting off on a longer walk or walking holiday can be daunting at first, but hopefully our tips will encourage you to try walking more to get fresh air and good exercise while you experience an area in depth.

Onwards and upwards!

There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel, and we wish everyone good health and a year full of opportunities to see and experience the places you have long wished to visit or return to.

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our self-guided or guided (see our posts about our Scenic Guided Tour and Cotswold Gardens Tour) walking holidays and create memories to last a lifetime.

Andrew and Elizabeth GuppyHusband and wife team Andrew and Elizabeth Guppy lead Cotswold Walks, specialising in customised self-guided and guided walking holidays in the Cotswolds. Living and working in the Cotswolds is an essential part of what makes their company special. As avid walkers, they can often be found walking the routes with their dog Indie.

Andrew and Elizabeth are passionate about what they do. They strive to take you on a tour that showcases the best of the Cotswolds, from iconic gardens and fabulous local food, to sweeping vistas over the emerald green countryside dotted with honey-coloured cottages. Through careful planning and attention to detail, the mission of Cotswold Walks is to ensure you have complete peace of mind, so you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cotswolds and create lasting memories.

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France, England and other European countries.
Posted in Cotswold Walks, Cotswolds, Slow Travel Tours, Walking | Leave a reply

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