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Antiquities
Not to miss as inclusions in your trip:- Isle sur la Sorgue, just ½ hour from Avignon, in Provence is well reknown for its 7 Antiquity " villages" open mostly on week ends.
- Revel is a market town, northeast of Toulouse, in Midi Pyrennees and is the site of numerous " marqueterie" manufacturers using ancient method for furniture making.
Archeology
France is rich in archeology, from the prehistory to more recent years.- Prehistoric caves and sites will be mostly found in the Southwest region of France in places like: caves of Font de Gaume, Combarelles, Pech Merle (originals) and LascauxII (copy).
- Roman architecture and crafts will be mostly found in French Riviera, Provence and along the Rhone river, in places like : Lyon, Vienne, Vaisons la Romaine,Nimes, Arles, Pont du Gard.
Ballooning
An overview of the historic French countryside from the sky is a must. However ballooning is depending on weather forecast and pretty unpredictable.Average cost for a 2 hours flight including champagne bottle at landing: $350.00 per person. ( Usually for a minimum of 4 passengers).
Cooking Classes
From famous Cooks to family style, we can offer a large variety of cooking classes.Well Known:
- Roger Verge at Moulin de Mougins on the French Riviera.
- Hostellerie Berard in Cadiere d'Azur on the French Riviera.
- Cuisines du Sud , in a mansion North of Aix en Provence with chef Marc Heracle.
- Marie Andree Pincede at Chateau Vergieres, close to Arles in Provence.
- Marie Christine Combes at Chateau Garrevaques,north of Toulouse in Midi-Pyrennees.
Craft Factories
Among thousands of addresses, we will suggest a few:- China: Porcelaines Bernardaud in Limoges. (South of Loire Valley).
- Copper, Leatherwork, Ironwork: Durfort, a small traditional village, 1 hour East of Toulouse, in the Midi Pyrennees region.
- Santons de Provence: Santons "Fouque", in Aix en Provence. 1800 models of Christmas figurines.
French Classes
Among other places, Aix en Provence, Nice and Paris have university summer classes programs.French classes programs
in Nice
Three programs adapted to
your needs on the French Riviera
- Four hours per day for two to four weeks
- Eight hours per day for two weeks
- Two months with options in Business and Litterature
At Chateau de Garrevaques, one hour east of Toulouse, in the Midi Pyrenees region
Barging
The French network of navigable rivers and canals make the country a cruising paradise. Treat yourself to a week of deluxe and gastronomic cruise or just rent a self drive boat for the family.DMI has a whole range of Cruises available. Most frequent areas are the Seine River, the Rhone River, the Rhine River,canals in Burgundy, Alsace and the Southwest Region.
River Cruises
Samples:
- 5-day Seine River-Normandy Impressionists cruises from $450 per person.
- 7-day Rhone River-Provence-Burgundy cruises from $800 per person.
Alsace and Burgundy cruises: 7 days from $1,700.00 per person
Bicycling
The picturesque network of scenic country roads and bike trails as well as the variety of landscapes allow any kind of biking trip, from beginners to advanced.DMI has the experience of organizing bike tours, including accompanying drivers in sag wagon trucks for the luggage and tired.
The most popular areas are : Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Dordogne and Provence.
Churches
You may read 2000 years of architecture evolution by visiting and admiring the French churches, convents and religious monuments. Cathedrals and churches are also a live illustration of ways of life along the centuries.Romanesque Sstyle is more spread out in the south, while Gothic Style is more often found of the Northern part of the contry.
All along the St James of Compostella pilgrimage trail, you will find amazing illustration of wonders built by the faith.
DMI is familiar with church groups and our expert planners will arrange a well balanced itinerary , combining faith and discovery.
Food and Gastronomy
As you well know France is known for the quality of its outstanding gastronomy.As native French men we can offer an insider's look at the French regional specialties. All of our tours are usually very successful, not only because of their quality but also for our dining suggestions.
No diet in France. Just enjoy the Epicurian way of enjoying life. Do not get intimidated by the love the French have for their food : just taste it and share the feast.
Gardens
Since Antiquity, mankind has expressed itself through the Art of Gardens.Unfortunately only the original 19th century gardens have been preserved in their original state.Medieval and Renaissance gardens have been replanted according to original designs.
French gardens are always an illustration of some French historical and artistic reality from Monet's gardens in Giverny to the beautiful Renaissance style gardens of Villandry.
Best time of the year for garden tours are spring and fall.
DMI has contacts of specialized guides and gardeners.
Hiking
A great outdoor paradise, France offers thousands of miles of marked hiking trails from the Ile de france forest around Paris, to the Pyrenean mountains or Dordogne.The rich historical background and the variety of the countryside will allow you to pace your own discovery trip.
You will also be in touch with the wide variety of French wild life.
A large variety of maps are designed for walking trips in all the regions of France.
Horseback Riding
An ancient tradition which is still very alive in France. You may want to attend the riding school shows of Saumur or Chantilly, join a multi-day riding tour or just enjoy a nice promenade into the wooded areas of the castle where you are staying. In any case you will enjoy horseback riding in France.DMI has contacts for tours
in all the French regions.
The most popular spots: Dordogne,
Normandy, the Loire Valley and Camargue, the wild region of the French
"guardians".
Golf
For the past 20 years, golf has become a popular sport in France. Therefore, hundreds of golf courses have been designed all over the country.A good number of Chateau properties have converted their park into a gof course.You may add to your tours by spending the morning golfing.
Most requested areas: Normandy, Provence, Riviera, Aquitaine (southwest), Ile de France (around Paris).
DMI has contracts with a large variety of golf clubs or Hotels with golf courts. We will organize golf packages, or just arrange for green fees.
Hunting
The hunting season is during the fall. Game is mostly: hares, rabbits, pheasants, partridges, wild ducks, wild boars, deers.France is proud to have a record of hunting connected to the protection of wild life.
Favorite regions: Sologne (South of Paris), Provence, Southwest and Alsace.
Judaism
France rich inheritance in Judaic background and history is best illustrated at The Museum of Judaic Art and History.Most frequently remembered areas: Paris, Alsace, Avignon and Carpentras.
DMI organizes tours to the Judaic inheritance places in France.
Markets
Street markets are in every town on specific days. It is the best way to communicate with the French. From fresh produce to homemade deli, without forgetting local craft, you will bargain your way into the best memories of your trip.Most reknown regions for markets: Provence and Dordogne.
DMI Tours always include spontaneous market stops.
Music
You may want to attend an opera in Paris, a music concert in the Ste. Chapelle, or one of the many music festivals featured all over France in the summer- Aix en Provence.
- Versailles Musical Weekends are a feast of the eye (water fountain shows) and the ears (musical concerts) .
- Marciac or Antibes Jazz Festivals are famous worldwide.
Museums
Some of the World's best museums are in France:- The Louvre (largest palace-museum in Europe)
- Orsay (one floor of Impressionists)
- Marmottan ( Monet's son private collection)
- Peace Memorial Museum in Caen
- Bayeux tapestry
- Wine museum in Beaune
- China Museum in Limoges
Spas
Napoleon III invented in the 1870's the Spa concept, notably in Biarritz. From Vinotherapy to Balneotherapy, France offers a large variety of Spas. DMI TOURS has agreements and contracts with Spa hotels where you can rejuvenate yourself.- Les Sources de Caudalie, in Bordeaux region use the unique concept of " Vinotherapy", using grape seeds for anti-age programs, relaxation and slimming treatments.
- Atlantic Ocean resorts like Biarritz, la Baule, island of Re, Saint Malo (www.thalassosaintmalo.com) are famous for seaweeds treatments.
Wine Tours
One cannot think of France without thinking wine. French vineyards have been developed and improved since Roman times.DMI TOURS has specialized in Wine Tours for 20 years, therefore introducing you to the best France has to offer in discovering wines and the people who are dedicated to its production throughout the country.
- Bordeaux and Burgundy are the most reknown vineyards.
- Loire Valley, Rhone River, Alsace, Provence and many more, are regions with their own wine production personality.
- The Countess De Loisy (a world wine authority for 40 years) will give you a private lecture on Burgundy wines, after sampling the hospitality of her Manor-Home in Nuits-Saint-Georges.
- You may want to visit the Wine museums in Paris, Beaune or Epernay&ldots;
- Or just sample the various wines from top brand wines to regular producers.
A votre sante. ( cheers)