• Day 14 (Thursday):  Carcassonne is an enormous 'storybook' medieval walled city that was completely rebuilt in the 1920s and is one of the most famous attractions in France. Today, it is an awe-inspiriing sight and is well-worth the 2.5 hour drive from Maison Roux, or perhaps even an overnight. The Carcassonne Festival runs from mid-June thru the beginning of August and features theatre, circus, opera, classical music, dance, and concerts with major musical headliners from Elton John to Vanessa Paradis. The fireworks display on Bastille Day (July 14) is a major production and not to be missed. The Feria de Carcassonne (last 2 weeks in August) is a festive event with groups performing salsa, flamenco, Occitan music, tango, accordion, banda, and brass band music in the streets with Seville-style dancing and popular singers. No matter the season, a visit to Carcassonne is a marvelous experience for all ages.


  • Day 10 (Sunday):  If you'd like to attend Mass or see a French church in action, today is the day! The Tournon church holds Mass at 10:00 AM, or you may want to head to Cahors to experience the Cathédral de St. Étienne (note: most of Cahors is closed on Sunday). Otherwise, enjoy a wonderful day in the Dordogne at the riverside village of La Roque-Gageac with its Troglodyte Fort and exotic tropical garden. You may also take a boat ride down the Dordogne on traditional flat-bottomed 'Gabarres' to view the stunning scenery and nearby Châteaux. Afterwards, head 5 kms away to Beynac-et-Cazenac, with its medieval fort and Château, one of the filming locations for the movie, Chocolat. Both Roque-Gageac and Beynac will take your breath away. But if you've had enough of cliffside villages, the Château de Milandes is nearby. Owned by Josephine Baker in the '40s, it has 14 rooms on display, lovely gardens, and a great 'Birds of Prey' show with eagles, owls and falcons.
  • Day 15 (Friday):  Bordeaux is famous among architectural buffs in-the-know as the most beautiful city in France, even better than Paris. The Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is also a UNESCO World Heritage area and an important port in France. The best way to explore Bordeaux is on foot, using the intercity electric trains, and, of course, by water. A variety of cruises on the rivers and estuary are available through Bordeaux River Cruises. You can even book a 90 minute water tour of the Bordeaux vineyards, accompanied by a local winemaker whose wares you can sample! The markets in Bordeaux are many and varied and there's always something going on, be it antique fairs, flea markets, food markets, and a host of other enticements. The shopping rivals New York and Paris and there is something for everyone. Since there is so much to take in in this marvelous city, you may want to tack on a couple of days in Bordeaux at either end of your week at Maison Roux.
  • Day 11 (Monday):  Today, get an early start and drive 90 minutes north to the incredible cliff-hanging town of Rocamadour, set above a gorge in a tributary of the River Dordogne. Noted for its its historical monuments and sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from every country, among them kings, bishops, and nobles, Rocamadour will literally make your jaw drop. A favorite tourist spot, it is usually crowded, but well worth the traffic. After lunch in Rocamadour, a 20 minute scenic drive will bring you to the cavernous underground lakes of Gouffre de Padirac, discovered 120 years ago and now a National Heritage Site. Discover a magical subterranean world on guided boat tours as they navigate the intricate rock formations and pale green water. Online reservations are required due to limited availability, so make yours before you come to France to avoid disappointment. We suggest you visit on a Monday, as that tends to be the least busy day.
  • Day 16 (Saturday):  As they say, all good things must come to an end, but we truly hope you have enjoyed your time at Maison Roux and return again to sample more of the region's special delights. Please remember that check-out is by 10:00 AM so our housekeeper has time to ready the house for our next guests. Before you leave, please consolidate all dirty towels and mats in the master bathroom, do your dishes, run the dishwasher, close all windows, empty the 4 recycling bins next to the cemetery, and turn out the lights. Also, please check to make sure you leave the 'house' hairdryers and converter plugs. Please leave your keys on the island countertop and have a safe trip home or wherever your travel adventures take you next. We have enjoyed hosting you and sincerely appreciate your support of our Charity Auction partners. Please help us to make future visits to Maison Roux even more special by sending us your comments and feedback.​ Merci beaucoup et à bientôt from Tracey, Denny, and Roux, our beloved Papillon, for whom Maison Roux is named.


  • Day 13 (Wednesday):  Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose because of its rosy brick buildings, is the 4th largest city in France, home to three universities, and the aerospace capital of Europe. It is an impressive city with fabulous shopping, wonderful historical sites, numerous art museums, and a bustling street scene everywhere. The famous Canal du Midi runs through the center and there are beautiful bridges throughout. Park underground in the Capitole garage, and from there, you will emerge into the heart of the city and the grand Place Capitole with its busy market scene and extensive arcades that are home to numerous cafés and restaurants. Here, catch the tourist train that, for 6 Euros each, will take you on a 30 minute ride around the city, enabling you to see places you would never discover on your own. Don't miss the little-known Bemberg Museum, with its important collection of Impressionists, which also does a lovely lunch in a secluded courtyard.
For a Two Week Stay...
  • Day 9 (Saturday):  Today, choose between a visit to the historic Dordogne or renowned St. Émilion, whichever you didn't take in last week. In the Dordogne, you can pair the fabulous boxwood gardens at Marquessac with a visit to the famous Château de Hautefort, renowned for its formal French gardens and stunning 1000 year-old castle. Both are required viewing for garden-lovers, and there are special events at each venue, including candlelit evenings, a real treat! The beautiful terrace at Marquessac boasts stunning views and is a lovely spot for lunch. Alternatively, head west to St. Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you choose St. Émilion, make sure to book a tasting at Château Fonplegade, owned by Elemental Garden clients Steve and Denise Adams. The village of St. Émilion is a gem with stunning ruins, interesting shopping, great restaurants, magnificent vineyards, and wineshops that outnumber people. 
  • Day 12 (Tuesday): For fans of fabulous bridges, modern architecture, the Knights Templar, and gloves, a visit to the town of Millau and its Viaduct should be on your to-do list. Originally the heart of France's glove-making industry, Millau has attained national status as a destination due to the 1.53 mile-long bridge that spans a gorge high above the River Tarn. The Millau Viaduct is the tallest pylon bridge in the world at over 800 feet. Nestled below, the charming town of Millau has numerous leather glove shops with the most wonderful array of colors and styles found only in the best shops in Paris at much higher prices! Nearby to Millau are five fortified Knights Templar sites, each with its own noble personality, as well as the Abbey de St. Sylvanes, a jewel of Cisterian art. Also nearby are the famous village and caves where Roquefort Cheese is made and aged. Although this is a 3-hour trip from Maison Roux, it is well-worth the time and effort, and you will not be disappointed.
Suggested Itineraries...
  • When you spend two weeks at Maison Roux, you can discover even more of this stunning region, but head further afield to gorgeous cities and venues that you wouldn't have time for in a one week visit. While it is impossible to do justice to all the places we have suggested below, it's easy to pick and choose among the trips for the perfect combination of enjoying more of what the region has to offer interspersed with days of rest and relaxation. Live La Belle Vie!