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Programme Les Saveurs Du Sud-Ouest 2008
The marvelous richness of the southwest brings to us a cross between fascinating history and exquisite food. Come explore Toulouse and Sarlat with us as we research France’s current issues from an insider’s point of view while visiting the area and regaling in their specialties. We’ve planned optional evening activities and plenty of leisure time for you to be able to take full advantage of les richesses du sud-ouest.
Read below for our detailed daily itinerary. Our cultural seminars will focus on
• History of the region
• La nouvelle politique française
• L’immigration : la deuxième génération
• La technologie
• La scolarité et les jeunes aujourd’hui
Mercredi 16 juillet:
Bienvenue à Toulouse, la ville rose. Apéritif d’accueil to welcome you to your new surroundings, and a leisurely evening stroll to dinner in a restaurant typiquement toulousain. Prepare yourself for foie gras heaven!
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Jeudi 17 juillet:
Our first seminar acquaints you with the history of l’Aquitaine. From its early settlements through the brutal wars of religions to today’s complexity of nationalities, ethnicities, and international politics, this region is one of France’s most intriguing. Lunch together in the shade of the platanes; afternoon visit with private guide of the historical parts of this city.
*Vendredi 18 juillet:
Morning seminar: The European constitution and new political winds in France. With Président Sarkozy turning France's customs and policies upside down, we'll have a good look at how the French regard him and why they look askance at the Eurpoean consitution. We've requested permission for a private visit of one of Toulouse's seats of government this afternoon.
*Samedi 19 juillet:
Journée libre Explore the city on your own today or join us for une excursion incontourable to two of the area’s most distinguished towns: Albi, is the birthplace of the delightfully decadent and theatrical artiste-peintre Toulouse Lautrec, and his maison natale is now a museum. Albi is also home of the unforgettable Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, that bully of a building which dwarfs and dominates the town as if to never let it forget its fearsome Albigensian connection to the brutal extinction of the cathars in 1209. Then on to Cordes-sur-Ciel, a magical village in the sky, classified un des plus beaux villages de France. Time permitting, we’ll stop for a dégustation de vin on the way home. †
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Dimanche 20 juillet:
Immigration et la deuxième génération. France has become more and more multiracial and for complex cultural reasons second-generation immigrants are particularly at risk. We’ll investigate these in our seminar today, and a private afternoon visit with a local imam will give us some insight into the issues. In keeping with the theme of the day, couscous and belly dancing are on the menu tonight in a restaurant marocain.
Lundi 21 juillet:
La technologie. Toulouse is synonymous with a booming aeronautics industry, the only serious competitor to our American Boeing. We’ll focus on this and many of the other spécialités de Toulouse before heading off this afternoon for an upclose and personal visit at the renowned Aérospatiale factory. Passports and clearance obligatory. Lunch.
Mardi 22 juillet:
Le nouvel abécédaire: Qu’est-ce qui se passe dans les écoles françaises aujourd’hui? French schools are undergoing massive changes and not everyone is happy. A chance to dialogue with French teaching colleagues about the concerns & challenges they face in their classrooms, a subject very close to our own hearts. Afternoon free before leaving Toulouse tomorrow. Lunch.
*Mercredi 23 juillet:
Departure by private coach for Sarlat-la-Canéda, inscrite au Patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, our learning about the dordogne deepens. On the way, we’ll stop at the enchanting village of St-Cirq-Lapopie before visiting the mysterious cave of Pech-Merle, first of the several caves with prehistoric drawings we’ll be encountering in our travels. Dinner together in Sarlat.
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*Jeudi 24 juillet:
A visite guidée of the town this morning will give you insights into the rich and complicated history of this area, referred to by locals as le Périgord noir. This afternoon, we’ll experience the dizzying heights of a 12th century château/fortress for a stunning view of the Dordogne River before riding downstreatm on a picturesque gabarre. Consider joining us this evening for an optional candlelight visit †to the suspended gardens of the Château de Marqueyssac overlooking the Dordogne River: outdoor concerts, 2000 bougies, jardins à la française.
Vendredi 25 juillet:
Caves & troglodytes: We’ll leave early today for a journey back into time as we view the unexpected discoveries made by startled school boys in the 1920’s of immaculately-preserved drawings etched 13,000 years ago in the caves of Rouffignac and Lascaux. After lunch in Montignac, we’ll experience life as a troglodyte in the Grotte de St-Christophe …indeed a thought-provoking day.
Samedi 26 juillet:
Journée libre…the biggest marché périgordine takes place weekly in Sarlat ; the entire town turns into a GIANT OPEN market. Enjoy your time browsing the stalls and chatting with the marchands; lot sof réalia to pick up for your classrooms here . ….Dîner de gala ce soir.
Dimanche 27 juillet:
Departure is always, un peu triste, but perhaps you can extend your stay and continue your immersion experience. There is so much to see and savor in the region, but if you must return to Paris or Toulouse to catch your plane, we’ll help you make travel arrangements.
* = no group meal today
† = optional activity w additional cost