Day 1:

Departure from Paris by car to the Picardy region, the historical beginning of France. Take your time to discover the peaceful countryside, its castles, its picturesque villages, its history. Overnight at Le Chateau de Barive.

Day 2:

This morning, discover the secrets of authentic regional cooking during a half day cooking class. Mix the pleasure of sight and taste with Chef Franck Dumoulin, a culinary artist. Then, discover the charming town of Laon, its gated medieval walls and its Gothic cathedral. Overnight at the Hotel Le Chateau de Barive.

Day 3:

Departure for Lille, capital of Flanders. On your way, a side trip to the town of Cambrai, one of the oldest towns in the region where Spanish and Flemish-style houses coexist, will provide surprises galore. Cited by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Belfry, a giant spire of stone and brick, is a must-see. Embark on a search for a sweet delicacy, the Betises de Cambrai. Visit the workshop and learn about the manufacturing process of this famous candy. Discover how, by mistake, the apprentice confectioner in the 1830's created this mint sweet that resembles a small fluffy cushion with a caramelized sugar stripe. Overnight at the Hotel l'Hermitage Gantois.

Day 4:

Take a private discovery tour of the amazing city of Lille, European capital of Culture. A local guide will show you the treasures of this old city... the Citadelle park and fortress, a beautiful example of 17th century military architecture, designed by Vauban; the Vieille Bourse , a reminder of the Spanish occupation of the region as well as the marriage of the French and Flemish cultures; the Grand Place, focal point of life in Lille; the Porte de Paris ; and also the rue de la Monnaie where coins were minted so many years ago. Then, experience a new sensation for your palate and enjoy a beer tasting in the kingdom of beer, where you can find more than 200 different local flavors. Overnight at the Hotel l'Hermitage Gantois.

Day 5:

Today, enjoy your time by discovering the region and crossing the near border to enjoy the Belgium flavors...stroll in the paved streets of Tournai, where 2000 years of history awaits you. Relive centuries of art and glory, stop before an antiquarian's shop window and be attracted by the blue, gold or monochrome of its porcelain, visit the beautiful cathedral, a 5-towered Romanesque masterpiece and be tempted by a Belgium waffle and a local beer. Enjoy a real Flemish dinner in a picturesque inn hidden in the backyard of a 16 th century house. Overnight at the Hotel l'Hermitage Gantois.

Day 6:

Take your time today to travel down to the royal city of Chantilly and stop in Amiens, an attractive town known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, an outstanding example of the 13 th century architecture. Explore the picturesque quarter of Saint Leu, stroll in the little streets and along the canals, meet artisans, second-hand bookshops and antiquarians who give it an unusual atmosphere. Discover the architecture of the unique little colored houses and many other unusual details with the help of your private guide. Overnight at the Hotel Mont Royal.

Day 7:

Drop-off your rental car at the Charles de Gaulle airport and enjoy new adventures...

• 6-nights accommodation at charming countryside and boutique hotels
• Daily breakfast, 1 gourmet dinner
• A cooking class in the countryside
• Private walking tour of the city of Lille
• Private walking tour of the town of Amiens
• 7-day economy car rental, manual, ac, insurance
• Hotel service charges & VAT

For information and reservations, call: 800.952.8116 - Fax: 310.275.2773