seven starry nights
7 nights/8 days
20 - 27 June 2026 | 18 - 25 July 2026
Your Stay: Prepare for a longer stay at Château de Gudanes, nestled among the tranquil hills of the French Pyrenees. Here, the rhythm of country life unfolds beneath towering peaks, in an landscape of timeless beauty.
Wander the forests, valleys, and villages surrounding the château. Fill your days with cooking classes rooted in 18th‑century tradition, the charm of local vide‑greniers, guided hikes, and spirited games of pickleball or tennis or relaxing by the pool.
Share meals at long tables lit by candlelight, sip local wines during aperitifs, and dine in historic rooms restored one by one with soul and sincerity. passing through vineyards, medieval towns, and artisan villages.
At Château de Gudanes, experience French rural living in a way that is restorative: a harmonious blend of history, food, nature, creativity and personal renewal.
Inclusions: all dining (daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks), accommodation, and all activities as per the itinerary.
Please kindly note that the cost of the experience excludes your flights to and from France/Toulouse, personal spending money and travel insurance.
Price: €7,700 per person
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival Day
We eagerly await your arrival at 11 a.m. in the rose-hued city of Toulouse for a smooth and scenic transfer to the exquisite Château de Gudanes.
Upon arrival, enjoy refreshing welcome drinks and an introduction to the Château’s gracious team. After settling into your surroundings, savor a delightful lunch followed by a captivating historical tour of the Château’s elegant interiors.
As the day unfolds, join us for château-style aperitifs on the front terrace, with breathtaking views of the French Pyrenees. The evening culminates in an enchanting garden-inspired welcome dinner hosted in the charming Salon de Printemps.
Day 2
Following a traditional, French breakfast a series of morning and afternoon sweet and savoury cooking classes shall begin, with luncheon in between. Local chefs will present, guide and teach techniques while adding a little bit of panache as they share the history of classic French Cuisine.
As evening falls, aperitifs will be served in the atmospheric Renaissance kitchen. Following this, dinner is set en plein air, under the open sky.
To close the night, relax under the stars with popcorn and an outdoor movie screening —a delightful way to end a charming day.
Day 3
After a delightful breakfast, we embark on a visit to the medieval town of Mirepoix, renowned for hosting the most vibrant market in the Ariège. Stroll through the bustling square, where you'll discover handcrafted local treasures, fresh produce, and a myriad of antique and brocante boutiques.
Our journey continues with a private tour of the Château de Sibra, followed by a leisurely luncheon. Savour exquisite dishes prepared with local ingredients, all within the château's historic walls.
Following lunch we shall journey back to Gudanes with a stop along the way for a visit to Château de Caudeval.
Upon our return to Gudanes, gather for aperitifs in the drawing room, followed by dinner in the Château kitchen.
Day 4
Begin your day by joining us in the château's kitchen to bake and prepare a selection of traditional French breakfast favorites.
After this, choose between:
Joining the restoration team to assist with restoring the the Château’s 18th‑century frescoes.
Take a refreshing dip in the pool, engage in a friendly match of pickleball on the tennis court, or simply unwind at your own pace amidst the château's serene surroundings.
A casual lunch will be served in the Salon de Porcelaine, a space renowned for its elegant serviceware.
Dinner is served in the Salon Manger. Bon appetit!
Day 5
Crepe making and mimosa breakfast!
Mid‑day, we’ll pause at the legendary Pont du Diable for a baguette‑style picnic in this scenic riverside picnic area—nestled beside the iconic stone bridge built in the 19th century
In the afternoon, we’ll journey to the 17,000-year-old Niaux Cave, one of the rare prehistoric caverns open to the public, where you can marvel at awe‑inspiring Paleolithic paintings.
Later, we’ll reconvene in the drawing room for an apéritif featuring a tasting of exceptional local wines—perfectly paired with conversation and camaraderie.
We invite you to an elegant dinner, followed by an enchanting evening of poetry and prose, celebrating art, culture, and connection.
Day 6
After breakfast, embark on a gentle canoeing expedition along the Ariège river. The river flows north through Ax‑les‑Thermes and features stretches suitable for tranquil paddling among limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Some guided canoe runs between Sinsat and Tarascon-sur-Ariège span approximately 15 km, combining calm sections with mild rapids—perfect for beginners and scenic enjoyment
Lunch will be served Salon Manger.
In the evening, you will dine in the village of Ax‑les‑Thermes, nestled at the base of the Ax 3 Domaines ski and thermal resort. Dinner at a French bistro will showcase local flavors—think hearty cassoulet, regional cheese, fresh mountain produce—within a warm, convivial ambiance.
Day 7
After breakfast, we’ll set off for Foix, where we'll stroll through the lively market and brocante, perfect for discovering local produce, artisanal goods, and antiques in a delightful setting.
Next, we'll visit the Château de Foix, an iconic medieval fortress overlooking the town. Within its towers and museum, you’ll explore immersive exhibits, interactive workshops like crossbow shooting or forging, and enjoy sweeping views across the Ariège valley and the Pyrenees. The museum traces its origins back to the Counts of Foix, who shaped the region’s medieval history.
Following the château tour, we’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional French café in the old town of Foix—an excellent moment to relax and enjoy authentic regional cuisine in a charming, historic atmosphere.
For the finale, indulge in an elegant 18th-century banquet in the Salon de Musique, where the ambiance recalls the grandeur of royal courts. Conclude the night with spirited disco dancing, blending timeless elegance with modern flair.
Day 8 - Departure Day
We bid you a fond farewell… We’ll be departing from Gudanes at 11:00 AM, bound for Toulouse.
Our journey should take about an hour and a half. Please plan your onward travel accordingly.
We can drop you off at Toulouse airport, the train station, or back at the same central location where we picked you up. Do let us know your preference.
