Bordeaux, Burgundy and The Dordogne
Few areas of France can conjure up visions of wine like Bordeaux and the Medoc or Burgundy. So different in atmosphere, cuisine and scenery from one another yet almost pilgrimage destinations for modern day foodies and wine lovers.

Burgundy is a bouquet of good things to eat, drink and sense, a very sensual country where food and wine are intertwined with history from the Caesars, tales of pilgrimage and magnificent Romanesque architecture in the churches at Vezelay, Auxerre, Fontenay and Autun. The wine trade, centered around Beaune,

leads to legendary Pinot Noirs, Chablis and Chardonnays and while the region is rich and famous, it delights when visitors discover that her most famous wine villages are often mere hamlets.

The history of growing grapes to make wine dates from the era of Louis XIV in southwest France near Bordeaux and a drive along the Route des Grands-Crus brings encounters with legendary names like Chateau Margaux, Chateau de Beychevelle, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Lafite. To the north of Garonne river which borders the Medoc is St. Emilion while to the southeast is the region of Graves and Sauterne. South of Bordeaux is the seacoast where oysters and seafood are the delights in Arcachon.

While Bordeaux and Burgundy are all about the wine, the beautiful countryside of the Dordogne is a pastoral mixture of rolling hills meandering along the banks of dreamily flowing,

gentle rivers. You would not find it out of place to spy Cinderella’s coach to come rolling down the road from the neighborhood chateau! This region is home to not only castles but gastronomic excellence in foie gras, duck and goose confit, truffles and prehistoric caves hidden deep in the landscape at Lascaux, Pech Merle or Font-de-Gaume. Pilgrimage sites like Rocamadour, sleepy villages like Tremolat where you can stay coddled in rustic country elegance or lofty castles guarding both riverbanks and valleys at Souillac or Cahors make this a magical region for a holiday.

Normandy
Normandy is one of France's most charming provinces with its rolling hills, half timbered houses, endless beaches, rocky cliffs

and historic towns and villages. It is here that the the echoes of past whisper to you ~ the Norman Conquest at Bayeux, Joan of Arc in Rouen, Caen and the poignant D-Day landing beaches. Or follow in the the footsteps of artists at Giverny at Monet's farmhouse and gardens or the port of Honfleur immortalized in paintings from the 19th century. Explore the dramatic monastic ruins of Jumieges Abbey or travel the coast to see the picturesque seaports of Honfleur, Trouville or the chic resort town of Deauville. In the Pays d'Auge, follow the cheese route ~ Camembert, Livarot, Pont l'Eveque~ and taste apple-based cider, Calvados and Pommeau. The  delicate shellfish and

seafood, poultry, and delicious desserts like tarte tatin can all be sampled during a stay in Normandy. On the border with Brittany, marvel at Mont Saint Michel as it emerges from the sea, seemingly floating offshore. For an optimum time to visit, go to Normandy in spring months of April and May when the apple, pear, and cherry trees are in blossom. Make an excursion by boat, hot-air balloon or bicycle  during the day or plan a day trip to the nearby British Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey where you’ll find medieval hamlets, castles and megalithic tombs.

Loire Valley
A visit to the Loire Valley is like stepping into a fairy-tale where castles and forests, beautiful rivers and picturesque local villages create the charming backdrop. Some of France's most

spectacular chateaux, Amboise, Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois and Azay-le-Rideau, are masterful examples Renaissance architecture surrounded by gardens of elegant proportions. Recognized as the garden basket of France, the local markets sell some of of the freshest produce and artisanal food specialties of charcuterie, cheeses, pates and terrines. The majestic cathedrals in the cities of Bourges and Chartres are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. See the panorama of the countryside from the vantage point of a hot air balloon which can be taken from either Amboise or Tours in the summer months.

Contact Endless Beginnings to make these visions a reality.