Toulouse Tour Guide

Saturday 8th May ‐ Afternoon

Toulouse’s Grand Monuments Visit the Saint‐Sernin basilica, a masterpiece of Romanesque art and a key stage on the St Jacques de Com‐ postelle pilgrimage; the Capitole (city hall) and its ceremonial rooms; and the magnificent architecture of the Church of the Jacobins, the mother house of the Dominican order. The tour ends with an amazing view as you look out over the Garonne from the Place de la Daurade. Free Meet at 2pm, Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis

Explore wines and wine‐making in the Fronton area Discover the heart of the Fronton vineyards. Fronton is one of the oldest vineyards and was once owned by the Knights of the Order of Malta. In the 12th century, the knights introduced the Négrette vine and it is this grape which still gives the Fronton wines their distinctive character and appeal. Then, on to a wine‐ tasting on a wine estate where you will be greeted by the owner. €15 per person Meet at 2pm, Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis

Sunday 9th May ‐ Morning On Sunday 9th May, Airbus and ATR will exclusively open the Airbus family (A380/A330/A340) and ATR production lines for all Routes Europe delegates. This FREE VIP tour is very unique as delegates will get access directly onto the assembly floor which is not open to the general public. You will also have the opportunity to tour the world leader turboprop regional aircraft ATR final assembly line which has recently seen a substantial increase in its production from 15 aircraft in 2004 to over 50 in 2009. Free Meet at 9.00am , Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis.

Sunday 9th May ‐ Evening The City in Lights This coach tour with commentary will make you see Toulouse in a whole new light. The city’s sights are put under the spotlight with the Lighting Plan, with creative lighting used to light up the Garonne and the city’s gardens and historic buildings. Stops are scheduled during the tour so that you can take time to en‐ joy the night‐time staging of the urban landscape. Free Meet at 9pm in front of the Capitole (town hall)

Toulouse Tour Guide Wednesday 12 May ‐ Morning

Toulouse’s Grand Monuments Visit the Saint‐Sernin basilica, a masterpiece of Romanesque art and a key stage on the St Jacques de Com‐ postelle pilgrimage; the Capitole (city hall) and its ceremonial rooms; and the magnificent architecture of the Church of the Jacobins, the mother house of the Dominican order. The tour ends with an amazing view as you look out over the Garonne from the Place de la Daurade. Free Meet at 9.30am, Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis

The Pastel saga : Toulouse’s Golden Age

Stroll along the narrow streets of the historic centre to explore Renaissance Toulouse, where you will see private mansions built during Toulouse’s golden age by the pastel merchants and the city’s ‘capitouls’.

The tour continues at the Bemberg Foundation, which combines the magical setting of the hôtel d’Assé‐ zat, the jewel in the crown of Renaissance architecture, and the richness of the works collected by the Foundation’s patron, Georges Bemberg. The Foundation houses outstanding works from the Renaissance to the Modern School, as well as a number of works by Bonnard. Free Meet at 9.30am, Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis.

Wednesday 12 May ‐ Day Trips

UNESCO World Heritage Sites ‐ Carcassonne and Sorèze Abbey (at the source of the Canal du Midi) Guided tour of Carcassonne, visiting the Cité de Carcassonne, a unique mediaeval complex including the ramparts and the Basilica of Saint Nazaire. Lunch in Sorèze , then onto the historic Abbey School and the museum and the gardens at the Canal du Midi. Price: €35 per person Meet at 8.30am , Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis.

Moissac and Cahors Guided tour of Moissac Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture, a tour round the Saint Pierre ab‐ bey, taking in the cloister, a huge window opening out to the sky, where 76 Romanesque capitals show the work of unknown 12th century sculptors. Lunch in Cahors. In the afternoon, you will visit the Valentré Bridge, the most beautiful fortified bridge in Europe. This is followed by a wine‐tasting in Cahors. In the 12th century the wine from Cahors was very well known by the English who called it the ‘black wine’. Price: €35 per person Meet at 8.30am, Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis.

Albi : Toulouse Lautrec painter’s city & mediaeval town of Cordes sur Ciel Discover the old town of Albi, a ‘Midi‐Pyrénées Grand Site’, and Albi’s impressive Sainte‐Cécile cathedral with its extraordinary painted and sculpted interior. This is followed by a visit to the Palais de la Berbie which houses a museum dedicated to the painter Toulouse‐Lautrec. After lunch, take a trip to another ‘Midi‐Pyrénées Grand Site’ – the mediaeval town of Cordes sur Ciel, which is listed as one of the prettiest villages in France. Price: €35 per person Meet at 8.30am, Centre de Congrès Pierre Baudis.