Special Note: Spouses/partners are welcome on all CFG tours. If your partner is not a knitter/crocheter, there are several options during times when knitting/crocheting class is occuring. They can relax by the pool, write or paint if so inclined or take walks in the country. In the coming years we will be offering culinary/wine classes as well as other art/needlework courses with an eye to adding more recreational activities such as canoing/biking. Tour co-host Phil is not a knitter, and plans to take some short excursions during the mornings to local villages and sites not included on the official tour itinerary, so your spouse is welcome to join him. Updates on this will be posted in the coming months. Tour fee is the same for spouses (see below for fee schedule).

2008 Tours Tour dates - September 7-14 & 14-21

Instructor - Louisa Harding

Loiusa Harding is a noted and highly esteemed British designer and author whose creative and daring designs have inspired knitters worldwide

We will be lodged in the beautiful Chateau de Navarre, tucked away in a quiet corner of the small village of Montblanc, just minutes from the sunny Mediterranean. This 14th century chateau was once home to Marguerite, sister of the king, Francois I. With its walled, shaded courtyard, inviting pool, and exquisite rooms, the Chateau de Navarre is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing week, far removed from the hustle of daily life.

Tentative Itinerary for the week of September 7-14:

Arrive at Montpellier Airport, where we'll meet you and transport you to "Domaine Saint Apolis", a beautiful, converted wine domaine that will be your home for the week. Since you will probably be arriving at Montpellier late in the day, there will be no planned activities. You will have time to settle in to your room, start to let that jet lag fall away, and accustom yourself to life in village France.

Dinner at location to be determined.

Monday:

8:00 - 9:00 - Petit Dejeuner

10:00 - 12:00 - We'll visit the nearby, historic Abbaye de Valmagne. Dating to the 12th century, this imposing yet beautiful abbey, which lies nestled among rolling vineyards, has been converted into one of the most visited wineries in the region.

12:00 - Lunch in Pezenas

After lunch, you'll have time to wander the cobbled streets of Pezenas, where French playwright Moliere once lived and wrote some of his most well known works. The "centre ville", or ancient quarter of the town, is an intriguing mélange of history, inviting boutiques and cozy cafes.

Dinner in location to be determined.

Tuesday:

8:00 - 9:00 Petit Dejeuner

9:00 - 11:00 Relax and knit by the pool

11:30 - We'll visit "Le Centre European de Patchwork", a converted winery along the tree-shaded Canal du Robine, that now houses quilts from all over the world. We'll have lunch here, after which you'll have hours to stroll the banks of the canal, browse the museum's shop, or just sit by the canal and knit. We'll then visit Beziers, where you'll be able to wander the café-lined streets, visit the centuries-old Cathedral Saint Nazaire, with it's stunning view over the Herault River valley, or sit in the beautiful park and knit.

We'll end the day with dinner at "Le Caveau De L'hours", a truly unique restaurant in Beziers.

8:00 - 9:00 - Petit Dejeuner

After breakfast, we'll take a two-hour drive south to Collioure, truly one of the most picturesque seaside villages in France. Lying just below the vineyard-laced foothills of the Pyrenees along the azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean, Collioure is a wonderful place to spend an entire day, and we'll do just that. You'll be able to browse through the many shops that line the narrow streets, visit the chateau, swim, or just sit on a shaded bench and knit.

Dinner in location to be determined.

Thursday:

8:00 - 9:00 - Petit Dejeuner

9:00 - 12:00 - Knitting class with Louisa Harding. Today, we'll take a day off the tourist route, and spend the afternoon at the Domaine, where you'll have time to just relax, knit, and swim in the pool. For those who are interested, we'll have a van heading to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, just minutes away.

Friday:

8:00 - 9:00 - Petit Dejeuner

9:00 - 12:00 - Knitting Class

We'll then drive to Montpellier, one of the most captivating cities in the south of France. Often referred to as the "Paris of the South", Montpellier will lure you in with its winding, café-lined streets, lively squares, and old-world atmosphere. We'll have lunch in our favorite café on the Place de Saint Jaures, then spend the afternoon wandering the cobbled lanes, where you'll have the opportunity to shop, take a short, guided tour of "le Centre Ville", or just relax and sip a cappuccino along the "Place de la Comedie", watching the colorful world go by. We'll end the day with dinner at Les Bains, an ancient Roman bath that has been converted into one of the most unusual restaurants we've seen in France.

Saturday:

8:00 - 9:00 - Petit Dejeuner

9:30 - Today is market day in Pezenas. We'll spend the morning here at one of the largest markets in the Herault, browsing the stalls that seem to go on forever. Here you'll find everything from olives to fine cheeses, colorful baskets to handcrafted leather goods. Lunch in Pezenas.

2:00 - 5:00 Knitting Class

Sunday:

Departure

September 14-21: For this, the second tour, classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.

Fee Schedule:

Transport to and from Nimes or Avignon Airport

Nine hours of Knitting Instruction

All transport to local sites during tour

All Breakfasts & Lunches

Three Dinners

Airfare to France

All dinners not noted above

While our intent is to not change published fees, in the event of sharp decreases in the value of the dollar, fees may be changed accordingly. Payment of the full-published fare guarantees this fare. As with all CFG tours, to reserve a spot on the tour, please complete and return the registration forms and a deposit of $350. This deposit is refundable up to 45 days from date of deposit, or due date of final payment, whichever comes first. Balance of payment is due no later than 120 days prior to tour departure date. (See "Terms & Conditions" for refund information)

Kristeen & Phil Grimes

206-948-6495

206-860-2147