A book makes a perfect travel companion and who doesn’t enjoy a good book, or the thrill of travel?
Absolutely Southern France has teamed up with bestselling authors who are delighted to travel with tour guests. Their knowledge and passion for the locations they visit bring joie de vivre to each day, making the trips even more enticing. The tours include some of the most desirable destinations in France where you’ll savor renowned French food and wine, discover historic sites and immerse yourself into the culture of France.
In the sun-kissed south of France, you’ll stay in boutique hotels and villas and discover enchanting villages and glorious coastal resorts. You’ll be able to experience the thrill of a truffle hunt, participate in hands-on cooking workshops, craft a lavender wand, or help harvest grapes. And who doesn’t love browsing colorful Provençal street markets? Additional popular highlights are following the footsteps of artists like Van Gogh, admiring Roman treasures, visiting an olive mill or even joining a safari.
And there is nothing like the fairytale Christmas markets in Paris and Strasbourg. Here you’ll sample sweet specialties while on a quest for the best mulled wine, crepes and onion soup, as well as crafts and stocking stuffers. Participate in a hands-on Christmas pastry workshop, admire festive window displays and enjoy a performance at the dazzling Moulin Rouge cabaret.
These are exceptional and exclusive feel-good tours of the very best of France, experiences where you’ll make friends and memories to cherish…
Why join a small group tour with a bestselling author?
Traveling with an author offers a unique aspect to an already rich cultural experience on one of Absolutely Southern France’s expertly curated tours. Even if you’re not familiar with the author’s works, your days will be filled with memorable experiences and you may even be a source of inspiration for the author’s next novel!
New York Times bestselling author Steena Holmes who is hosting a Sweet Christmas market tour to Paris and Strasbourg says: ‘I love to create personable experiences with my readers and build lasting relationships with them. Not only do they help me create characters for upcoming books, but sometimes they become a character themselves (with some changes and their permission – of course!)’ Read more about Steena’s travels with tour guests here
Thanks to the convivial atmosphere of a small group, new and lasting friendships are often formed. Aspiring writers gain invaluable insight from the author on writing and publishing a book. It’s said there’s a book inside all of us – so maybe you’ll discover your hidden talent!
Patricia Sands, bestselling romance fiction author who leads a women-only tour to the south of France says: ‘It is a pleasure to see readers excited to visit locations they have visited with characters in my novels. There are always a few women on the tour who have plans to do some writing and they appreciate talking about an author’s journey with me.’ Read more about Patricia’s travels with tour guests here
Tours curated with the authors specially for you
All the tours share something in common – the author’s desire to take you on a trip to discover their secret and hidden gems.
Jules Larimore, literary-leaning historical fiction author says: “Individual travel, even with a travel guidebook, has its limitations when it comes to discovering hidden gems, off the beaten track locales, and little-known history. I hope readers will join me to learn the deeper history and secrets behind the Occitanie (Languedoc) locations and settings in my novels than they could learn on their own. Much of what I can share comes from researching obscure texts and making a personal connection with the local people.” Read more about Jules travels with tour guests here
Absolutely Southern France’s representatives travel with you and the author, and take care of every detail. All you need to do is relax, have a wonderful time and make memories that will last forever.
Cheryl Jamison, celebrity chef and cookbook author says: “I’ve been fortunate to travel to these destinations in France and Italy on many occasions on my own. I feel they’re some of the most beautiful, charming, and sensuous destinations in the world. Of course, they also have extraordinary flavors! I love sharing these exceptional destinations with readers and other guests. I love to see their pleasure and sense of discovery as a part of these insiders’ culinary tours.” Read more about Cheryl’s travels with tour guests here
If you would like to join an author on one of Absolutely Southern France’s popular tours, click here to discover the 2024 Tour Collection to France and Italy.
If you are an author and would like Absolutely Southern France to design a tour for you to travel with your readers, contact nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com