FAQ

Where will I be picked up, and at what time?
Our Belle France staff will meet you either at the Montpellier train station or the airport, depending on your mode of travel. We ask that clients arrive at these specific times: Train station – approximately 11:30 AM
Airport – arrive at 12:50 PM (flight departs from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport at 11:30)

When will we depart?
The tour ends on Sunday. Since most flights and trains depart early, we will be leaving quite early in the morning. For US travelers, the 7:20 flight out of Montpellier allows you to arrive back in the States the same day.

What is the weather like in September?
Generally, the weather is sunny and fairly warm, with daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s, but you should also be prepared for some cool, cloudy weather, and possibly a day or two of rain.

What is not included in the tour cost?
Airfare/train fare to and from Montpellier, France, three dinners, four lunches, and any personal items you purchase on the trip.

Who are the Knitting & Wine Tasting Tours designed for?
Belle France Tours are designed for anyone who has an interest in discovering the beauty and charm of France, and who wants more than just a site-seeing trip. You do not need to speak French, as all tours are conducted in English. For people who are trying to learn the language, they will have ample opportunity to practice, as the goal of Belle France Tours is to immerse our clients in French daily life and culture. Due to all rooms being double occupancy, we encourage couples or friends to enroll, but if you are single, as long as you are willing to share a room, you are warmly invited to join any one of our tours.

Why does Belle France Tours focus exclusively on Languedoc?
Our staff has been traveling to the South of France for over 12 years. While we enjoy every region of the country, we’ve found that Languedoc retains an unspoiled quality, since it is not over-run with tourists as some other areas are. We enjoy introducing our clients to the authentic feel of this sunny region, which stretches from the Rhone River to the Spanish border.

What make Belle France Tours unique?
While many tours are centered on site seeing, our goal has always been to allow clients to immerse themselves in a particular region, discovering the small village markets, out-of the- way hilltop villages, and little-known wineries nestled in the hills of the South of France. Belle France Tours offer a perfect mélange of daily activities and relaxation. Even with a full week of exciting excursions and day trips, we always allow time to relax at home.

What is the Herault?
All regions of France are composed of departements, similar to counties in the US. The Herault is a geographically diverse region that reaches from the sunny beaches of Valras Plage and Palavas-les-Flots to the foothills of the Black Mountains. It includes Montpellier, the “Paris of the South”, and the smaller city of Beziers, but is primarily a rural area. This departement, being the largest wine producing area in Languedoc, is a beautiful patchwork of rolling, vineyard-laced hills and historic, charming villages far from the main tourist areas to the east. Most of our tours are based here, or just to the west in the Minervois region of the Aude departement.

What travel documents do I need to bring?
All travelers to France must have a valid passport. You should make two copies of your passport and personal ID, keeping one with you in a separate place from your originals, and leaving one at home with friends or family. These copies will be helpful in the case of a lost passport.

How should I pack and what type of clothing will I need?
You are encouraged to travel light, bringing no more than one regular size suitcase and one carry-on. Clothing should be light and comfortable. While we do dine at some fine restaurants, no formal attire is needed. Be prepared for warm days and cool nights.

How is the Belle France Knitting Tour structured?
Since we have designed the tour to appeal to both single travelers and couples/partners, for a portion of each day, there will be other activities running concurrently along with the knitting workshops. You do not have to commit to any one schedule, as we want you to have the flexibility to choose your activity each day. Activities include a workshop on Travel Photography and a Walking Tour of Historic Pézenas.