Dear Friends of French Affaires!
SW France has always held a special place in my heart. My wife and I spent our honeymoon there. We returned for a six-week stint in Carcans in the Medoc the following summer (including a descent to St Jean Pied de Port in the Pyrenees). French Affaires has taken groups to the region (Aquitaine, Perigord Noir, Lot) many times. Elizabeth and I spent a week at Le Vieux Logis for holiday, during which time I did language immersion in Tayac.
I think part of the allure of this trip is the varied nature of the offerings. Vineyards in the Medoc, one family-owned, one more high-end. The beautiful city of Bordeaux. St Emilion and its vineyards. The Perigord Noir with the incomparable medieval gem of Sarlat, the pre-historic caves, the Chateau des Milandes, Beynac Castle and village, the Gardens of Eyrignac, and the charming hotel Vieux Logis with its lovely staff (Marcel entertained them chasing butterflies on the lawn — and their shadows when he lost sight of them). Great food and a special setting. It has just been renovated, as well. Thank you Estelle and staff.
All French Affaires travelers and alums fall in love with Chateau de la Treyne, in the Lot. It is, further, the base of operations for the grand Rocamadour pilgrimage village, and the rural truffle farms. If anyone were to pack a fly rod, the trout fishing in the Dordogne flowing by would be the cherry on the top. The food incomparable, and rooms stunning, the staff like family. Thank you Maren and staff.
This year we added a hot air balloon (Montgolfiere) ride at Castlenaud-la-Chapelle. What an adventure. We all pitch in for the launch and then pack away the ¾ football field long balloon. Our pilot had “flown” by balloon literally all over the world, so his stories were an added treasure.
I have posted photos at Instagram French_Affaires.
I have to say how great the group was this year. And warmly thank my associate and dear friend, Maud Hacker. She is universally appreciated for her tours and talents and loved by all.
For my part, I took an extra three days after the trip. Rented a car and drove the two-and-half hours south to the Basque Country. Just below St Jean Pied de Port, at the mountain village of Bidarray, there is an inestimable lodging called the Auberge Ostapé. I’ll include some photos.
I wanted also to scope out the Biarritz to Hendaye circuit on the Atlantic coast, for a possible trip, combining the Basque region and the Atlantic, mer et terre.
It was the anniversary of Elizabeth’s passing as the trip started. Our married life started in this same region sixteen years ago. I always feel close to her in France, recalling the lanes and places we shared.
I include below the offerings for 2026. The wine specialist Helene Hervé and I have wondered about reprising a former French Affaires Loire Valley voyage. Vineyards, chateaux, cooking school, and yes, back up in the air for a balloon ride along the Loire.
Please email me to let me know of your wishes for 2026.
With affection for all French Affaires friends, amicalement,
Christopher Seitz
French Affaires 2026 Trips
Just to remind you of French Affaires offerings for your 2026 planning. Three trips are up and running. Three are possible (for parties of 7-12). Contact me at christopherseitz@frenchaffaires.com
Trips in Place:
- “Time with God in France” – Trip starts 14 April in France and ends 21 April. There are still some spaces. I am happy to send details.
- “The Wonders of Normandy” – Trip starts 14 June in France and ends 21 June. There are three spaces left. I am happy to send details.
- “Live Like a Local: French Language Immersion in Aix-en-Provence” – Trip starts 29 August in France and ends 12 September. There are still places available for this two-week trip in Provence.
Trips Possible:
- “Maud’s Parish Fashion History Trip” – A special voyage into Paris fashion history, secret workshops, and fine dining. Mid October, after the fashion week.
- “The Magic of Provence Vineyards” – Explore the Wine Route of Provence with me and wine specialist Helene Herve, with cultural excursions.
- “Loire Valley Adventures” (see above)