Mairenui French Connectionz

Who We Are:

Join us (Sue & David Sweet) on our 17 day in-depth tours of the French & Italian countryside. We started our tours in 2000, having developed a love for the French way of life, the food, the wine, the history, and a desire to share all these experiences with others. We also own a successful farmstay / fishing retreat in New Zealand, so are very used to looking after guests, providing excellent food & wine, & making sure everyone has a memorable time.

Our Tours:

Our groups are small - up to 6 people - travelling in a brand new Peugeot van. After a week of travel, this year staying in chateaus in Champagne and the Loire Valley, we spend 10 days in a luxury villa in the beautiful Dordogne region. En route we visit a Champagne House in Epernay, the Abbey of Fontenay - a working Cistercian Abbey - the Renaissance Chateau of Chambord, and the Chateau Clos-Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. A highlight of the tour is a two night stay at the Chateau de Sannat, near Limoges, where we are hosted by the Count & Countess de Ste Croix, charming hosts who invite you to dine with them in their 18th century residence. The villa in the Dordogne is set in 30 hectares of forest, and is superbly equipped, with ensuite bedrooms and a large swimming pool … perfect for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing … or you can even decide to spend the day there if you are a little travel weary! Each day we visit markets, chateaux, gardens, prehistoric caves, small villages, stopping for picnics, or lunches at local cafés, then returning “home” to relax with a drink & a barbeque, or a meal at a farm inn, for example (a special dining experience in the French countryside).










We are offering a relaxing holiday in a small group; latish breakfasts, picnic lunches, meals by the pool… an opportunity to discover new places, new experiences, and make new friends as well.

This is just to say how wonderfully you looked after us, and how much we enjoyed being with you - you really are excellent hosts, and were much appreciated. I shall never forget that wonderful countryside and the multitude of castles (even more than we have in Wales), the beautiful little villages, and the excellent food - both Chef Sweet and the French chefs!
Mrs Suzanne Hunter, Wales

The advantages of having 2 people that spoke French were getting to know the locals, being able to shop and order food, going into non tourist areas and stopping to visit an area that we spotted and wanted to explore. By paying for an “all inclusive” holiday, apart from personal items, it was just that. As hosts the Sweets are brilliant and couldn’t have done more to ensure the most memorable holiday. Would we go again with the Sweets – absolutely.
Carol & Francie, New Zealand"

Our 3rd tour leaves from Paris, goes through an Alpine pass to Italy, where we stay a while on the Cinque Terre before making our way to a villa in the Tuscan countryside. From there we will explore the surrounding towns & villages - a similar experience to the French Tours.

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Bookings being taken now, limited places left on the France/Italy Tour.

Now is a great time to decide to travel as the NZ Dollar is very strong! So don't wait - reservations for the France/Italy Tour will close at the end of May.
 

Published 11th Mar 2010

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