We return to France to celebrate this one of a kind festival in the inspirational region of Gascony from August 1-10, 2003. In Gascony, a whole culture unfolds. Renown for its foie gras, St. Mont wine, confit de canard and Armagnac, Gascony is located in the region of France known as the Midi-Pyrénées. Peaceful rolling farmland dotted with fields of sunflowers rise up to greet you as you travel along winding tree lined roads. The little town of Marciac sits quietly amidst this beauty and represents the classic French lifestyle commonly called "Joie de Vivre." The people are warm, gracious and cherish life! Every August the town joyously resonates with the excitement of the Marciac Festival. This year Marciac presents the best line-up of jazz artists to be seen anywhere!

Marciac's adopted son Wynton Marsalis returns with his Septet for their fourteenth season! Joining him will be Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, The Buena Vista Social Club, Diane Reeves, Chick Corea, Diana Krall and Lucky Peterson to name but a few.

A short trek from Marciac, magnificently situated between the Armagnac and Madiran Valleys, with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees on the horizon lies the Chateau de Projan. The chateau offers gastronomic dining, antique and modern art renovations and the comfort of the French countryside. Hotel Minvielle, in nearby Segos, is a charming idyllic setting captured in timeless French fashion, including swimming pool, tennis courts and courtyard, amidst the backdrop of the Pyrenees Mountain range. Two perfect locations to unwind from the hassles of everyday life.

The "2003 French Adventure III" departs via Air France from Newark International Airport on Friday, August 1st, returning Sunday, August 10th, offering you nine days and eight nights to enjoy the intrinsic beauty of southwest France.

The first eight days of your journey are spent in Gascony. This part of France, steeped in rich history and lore, allows you to discover the spirit of the Midi-Pyrenees. Our sightseeing journeys take you through the traditions, culture and lifestyle of southwest France. Starting from the vineyard to the making of wine, we continue with a visit to an Armagnac distillery. With 600 years of time honored tradition, Armagnac is France’s oldest brandy. Romantic medieval villages on rocky cliffs await your exploration, from Auch to Castlemore (birthplace of D'Artagnan, legendary leader of the Three Musketeers). Relax and enjoy "la Douceur de Vivre" (the sweetness of life), with gourmet meals offering the region's finest in dining. All this combined with nightly world class jazz performances promise the experience of a lifetime!

After seven nights in Marciac, we continue our trip with a visit to Toulouse, the capital of the southwest, France’s fourth largest city. In Toulouse, we stay at the Grand Hotel Les Capitouls, ideally situated near Place de Wilson in the heart of Toulouse. In close proximity are the historic attractions of the innovative Church of the Jacobins and Romanesque St-Sernin Basilica, distinguished by its octagonal bell-tower. We arrive with time to explore Toulouse, famous for it's pink brick (“La Ville Rosa”) and Renaissance architecture such as the Hotel d’Assezat, renown for its rich art collections of Old Masters, Impressionists, Bonnards, and Expressionists. We’ll wind up our evening by enjoying traditional Gascon fare, bidding the Southwest of France a fond "Adieu" at our farewell dinner.

A visit to the Jazz in Marciac Festival is truly an exceptional experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Trip package price per person based on double occupancy:

Hotel Minvielle: $3,300.00
Single Supplement: $250.00

Hotel Chateau de Projan: $3,460.00
Single Supplement: $300.00

To reserve your travel to Marciac, France, click here to place your deposit via our secure server.

WBGO members receive $100 off the list price. Past travelers receive additional savings on all trips.

To make your reservation or for further information about the Jazz in Marciac Festival or our other 2003 tours, please call the WBGO toll free number: 888-865-5786. Visit our website: www.jazztours.org. and www.wbgo.org. You may also contact us by fax: 978-546-8462.