Experience

The French Countryside

with Michael’s English Muffins

From Raleigh to the Dordogne

A Gourmet Adventure with Michael’s English Muffins at Domaine du Haut Baran

July 21–26, 2026 | Lot Valley, France

Join us for five unforgettable nights of wine, food, and French country charm at Domaine du Haut Baran, the private estate owned by William and Rosalie Haas — the parents of Michael’s English Muffins’ founder. Together, we’re blending the spirit of Raleigh’s favorite bakery with the flavors of southwest France for a trip filled with laughter, adventure, and indulgence.

Picture this: golden vineyards, morning croissants, river picnics, castle views, and a toast each evening with a Kir Royale in hand. This is your invitation to slow down, savor, and celebrate — French style.

Step into a wonderland known as the Perigord, Dordogne, and Quercy regions of France. Millennia of history unfold along the banks of the Dordogne and Lot rivers, where charming villages and small cities whisper tales of a bygone era. This haven of preserved beauty invites you to embrace a slower pace, a world away from the everyday. Within the heart of this idyllic escape, Domaine du Haut Baran awaits. Your welcoming hosts, Rosalie and William, are eager to introduce you to the region's many treasures.

Your 5-Night French Escape

Day 1 – Tuesday, July 21: Arrival & Welcome

  • Arrive in Toulouse and transfer to the hillside estate of Haut Baran.

  • Settle into your room, stretch out on the terrace, and breathe in that vineyard air.

  • Welcome Dinner: regional specialties and Cahors wine served al fresco as the sun sets — your first taste of France.

Day 2 – Wednesday, July 22: Vineyards by E-Bike

  • Breakfast on the terrace, then glide through vineyard country on an e-bike adventure (or enjoy a relaxed vineyard visit if you prefer).

  • Lunch at Famaey Vineyard — rustic French cooking and sweeping views.

  • Dinner out at a local restaurant (not included).

Day 3 – Thursday, July 23: French Market Magic

  • Morning trip to Monpazier Market, a 13th-century town buzzing with bakers, farmers, and florists. Wander the stalls, taste samples, and find treasures to bring home.

  • Lunch in Monpazier (not included).

  • Afternoon relaxation, then join the locals at the Loubejac Night Market for an evening of food, music, and dancing under the stars (not included).

Day 4 – Friday, July 24: Wines & Castles

  • Breakfast, then a private tour at Clos Triguedina, home of legendary Cahors wines.

  • Lunch at Le Caillau (not included), a chic winery-turned-restaurant.

  • Afternoon baking demo at the Baran with Michael’s English Muffins.

  • Dinner at Récréation famously mentioned in the book “From here you can’t see Paris” (not included).

Day 5 – Saturday, July 25: Canoeing the Dordogne & Farewell Feast

  • Paddle peacefully down the Dordogne River beneath limestone cliffs and ancient bridges.

  • Picnic Lunch in La Roque-Gageac, a storybook riverside village.

  • Visit Beynac Castle, once home to Richard the Lionheart.

  • Back at Haut Baran, enjoy our Farewell Dinner — champagne toasts, French country fare, and one last Kir Royale under the stars.

Day 6 – Sunday, July 26: Departure

  • Early breakfast before your group transfer to Toulouse Airport.

  • Au revoir to France — and a suitcase full of memories (and maybe some wine).

What’s included

  • 5 nights luxury accommodations at Domaine du Haut Baran

  • Daily French breakfasts of croissants, cheeses, charcuterie, fruit, coffee, and tea

  • Welcome & farewell dinners at the estate with Cahors wines and champagne

  • Two curated lunches — vineyard dining at Famaey & a riverside picnic along the Dordogne

  • Private transportation & guided excursions throughout the week

  • Personal hosting & translation by William and Rosalie Haas, with two Raleigh-based guides

Evenings at Haut Baran

Additional local wines, champagne, and regional beers are also available for purchase at the estate — a convenient way to enjoy a glass on the terrace or by the pool whenever you wish.

Select Room Pricing

Prices based on double occupancy and includes accommodations, breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, excursions, transfers, guides, and wine with included meals. Airfare, personal purchases, travel insurance, and select meals not included. Single supplement surcharge of $2000 per room. Sharing encouraged. Singles will not be paired.

Balcony Room $3,100 Per Person

Wheat Room $2,950 per person

Calla Room $2,950 per person

Pine Room $2,850 per person

Wisteria Room $2,850 per person

Lavendar Room $2,750 per person

Exclusive: Just 12 travelers —
a private, boutique experience.

Choose your accommodations

$1000 deposit now secures the room for you and a guest. Final payment will be required by April 21st, 2026.*

*Double Occupancy encouraged. Single supplements will be assessed a $2000 surcharge to secure the entire room to yourself and will be collected at final payment. Please read important information section further below for more travel info.

Balcony Room – $3,100 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room Balcony Room – $3,100 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
Balcony Room – $3,100 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
$1,000.00
Wheat Room – $2,950 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room Wheat Room – $2,950 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
Wheat Room – $2,950 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
$1,000.00
Cala Room – $2,950 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room Cala Room – $2,950 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
Cala Room – $2,950 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
$1,000.00
Pine Room – $2,850 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room Pine Room – $2,850 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
Pine Room – $2,850 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
$1,000.00
Wisteria Room – $2,850 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room Wisteria Room – $2,850 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
Wisteria Room – $2,850 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
$1,000.00
Lavender Room – $2,750 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room Lavender Room – $2,750 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
Lavender Room – $2,750 Per Person (Double Occupancy Only) Book Now with $1000 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Room
$1,000.00

Important Information to remember

There is only one pickup at Toulouse Airport StarBucks on arrival day at 2:30pm for transfer to Haut Baran. There is only transfer to Toulouse Airport on departure day , we leave Haut Baran at 8am, arriving Toulouse airport at 10am, in time to check in for flights departing at noon. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations fees are determined as follows: 91 days or more before arrival date of trip your cancellation fee is your deposit 1000.00 USD : 61-90 days prior to trip, the cancellation fee is 50% of total trip price : 31-60 days prior to trip, the cancellation fee is 75% of the total price of trip : 0-30 days prior to trip, the cancellation fee is 100% of trip cost. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason and there is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. If we must cancel a trip, all balances received to date will be refunded (remember your deposit is non-refundable) and this constitutes full settlement. A rescheduled trip is not a canceled trip. We are not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any trips (even cancelled trips), such as airline tickets, travel delays, flight cancellations or health problems. This tour will be held regardless of world events.

Travel Insurance is highly recommended, and should be arranged by you! Very Important!