Best of France (13 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of France on this immersive 13-day tour. From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, this multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Explore medieval towns, marvel at Roman ruins, and indulge in the epicurean delights of Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Visit the global centre of Marian pilgrimage in Lourdes, the wine capital of Bordeaux, and the 'Garden of France', the Loire Valley. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering a taste of the best that France has to offer.
Included
6 Dinner (D)
12 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Mercure 17 Batignolles
Mercure Centre Saxe Lafayette
Holiday Inn Nice
Mercure La Cité
Novotel Anglet Biarritz.
Mercure Centre Ville
Château de Beauvois
Mercure Omaha Beach
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a delightful Be My Guest experience.
Beaune: Vist the Hopsices de Beaune and learn about its captivating past as well as admiring its flamboyant Gothic architecture.
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
Arles: Hear more about the city that is famed for being the inspiration behind the Van Gogh paintings during a city orientation.
Lourdes: Explore Lourdes, globally renowned as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and attracting over three million faithful visitors every year.
Saint-Émilion: Take in the vine-laden surroundings and established wine-making heritage of Saint-Émilion.
Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel and cross the causeway to explore the tidal island town.
Omaha Beach: Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach.
Giverny: View the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s most famous masterpieces.
Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Villandry: Visit Château Villandry in the Loire Valley and admire the exquisite Renaissance gardens that surround this elegant estate.
Explore Carcassonne and Paris
Discover Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Arles, Lourdes, Bordeaux and Nice
Visit the Hospices de Beaune, Château de Villandry, the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and Claude Monet's home at Giverny.
View the Papal Palace in Avignon, Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day Beach of Omaha in Normandy, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris
See the Roman Amphitheatre and the Cathedral in Arles
Scenic Drive through the Dordogne and the Loire Valley
Loire Valley: A symbol of the passing of time, step back with a stay in the regal 16th and 17th- century Chateâu de Beauvois, which opens its doors to those who wish to experience exceptional moments.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Paris - The City of Light
- Paris - Arrival day
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- Catacombs of Paris
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Begin your journey in the enchanting 'City of Light', Paris. Spend your day exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and a scenic drive through the city.
Day 2 – Day 2: Paris to Lyon via Burgundy and Beaune
- Paris
- Beaune
- Lyon
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Travel south to the region of Burgundy and the medieval town of Beaune. Visit the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune and admire its colourful geometric roof tiles. Continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Consider spending your evening exploring the city's epicurean delights.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lyon to Monaco via Avignon
- Lyon
- Avignon
- Monaco
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- Palais des Papes
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Journey to the city of Avignon, the heart of Provence. Visit the Papal Palace and the famous bridge of Avignon. Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco. Upon arrival, view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. Enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring the French Riviera
- Monaco
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- François Grimaldi Statue
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Spend the day exploring the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. Consider relaxing on the beach or visiting the beautiful hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Day 5 – Day 5: French Riviera to Carcassonne via Arles
- Arles
- Carcassonne
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- Cité de Carcassonne
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Visit the city of Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins, and Camargue culture. Enjoy some leisure time to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to learn more about Vincent van Gogh and local history. Later, travel to the fortified city of Carcassonne for a guided exploration of the ancient town and its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Day 6 – Day 6: Carcassonne to Basque Coast via Lourdes
- Carcassonne
- Lourdes
- Biarritz
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- Basilica of St. Pius X
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Drive towards the Pyrenees and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage. Visit the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Later, travel west to the Basque Coast for an overnight stay.
Day 7 – Day 7: Basque Coast to Bordeaux
- Biarritz
- Bordeaux
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- Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
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Journey through Les Landes to the wine capital of Bordeaux. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the city's stunning riverfront and Age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France's most visited cities. Spend some time exploring the city and its sights during your orientation.
Day 8 – Day 8: Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion Excursion
- Bordeaux
- Saint-Émilion
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Enjoy a scenic half-day excursion to Saint-Émilion, a region known for its wine heritage dating back to Roman times. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Bordeaux, perhaps teasing your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or admiring the city's beautiful architecture.
Day 9 – Day 9: Bordeaux to Loire Valley
- Bordeaux
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Journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the 'Garden of France'. Along the way, stop to Connect With Locals over a light lunch and unique Be My Guest experience. Visit the remarkable gardens at Château de Villandry, filled with spectacular ponds and fountains. Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night - one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories.
Day 10 – Day 10: Loire Valley to Omaha Beach via Mont-Saint-Michel and St. Lô
- Avranches
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- Mont Saint-Michel
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Travel through the landscapes of Brittany to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel. Visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.
Day 11 – Day 11: Omaha Beach to Paris via Giverny
- Paris
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Travel east towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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- Sainte Chapelle
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Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. In the evening, celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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It's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday.
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