Country Roads of France (Classic, 16 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Paris
Duration
16 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 16-day tour through the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities of France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, taking you from the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region to the high peaks of the Alps, the glamorous Côte d’Azur, and the romantic city of Paris. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to taste exquisite wines, explore medieval towns, admire ancient Roman architecture, and rub shoulders with the jet-set on the French Riviera. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodation, and plenty of leisure time to explore at your own pace, this tour promises an unforgettable French adventure.

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Included

7 Dinner with Wine (DW)

15 Breakfast (B)

Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.

Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a taste of the bubbles.

Grenoble: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.

Cahors: See the Pont Valentré as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.

La Roque-Gageac: Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and served with wines from the local region.

Paris: Rendezvous with your friends at a typical French bistro for a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Dijon: The 5-star Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche boasts a supreme view over the prestigious Place Darcy and has been welcoming prominent world figures since the 15th century. The luxurious refined decor and timeless interior garden offer guests every comfort and privacy.

Albi: Hotel Saint Antoine is centrally located with landmarks at your doorstep such as the Albi Cathedral, Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the Tarn River.

Normandy: L'Hôtel du Golf is located just 10 minutes from Deauville Beach, known as a weekend getaway for Parisians. With it's Tudor-style facade and tasteful, modern interiors, relax in comfort during your stay. Perhaps play a round of golf on one of the three 9-hoole courses, known as some of the most beautiful in France.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Dijon: Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.

Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbour.

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Monaco City: Explore the Prince's Palace. Admire extraordinary Italian Renaissance frescos and visit the newly-renovated State Apartments.

Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.

The Fabre family has been producing wine since the 17th Century. At the heart of their passion lies a strong commitment to protect the natural environment of the region and produce complex yet sustainable wines.

Visit Monaco and Monte Carlo, St Paul de Vence, the Pont du Gard, Carcassonne walled city and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux.

See the Royal Palace and cathedral of Monaco.

Chamonix: Explore the charming streets of Chamonix during your stay in France's mountaineering capital.

Annecy: Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.

Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.

Eze: Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.

Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.

Aix-en-Provence: See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.

Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.

Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.

Cite de Carcassone: Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Albi: This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.

Montignac: These caves contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory.

Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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Map

Attractions

Pont du GardPont du Gard
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
grignan's castleChâteau de Grignan
photo of the town of Montignac at the shore of Vezere River, in Dordogne-Perigord, France.Lascaux 2

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to France

Day 1: Welcome to France

Your French adventure begins at the hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow guests. In the evening, you'll be treated to a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy traditional French cuisine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Champagne Region to Dijon

  • Châlons-en-Champagne
  • Dijon
  • More

Journey through the vine-clad landscapes of the Champagne region, visiting the medieval city of Troyes. Enjoy a glass of champagne while admiring the city's colourful half-timbered houses. Arrive in Dijon, where an orientation tour reveals the city's charming architecture and history.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Dijon and Burgundy

Day 3: Exploring Dijon and Burgundy

Spend the day exploring Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. You may also choose to visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. In the evening, consider joining an optional wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Dijon to Chamonix

  • Dijon
  • More

Travel through the Mâconnais and Beaujolais regions before ascending into the high Alps towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain. Arrive in the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix, where you can take a cable car for panoramic views or explore the resort at your leisure. In the evening, consider trying a pierrade, a traditional regional meal, at a local chalet.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Chamonix to Grenoble via Annecy

  • Annecy
  • Grenoble
  • More

Embark on a scenic journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, known as 'Little Venice' due to its network of canals. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploration before continuing to Grenoble, where you'll savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Grenoble to Nice

  • Grenoble
  • Nice
  • More

Travel through stunning mountain scenery and Provence to reach the French Riviera and the elegant resort of Nice. The afternoon is yours to explore. In the evening, consider a leisurely walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya for dinner at one of the charming bistros.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring the Côte d’Azur and Monaco

  • Nice
  • Monaco
  • More

Experience the glamour of the Côte d’Azur, visiting a perfumery and driving along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco. Choose to visit the Oceanographic Museum or the Royal Palace of Monaco and Monaco Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Nice to Aix-en-Provence via Saint-Paul de Vence

  • Nice
  • Aix-en-Provence
  • More

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque and a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau before reaching your hotel.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Aix-en-Provence to Avignon via Arles and Pont du Gard

  • Aix-en-Provence
  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • More
  • Pont du Gard
  • More

Head to Arles, known for its connection to Vincent Van Gogh, before visiting the ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, Pont du Gard. Continue to Avignon, where you'll enjoy views of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Avignon to Albi via Chateau De Luc and Carcassonne

  • Avignon
  • Carcassonne
  • Albi
  • More
  • Château de Grignan
  • More

Travel through the Alpilles to Chateau De Luc for a wine tasting. Journey through the Languedoc region to the fortified town of Carcassonne, known for its UNESCO-listed fortress. Continue to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec, where you'll marvel at the Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the awe-inspiring cathedral.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Leisure Day in Albi

  • Albi
  • More

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Albi, soaking up the atmosphere and exploring at your own pace. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, featuring carefully selected fresh ingredients.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Albi to La Roque-Gageac via Cahors and Rocamadour

  • Albi
  • Rocamadour
  • La Falgueyrade
  • More

Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and explore the open-air market. Travel to Rocamadour, a medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River. Later, make your way to your hotel nestled in the countryside of La Roque-Gageac.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: La Roque-Gageac to Sarlat-la-Canéda via Lascaux II

  • La Falgueyrade
  • Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
  • More
  • Lascaux 2
  • More

Drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, where you'll enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Sarlat-la-Canéda to Paris

  • Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
  • Paris
  • More

Travel to the beautiful city of Paris, where you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. As evening falls, the city comes alive with lights illuminating the monuments, buildings, and bridges. Consider joining an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows for a touch of glamour and excitement.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Paris

  • Paris
  • More
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • More

Spend the day exploring Paris, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, celebrate your journey through France with a delicious Celebration Dinner of French cuisine and wine.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Farewell

  • Paris - Departure day
  • More

Your journey along the country roads of France comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

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