Country Roads of France (Small Groups, 16 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour through the heart of France, where each day unfolds a new chapter of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene landscapes of the Dordogne, this journey offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Delight in the flavors of French cuisine, explore medieval towns, and marvel at iconic landmarks. Whether you're sipping champagne in Troyes or gazing at the Eiffel Tower, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through one of the world's most enchanting countries.
Included
15 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels
7 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)
Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
Troyes: Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a tasting of renowned Champagne wine.
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 region.
Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.
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.
Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
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.
Luc-sur-Orbieu: 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. Learn about the production of biodynamic wines during your visit to the family-run winery. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Chamonix: Explore the city's charming streets set against a backdrop of the stunning French Alps.
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 bridge that crosses 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.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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.
Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
- More
- Parc de Noisiel
- More
Begin your enchanting journey in the heart of France, Paris. Meet your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the hotel, where you'll be introduced to the rich tapestry of French culture with a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Savor the flavors of traditional French cuisine as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Champagne and Medieval Charm
- Dijon
- Paris
- Troyes
- More
- Taittinger
- More
Journey through the lush landscapes of the Champagne region, where the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Visit the medieval city of Troyes, renowned for its colorful half-timbered houses. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you soak in the historical ambiance. Continue to Dijon, where an orientation tour reveals the city's architectural splendor.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Dijon and Beaune
- Dijon
- More
- Châteauneuf Castle
- More
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. Explore the city's grand architecture, a testament to its powerful past. Consider a visit to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where the vineyards promise a sensory delight. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Burgundy wine tasting and dinner in the charming village of Fixin.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ascend to the Alps
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Dijon
- More
- Chamonix Amusement Park
- Lac Blanc
- More
Venture into the majestic Alps, where the towering peaks of Mont Blanc await. Arrive in the chic ski resort of Chamonix, where you can take a cable car ride for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, savor a traditional meal in a cozy chalet, experiencing the warmth of Alpine hospitality.
Day 5 – Day 5: Lakeside Beauty in Annecy
- Annecy
- Grenoble
- More
- Ancien lavoir et fontaine
- More
Travel to the picturesque town of Annecy, nestled between a shimmering lake and majestic mountains. Explore the charming Old Town, often referred to as 'Little Venice' for its network of canals. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing to Grenoble, where a delightful dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Mountains to the Riviera
- Nice
- Grenoble
- More
- Fort de la Revère
- More
Embark on a scenic drive through Provence, following the historic route of Napoleon. Arrive at the glamorous French Riviera, where the city of Nice welcomes you with its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant culture. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, and in the evening, stroll through the charming Old Town.
Day 7 – Day 7: Glamour of the Côte d’Azur
- Monaco
- Nice
- More
- Musée océanographique de Monaco
- More
Experience the allure of the Côte d’Azur, where the elite gather. Visit a perfumery to uncover the secrets of French fragrance. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, and choose between exploring the Oceanographic Museum or the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the Riviera's charm.
Day 8 – Day 8: Artistic Retreats and Provençal Charm
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Nice
- Aix-en-Provence
- More
- Chapelle Saint-Sauveur de Cannes
- More
Visit the enchanting village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera. Wander its cobblestone streets and enjoy a game of pétanque. Continue to Aix-en-Provence, where the Cours Mirabeau's elegant mansions await. Relish the Provençal atmosphere as you settle into your hotel for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Historical Wonders of Arles and Avignon
- Avignon
- Aix-en-Provence
- Arles
- More
- Pont du Gard
- More
Discover the artistic legacy of Arles and the grandeur of the Pont du Gard. Continue to Avignon, where the city's medieval architecture and vibrant culture captivate the senses. Explore at your own pace, soaking in the historical ambiance of this remarkable region.
Day 10 – Day 10: Medieval Marvels and Wine Tasting
- Carcassonne
- Albi
- Avignon
- More
- Château de Gruissan
- Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
- More
Travel through the scenic Alpilles to Chateau De Luc for a wine tasting experience. Continue to the fortified city of Carcassonne, a medieval gem with its impressive ramparts. Arrive in Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec, and explore its iconic sites, including the awe-inspiring cathedral.
Day 11 – Day 11: Leisurely Day in Albi
- Albi
- More
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Albi, soaking up the city's artistic atmosphere. Explore its charming streets, visit local markets, or simply relax and unwind. In the evening, delight in a dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients at a cozy restaurant.
Day 12 – Day 12: Medieval Treasures and Culinary Delights
- Rocamadour
- Cahors
- Albi
- More
- place Nationale
- More
Visit Cahors, renowned for its Black Wine, and see the iconic Pont Valentré. Explore the vibrant open-air market before traveling to Rocamadour, a medieval village perched on a cliffside. Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Dinner, savoring locally sourced ingredients paired with regional wines.
Day 13 – Day 13: Prehistoric Art and Medieval Charm
- Rocamadour
- Sarlat-la-Canéda
- More
- Lascaux 2
- More
Explore the Valley of the Dordogne, visiting Lascaux II to see the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings. Continue to Sarlat-la-Canéda, a town with a beautifully preserved medieval core. Relax in the Dordogne region's serene surroundings as you dine at your hotel.
Day 14 – Day 14: Return to the City of Light
- Paris
- Sarlat-la-Canéda
- More
- Park Ibis
- More
Travel to Paris, where the city's iconic landmarks and vibrant culture await. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, and as night falls, witness the City of Light in all its illuminated glory. Consider joining an optional cabaret show for a touch of Parisian glamour.
Day 15 – Day 15: Iconic Parisian Landmarks
- Paris
- More
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- More
Discover Paris's iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Champs Élysées and marvel at the Luxor obelisk. In the evening, celebrate your journey through France with a memorable dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and wine.
Day 16 – Day 16: Farewell to France
- Paris - Departure day
- More
As your unforgettable journey through France comes to an end, bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures that have captivated your heart. Transfer to the airport, carrying with you cherished memories of a remarkable adventure.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.