Enchanted France

Welcome to the start of your French adventure! We'll begin by heading south to the enchanting Loire Valley. Our first stop is the picturesque city of Blois, where we recommend a visit to the majestic Blois Castle. We'll then continue to Tours, the regional capital nestled on the banks of the Loire River. After a leisurely stroll and lunch, we'll visit the Chateau de Villandry, renowned for its stunning gardens and flowers. Our day concludes in the medieval city of Amboise, where dinner awaits.

On day three, we leave Limoges for the Dordogne, a region brimming with charming villages and breathtaking landscapes. Our first stop is the Lascaux Caves, where we'll marvel at the prehistoric cave paintings. We'll then visit Sarlat, a world heritage town with a beautifully preserved Renaissance historic center. In Beynac, we'll explore a medieval castle overlooking the river. Our day concludes in Rocamadour, a stunning medieval village with an important sanctuary perched over a ravine. We suggest a walk down the via crucis and a return trip via the lift. Dinner is included.

Day five is dedicated to exploring Bordeaux, a city whose entire center is a world heritage site. We'll marvel at the 'water mirror' and stroll through the old town with its pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. We'll also visit the Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that recounts the history of wine and its production. After some free time for lunch on the banks of the Garonne River, we'll continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes in the mid-afternoon. We recommend attending the candle procession at the sanctuary. Dinner is included.

Day seven is dedicated to exploring some of the most beautiful places in Provence. We'll start in Arles, a world heritage city with a rich Roman and medieval legacy. In Les Baux, we'll visit a small medieval village and the Carrieres de Lumiere, an impressive underground art, image, and sound show. After lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the immense Palais des Papes, we'll continue to Lyon. Here, we'll explore the World Heritage Site old town and take a cable car to Notre Dame de Fourviere, a huge basilica offering a fantastic view over the city.

On day eight, we'll leave Lyon and head to the Burgundy region. We'll stop at Tournus, a quaint town with an imposing stone gate and a large abbey. We'll then travel to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where we recommend a visit to the wine museum or the historic hospice. Next, we'll visit the Castle of Savigny, a 15th-century castle housing extraordinary museums. We'll end the day in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its lively streets and numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings.

On day ten, we'll spend some time in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and the seat of the European Parliament. We'll take a boat trip through the canals of Petite France and visit a traditional Champagne cellar in Epernay, where we'll learn about the production of the world's most famous sparkling drink. After a brief stop in Epernay, we'll continue to Paris, arriving in the evening.