French Heritage (Classic, 22 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Paris
Duration
22 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on a 22-day journey through the picturesque landscapes and charming cities of France. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the country's rich history, culture, and cuisine. From the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region to the high Alps, from the medieval spectacle of Annecy to the glamour of the French Riviera, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy wine tastings, explore historic sites, and dine on exquisite French cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone. Experience the best of France in a comfortable, engaging, and unforgettable way.

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Included

9 Dinner with Wine (DW)

21 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.

Paris: Rendez-vous with your fellow travellers at a typical French bistro for a rousing dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!

Saumur: Learn about local grape varieties and regional wine-making traditions as you sample wines of the Loire Valley.

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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: Hostellerie Saint Antoine is centrally located with features such as Albi Cathedral, Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the Tarn River on your doorstep.

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.

Saint-Malo: Hotel Le Nouveau Monde is a 4-star hotel, perfectly located in the heart of Saint-Malo, facing the sea and close to the old town.

Saint Patrice, Loire Valley: Stay two fabulous nights at the Château de Rochecotte in the Loire Valley, the former private estate of Prince Tallyrand and the Duchess of Dino. Sit with a drink on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful setting or take a stroll through the magnificent gardens.

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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.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.

Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in the heart of the Old Town.

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.

Loire Valley: Discover the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry. In the scenic Loire Valley, explore France’s finest formal gardens. Now a hub for sustainability preserving the estate's biological diversity, learn all about the a sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages, and purple basil, all grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Their aim is to preserve a remarkable garden, maintained with meticulous care, while incorporating maintenance work into a balanced ecosystem. They have partnered with a local university to bring biodiversity back into the gardens.  Villandry Gardens advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land.

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.

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.

Rouen: See the cathedral, the Great Clock, the Old Market square and Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

Honfleur: See this charming fishing town.

Omaha Beach: Follow the route of the Rangers, visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial.

Omaha Beach: With a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent.

Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel. Cross the causeway for a guided tour with your Local Expert through the maze of halls and vaults of the abbey.

Saint-Malo: Your Local Expert guides you through the streets of the walled city to arrive at the cathedral. Later enjoy the chance to walk along the fortifications and explore the cities nightlife at your leisure.

Angers: See the imposing château.

Azay-le-Rideau: During your visit to Château de Cheverny, your Local Expert will show you the château's decor and aristocratic costumes of the family through the centuries. Inhabited by the same family for more than 6 centuries, the castle, its gardens and its connection to Tintin will provide an unforgettable experience.

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

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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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Destinations

Angers - city in FranceAngers
View of Mediterranean luxury resort and bay with yachts. Nice, Cote d'Azur, France. Nice
Troyes - city in FranceTroyes
Aix-en-Provence - city in FranceAix-en-Provence
Dijon - city in FranceDijon
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Carcassonne - city in FranceCarcassonne
Beaune - city in FranceBeaune
photo of Port of Deauville and city skyline in a sunny summer day, Normandy, France.Deauville
Photo of Square in Sarlat-la-Caneda historical center, France.Sarlat-la-Canéda
Villandry
Monaco - city in MonacoMonaco
Arles - city in FranceArles
Photo of morning cityscape view with mountains, river and bridge in Grenoble city on the south-east of France.Grenoble
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Albi - city in FranceAlbi
Chartres - city in FranceChartres
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Saumur
photo of a beautiful view of Cahors as seen from Mont Saint Cyr in Lot, Midi-Pyrenees, France.Cahors
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Annecy
Èze
Rouen - city in FranceRouen
Honfleur
Rocamadour

Map

Attractions

The Owl of Dijon, Dijon, Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Metropolitan France, FranceThe Owl of Dijon

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Begin your French adventure by meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor cuisine inspired by traditional country recipes.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Journey through Champagne Region to Dijon

  • Troyes
  • Dijon
  • More
  • Taittinger
  • The Owl of Dijon
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Journey through the picturesque Champagne region, known for its vine-clad scenery. Visit the city of Troyes, where you can admire its medieval Old Town and colorful half-timbered houses. Enjoy a glass of champagne before continuing to Dijon. Upon arrival, your Travel Director will provide an orientation of the city's charming architecture and history.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Dijon and Burgundy

  • Beaune
  • Dijon
  • More
  • Châteauneuf Castle
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Spend the day exploring Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its handsome buildings that recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. You may choose to visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. In the evening, consider joining an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to the Alps and Chamonix

  • Dijon
  • More
  • Cluny Abbey
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Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. Ascend into the high Alps towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car. In the evening, you may choose to try a local pierrade at a trendy eatery in a traditional chalet.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Annecy and Grenoble

  • Annecy
  • Grenoble
  • More
  • Museum of Grenoble
  • Lac d'Annecy
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Embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city's many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to the French Riviera and Nice

  • Grenoble
  • Nice
  • More
  • #ILoveNICE
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Travel through glorious mountain scenery to the French Riviera and reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. In the evening, consider a walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros.

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Day 7

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

  • Nice
  • Monaco
  • Èze
  • More
  • place Masséna
  • More

Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Visit a perfumery and learn about the French perfume industry. Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour. Visit inside Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. You may choose to join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hilltop Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Saint-Paul de Vence and Aix-en-Provence

  • Nice
  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence
  • Aix-en-Provence
  • More
  • Musée Regards de Provence
  • More

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. Walk through its winding streets to discover elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls, and stunning views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque and take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau before heading to your hotel.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Journey to Arles, Pont du Gard, and Avignon

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

Head to the beautiful city of Arles and learn about Vincent Van Gogh. Continue your journey to Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, travel to Avignon and enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Chateau De Luc, Carcassonne, and Albi

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

Drive through the Alpilles to Chateau De Luc for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Marvel at its UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress and medieval keep. Continue to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous 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. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of this charming town. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients at a local restaurant.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Journey to Cahors and Rocamadour

  • Albi
  • Cahors
  • Rocamadour
  • More

Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open-air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Journey to Lascaux II and Sarlat-la-Canéda

  • Rocamadour
  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • More
  • Lascaux 2
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Visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Journey to Paris

  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • Paris
  • More

Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris. Upon arrival, you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. Consider joining an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Paris

  • Paris
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  • place de la Concorde
  • Louvre Museum
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Le Cachot
  • More

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Journey to Rouen, Honfleur, and Deauville

  • Paris
  • Rouen
  • Honfleur
  • Deauville
  • More

Follow the River Seine to Rouen, the capital of Normandy. Continue to the picturesque port town of Honfleur and then to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Normandy

  • Deauville
  • More
  • Normandy Victory Museum - Musée de la bataille des haies
  • Musée de Normandie
  • Bayeux Cathedral
  • More

Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent near Omaha Beach. Choose between visiting the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and seeing the remnants of the artificial port in the bay, or visiting the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learning about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner featuring creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and delicious wines.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Journey to Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, and Cancale

  • Deauville
  • Le Mont-Saint-Michel
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  • Cabane Vauban
  • Mont Saint-Michel
  • More

Journey through Bocage country for an exploration of the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. By night, the town's medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Journey to Angers Castle, Saumur, and Château de Villandry

  • Angers
  • Saumur
  • Villandry
  • More
  • Arboretum Gaston Allard
  • More

Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

  • Villandry
  • More
  • Château du Rivau
  • More

Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your own superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Journey to Chartres Cathedral and Paris

  • Chartres
  • Paris
  • More
  • Notre-Dame de Chartres
  • More

Travel to Chartres Cathedral. From here, return to the French capital. The City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. Don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Departure Day

  • Paris - Departure day
  • More

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport.

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