French Passion (34 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 13-day journey through the heart of France, where history, art, and culture converge. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, beginning in the romantic city of Paris and traversing the picturesque landscapes of Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley. Discover the enchanting castles, medieval towns, and vibrant cities that define the French countryside. From the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel to the wine-rich regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Enjoy guided tours, exclusive admissions, and delightful meals, all while staying in comfortable accommodations like the Sofitel (or similar). Whether exploring the historic streets of Strasbourg or savoring the flavors of Champagne, this tour offers a perfect blend of leisure and discovery, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and heritage of France.
Included
Basic travel insurance included.
Boat: Padirac caves, Petite France in Strasbourg
Experiences: Champagen winery with visit and tasting in Epernay
Ticket admission: Monet´s house in Giverny, Villandry gardens , Chenonceau castle , castle park of Chambord , Museum and replica of Lascaux caves, Beynac castle , Beynac castle , Padirac caves , Cité du Vin in Bordeaux , Carrieres de Lumiere show , Savigny Medieval Castle
Funicular: Lyon
Breakfast buffet
3 dinner included in: AMBOISE, ROCAMADOUR, LOURDES
PARIS
: NOVOTEL EST - BAGNOLET or ZENITH CAEN or ADAGIO CAEN CENTRE
Rennes
: NOVOTEL RENNES ALMA or NOVOTEL RENNES ALMA or NOVOTEL AMBOISE
AMBOISE
: NOVOTEL AMBOISE or CAMPANILE LIMOGES CENTRE or CAMPANILE LIMOGES CENTRE
ROCAMADOUR
: DU CHATEAU or DU CHATEAU or MERCURE BORDEAUX CENTRE
BURDEOS
: APPARTCITY CONFORT BDX CHARTRONS or ACE BORDEAUX CARBON BLANC or MERCURE BURDEOS MERIADECK
LOURDES
: HOTEL ALBA or LE MEDITERRANEE or LE MEDITERRANEE
MARSELLA
: IBIS MARSEILLE CENTRE EUROMED or NOVOTEL SUITES MARSEILLE EUROMED or APPARTCITY LYON CITE INTERNATIONALE
LYON
: SAPHIR LYON or TRIBE LYON CROIX ROUSSE or HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS DIJON
Dijon
: IBIS DIJON CENTRE CLEMEANCEAU or AC MARRIOTT STRASBOURG or MERCURE PARIS LA DEFENSE 5
PARIS
: NOVOTEL EST - BAGNOLET
We know how important hotels are on your trip. The hotels have been selected taking into consideration quality, price and location. They are located in the cities we visit, most of them not in the city center but all of them with easy access to public transportation nearby. Our accommodation is not based on luxury hotels. Please keep in mind that standards, bed sizes and room dimensions can vary between hotels of the same class in different locations. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and TV. Some of them also offer a mini-bar, safe box, and hair dryer. Many hotels, mainly in North Europe, do not have air conditioning or local legislation establishes limited dates of use.
Please note also that your tour guide might be changed once or several times during the tour. On some tours, according to the number of passengers, the service may be provided in bilingual (usually in English and Spanish), either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader for smaller groups explaining in both languages.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Paris to Caen
- Rouen
- Paris
- Caen
- Giverny - Arrival day
- More
- Parc Michel d'Ornano
- Évreux Cathedral
- Biotropica, animal gardens
- More
Begin your adventure in Paris, departing early to explore the artistic heart of Normandy. Visit Monet's House in Giverny, where impressionism comes to life in vibrant gardens. Continue to Rouen, a city steeped in medieval charm, perfect for a leisurely lunch. The journey leads to Arromanches, a poignant reminder of WWII's history, before concluding in Caen for an evening of relaxation in its lively central district.
Day 2 – Day 2: Caen to Rennes
- Caen
- Rennes
- Dinan
- Le Mont-Saint-Michel
- More
- Saint-Malo Intra-Muros
- Mont Saint-Michel
- More
Journey to the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, a marvel rising from the sea. Explore its historic streets and abbey before heading to Saint-Malo, where formidable walls guard the city. After lunch, discover the quaint charm of Dinan, a picturesque Breton town. Conclude the day in Rennes, the capital of Brittany, with its captivating historic center.
Day 3 – Day 3: Rennes to Amboise
- Rennes
- Amboise
- Angers
- Villandry
- Tours
- More
- Château de Villandry
- Château d'Angers
- More
Depart for Angers, where the majestic castle houses the world's largest medieval tapestry. Continue to the Loire Valley, reaching Tours, a vibrant city on the Loire River, perfect for a midday break. In the afternoon, visit the Château de Villandry, renowned for its exquisite gardens. End the day in Amboise, a town celebrated for its medieval charm, where dinner awaits.
Day 4 – Day 4: Amboise to Limoges
- Amboise
- Limoges
- Chambord
- Chenonceaux
- More
- Château de Chambord
- Château de Chenonceau
- Limoges Cathedral
- Château de Loches
- More
Start your day with a visit to the Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last residence. Continue to the enchanting Château de Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher. Explore the grand Château de Chambord, the largest in the Loire Valley. Conclude the day in Limoges, famous for its porcelain, and explore its historic center, highlighted by the Saint Etienne Cathedral.
Day 5 – Day 5: Limoges to Rocamadour
- Limoges
- Sarlat-la-Canéda
- Rocamadour
- Montignac
- More
- Bonaguil Castle
- Lacave caves
- Railway Tourist Haut Quercy
- More
Venture into the Dordogne, a region rich in history and natural beauty. Discover the prehistoric wonders of the Lascaux Caves. Stroll through Sarlat's Renaissance streets, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the medieval Beynac Castle, perched above the river. End the day in Rocamadour, a cliffside village with a revered sanctuary, where dinner is included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Rocamadour to Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
- Rocamadour
- Padirac
- Saint-Émilion
- More
- Padiparc - Parc zoologique
- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
- Cascade d'Autoire
- More
Descend into the depths of the Padirac Chasm for a unique underground boat ride. Visit the red-stone village of Collonges-la-Rouge, a gem on the Way of St. James. Explore the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, a town renowned for its wine. Arrive in Bordeaux, the heart of the wine region, by evening.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bordeaux to Lourdes
- Bordeaux
- Lourdes
- More
- La Foret des Vert'tiges
- Château Peixotto
- Parc de Bourran
- More
Explore Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed center, marvel at the Water Mirror, and visit the Cité du Vin for an immersive wine experience. Enjoy a wine tasting with panoramic views. After a leisurely afternoon, travel to Lourdes, where you can visit the renowned sanctuary and participate in the candlelit procession. Dinner is included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Lourdes to Marseille
- Marseille
- Narbonne
- Lourdes
- Carcassonne
- More
- Old Port of Marseille
- Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
- Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
- More
Travel through southern France, stopping in Carcassonne to explore its stunning medieval walls. After lunch, continue to Narbonne, where you can wander through its historic old town. Arrive in Marseille, France's vibrant second city, and enjoy a stroll through the bustling Vieux-Port, lined with charming eateries.
Day 9 – Day 9: Marseille to Lyon
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Arles
- Avignon
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- More
- Palais des Papes
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Arles Amphitheatre
- More
Explore the rich history of Arles, a city with Roman and medieval roots. Visit Les Baux and experience the mesmerizing Carrières de Lumières. Enjoy lunch in Avignon, home to the impressive Palais des Papes. Conclude the day in Lyon, where you'll explore the old town and ascend to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière for breathtaking city views.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon to Dijon
- Dijon
- Lyon
- Beaune
- More
- Châteauneuf Castle
- More
Travel to the Burgundy region, starting with Tournus, known for its grand abbey. Continue to Beaune, the wine capital, where you can explore its historic sites and enjoy lunch. Visit the Savigny Castle, home to unique museums. End the day in Dijon, a city rich in medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Day 11 – Day 11: Dijon to Strasbourg
- Dijon
- Besançon
- Strasbourg
- More
- Besançon Citadel
- Col du petit Ballon
- More
Explore Besançon, a city with a rich Roman heritage and a striking citadel. Journey to Alsace, a region with a unique blend of French and German influences. Discover Colmar's charming old town, famous for its architecture and wine. Visit the fairy-tale villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. Arrive in Strasbourg, where you can explore the cathedral area and Petite France.
Day 12 – Day 12: Strasbourg to Paris
- Paris
- Strasbourg
- More
- Taittinger
- Le Ballon d'Épernay
- St Thomas Church
- Petite France
- More
Discover Strasbourg's medieval streets, stunning cathedral, and picturesque canals. Enjoy a boat trip through Petite France. Travel to the Champagne region for a guided tour and tasting at a traditional cellar. Stop in Épernay, the heart of Champagne, before returning to Paris in the evening.
Day 13 – Day 13: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
- More
Conclude your unforgettable journey through France with a final breakfast in Paris. Reflect on the diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural experiences that have made this tour truly memorable.
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