French passion and the Black Forest (41 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that France and its neighboring regions have to offer. This multi-day tour takes you from the iconic city of Paris to the picturesque landscapes of Normandy, the historic sites of the Loire Valley, and the charming villages of the Dordogne. Discover the vibrant cities of Bordeaux and Lyon, the enchanting regions of Alsace and Burgundy, and the breathtaking beauty of the Black Forest in Germany. With carefully curated experiences, including visits to world-renowned castles, cathedrals, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this tour promises a captivating blend of exploration and relaxation. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and the expertise of knowledgeable guides as you create lasting memories on this extraordinary adventure.
Included
Breakfast buffet
3 dinner included in: AMBOISE, ROCAMADOUR, LOURDES
Basic travel insurance included.
PARIS
: NOVOTEL EST - BAGNOLET or ADAGIO CAEN CENTRE or NOVOTEL RENNES ALMA
AMBOISE
: NOVOTEL AMBOISE or CAMPANILE LIMOGES CENTRE or DU CHATEAU
BURDEOS
: MERCURE BURDEOS MERIADECK or LE MEDITERRANEE or HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS BADEN DADEN
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.
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 , Triberg Falls , Heidelberg castle including pharmacy and wine cellar
Map
Attractions
Roman Villa Borg
Besançon Citadel
Palais des Papes
Châteauneuf Castle
Bonaguil Castle
Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
Château de Villandry
Parc Michel d'Ornano
Château de Chambord
La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Heidelberg Palace
Speyer Cathedral
Château d'Angers
Arles Amphitheatre
Château de Chenonceau
St Thomas Church
Limoges Cathedral
Barrage Vauban
Château de Loches
Évreux Cathedral
Château Peixotto
Biotropica, animal gardens
Mont Saint-Michel
The Marseille Soap Museum
Parc de Bourran
Bordeaux Museum of Fine ArtsDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Paris to Caen
- Paris
- Rouen
- Caen
- Giverny - Arrival day
- More
- Parc Michel d'Ornano
- Évreux Cathedral
- Biotropica, animal gardens
- More
Begin your adventure in Paris, setting off early towards the picturesque region of Normandy. Your first stop is Giverny, where you'll explore the enchanting Monet's House and Gardens, a haven for impressionist art lovers. Continue to Rouen, the capital of Normandy, where medieval streets and the magnificent cathedral await your discovery. After a leisurely lunch, journey to Arromanches, a site steeped in World War II history. Conclude your day in Caen, enjoying some free time in its vibrant central district.
Day 2 – Day 2: Caen to Rennes
- Caen
- Dinan
- Rennes
- Saint-Malo
- Le Mont-Saint-Michel
- More
- Saint-Malo Intra-Muros
- Mont Saint-Michel
- More
Embark on a journey to Mont-Saint-Michel, a marvel surrounded by the sea, where you can explore its historic abbey. Continue to Brittany, stopping in Saint-Malo to admire its formidable walls. After lunch, visit the charming town of Dinan before reaching Rennes, the capital of Brittany, where its monumental historic center awaits your exploration.
Day 3 – Day 3: Rennes to Amboise
- Rennes
- Angers
- Villandry
- Amboise
- Tours
- More
- Château de Villandry
- Château d'Angers
- More
Begin your day in Angers, where you have the option to visit the impressive Château d'Angers, home to the largest medieval tapestry. Continue to the Loire Valley, arriving in Tours for lunch and exploration. In the afternoon, visit the Château de Villandry, renowned for its stunning gardens. End your day in Amboise, a city celebrated for its medieval charm, where dinner is included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Amboise to Limoges
- Amboise
- Chambord
- Limoges
- Chenonceaux
- More
- Château de Chambord
- Château de Chenonceau
- Limoges Cathedral
- Château de Loches
- More
Start your day with a stroll through Amboise, visiting the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. Continue to the iconic Château de Chenonceau, elegantly spanning the river. Next, explore the grandeur of Château de Chambord, the largest in the Loire Valley. Conclude your 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
Depart from Limoges to the Dordogne region, rich in history and natural beauty. Visit the Lascaux Caves, famous for their prehistoric art. Continue to Sarlat, a UNESCO World Heritage town with a well-preserved Renaissance center. Explore the medieval Beynac Castle, perched above the river. End your day in the enchanting village of Rocamadour, where you can visit the cliffside sanctuary. Dinner is included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Rocamadour to Bordeaux
- Rocamadour
- Padirac
- Bordeaux
- Saint-Émilion
- More
- Padiparc - Parc zoologique
- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
- Cascade d'Autoire
- More
Begin your day with a visit to the Padirac Chasm, where you'll enjoy a unique underground boat ride. Continue to the picturesque village of Collonges-la-Rouge, known for its red stone buildings. After lunch, explore the charming town of Saint-Emilion, nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. Arrive in Bordeaux in the evening, where you can unwind and explore at your leisure.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bordeaux to Lourdes
- Bordeaux
- Lourdes
- More
- La Foret des Vert'tiges
- Château Peixotto
- Parc de Bourran
- Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
- More
Explore the captivating city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the Water Mirror and the historic cathedral. Enjoy free time along the Garonne River or visit the Cité du Vin to delve into the world of wine. In the afternoon, journey 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
- Lourdes
- Carcassonne
- Narbonne
- Marseille
- More
- Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
- Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
- The Marseille Soap Museum
- 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 in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy a stroll through the lively Vieux-Port, filled with charming restaurants.
Day 9 – Day 9: Marseille to Lyon
- Marseille
- Arles
- Avignon
- Lyon
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- More
- Palais des Papes
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Arles Amphitheatre
- More
Discover the beauty of Provence, starting with Arles, where Roman and medieval history come alive. Visit Les Baux and experience the mesmerizing Carrières de Lumières. Enjoy lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the grand Palais des Papes. Conclude your day in Lyon, exploring its World Heritage old town and taking a cable car to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon to Dijon
- Lyon
- Beaune
- Dijon
- More
- Parc de la Combe Persil
- Châteauneuf Castle
- More
Set off from Lyon to the Burgundy region, starting with a visit to Tournus, where you can explore its impressive abbey. Continue to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you can enjoy lunch and explore the wine museum or historic hospice. Visit the Savigny Castle, home to unique museums, before arriving in Dijon, known for its vibrant streets and historical architecture, including the Palace of the Dukes.
Day 11 – Day 11: Dijon to Strasbourg
- Dijon
- Besançon
- Colmar
- Strasbourg
- More
- Besançon Citadel
- Col du petit Ballon
- More
Explore the Burgundy region, starting with a visit to Besançon, where you can admire its historic citadel. Continue to Alsace, a region rich in Germanic culture, with a stop in Colmar to enjoy its unique architecture and gastronomy. Visit the fairy-tale village of Riquewihr before arriving in Strasbourg, where you can explore the charming cathedral area and Petite France.
Day 12 – Day 12: Strasbourg to Baden-Baden
- Strasbourg
- Baden-Baden
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- More
- St Thomas Church
- Barrage Vauban
- More
Start your day in Strasbourg, exploring its medieval streets and stunning cathedral. Enjoy a boat trip through the canals of Petite France. Cross into Germany, passing through the scenic Black Forest to Freiburg, where you can enjoy lunch and explore its medieval center. Visit Triberg, famous for its cuckoo clocks and waterfalls, before arriving in Baden-Baden, a spa town known for its elegance and charm.
Day 13 – Day 13: Baden-Baden to Frankfurt
- Baden-Baden
- Speyer
- Frankfurt
- Frankfurt (Oder)
- More
- Heidelberg Palace
- Speyer Cathedral
- More
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Baden-Baden before heading to Speyer, where you can explore its grand Romanesque cathedral. Continue to Heidelberg, where a cable car ride takes you to the impressive castle with stunning views. After lunch, explore the old town before arriving in Frankfurt, a city known for its modern skyline and vibrant nightlife.
Day 14 – Day 14: Frankfurt to Paris
- Frankfurt
- Luxembourg
- Reims
- Paris
- Frankfurt (Oder)
- More
- Roman Villa Borg
- More
Travel to Luxembourg, a city that blends historical charm with modernity. Explore its UNESCO-listed old town and fortifications. After lunch, continue to Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region, where you can admire the stunning Gothic cathedral. Arrive in Paris by the end of the day, concluding your journey with memories to cherish.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
- More
After a delightful breakfast, your unforgettable journey comes to an end. Depart from Paris with a treasure trove of memories and experiences from your multi-day tour through France and beyond.
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