Highlights of France (13 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 13-day journey through the heart of France, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil shores of the French Riviera, the medieval charm of Carcassonne to the historic D-Day landing beaches. Along the way, you'll indulge in the country's renowned culinary delights, marvel at its architectural wonders, and immerse yourself in its timeless elegance. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply a lover of life's finer things, this tour offers an unforgettable French experience.
Included
12 Breakfast (B)
4 Dinner (D)
Many meals and daily breakfasts included
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Courtyard by Marriott La Defense West - Colombes
Chromatics
Ibis Cannes Mandelieu
Ibis Avignon Sud
Mercure Imperial
Ibis Centre Mériadeck
Ibis Styles Sud
Ibis Deauville Centre
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
View the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower
Visit this charming town
Orientation of this gastronomic city
Visit the Principality
Visit an artist's paradise
View the Palace of the Popes and the Pont d'Avignon
Explore the walled city
View St. Bernadette's Grotto
Visit this seaside resort
Orientation tour
Visit the famous wine village
Visit the Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist
View the abbey
Hear about D-Day
Visit this picturesque port
View the cathedral
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
City orientation tours
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Map
Attractions
Pont du Gard
Normandy American Cemetery
Champ de Mars
Donjon de Rouen
Château de Chambord
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
Arc de Triomphe
Arles Amphitheatre
Château de Chenonceau
Château d'Amboise
Stade de France
Mont Saint-Michel
Porte DijeauxDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
- More
- Stade de France
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Begin your French adventure in the capital city of Paris. After checking in to your hotel, you have the option to relax or start exploring the city. Consider joining a scenic Seine River cruise to see some of the city's major sights.
Day 2 – Day 2: Paris
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
- Arc de Triomphe
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Spend a full day exploring the beauty and elegance of Paris. Join a city sightseeing tour led by your Travel Director, featuring iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées. In the evening, consider experiencing one of the city's renowned cabarets.
Day 3 – Day 3: Beaune and Lyon
- Paris
- Beaune
- Lyon
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Bid farewell to Paris and set your sights on the medieval town of Beaune, known for its local wine. Explore the beautiful marketplace and the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu before continuing to Lyon. Get a feel for the city during an orientation tour, and consider joining an Optional Experience to delve into its rich history and famous cuisine.
Day 4 – Day 4: Aix-en-Provence and Monaco
- Lyon
- Aix-en-Provence
- Monaco
- Cap-d'Ail
- More
Travel south through the Rhône Valley and enjoy some free time in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs. Continue to the shimmering Mediterranean coast, where the Principality of Monaco and the Côte d'Azur await. Capture the sophistication of this region as you drive along its elegant boulevards.
Day 5 – Day 5: French Riviera
- Cap-d'Ail
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- More
Enjoy a full free day on the French Riviera. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or join your fellow travellers for an optional exploration of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This enchanting walled hill-town offers an idyllic setting, and you might even spot a celebrity or two!
Day 6 – Day 6: Arles and Avignon
- Cap-d'Ail
- Arles
- Avignon
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- Pont du Gard
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Travel west to the Camargue centre of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for many of his paintings. View the magnificent Pont du Gard, a first-century aqueduct, before continuing to the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon, home to one of the world's most incredible religious architectural legacies.
Day 7 – Day 7: Carcassonne and Lourdes
- Avignon
- Carcassonne
- Lourdes
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Visit the fairy-tale town of Carcassonne, with its 12th-century architecture and turreted medieval castle. From there, head to the foothills of the Pyrénées to the town of Lourdes, a major pilgrimage site. Join the millions of pilgrims who have made the journey to pay homage to St. Bernadette and view the basilica on top of the Grotto where she is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary.
Day 8 – Day 8: Biarritz and Bordeaux
- Lourdes
- Biarritz
- Bordeaux
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- Porte Dijeaux
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Head to the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz on the Atlantic coast. Spend the day soaking up the sun, watching local surfers, or join an Optional Experience into the Basque country. After a day of sun and sea, continue to the rolling countryside of Les Landes and onwards to Bordeaux.
Day 9 – Day 9: Saint-Émilion and Tours
- Bordeaux
- Saint-Émilion
- Tours
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Visit the hilltop village of Saint-Émilion, a must-see for red wine lovers. Explore this château country and consider joining an optional wine tasting at a historic vineyard. Continue to your hotel by the city of Tours, known as the gateway to the Loire Valley.
Day 10 – Day 10: Chenonceau, Amboise, and Tours
- Tours
- Chenonceaux
- Chambord
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- Château de Chambord
- Château de Chenonceau
- Château d'Amboise
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Visit the fairy-tale château of Chenonceau with a Local Specialist. Explore its priceless collections of Renaissance art and stroll through the exquisite landscaped gardens. Continue to the royal town of Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried, and view the splendid Château de Chambord. Spend your last night in Tours, perhaps visiting the Old Town and enjoying Touraine cuisine in a traditional restaurant.
Day 11 – Day 11: Mont Saint-Michel and Deauville
- Tours
- Avranches
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- Normandy American Cemetery
- Mont Saint-Michel
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Visit the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a medieval town rising out of the sea. Continue your journey to the D-Day landing beaches, where the largest seaborne invasion in history took place. After a poignant stop at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, continue on to your hotel in Deauville, a renowned resort town.
Day 12 – Day 12: Honfleur, Rouen, and Paris
- Honfleur
- Rouen
- Paris
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- Donjon de Rouen
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Visit the colourful port town of Honfleur, a favourite subject for many of the world's greatest artists. Continue to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Explore its cobbled streets, Gothic churches, and impressive cathedral. Return to Paris for the final evening of your adventure.
Day 13 – Day 13: Departure from Paris
- Paris - Departure day
- More
Your memorable journey through France comes to an end. After a lifetime's worth of memories, say a fond au revoir to your Travel Director and newfound friends.
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