Enjoy France à la carte - châteaux, chic beach resorts and delicious cuisine served with a dash of French Riviera, medieval Bastide villages and a healthy helping of Bordeaux. Journey through the romantic Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz and Carcassonne with its enchanting city walls. Marvel at Avignon's famous bridge, see the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy and visit Claude Monet's home in Giverny.
Insider Experiences
- Be My Guest: Return to 17th century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle dinner accompanied by local wines
- Local Specialist: For included sightseeing in Carcassonne and Paris
- Hidden Treasure: Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Experiences
- City tour in Carcassonne
- Scenic drive through Dordogne and Loire Valley
- Insider walking tour in Paris
- Orientation of Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Nice, Arles, Lourdes and Bordeaux
- See the Roman Ampitheatre and the Cathedral in Arles
- View the Papal Palace in Avignon, The Royal Palace, Cathedral while in Monaco, Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, St Bernadette's Grotto in Lourdes, Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, the Abbey of Mont St. Michel and the D-Day Beach of Omaha while in Normandy
- Visit the Hospice de Beaune, Chateau Chenonceau, D-Day Museum, Claude Monet's home at Giverny and the Eiffel Tower
First Class Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Hand-picked Insider Experiences
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- VIP entry to many sights
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Canada
Fly to Paris.
Day 2: Arrive Paris
All the flavors of France come to life on this unforgettable journey that kicks off in Paris, the City of Light. Spend your day meandering past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through the city to see some of its most magnificent sights lit up at night.
Meal(s): Welcome Reception
Meal(s): Welcome Reception
Day 3: Paris – Beaune – Lyon
We travel south to Burgundy, past the Côte d'Or vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits St. Georges. The colorful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century Hospice are a sight to behold as we arrive in the medieval town of Beaune before continuing to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Perhaps spend your evening delving into the delicious delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous. Why not meander up the city's narrow cobblestone lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cozy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner and Old Town Discovery (69 EUR): Enjoy an evening drive along the beautiful Saône River and taste the most acclaimed French cuisine. You’ll discover Lyon's secrets, from the Gauls to the medieval old town. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Lyon is also the gastronomic capital of France and our chef will prepare a mouth-watering three course dinner, with local wines included.
Day 4: Lyon – Avignon – Monaco – French Riviera
We stop in the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon, what was once the Papal Seat in the 13th century and today remains as an important place of pilgrimage. See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song - sur le pont d'Avignon. Journeying through the wheat and lavender fields of Provence, immortalized in the great works of such artists as Van Gogh and Cézanne, we arrive in the sophisticated Principality of Monaco, where we will view the cathedral where Prince Ranier and Princess Grace were married. This evening we enjoy a Regional Meal in Monaco before arriving at our hotel.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Regional meal
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Regional meal
Day 5: French Riviera
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Meander along Nice's elegant Promenade des Anglais treading in the footsteps of the aristocrats of yesteryear, relax on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or perhaps visit the charming hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. This evening you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and indulge in delicious Salad Niçoise overlooking the beautiful Bay of Angels.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
- St Paul, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal (83 EUR): Discover the medieval hill top town of St. Paul, known as an artists’ paradise. You’ll travel along the Riviera on the spectacular corniche, stopping off at a local perfumery. Finally, join us for a delicious meal and drinks at a local restaurant.
Day 6: French Riviera – Arles – Carcassonne
Visit Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city before winding your way through the Corbières Hills and ‘Cathar' landscapes en route to the fortified city of Carcassonne. Join a Local Specialist to explore this exquisite ancient town, view the Cité, which is said to have inspired Walt Disney for his Castle of Sleeping Beauty, and see the double ring of ramparts spanning some 3km with 52 towers.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Optional Experiences
- On the trail of Vincent Van Gogh (23 EUR): Discover the secret stories and life of Vincent Van Gogh, as you stroll through the ancient streets and squares of this enchanting provincial town with our resident Local Specialist.
Day 7: Carcassonne – Lourdes – Biarritz
We drive toward the Pyrénées this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global center of the Marian pilgrimage. You will have an opportunity to see the Basilica perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto where the young girl is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. We travel north to the graceful Basque town of Biarritz on France's Atlantic coast where we spend the night.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Day 8: Biarritz – Bordeaux
Journeying through Les Landes, we arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux whose stunning Garonne riverfront and age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France's most visited cities. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the bi-annual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city, including the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces. Then spend the rest of the day exploring the Port of the Moon on your terms.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Highlights Of The Pyrénées (40 EUR Weather permitting.): Join us on a beautiful drive up into the Pyrénées, where we’ll catch a funicular train to ascend through mountain pastures to the top of these magnificent mountains, finding ourselves in Spain. You’ll have time to enjoy some Basque hospitality before our descent, with a drink included.
- St Jean De Luz, Jewel Of The Basque Country (38 EUR): With your Local Specialist you’ll discover the Maison Louis XIV and the Maison Rose where Louis XIV met his bride, Spanish princess Maria Theresa. You’ll also see the church where they married in 1660 (complete with hanging sailing ships inside) and have time to explore this unique seaside town’s 400-year history and beautiful beach.
Day 9: Dordogne Excursion
The lush green valleys and hills of the Dordogne take center stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion passing enchanting medieval Bastide villages, fairy-tale castles and dark oak forests. We drive to St. Emilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times and return to Bordeaux this evening for some free time to explore the city at leisure. See the glittering reflection of the Place de la Bourse in the Garonne River, tease your taste-buds with delicious Bordelais cuisine or meander through the city's historical center admiring its beautiful architecture by night.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Secrets of The Bordelaise with Lunch or Dinner (80 EUR. May be operated without dining for 49 EUR). We’ll journey through the rolling vineyards of the Bordeaux region to our favourite French Chateau Estate. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars before a wine tasting, all while learning the secrets of the French wine-making process. Later, discover the World Heritage monolithic church of St. Emilion, before dining in traditional Bordelaise style, with drinks included.
Day 10: Bordeaux – Loire Valley
We meander through the Garden of France, stopping at the beautiful fairy-tale Château Chenonceau, which spans the River Cher. One of the most remarkable castles ever built, Chenonceau features stunning landscaped gardens and priceless collections of Renaissance furniture, tapestries and art. Join your fellow travelers and the Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a special Be My Guest Tourangelle dining experience where you enjoy traditional French hospitality.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Be My Guest dinner
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Be My Guest dinner
Day 11: Loire Valley – Mont St. Michel – Omaha Beach
We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany to the extraordinary island-town of Mont St. Michel on the Normandy coast, featuring its impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach where your Travel Director will provide an excellent account of the poignant events that took place here and changed the course of history in Europe. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn in detail about how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner with wine
Day 12: Omaha Beach – Giverny – Paris (2 Nights)
This morning we travel south towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to see the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art. The City of Light shines brightly as we have an evening at leisure to explore Paris by night. Spend your evening meandering along the Seine and admiring the city's reflection in its dark waters, find the secret night garden of Montmartre or consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabaret venues.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (162 EUR): Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
- Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner (139 EUR): Join us for dinner with wine included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town, where you’ll watch an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment – including the world famous Can-Can. A Parisian night you’ll never forget.
Day 13: Paris Sightseeing
Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. Our short insider walk concludes in one of Paris's loveliest squares, still off the beaten tourist track, but a real favourite among Parisians. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views across the city – see the Seine snake its way through the city and the grand boulevards and beautiful gardens stretch out below. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre, enjoy a leisurely café au lait in quiet surrounds or shop for souvenirs in the Latin Quarter. This evening we celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Farewell dinner
Optional Experiences
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Farewell dinner
Optional Experiences
- Notre Dame And Latin Quarter (33 EUR): A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterwards, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
- Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations (38 EUR): Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we’ll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
- Versailles Palace And Gardens (65 EUR): Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler. Your Local Specialist will take you through the State apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors, with free time to stroll the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. Please note: this optional is subject to availability.
Day 14: Paris – Return to Canada
For now it's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travelers at the end of a magical and memorable vacation. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
