Day 1 : Bonjour France
Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and winding lanes of the 'City of Lights', before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendour for you to admire.
Accommodation : Renaissance La Défense
Day 2 : Discover the Delights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. Visit the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighbourhoods. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.
Day 3 : Journey through Burgundy to Lyon
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Accommodation : Charlemagne
Day 4 : Continue to Monaco and the French Riviera
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for a delicious lunch and the sweet flavours of Calissons, then stop in the glamorous Principality of Monaco bound for the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. View the Palace, which has been the home of the Grimaldis since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner together in Monaco before arriving at our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Accommodation : Montaigne & Spa
Day 5 : The French Riviera Your Way
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. In your free time, you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Day 6 : On to Sunny Saint-Tropez and Avignon
We arrive by boat in glitzy Saint-Tropez for a leisurely morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surrounds. Continue on to the ancient city of Avignon, once the seat of the Papacy, where we will spend the next two nights. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the famous French song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon.
Accommodation : Mercure Pont d'Avignon
Day 7 : Explore Ancient History in Pont du Gard and Arles
We visit the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct before continuing to Arles, to admire the Romanesque Cathedral and Roman amphitheatre, once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of a city that was once an important Phoenician trading port. Tonight, you’ll enjoy feasting on delicious Provençal flavours as we Connect With Locals and join the widow of Pierre Salinger for a Be My Guest dinner and unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to her converted historic mill on the banks of the Sorgue. Feast on regional specialities such as red snapper, mignon of pork, souffle with a good glass of Coteaux d’Aix red or rose wine on the side. You’ll leave with a deep appreciation of life in Provence as you explore the old home with its many artefacts, family photographs and works of art, knowing that your visit helps to preserve the memories of her famous husband for generations to come.
Day 8 : Travel By High-Speed Train to Paris
The picture-perfect French countryside is our constant companion as we take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the sprawling vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own terms. This evening we celebrate an unforgettable sojourn through France at a Farewell Dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends.
Accommodation : Evergreen Laurel
Day 9 : Au Revoir Paris
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.