Best of France - From £3,450

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OVERVIEW
Expect only the best on one of our favorite France trips, beginning and ending in Paris. Spend the night as a French lord or lady in an elegant Loire Valley château, be inspired like Cézanne was, by the beauty of Provence and visit the playground of Monaco.
EXPERIENCES
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.

Beaune: Step inside the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu, once a hospital for the poor and now a museum showcasing Burgundy’s medieval heritage. Admire its colourful patterned roof tiles, gothic architecture and beautifully preserved interiors as you explore the stories behind this historic building at the heart of Beaune.

Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist. 

French Riviera: Step inside Fragonard Perfumery and discover the craft behind one of Provence’s best-known traditions. You’ll learn how flowers, essential oils and other ingredients are transformed into fragrance, see the techniques used by skilled perfumers and gain a closer look at an industry that has long been part of the region’s identity.

French Riviera: Travel along the Moyenne Corniche, one of the Riviera’s most scenic roads, as it winds between Nice and Monaco. From its elevated position, you’ll take in views across the Mediterranean, coastal towns and the surrounding hills, giving you a new perspective on this stretch of the French Riviera.

Giverny: View the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s most famous masterpieces.

Lourdes: Explore Lourdes, globally renowned as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and attracting over three million faithful visitors every year. 

Monaco City: See Monaco Cathedral, where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly were married in 1956. Set in Monaco-Ville, the cathedral is closely tied to the principality’s ruling Grimaldi family and forms an important part of Monaco’s royal story.

Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel and cross the causeway to explore the tidal island town.

Omaha Beach: Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach. 

Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.

Saint-Émilion: Take in the vine-laden surroundings and established wine-making heritage of Saint-Émilion.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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02/04/2028 14/04/2028 £3,825   Book
09/04/2028 21/04/2028 £3,825   Book
16/04/2028 28/04/2028 £3,825   Book
23/04/2028 05/05/2028 £4,025   Book
25/04/2028 07/05/2028 £4,025   Book
30/04/2028 12/05/2028 £4,025   Book
07/05/2028 19/05/2028 £4,050   Book
09/05/2028 21/05/2028 £4,050   Book
14/05/2028 26/05/2028 £4,050   Book
21/05/2028 02/06/2028 £4,050   Book
28/05/2028 09/06/2028 £4,050   Book
04/06/2028 16/06/2028 £3,875   Book
11/06/2028 23/06/2028 £3,875   Book
18/06/2028 30/06/2028 £3,875   Book
25/06/2028 07/07/2028 £3,875   Book
02/07/2028 14/07/2028 £3,925   Book
09/07/2028 21/07/2028 £3,925   Book
16/07/2028 28/07/2028 £3,925   Book
23/07/2028 04/08/2028 £3,925   Book
30/07/2028 11/08/2028 £3,925   Book
06/08/2028 18/08/2028 £3,775   Book
13/08/2028 25/08/2028 £3,775   Book
20/08/2028 01/09/2028 £3,775   Book
22/08/2028 03/09/2028 £3,675   Book
27/08/2028 08/09/2028 £3,675   Book
29/08/2028 10/09/2028 £4,150   Book
03/09/2028 15/09/2028 £4,150   Book
05/09/2028 17/09/2028 £4,150   Book
10/09/2028 22/09/2028 £4,150   Book
17/09/2028 29/09/2028 £4,150   Book
24/09/2028 06/10/2028 £3,625   Book
01/10/2028 13/10/2028 £3,825   Book
08/10/2028 20/10/2028 £3,825   Book
15/10/2028 27/10/2028 £3,825   Book
22/10/2028 03/11/2028 £3,825   Book
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ITINERARY

All the flavours of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the 'City of Light'. Spend your day strolling past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner and an orientation drive through the city.

Travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune. On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colourful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century. Next we continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Consider spending your evening delving into the epicurean delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous. Why not wander up the city's narrow lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cosy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?

Today you’ll travel to Avignon, where the legacy of the city’s papal past comes into view at the Papal Palace and the famous bridge celebrated in the song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’. From here, continue south through Provence as you make your way towards the French Riviera. Your journey ends in Nice, where you’ll settle in to your hotel and get your bearings before enjoying the rest of the day at your own pace.

Enjoy a free morning in Nice, perhaps wandering through the old town, browsing the Cours Saleya market or taking a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Travel along the Moyenne Corniche for views across the French Riviera before visiting Fragonard Perfumery, where you’ll discover how its fragrances are created and learn more about this Provençal craft. In Monaco, see the cathedral where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly were married and discover more of the principality before sitting down to dinner.

Visit Arles, where honey-coloured facades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture reveal the character of southern France. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city or choose an Optional Experience with a resident expert, uncovering more about Vincent van Gogh and local history. Then wind your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne, where a guided exploration reveals the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage. You'll have an opportunity to see the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where you'll spend the night.

This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience across the border into Spain to discover more about the  Basque Country. Later, after journeying through Les Landes, you will 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 biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.

Lush green valleys and wine hills take centre stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion to Saint-Émilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times. You will also have free time to explore Bordeaux and perhaps tease your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or stroll through the city's historical centre admiring its beautiful architecture.

Today, journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the ‘Garden of France’. Along the way, you’ll stop for a light lunch with the de Montferrier family on their farm during a unique Be My Guest experience. Appetites satisfied, it’s time to explore the stunning gardens of Château de Villandry during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Elise, Local Specialist and environmental educator, learning how organic gardening techniques support biodiversity. Stroll through the estate’s beautifully designed spaces, from the tranquil water garden, with its shimmering ponds and fountains, to the intricate ornamental gardens. Later, arrive at Chateau Belmont, your hotel for the night — one of Trafalgar’s Stays with Stories.

Travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where you will visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to Saint-Lô and on to Omaha Beach. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.

Set off for Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.

Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Enjoy a leisurely cafe au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a dinner.

For now it's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Mercure 17 Batignolles - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Mercure Centre Saxe Lafayette - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Nice Riviera - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Nice Riviera - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Mercure La Cité - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Novotel Anglet Biarritz. - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: FirstName Bordeaux - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: FirstName Bordeaux - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Chateau Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Mercure Omaha Beach - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: Mercure 17 Batignolles - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Mercure 17 Batignolles - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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