Duration: 13 Days
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 Cezanne was, by the beauty of Provence and visit the playground of Monaco. Day 1
Bonjour Paris
All the flavors 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 travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city.
Day 2
Journey through Burgundy to Lyon
We travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune. On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colorful 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 cozy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?
Day 3
Onwards to Avignon, Monaco and the French Riviera
Today we journey to the city of Avignon at the heart of Provence. See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous by the song - Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco. Upon arrival we'll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married, then in the evening we'll enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to our hotel.
Day 4
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, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Day 5
Admire Arles and Continue to Carcassonne
Visit Arles with its honey-colored façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture, and enjoy some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert before winding your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Day 6
Pilgrimage to Lourdes and on to Biarritz
We drive toward the Pyrenees 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, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.
Day 7
Venture to Bordeaux
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, 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 biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.
Day 8
Discover Scenic Dordogne
The lush green valleys and hills of the Dordogne take center 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 center admiring its beautiful architecture.
Day 9
Explore a Château in the Loire Valley Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Today we journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the 'Garden of France'. Along the way, we will stop to Connect With Locals over a light lunch and unique Be My Guest experience. Next we Dive Into Culture and visit the remarkable gardens at Château de Villandry where you will see an array of beautiful gardens; such as the Water Garden which is filled with spectacular ponds and fountains. Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night - one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories.
Day 10
Off to Mont-Saint-Michel and the Normandy Beaches
We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where we visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. 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.
Day 11
Journey to Paris
We travel east towards 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.
Day 12
Discover the Delights of Paris
Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. Visit the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Enjoy a leisurely café au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, we celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 13
Farewell Paris
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 holiday. Find out more about available airport transfers at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a delightful Be My Guest lunch.
- Beaune: Vist the Hopsices de Beaune and learn about its captivating past as well as admiring its flamboyant Gothic architecture.
- Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Arles: Hear more about the city that is famed for being the inspiration behind the Van Gogh paintings during a city orientation.
- Lourdes: Explore Lourdes, globally renowned as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and attracting over three million faithful visitors every year.
- Saint-Émilion: Take in the vine-laden surroundings and established wine-making heritage of Saint-Émilion.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: Savor 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.
- Giverny: View the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s most famous masterpieces.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- Villandry: Visit Château Villandry in the Loire Valley and admire the exquisite Renaissance gardens that surround this elegant estate.
- : Explore Carcassonne and Paris with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Nice, Arles, Lourdes and Bordeaux
- : Visit the Hospices de Beaune, Château de Villandry, the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, Claude Monet's home at Giverny and the Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris
- : View the Papal Palace in Avignon, the Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day Beach of Omaha in Normandy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- : See the Roman Amphitheater and the Cathedral in Arles
- : Scenic Drive through the Dordogne and the Loire Valley
- Loire Valley: Step back in time with a stay in the regal 16th and 17th-century Chateâu de Beauvois.
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Start Date: 2023-10-01
End Date: 2023-10-13
twin
Adult Price: $5795
Child Price: $5275
twinShare
Adult Price: $5795
Child Price: $4595
triple
Adult Price: $5785
Child Price: $5265
single
Adult Price: $7405
Start Date: 2023-10-08
End Date: 2023-10-20
twin
Adult Price: $5795
Child Price: $5275
twinShare
Adult Price: $5795
triple
Adult Price: $5785
Child Price: $5265
single
Adult Price: $7405
Start Date: 2023-10-15
End Date: 2023-10-27
twin
Adult Price: $5795
Child Price: $5275
twinShare
Adult Price: $5795
triple
Adult Price: $5785
Child Price: $5265
single
Adult Price: $7405
