Duration: 11 Days
Meet us for a rendez-vous to revel in the rues of Paris, the riverside where Jules Verne dreamed of deeper waters, and the royal chateau where cognac flows. Make a French connection from the City of Light to the dappled vineyards of Bordeaux. Break away from the ordinary with dreamy days in Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence, and the French Riviera in Nice. Try your luck at the tables in Monte Carlo and get the royal treatment in Monaco with 11 fantastic days in France. From cathedral halls to fortress walls; from Medieval treasures to Mediterranean pleasures, this vacation in France is a rendez-vous you won’t want to miss.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Paris!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
J'adore
PARIS Free time this morning followed by guided sightseeing that features the Arc de Triomphe, les Champs-Elysees and a visit to the Courtyard of Les Invalides.
This evening, enjoy [LF] a dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES What better way to complete your visit to Paris than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship, while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appetit!
Voyages Extraordinaires
NANTES Guided walking tour includes sights of the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, Ile Feydeau, Place Royale and Passage Pommeraye. (B)
239 mi / 385 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Situated on the Loire River, the once busy port of Nantes influenced the young Jules Verne, who was born and raised there, to become attracted to the sea and travel. His books about voyage and exploration are translated all over the world, and has led him to often be regarded as the "Father of sci-fi". In Nantes he is said to be one of the inspirations for "Les Machines de l'Ile" project that includes a "Marine Worlds Carousel" and a 12 meter high, mechanical "Great Elephant" that walks around the exhibition area carrying passengers.
Local Spirit
COGNAC [LF] Guided visit of the Chateau Royale du Cognac and cognac tasting.
BORDEAUX Free-time this evening. (B) 242 mi / 390 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES The Dutch started to distill French wines into brandy in the 16th century as a means of preserving their much-treasured purchases for the journey back home. During your visit of the Chateau Royale discover the history of its inhabitants and the origins of Cognac. Then raise your glass to discover why it is worth all the effort.
Beyond the vineyards
BORDEAUX Guided walking tour to discover historic neighbourhoods such as Quinconces and Saint Pierre. Stop at a local patisserie to try a traditional canele pastry. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The name Bordeaux means "water's edge" and originates from the city's position on the banks of the River Garonne. This location has helped to bring it fame and fortune through time, assisting the favourable climate and quality vines to produce around 960 million bottles of wine a year. However, it is not just a global capital of wine, Bordeaux is also known as a City of Art and History. In France only Paris has more protected buildings. George-Eugène Haussmann used Bordeaux as an example to follow when Emperor Napoleon III asked him to transform Paris into a modern city.
Medieval Battle Sites
CARCASSONNE Take an orientation walk by the ancient battlements and enjoy free time to explore this delightful medieval town. (B,D) 211 mi / 340 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Visit the ancient city of Carcassonne and see its pre-Roman settlement complete with medieval castle and dramatic defensive walls, called the finest remains of medieval fortifications in Europe by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Stunning!
Roman Influences
NIMES Enjoy an orientation walk to admire the Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carree, an ancient Roman Temple.
LE BAUX DE PROVENCE Olive Oil mill visit with olive oil tasting.
MARSEILLES Free time this evening. (B) 217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES One of the Mediterranean's most appreciated and treasured products, olive oil, often referred to as "green gold", dates back thousands of years to ancient civilisations such as the Romans. The olive oil produced at the mill in Le Baux de Provence has a real local taste, being produced solely from the olives harvested in the surrounding area.
Musical Marches
MARSEILLE Guided sightseeing features a walk in the city's oldest district - Le Panier, with a visit to the Cathedral La Major, the old port and a scenic drive along the panoramic waterfront road. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the old port area. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS This bustling seaport city is a melting pot of cultures. Founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, and continuously inhabited since then, it is the oldest city in France. The city's population actively supported the French Revolution, and when 500 volunteers marched on Paris to defend the Revolutionary Government, the song they sung en-route became known as "La Marseillaise," it was later adopted as the French National Anthem.
Beautiful Boulevards
AIX-EN-PROVENCE Orientation walk of the city features the elegant Cours Mirabeau and free time to explore further.
NICE Evening at leisure. (B) 149 mi / 240 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Take advantage of an optional excursion to the Principality of Monaco. Wine and dine in Monte Carlo the glamorous millionaires' playground. See the Royal Palace and Cathedral as you discover the Old Town. Try your luck at the famous Grand Casino or sit in a local café and watch the world go by.
La belle
NICE Follow your local guide for a walking tour through the old town, characterised by narrow cobbled streets, charming squares, and Baroque churches. Free time in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT One of Nice's most iconic symbols is "Le Chaise Bleu," the blue chairs that are dotted along the Promenade des Anglais, one of France's most famous boulevards. They provide inspiration for local artists, a source of relaxation for the locals and taking a photo sat on one is considered "a must do" for visitors - so take a seat and admire the stunning views of the bay.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
