Tour Description

Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In Avignon, play pétanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine in Sarlat-La-Caneda. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.

Priced From:

$ 7825pp ^*

From: 2023-06-24

To: 2023-10-07

Start Location: Paris, France

End Location: Paris, France

Trip Type: Country Roads

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Welcome to Paris

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers to the hotel leave terminal 2F at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30, and 30 minutes later from terminal 1. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at Brasserie Bofinger, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.

Champagne Region and on to Dijon

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.

Journey through the Champagne region. Stop to savour a taste of champagne, for which this region is world famous. Continue on to your hotel in Dijon.

Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.

Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

Chamonix

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Chamonix.

Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.

Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble Relaxed Start

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery.

In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

The French Riviera to reach Nice

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?

Monaco and the Côte d’Azur

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your Travel Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour. Your exploration continues as you visit inside Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?

Picturesque Provence

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.

Avignon and Pont du Gard

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.

Journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.

Carcassonne and to Albi

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.

Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh, who produced over 300 artworks during his time in the city. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

Free Time in Albi

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.

Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi.This evening savour a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.

Cahors and Rocamadour Relaxed Start

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac.

Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. Continue to the beautiful village of La Roque Gageac, with its maze of romantic alleys and two-hectare parks .

Exploring the Dordogne Valley

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac. , Hotel Anne d'Anjou, Saumur.

Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced.Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

Paris, The City of Light

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

Romantic Capital on the Seine

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Today enjoy an Insight Choice experience. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.

Au Revoir Paris

Day 16

Duration: 1

Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2023-07-01

End Date: 2023-07-16

twin

Child Price: 7285

Adult Price: 8025

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8025

triple

Child Price: 7185

Adult Price: 7925

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10255

Start Date: 2023-07-15

End Date: 2023-07-30

twin

Child Price: 7185

Adult Price: 7925

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7925

triple

Child Price: 7085

Adult Price: 7825

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10105

Start Date: 2023-08-12

End Date: 2023-08-27

twin

Child Price: 7185

Adult Price: 7925

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7925

triple

Child Price: 7085

Adult Price: 7825

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10105

Start Date: 2023-08-26

End Date: 2023-09-10

twin

Child Price: 7235

Adult Price: 7975

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 7975

triple

Child Price: 7135

Adult Price: 7875

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10405

Start Date: 2023-09-02

End Date: 2023-09-17

twin

Child Price: 8086

Adult Price: 8826

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8826

triple

Child Price: 7971

Adult Price: 8711

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10805

Start Date: 2023-09-09

End Date: 2023-09-24

twin

Child Price: 8086

Adult Price: 8826

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8826

triple

Child Price: 7971

Adult Price: 8711

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10805

Start Date: 2023-09-16

End Date: 2023-10-01

twin

Child Price: 8086

Adult Price: 8826

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8826

triple

Child Price: 7971

Adult Price: 8711

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10805

Start Date: 2023-09-23

End Date: 2023-10-08

twin

Child Price: 8058

Adult Price: 8798

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8798

triple

Child Price: 7943

Adult Price: 8683

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10780

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2023-10-15

twin

Child Price: 8058

Adult Price: 8798

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8798

triple

Child Price: 7943

Adult Price: 8683

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10780

Start Date: 2023-10-07

End Date: 2023-10-22

twin

Child Price: 8058

Adult Price: 8798

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 8798

triple

Child Price: 7943

Adult Price: 8683

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10780

Country Roads of France – Classic Group

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices