France's Enchanting Castles and Vineyards
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Set off from Paris on an 11–day loop that ends back in the capital, blending grand châteaux and vineyard towns with dramatic caves and medieval citadels. You’ll explore the Loire’s gems – Villandry’s gardens, Amboise and Chenonceau – then delve into the Dordogne at Lascaux, Beynac and Rocamadour. Expect a boat ride into Padirac, tastings in Saint–Émilion and Alsace, plus Bordeaux and Lourdes. Cross the south to Carcassonne and Marseille, then soak up Provençal colour in Arles, Les Baux and Avignon. Return via Lyon and Burgundy to Strasbourg’s canals and Champagne cellars – a varied, scenic journey at an easy pace.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
ParisEnds
ParisMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in France that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
FranceTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travelers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
$2,612.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Paris
Blois
Tours
Villandry
Amboise
Chenonceaux
Chambord
Limoges
Sarlat
Beynac-et-Cazenac
Rocamadour
Padirac Cave
Collonges-la-Rouge
Saint-Émilion
Bordeaux
Lourdes
Carcassonne
Narbonne
Marseille
Arles
Avignon
Lyon
Tournus
Savigny Castle
Beaune
Dijon
Besançon
Colmar
Riquewihr
Strasbourg
Champagne
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris - Blois - Tours - Villandry - Amboise
Leaving Paris, we trace the Loire Valley’s first highlights, pausing in Blois to admire its renowned château. We continue to Tours on the banks of the Loire for a relaxed stroll and your choice of lunch spot. In the afternoon we explore the exquisite gardens of Château de Villandry – tickets included. We end the day in Amboise, where the medieval quarter lines the river. Dinner included.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Amboise - Chenonceaux - Chambord - Limoges
Morning in Amboise brings time to wander by the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. We then delve deeper into the valley with a visit to the iconic Château de Chenonceau – entrance included – before continuing to Chambord to explore its vast park. We carry on to Limoges, famed for porcelain, where you can explore the historic centre and Saint‑Étienne Cathedral.
Day 3 - Limoges - Sarlat - Beynac-et-Cazenac - Rocamadour
We depart Limoges for the Dordogne’s villages and river‑sculpted landscapes. At Lascaux we visit the museum and acclaimed cave replica – tickets included – to uncover extraordinary prehistoric art. We continue to Sarlat for a leisurely wander and lunch at your pace. In Beynac we explore a clifftop medieval castle above the river – admission included. We finish in Rocamadour, the dramatic sanctuary clinging to the cliff, where you might walk the Via Crucis and take the lift back. Dinner included.
Day 4 - Rocamadour - Padirac Cave - Collonges-la-Rouge - Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux
We descend into the Padirac Chasm for a boat ride on an underground river 75 metres below the surface. We then continue to Collonges‑la‑Rouge, the striking red‑stone village on the Way of St James. After lunch we head to Saint‑Émilion, at the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, with time for a gentle wander, before reaching Bordeaux in the evening. Note: Padirac Chasm may be closed from November to the end of March depending on conditions.
Day 5 - Bordeaux - Lourdes
Bordeaux’s historic centre is a World Heritage Site. We admire the Water Mirror, the old town’s pedestrian lanes and its 11th‑century cathedral, then you have free time to stroll the Garonne quays for lunch or, if you wish, visit the Cité du Vin, an immersive museum of wine. Later we head towards the Pyrenees, reaching Lourdes by mid‑afternoon, with time to visit the sanctuary – you might attend the evening candlelit procession. Dinner included.
Day 6 - Lourdes - Carcassonne - Narbonne - Marseille
We journey across the south of France to Carcassonne, encircled by magnificent medieval walls – you will have time to walk and explore. After lunch we continue to Narbonne for free time to discover the historic centre and canals. By late afternoon we reach Marseille, France’s second‑largest city, where you might enjoy an evening stroll around the lively Vieux‑Port.
Day 7 - Marseille - Arles - Avignon - Lyon
Provence awaits. In Arles we explore its Roman and medieval heritage and the scenes that inspired Van Gogh. In Les Baux we wander the hilltop village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières – a spectacular immersive art show in former quarries. We pause in Avignon for lunch and a stroll by the immense Palais des Papes. Our day ends in Lyon, where we walk through the World Heritage old town and ride the cable car to Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for sweeping views. Note: if Carrières de Lumières is closed or fully booked, we visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead.
Day 8 - Lyon - Tournus - Savigny Castle - Beaune - Dijon
We leave Lyon for Burgundy, stopping first in Tournus with its imposing stone gateway and fine abbey. We continue to Beaune for lunch and free time – you might visit the wine museum or the historic Hospices. Next we visit Savigny Castle amid the vineyards, home to extraordinary collections of motorbikes, racing cars, aeroplanes and helicopters. We finish in Dijon, the lively Burgundian capital with striking medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Palace of the Dukes.
Day 9 - Dijon - Besancon - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg
Still in Burgundy, we pause in Besançon, a Roman‑origin city with a handsome historic centre and a 17th‑century citadel above the town. We then enter Alsace, shaped by both French and Germanic traditions. In Colmar, famed for white wines and cuisine, you will have time for lunch and a leisurely wander among colourful half‑timbered houses and canals. In the afternoon we visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s most picturesque medieval towns, before calling at a traditional winery for a tasting of local wine with a typical sweet. We arrive in Strasbourg in the evening – you might take a stroll around the cathedral quarter and Petite France.
Day 10 - Strasbourg - Champagne - Paris
We begin with time in Strasbourg, capital of Alsace, whose historic centre charms with medieval streets, an imposing Gothic cathedral, canals and flowers. We include a boat ride through Petite France’s canals. We then continue into the Champagne region to visit a traditional Champagne winery – tour and tasting included – and learn about this celebrated sparkling wine. We reach Paris at the end of the day.
Day 11 - Paris
After breakfast our journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Paris
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Paris
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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