Journey Through France's Enchanting Past

We will gather in Paris and set off at approximately 17:30 towards the enchanting Loire Valley. Our destination is Tours, the capital of this picturesque region, where we expect to arrive by late afternoon. While Tours is rich in history and beauty, we recommend spending some time exploring its charming old town. This is a perfect opportunity to stroll through its narrow streets and perhaps indulge in a delightful dinner at one of its many inviting eateries. 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.

On day two of our journey, we embark on an exploration through the lush landscapes of southern France, traversing the renowned vineyards that lead us to Bordeaux. This vibrant city, whose historic centre enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, offers a perfect opportunity for lunch and a leisurely wander. You might want to explore the extraordinary Port of the Moon or the impressive Cathedral of St. Andrew. Our trip continues into the majestic Pyrenees, where we reach Lourdes by late afternoon. Here, you have the chance to partake in the moving candlelight procession, held nightly from late March to October, or perhaps visit the various serene places of worship. We include dinner at the hotel, ensuring a relaxing end to this culturally rich day.

Our journey continues through the scenic south of France as we make our way to Carcassonne, a city encircled by some of Europe's most stunning medieval walls. You'll have time to explore and soak up the historical atmosphere. After lunch, we proceed to Narbonne, where you'll have the opportunity to wander through this historic Occitan city, known for its charming old town. As the day transitions to late afternoon, we will arrive in Marseille, France's vibrant second-largest city. We recommend taking a stroll through the bustling Vieux-Port, the Old Port, which is replete with lively cafe terraces and a stimulating ambiance.

Our day in Provence promises a delightful blend of villages, stunning landscapes, and intriguing history. We'll begin in Arles, a city celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, distinguished by its remarkable Roman and medieval remnants and whispers of Van Gogh's artistic legacy. Next, we journey to Les Baux, a charming medieval village where we'll explore the Carrières des Lumières - an extraordinary spectacle that merges art, imagery, and music within ancient quarry walls. Afterward, we'll head to Avignon to savour some time for lunch and a leisurely wander through this city, dominated by the majestic Palais des Papes. Continuing our voyage, we'll arrive in Lyon, where we'll stroll through its old town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a cable car ride to Notre-Dame de Fourviere. This majestic basilica gifts us with sweeping views over the city. Please note, should tickets for the Carrières des Lumières be unavailable due to closure or high demand, we'll instead explore the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard.

On our fifth day, we'll leave Lyon behind and venture into the scenic Burgundy region. Our journey begins in Tournus, a charming town renowned for its impressive stone gate and large abbey. It's an ideal place to begin our exploration of Burgundy's rich history. Next, we head to Beaune, often considered the wine capital of Burgundy. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch and perhaps explore the intriguing wine museum or the historic hospice, both of which offer insight into the region's winemaking heritage.

Our travels will then take us to Savigny Castle, a 15th-century gem nestled amidst the vineyards of Burgundy. The castle is famed for its unique museums, showcasing an extensive collection of motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. We'll continue on to Dijon, the vibrant capital of Burgundy. Known for its buzzing streets, Dijon is replete with medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the notable Palace of the Dukes. Whether you're wandering through the lively city centre or admiring the city's architectural beauty, there's much to experience.

As we continue our travels through Burgundy, we'll make a stop in Besancon, a city steeped in history with Roman roots and a remarkable 17th-century citadel that offers fantastic views over the town. Our journey then takes us to Alsace, a region with a unique blend of French and German influences, reflected in its language, architecture, and traditions. You'll notice the distinctive charm of Alsace as we visit Colmar, known for its colourful half-timbered houses and idyllic canals. This city is also celebrated for its white wine and gastronomy. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque streets.

In the afternoon, we head to Riquewihr, often said to have inspired scenes from 'Beauty and the Beast.' With its cobblestone streets and vibrant, fairy-tale-like houses, this medieval town is sure to captivate you. We'll also visit an old winery for a taste of the local wine accompanied by a typical sweet. Our day concludes in Strasbourg, arriving in the evening, where we suggest a walk around the enchanting areas of the cathedral and Petite France, both brimming with charming spots and inviting restaurants.

Today, we will start our exploration in Strasbourg, the captivating capital of Alsace, a city renowned for housing the European Parliament. Strasbourg's historic centre offers a delightful experience, featuring medieval streets, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, and enchanting canals adorned with vibrant flowers. We'll embark on a charming boat trip through the canals of Petite France, a true highlight of the city. After enjoying the scenic beauty of Strasbourg, we proceed to the Champagne region, where we include a visit to a traditional champagne cellar. Here, you'll uncover the secrets of crafting the world's most celebrated sparkling wine during a guided tour and tasting session. Following this delightful experience, we make a brief stop in Epernay, the heart of Champagne. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll through this charming town, famed for its prestigious wineries. Our journey then leads us back to Paris, where we will arrive in the evening.

After enjoying breakfast, our adventure comes to a close. We hope you depart with a treasure trove of cherished memories from your travels.