Journey Through France's Enchanting Past
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Set off from Paris and circle back to the capital – 8 days of French classics and surprises. You’ll slip into the Loire Valley’s charming Tours, admire Bordeaux’s UNESCO centre and feel the hush of Lourdes by night. Expect medieval ramparts in Carcassonne, Marseille, and Provençal gems – Arles’ Roman echoes, Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières or the Pont du Gard, plus Avignon. Lyon delivers hilltop views, while Burgundy brings Beaune’s wine culture, Savigny Castle’s quirky collections and Dijon’s elegance. Alsace enchants with Colmar, fairy tale Riquewihr and a winery tasting, before a Strasbourg canal cruise and Champagne cellar tasting bring you back to Paris.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 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
$1,852.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Paris
Tours
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 - Tours
Welcome to your tour. Around 17:00 we leave Paris for the Loire Valley, arriving in Tours in the late afternoon. Once there, you can explore the beautiful old town and choose a relaxing dinner at one of its inviting restaurants.
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 - Tours - Bordeaux - Lourdes
We travel south through vineyard country to Bordeaux, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time for lunch and to explore – perhaps the Port of the Moon and Cathédrale Saint André. We then continue towards the Pyrenees, reaching Lourdes in the late afternoon. From late March to the end of October you can attend the candlelight procession and visit the places of worship. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 3 - Lourdes - Carcassonne - Narbonne - Marseille
We journey across the south of France, pausing in Carcassonne – a city encircled by magnificent walls – where you will have time to wander. After lunch we continue to Narbonne for free time to discover its historic old town. By late afternoon we arrive in Marseille, France’s second largest city, and you might like to stroll around the lively Vieux Port dotted with small restaurants.
Day 4 - Marseille - Arles - Avignon - Lyon
Villages, landscapes, history – today we explore some of Provence’s finest. In Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city, we uncover its Roman and medieval legacy and echoes of Van Gogh. In Les Baux we visit the small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières – an immersive art, image and sound show in former quarries. We then allow time for lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the immense Palais des Papes. Our journey continues to Lyon, where we walk through the World Heritage old town and take the cable car up to Notre Dame de Fourvière for superb views over the city. If Carrières de Lumières is closed or tickets are unavailable due to high demand, we visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead.
Day 5 - Lyon - Tournus - Savigny Castle - Beaune - Dijon
We leave Lyon for Burgundy. Our first stop is Tournus, a quaint town with an imposing stone gate and a grand abbey. We then continue to Beaune, where you will have time for lunch and to explore the wine capital of Burgundy – perhaps the wine museum or the historic hospice. Next we visit Savigny Castle, a 15th century fortress in the heart of the vineyards, whose extraordinary museums display motorbikes, racing cars, planes and helicopters. We finish in Dijon, Burgundy’s capital, lively with streets lined by medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Palace of the Dukes.
Day 6 - Dijon - Besancon - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg
Still in Burgundy, we pause in Besançon, a city of Roman origin with a handsome historic centre and a citadel from the 17th century overlooking the town. We continue into Alsace – a region long contested between France and Germany that preserves its own Alsatian dialect along with architecture and traditions rooted in Germanic culture. Our first stop is Colmar, known for unique architecture, colourful half timbered houses and canals – you will have time for lunch and a leisurely walk. In the afternoon we visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s most beautiful towns, whose cobbled streets and colourful houses look straight from a fairy tale – it even inspired scenes from Beauty and the Beast. We also visit an old winery for a tasting of local wine with a typical sweet. We arrive in Strasbourg in the evening and you might like to wander around the cathedral quarter and Petite France, full of charming spots and cosy restaurants.
Day 7 - Strasbourg - Champagne - Paris
We spend time in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. Its historic centre is exquisite – picturesque medieval streets, an impressive Gothic cathedral and canals bright with flowers. We include a boat ride along the canals of the Petite France district. We then continue through the Champagne region to visit a traditional Champagne winery – tour and tasting included – to discover the secrets of the world’s most famous sparkling wine. We travel onward to Paris, arriving at the end of the day.
Day 8 - Paris
After breakfast, our journey comes to an end – leaving you with wonderful lasting 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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