Grand Tour of France

Introduction

You’ve seen photos of the Eiffel Tower—now’s your time to see it in person. You’ve studied and read about D-Day’s Normandy Beaches—now’s your chance to visit them. You’ve heard about France’s famous wines—now’s your chance to see the wine-growing region in Bordeaux. All of this and much more are included on this France tour that starts and ends in Paris.

History buffs are sure to be delighted by the many historic towns and attractions on this tour. Immerse yourself in ancient Roman history when we stop at Pont Du Gard bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1st Century; visit the amphitheater in Arles, the city with the most Roman remains outside of Rome, Then, moving on to the Middle Ages, visit Rocamadour, a town perched high on a cliff; walk by the ancient battlements in the beautifully preserved, medieval town of Carcassonne; and visit Beaune’s Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, built in 1443 after the Hundred Years' War left many of the town's population destitute. On the “route Napoleon”, follow in the footsteps of Napoleon, when he returned from Elba. Coming to recent history, see Normandy’s landing beaches, where Operation Neptune was launched on June 6 1944.

Art history fans will enjoy a visit to Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of painter Cézanne, and a stroll around the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés.

In Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, visit a perfume workshop. Spend time in the Châteaux Country, home to spectacular castles since the 11th century. Discover the Dordogne, one of France’s most picturesque regions, with its charming villages and attractive castles. Of course, no France tour is complete without visiting the French Riviera, and you’ll plenty of time to explore this beautiful area on the Mediterranean Sea.

This value-minded tour through France is truly a vacation of a lifetime!

Day 1: ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE

Check into your hotel and spend free time strolling around Paris’ avenues. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 2: PARIS–ROUEN–HONFLEUR–CAEN

Drive first to the historical capital city of Normandy, Rouen—one of the most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Walk through its center, rich in gothic architecture. Next, visit lovely Honfleur, known for its picturesque port and houses with slate-covered facades. Continue to Caen.
Today’s Distance: 211 mi/ 340 km (B,D)

Day 3: CAEN–NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES–BAYEUX–MONT ST. MICHEL

Time to see Caen before visiting the legendary beaches where Allied troops landed more than 75 years ago. Experience the most moving sites at Arromanches, St. Laurent, and the AMERICAN CEMETERY at Omaha. Next, journey to Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry depicting William the Conqueror’s epic battle in 1066 (entrance fee extra). Then, on to the unique beauty of Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessed via a causeway.
Today’s Distance: 162 mi/ 260 km (B)

Day 4: MONT ST. MICHEL–ANGERS–CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY

Time to enjoy a visit of MONT ST. MICHEL before departing for Angers to visit its CATHEDRAL. Then, travel along the banks of the Loire River to reach the enchanting Chateaux Country. This evening, join an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km (B)

Day 5: CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY

Spend the day at leisure or participate in an optional excursion to see some of the most spectacular castles of the Loire, steeped in the history of noblemen and kings since the 11th century. Gothic spires, medieval turrets, great fortresses, and beautiful châteaux make for splendid panoramas. (B,D)

Day 6: CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY–LA ROCHELLE–BORDEAUX

This morning spend some time in the picturesque town of La Rochelle, situated on the Atlantic coast, followed by a scenic drive through the Bordeaux wine region. Stop for WINE TASTING at one of the celebrated cellars. Next, enjoy an orientation walk of the city center of Bordeaux.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km (B)

Day 7: BORDEAUX–DORDOGNE–ROCAMADOUR–TOULOUSE

Discover one of France’s most scenic regions, the Dordogne. Stop in the dramatically located medieval town of Rocamadour, perched high upon a cliff. Continue southwards to Toulouse.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (B,D)

Day 8: TOULOUSE–CARCASSONNE–PONT DU GARD–AVIGNON

Travel to Carcassonne for a walk in this well-preserved medieval town. Then, make a brief picture stop at the famous PONT DU GARD before reaching Avignon.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B)

Day 9: AVIGNON–ARLES–AIX-EN-PROVENCE–FRENCH RIVIERA

Visit Arles, known all over the world for the paintings of Van Gogh. Admire the famous Roman AMPHITHEATER, then continue to Aix-en-Provence to see its main street, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees in the French tradition. See its 17th-century palace, houses, and fountains. Finally, head to the French Riviera on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Today’s Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (B)

Day 10: FRENCH RIVIERA

Take time to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera on your own. Tonight, maybe join the optional Monte Carlo by night excursion to see the Principality of Monaco. (B)

Day 11: FRENCH RIVIERA–GRASSE–LYON AREA

First to Grasse to visit a traditional PERFUME WORKSHOP. See more of Provence and follow one of France’s great panoramic routes, which Napoleon took on his return from his exile in Elba in 1815. From Grenoble, join the expressway to the Lyon area.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (B,D)

Day 12: LYON AREA–BEAUNE–PARIS

Travel through the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy to medieval Beaune, the region’s wine capital since Roman times. Visit the famous HÔTEL-DIEU. Return to the French capital of Paris.
Today’s Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km (B)

Day 13: PARIS

Discover the glorious ville lumières with its many boulevards and monumental buildings. On your included sightseeing tour, a local expert will guide you through Parisian history, tradition, and modern living. Optional excursions are also available to complete your experience. (B)

Day 14: PARIS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)