Experience Overview
Expect only the best on one of our favorite France trips, beginning and ending in Paris. Spend the night as a French lord or lady in an elegant Loire Valley chateau, be inspired like Cezanne was, by the beauty of Provence and visit the playground of Monaco.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a delightful Be My Guest experience.
Iconic Experience
- Beaune: Step inside the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu, once a hospital for the poor and now a museum showcasing Burgundy’s medieval heritage. Admire its colorful patterned roof tiles, gothic architecture and beautifully preserved interiors as you explore the stories behind this historic building at the heart of Beaune.
- Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist.
- Lourdes: Explore Lourdes, globally renowned as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and attracting over three million faithful visitors every year.
- Saint-Émilion: Take in the vine-laden surroundings and established wine-making heritage of Saint-Émilion.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: Savor your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel and cross the causeway to explore the tidal island town.
- Omaha Beach: Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach.
- Giverny: View the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s most famous masterpieces.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Villandry: Join Local Specialist and environmental educator Elise in the beautiful gardens of the Château de Villandry to see how organic gardening helps biodiversity thrive. Through a hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the tools and techniques gardeners use to care for these historic grounds — an interactive experience that connects you to nature and the people preserving it. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Carcassonne and Villandry
- Discover Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Arles, Lourdes, Bordeaux and Nice
- Visit the Hospices de Beaune, Château de Villandry, the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and Claude Monet's home at Giverny.
- View the Papal Palace in Avignon, Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day Beach of Omaha in Normandy, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris
- See the Roman Amphitheater and the Cathedral in Arles
- Scenic Drive through the Dordogne and the Loire Valley
Trafalgar Difference
- Loire Valley: A 15th-century retreat once favored by Louis XIII, Château de Beauvois offers historic grandeur, set within a peaceful 40-hectare park in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28167
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Family, 55+
Supplier Code: 30.92B
Starts: Paris, France
Finishes: Paris, France
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5976 (CAD $460 /day)
Itinerary
All the flavors of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the 'City of Light'. Spend your day strolling past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner and an orientation drive through the city.
Accommodation: Mercure 17 Batignolles
Meals: Dinner
Travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune. On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colorful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century. Next we continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Consider spending your evening delving into the epicurean delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous. Why not wander up the city's narrow lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cozy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?
Accommodation: Mercure Center Saxe Lafayette
Meals: Breakfast
Today you'll journey to the city of Avignon at the heart of Provence. See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous by the song - Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco. Upon arrival you'll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married, where you will enjoy a dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton St Laurent Du Var
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious salade Niçoise.
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton St Laurent Du Var
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Arles with its honey-colored façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture, and enjoy some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert before winding your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Accommodation: Mercure La Cité
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global center of the Marian pilgrimage. You'll have an opportunity to see the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where you'll spend the night.
Accommodation: Novotel Anglet Biarritz.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience across the border into Spain to discover more about the Basque Country. Later, after journeying through Les Landes, you will arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux, whose stunning Garonne riverfront and Age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France's most visited cities. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.
Accommodation: FirstName Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast
Lush green valleys and wine hills take center stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion to Saint-Émilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times. You will also have free time to explore Bordeaux and perhaps tease your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or stroll through the city's historical center admiring its beautiful architecture.
Accommodation: FirstName Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast
Today, journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the ‘Garden of France’. Along the way, you’ll stop for a light lunch with the de Montferrier family on their farm during a unique Be My Guest experience. Appetites satisfied, it’s time to explore the stunning gardens of Château de Villandry during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Elise, Local Specialist and environmental educator, learning how organic gardening techniques support biodiversity. Stroll through the estate’s beautifully designed spaces, from the tranquil water garden, with its shimmering ponds and fountains, to the intricate ornamental gardens. Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night — one of Trafalgar’s Stays with Stories.
Accommodation: Château de Beauvois, Château de la Bourdaisière
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where you will visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to Saint-Lô and on to Omaha Beach. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.
Accommodation: Mercure Omaha Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Set off for Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.
Accommodation: Mercure 17 Batignolles
Meals: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Enjoy a leisurely cafe au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a dinner.
Accommodation: Mercure 17 Batignolles
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
For now it's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travelers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Excellent Tour. Excellent tour guide. *personal information removed by Feefo* was friendly, knowledgeable and always looking out for the passengers. The bus driver was also very friendly and helpful. The bus comfortable. The locations provided a variety of the history and culture of France. I enjoyed every bit of it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Best of France- excellent tour! Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent in all her organization and exceptional attention to detail. Support and guidance as required by clients on the tour. Nothing was too much trouble when we asked for assistance. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and the bus driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very helpful and professional in his driving, on some very difficult roads. It was an excellent itinerary with some changes needed. For example size of your group was too large, ours was 48 people. Toilet breaks was poor when there’s so many lining up to use facilities. Some hotels were not clean enough, for example bathrooms and carpets.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Wonderful. Kind. Always looking out for everyone. It is very active. Our tour director was so kind and made sure I knew what was coming up so I did not have to try seeing something I just couldn't do. Be In shape. You will have the most coverage of France. I'm still in amazement that we saw what we did in 12 days!! Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Trafalgar - Best of France. April 13 to April 25. They have the best tour directors. Very well planned itinerary. Great overview of the Best Places to visit in France. It started and ended in Paris. I would suggest going in early and or staying after this 12 day tour in Paris as there is so much to see and do in Paris!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Falling in love with France. I booked through a travel agent but all went smoothly, except for the non-arrival if the pre booked airport transfer at CDG airport. I have travelled several times with Trafalgar and know that I can trust their product. It was most comprehensive, the optional experiences were excellent. The local tour guides were very informative. The tour director, *personal info removed by Feefo*, was exceptional. The coach driver was also very good and they made a great team.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
A trip of a lifetime. Excellent well - planned from beginning to the end. It was a great trip with many sights and memories made. *personal information removed by Feefo* our tour guide was excellent. I tell all my friends it was a trip of a lifetime. Would recommend this itinerary to anyone who wants to see France.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Best of France. We had a wonderful time on our Best of France trip. The trip was well - organized and we hit the many cultural and and historical highlights of France in an efficient manner. Our tour director was fist rate, providing cultural and historical background for each stop along the route and making sure everyone was well looked after. This was a fantastic tour! Our Best of France trip was well planned and organized, hitting many cultural and historical highlights in an efficient manner. Our tour director was fun, positive, passionate about French culture and history and made sure everyone was well looked after.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Diane Peters - Traveled, April 2025
I always enjoy the many trips I have taken with Trafalgar. The driving, accommodations, site visitation, etc. are taken care of and I do not have to worry myself with these details. Your guides are usually well- informed and helpful. Looking forward to my next trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Great Trip to France. Cha car is excellent in assisting you with all of your questions about the trip and they provide great detail. It was 13 days of amazing places to visit little towns you would never think of with such beautiful scenery and history. Travel guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and bus driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were amazing. As always, Trafalgar gives a Great experience. Food was excellent. Really enjoyed staying in the French Château and absolutely loved the boat ride on the seine river the last night of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2025
Jose Cruz - Traveled, March 2025
Best of France. Great service. Itinerary for me was perfect. Our guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* are more than excellent. We had an outstanding vacation because of them. Trafalgar does not disappoint on this trip. Nothing to complain about.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2025
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