All the flavours of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the 'City of Light'. Spend your
We travel south to Burgundy, past the Côte d'Or vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits St. Georges. The colourful geometric roof tiles of the 15th-century Hospices are a sight to behold as we arrive in the medieval town of Beaune before continuing 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 cosy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure Centre Saxe Lafayette
Optional Experiences:
Local Beaujolais Dinner And Old Town Discovery - Strolling through the maze of hidden courtyards, cobbled streets and hidden traboules with our Local Specialist, we'll step back in time to discover Lyon's secrets. The World Heritage city was formerly home to ancient Gauls, powerful Romans, Gothic Cathedral builders and wealthy Renaissance Silk Merchants. We'll finish the evening with a mouthwatering three-course French feast, paired with local wine.
Adult: 71.00 EUR
To
Hotel: HolidayInn Nice
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, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: HolidayInn Nice
Optional Experiences:
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
St Paul de Vence and Nice - Your sublime
St Paul, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal - Today, with our Local Specialist, let's discover the artists' and shoppers' paradise that is medieval St. Paul, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region. Next, we’ll travel the Corniche roads, to witness spectacular views of the area's gorgeous landscapes and lavish villas. We’ll then pay a visit to a traditional French perfumery and finish our excursion at a local restaurant for a delicious meal with wine.
Adult: 86.00 EUR
Visit Arles with its honey-coloured 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. Join a Local Specialist to explore this exquisite ancient town, view the Cité, and see the double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Mercure La Cité
Optional Experiences:
On the trail of Vincent Van Gogh - You simply can’t come to France without seeing all of the treasures the Romans left behind. Marvel at the Amphitheatre they built 2000 years ago. Then, switch gears with your Local Specialist to learn about Arles’ other great claim to fame – the locations where Vincent Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works in Provence, including The Starry Night.
Adult: 23.00 EUR
We drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage. You will 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 we spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Optional Experiences:
Biarritz Train Ride & Basque Country Dinner - All aboard! We’ll take a private train through the streets of the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, taking in spectacular coastal viewpoints. We’ll arrive at a typical Basque chalet in the nearby countryside to enjoy tasty local specialities for dinner. You might even catch the locals playing their favourite sport: Jaï alaï !
Adult: 69.00 EUR
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Radisson Blu
Optional Experiences:
Biarritz Train Ride & Basque Country Dinner - All aboard! We’ll take a private train through the streets of the
elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, taking in spectacular coastal viewpoints. We’ll arrive at a typical Basque chalet in the
nearby countryside to enjoy tasty local specialities for dinner. You might even catch the locals playing their favourite
sport: Jaï alaï !
Adult: 69.00 EUR
Journeying through Les Landes, we 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure Centre Ville
Optional Experiences:
A Morning in Spain - Jewels of the Basque Country - Cross the border into Spain to discover the charming Basque town of Hondarrabia. Stroll through the maze of cobblestoned streets with our Local Specialist, who will reveal the secrets of this medieval town, known for its beautiful Basque houses and colourful wooden balconies. Discover its role on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and the impressive Castle of Charles V, to
The lush green valleys and hills of the Dordogne take centre stage to
Hotel: Mercure Centre Ville
Optional Experiences:
Secrets Of The Bordelaise - After this morning’s drive, you’ll understand why Bordeaux is often described as the most beautiful wine region in the world. We’ll take you inside the World Heritage Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, before heading to our favourite French Chateau Estate. The hostess will take you on a tour of the vineyards and the cellar, before we sit down to enjoy a Bordelaise-style feast with local wine.
Adult: 82.00 EUR
We journey through the 'Garden of France', before we Connect With Locals for a delicious lunch and Be My Guest experience. Dive Into Culture and visit the remarkable gardens at Château de Villandry before arriving at our special hotel for the night - one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories.
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Hotel: Château de Beauvois
We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where we visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach.
Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-
Hotel: Mercure Omaha Beach
We travel east towards 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles
Optional Experiences:
Montmartre Village and Artists' Square - Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighbourhood.
Adult: 37.00 EUR
Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner - It’s world famous for a reason, and this is your chance to see the real-life inspiration behind the award-winning movie. This Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers with over 1,000 costumes to create a dazzling spectacle. You'll enjoy wine, dinner and Champagne during this unforgettable soirée at the original Parisian Cabaret!
Adult: 165.00 EUR
Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. Visit the remarkable church of Saint- Sulpice. Spend the rest of the
Hotel: Mercure 17 Batignolles
Optional Experiences:
Versailles Palace And Gardens - Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler, but loathed by the French commoners, which lead to the French Revolution. Step inside the opulent world of Versailles and our Local Specialist will take you through the palace’s Hall of Mirrors and State apartments.
Then, enjoy free time to wander the symmetrical, tree-lined gardens.
Adult: 73.00 EUR
* This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
** This optional is subject to availability.
Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations - To truly see Paris in all its glory, you need to see it from the Seine. Enjoy a cruise along this famous river and take in unmatched views of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.
Afterwards, we’ll drive through the City of Lights to see some of the fascinating sights this beautiful city has to offer.
Adult: 43.00 EUR
* In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
For now it's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Meals: Breakfast