COUNTRY ROADS OF FRANCE

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Highlights:

Revel in the French Riviera and see the City of Light on a 16-Day Guided Tour of France

Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In Avignon, play pétanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine in Sarlat-La-Caneda. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. 

Country Roads of France Guided Tour

Domaine de la Vallongue Wine and Olive Oil Tasting

Taste renowned wines and gastronomic olive oils at Domaine de la Vallongue. Set in the heart of the Alpilles the estate plants vines that have been organically grown since 1985 and harvests using traditional, sustainable methods. 

A man holding fresh Olives

Join a Petanque Player for a Game in Saint Paul de Vence

Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.

Enjoy petanque lesson in Vers Pont Du Gard, France

 

Package Price:

Start from USD 5,050 per person

Click HERE to view the dates & prices 

USD 5,050
per person
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Day 1
Welcome to Paris
Dinner with Wine
Pullman Paris Centre Bercy
Activity
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner at Brasserie Bofinger, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Day 2
Champagne Region and on to Dijon
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche
Activity
Journey through the Champagne region. Stop to savour a taste of champagne, for which this region is world famous. Continue on to your hotel in Dijon.
Day 3
Free Time in Dijon
Breakfast
Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche
Activity
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.
Day 4
Chamonix
Breakfast
Hotel Mercure Chamonix
Activity
Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.
Day 5
Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery
Activity
In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savour a delicious raclette dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6
The French Riviera to reach Nice
Breakfast
Radisson Blu Hotel
Activity
Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?
Day 7
Monaco and the Côte d’Azur
Breakfast
Radisson Blu Hotel
Activity
Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your Travel Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour. Your exploration continues as you visit inside Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?
Day 8
Picturesque Provence
Breakfast
Aquabella Hotel & Spa
Activity
Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.
Day 9
Avignon and Pont du Gard
Breakfast
Aquabella Hotel & Spa
Activity
Journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace. Stop at the beautiful Domaine de la Vallongue for a tasting of its renowned wines and gastronomic olive oils. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, the estate uses traditional practices throughout, creating a sustainable business for future generations.
Day 10
Carcassonne and to Albi
Breakfast
Hôtel Saint Antoine
Activity
Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh, who produced over 300 artworks during his time in the city. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of the Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 11
Free Time in Albi
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Hôtel Saint Antoine
Activity
Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Day 12
Cahors and Rocamadour
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
La Hoirie
Activity
Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.
Day 13
Exploring the Dordogne Valley
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
La Hoirie
Activity
Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
Day 14
Paris, The City of Light
Breakfast
Le Méridien Etoile
Activity
Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Day 15
Romantic Capital on the Seine
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Le Méridien Etoile
Activity
During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Today enjoy an Insight Choice experience. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.
Day 16
Au Revoir Paris
Breakfast
Activity
Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.
Start from
USD 5,050
per person

Reserve Now
includes
  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.

  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

excludes
  • All international / domestic flights, taxes & fees

  • All personal expenses & porterage

  • Travel visa application (if needed)

  • Gratuities / Tipping & Travel insurance coverage

  • High season surcharge (if applicable)