Grand Tour of France

Check into your hotel and spend free time strolling around Paris. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions.

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: 186 mi/ 300 km

Time to see Caen before visiting the legendary beaches where Allied troops landed more than 75 years ago. Experience the most moving site of the American Cemetery at Omaha. Next, journey to Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry, listed by UNESCO, 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: 118 mi/ 190 km

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

Spend the day at leisure or take an optional excursion to see some of the most spectacular castles of the Loire Valley, 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.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, rich in agricultural resources including vineyards, forests and cereal fields, and stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees in the South. On arrival in Bordeaux, discover the city on the included guided city sightseeing tour and consider an optional wine tasting excursion.
Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km

Discover one of France’s most scenic regions, the Dordogne. Stop in the sacred medieval town of Rocamadour, dramatically perched high upon a cliff. Built on three successive levels, Rocamadour is both a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers and an impressive castle were built on the cliff edge of the Alzou Canyon. Continue southwards to Toulouse.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km

Travel to Carcassonne, immerse yourself fully in the medieval atmosphere of the city and discover its secrets on a guided tour. Then, stop for a picture at famous Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of Antiquity, and the finest remaining example of an ancient aqueduct built 2000 years ago by the Romans.This architectural gem, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is set in a beautiful, unspoilt natural setting. Upon arrival in Avignon, free time to explore the old quarter featuring an amazing architectural and historic heritage, such as the Palace of the Popes.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km

Visit Arles, known all over the world for Van Gogh’s paintings. Admire the famous Roman amphitheatre, then continue to Aix-en-Provence. Walk down its main street, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees in the French tradition, and the 17th-century palace, houses, and fountains. Finally, head to the French Riviera on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km

Take time to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera at your own leisure. Tonight, maybe join the optional “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion to see the Principality of Monaco.

See more of the Provence region today and stop in Orange, a town surrounded by beautiful countryside. It boasts Roman and Celtic heritages, as well as first class wines and original culinary and craft products. Next is Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km

Travel through the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy to medieval Beaune, the region’s wine capital since Roman times. Stop to visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu. Return to the French capital of Paris.
Today’s Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km

Discover the glorious ville lumières (City of Lights) and 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.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.