Highlights of France
Highlights of France
Highlights of France
13 Days Starting and ending in Paris
Visiting: Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, French Riviera, Arles, Avignon, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Tours, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chambord, Mont Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Deauville, Honfleur, Rouen
From:
$2495
$2166 (USD)
Operator discount: -$268
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$61
-13%
Tour Overview
It won’t take long for France to touch your heart, but in 13 days it will capture it outright. Surrender to the allure of the Loire Valley, the sophisticated French Riviera and historic villages, towns and cities from Beaune to Bordeaux. You’ll explore a hidden realm of scenic vineyard-clad landscapes, admire the medieval facades of Carcassonne and get your WWII history fix in Normandy, where the humbling tales of the D-Day Landings come to life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paris (2 Nights)
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Porte d'Orléans
It's time to explore Paris’s grand past, its dynamic present and exciting future. This is one capital city that doesn’t hold back and doesn’t expect you to either. Dive right into the history, culture and culinary delights of this extraordinary city, from the iconic Iron Lady to croque monsieurs, lazing on the banks of the Seine, or visiting museums and monuments. After checking in there’s time to relax or explore the city your way, but you might like to get a head start on your sightseeing by joining an Optional Experience - a Seine cruise and scenic drive taking in many of the major sights.
Day 2: Paris Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Porte d'Orléans
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Parisians know a thing or two about beauty, elegance and a life well lived, which your full day in Paris will deliver in abundance. Hit the grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour through the heart of the city conducted by your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées then perhaps choose to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalà during an optional visit to Montmartre, exploring the cobbled streets and Artist’s Square. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.
Day 3: Paris – Beaune – Lyon (1 Night)
Location: Paris, Beaune, Lyon
Accommodation: Axotel Perrache
Meals Included: Breakfast
Au revoir Paris. The City of Light will keep shining, but for now our sights are set on medieval Beaune where the official raison d'être is the local wine. The beautiful marketplace and 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu are yours to explore before later continuing your journey to Lyon. Get your bearings during an orientation tour, then perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience delving into the rich history of the city and the classical French cuisine that helped make it famous.
Day 4: Lyon – Aix-En-Provence – Monaco – French Riviera (2 Nights)
Location: Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, French Riviera
Accommodation: Campanile Nice Aéroport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs. The last leg of your journey southwards stretches out to the shimmering Mediterranean coast, where the Principality of Monaco and the Côte d'Azur await. Keep your cameras at the ready as you drive along its elegant boulevards and attempt to capture the sophistication that seems to ooze from every corner.
Day 5: French Riviera Free Day
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation: Campanile Nice Aéroport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ooh là là ! A full free day on the French Riviera. There’s no shame in spending the day sprawled out on a sun-lounger with a cocktail, but if you can pull yourself away from the beach you’ll want to join your fellow travellers for an optional exploration of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Life is rather idyllic in this enchanting walled hill-town and, like some of its famous residents, you’ll want to linger here a little longer. You never know who you might spot seated in those sleek Ferraris and private yachts that dot the French Riviera.
Day 6: French Riviera – Arles – Pont Du Gard – Avignon (1 Night)
Location: French Riviera, Arles, Avignon
Accommodation: Ibis Avignon Sud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fuel up on a characteristically French breakfast of croissant and coffee before embarking on your next adventure. Today we travel west to the Camargue centre of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for so many of his paintings. Next, you'll view the magnificent Pont du Gard, an aqueduct carefully constructed in the first century to supply fresh water. Continue to the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon which features one of the world's most incredible religious architectural legacies.
Day 7: Avignon – Carcassonne – Lourdes (1 Night)
Location: Avignon, Carcassonne, Lourdes
Accommodation: Mercure Imperial
Meals Included: Breakfast
Like a scene straight from the pages of a children’s storybook, Carcassonne stands proudly on a hillside behind fortified stone walls. Its undeniable charm is evident when you come across the town’s 12th century architecture and turreted medieval castle. From fairy tales to the foothills of the Pyrénées, your next stop is the pilgrimage town of Lourdes where you’ll tread in the footsteps of the millions of Catholics who have made the journey to pay homage to St. Bernadette and view the basilica on top of the Grotto where she is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. This evening presents an opportunity to join a procession by torchlight with the pilgrims – a truly magical and moving experience.
Day 8: Lourdes – Biarritz – Bordeaux (1 Night)
Location: Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux
Accommodation: Ibis Centre Meriadeck
Meals Included: Breakfast
The beach is back on the agenda today, so get your hat and sunglasses ready for a trip to the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz on the Atlantic coast. There’s no need to think about what to do next. Take your cue from the European royals who have been visiting this resort town since the 1800s and find your new favourite spot on a wicker chair in the sun. If watching local surfers perform their stunts isn’t enticing enough, you could choose an Optional Experience into the Basque country. After a good dose of sun, sea and lofty peaks, it’s back into the rolling countryside of Les Landes and onwards to our final destination of the day, Bordeaux.
Day 9: Bordeaux – Saint-Émilion – Tours (2 Nights)
Location: Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Tours
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Sud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a night sampling Bordeaux blends and the city’s eclectic mix of street life and well-preserved 18th century architecture, a new adventure awaits. The hilltop village of Saint-Émilion is an appealing stop for red wine lovers. This is château country and there’s no better way to explore it than joining an optional wine tasting at an historic vineyard. Continue to your hotel by the city of Tours, known as the gateway to the Loire Valley.
Day 10: Loire Valley And Châteaux Excursion
Location: Tours, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chambord, Tours
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Sud
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge your inner king or queen when you embark on a whimsical tour to Chenonceau with a Local Specialist. This enchanting, fairy-tale château straddling the Cher River is the most photographed sight in the Loire Valley and it’s easy to see why. Explore its priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture and stroll through the exquisite landscaped gardens before continuing to the royal town of Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried. Your encounter with French nobility not quite at its end, you’ll view the splendid Château de Chambord, one of the world’s most remarkable châteaux. Make the most of your last night back in Tours with an Optional Experience to visit the Old Town and enjoy Touraine cuisine in a traditional restaurant.
Day 11: Tours – Mont Saint-Michel – D-Day Landing Beaches (Omaha) – Deauville (1 Night)
Location: Tours, Mont Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Deauville
Accommodation: Ibis Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Only the epic sight of a medieval town rising out of the sea could compete with the beauty of the Loire Valley and your visit to Mont Saint-Michel will certainly not disappoint. Hear how the Archangel inspired the Bishop of Avranches to build a church atop this rocky outcrop, then continue your journey to the iconic D-Day landing beaches where thousands of Allied soldiers first landed on French soil, in what became the largest seaborne invasion in history. After a poignant stop at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, you’ll continue on to your hotel in Deauville. This elegant resort is renowned for its racecourse, harbour and high-profile international film festival held in September.
Day 12: Deauville – Honfleur – Rouen – Paris (1 Night)
Location: Deauville, Honfleur, Rouen, Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Pont de Sèvres
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll wish you had the talents of Monet during your brief visit to the colourful port town of Honfleur. It’s easy to see why this 'most ravishing spot in the world' was immortalised on canvas by many of the world’s greatest artists. Next head to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Despite this tragic episode, there’s much to fall in love with here, from the cobbled streets to Gothic churches and the impressive cathedral. After a busy day engaging with all that history, return to the glittering French capital for the final evening of your adventure. Consider joining an Optional Experience dinner for a celebration of your memorable journey with new friends.
Day 13: Depart Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
And just like that, you’ve seen all the highlights of France. From Paris and beyond, you’ll be finishing your trip this morning with a lifetime’s supply of memories. Say a fond au revoir to your Travel Director and newfound friends.
What's Included
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Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Meals
Many meals and daily breakfasts included
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City orientation tours
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Audio headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Choice Optional Experiences
Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences
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Hotel standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
Accommodation
12 nights
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transport will be used?
The tour will use a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries.
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How long is the accommodation?
The accommodation lasts for 12 nights.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The inclusions of the tour are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, many meals and daily breakfasts included, city orientation tours, audio headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences, an extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences, and on occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include viewing the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower on your sightseeing tour, visiting the Principality of Monaco, viewing the Palace of the Popes and the Pont d'Avignon, searching for inspiration in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, exploring the beautifully preserved walled city of Carcassonne, viewing St. Bernadette's Grotto in Lourdes, visiting the magnificent Château de Chenonceau with a Local Specialist and viewing the Châteaux at Amboise and Chambord, and hearing about the D-Day Landings at Omaha Beach.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Paris.
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What countries will I visit on the Highlights of France tour?
You will visit France and Monaco on the Highlights of France tour.
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What is the primary tag of the tour?
The primary tag of the tour is Cultural.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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