Wonderful France

Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and picturesque avenues of the 'City of Light', before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a dinner. Take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendour for you to admire.

Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighbourhoods. Consider an optional experience to the exquisite gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.

Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. Continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where you'll spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local bouchon– the choice is yours.

Follow the Rhône Valley south to Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace, perhaps sampling the city’s famous calissons. Continue through Provence to the stylish Principality of Monaco, one of the world’s smallest and wealthiest nations. See the royal palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier. This evening, enjoy free time to dine as you wish, whether that’s a relaxed bistro or a sea-view terrace. Later, travel along the coastline of the French Riviera to your hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

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, you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious salade Niçoise.

Travel by boat along the Côte d’Azur to Saint-Tropez, taking in views of the harbour and Mediterranean coastline. You’ll get your bearings on an orientation of the old town, then enjoy free time to explore. Browse the shops, walk the narrow streets or stop at a local patisserie to try a slice of Tarte Tropézienne — a cream-filled brioche created in the town in the 1950s. This coastal spot has long drawn artists, locals and visitors alike. Later, continue inland to Avignon, a Provençal city rich in history, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Travel to the impressive Pont du Gard, the ancient Roman aqueduct that once carried water to the city of Nîmes. Take time to admire this feat of engineering before continuing to Arles. Later, join a Local Specialist for a tour of Arles, a city known for its Roman heritage and its influence on Vincent van Gogh, including the Roman amphitheatre and the Cathedral of St. Trophime. Then enjoy a Be My Guest experience over lunch with the Signoret family at L’Escaladou, where regional dishes introduce you to the flavours and hospitality of Provence.

The French countryside is your companion as you take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own or explore Montmartre with a stroll through the 'village' overlooking the city of Paris on an Optional Experience. Later, enjoy market-fresh produce and seasonal cuisine at a local restaurant celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during dinner together.

This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.