Bonjour France - 14-day guided tour with return flights

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for France

Depart for France

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Paris

Arrive in Paris, “City of Lights” and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and enjoy the endless delights of Paris. Your tour begins at 5:00 PM when you join your Tour Manager for a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting on the wonderful journey that awaits you in France. We recommend that you select flights which arrive at Paris no later than 3:00 PM on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible. Afterwards, a delightful cruise on the River Seine introduces you to the sparkling beauty of Paris at night

• Overnight: Paris

DAY 3, Friday - Paris City Tour

Drive along the impressive Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche", the vivacious Left Bank, where artists, philosophers and writers in a long-gone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France's higher education establishments, such as the Sorbonne. Pass the colourful Luxembourg Gardens, the second largest park in Paris and garden of the French Senate, housed in the Luxembourg Palace. This afternoon perhaps join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and extravagant State Apartments. Tonight, you may wish to join the optional Montmartre & Illuminations tour with dinner and wine

• Overnight: Paris
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Champagne Tasting, Dijon

Travel from Paris to the famed Champagne region with its magnificent stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see. This historic province in the northeast of France, formerly ruled by the Counts of Champagne, is best known for the sparkling white wine that bears its name. In Epernay, visit one of the renowned cellars, learn more about the process and enjoy tastings of this very expensive bubbly delight. Its main boulevard is the elegant residential Avenue de Champagne, with its timeless neoclassical villas and Victorian town houses. Then continue to Dijon, once home to the Dukes of Burgundy, a vast centre of wealth and power. View the striking Dijon Cathedral and the Ducal Palace, a remarkably well-preserved Gothic structure that served as the royal residence for the estates of Burgundy. Overnight in Dijon, also known as home of the tasty mustard

• Overnight: Dijon
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Sunday - Beaune's Burgundy Vineyards, Lyon

• Depart Dijon via the Route des Grand Crus to Beaune, celebrated capital of Burgundy wines, nestled in the heart of France's finest vineyards. The facilities and cellars of many prominent wineries, large and small, are situated in Beaune itself. This walled city still displays its original battlements, ramparts, moats and a historical old town. A walking tour takes you to the lively central square, with its gourmet cafes, fashionable clothes, and local wine stalls. Enjoy a tasting at one of the local cellars. At the Hotel-Dieu de Beaune, founded to help the poor and needy, see the original building converted to a museum - a perfect example of 15th-century French architecture. Then, drive south to 2000-year-old Lyon at the meeting of the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Upon arrival, visit Place Bellecour, an enormous square in the heart of the city flanked by a famed statue of Louis XIV. Ascend Fouvière Hill to view the Roman amphitheater and magnificent gardens that overlook the city
• Overnight: Lyon
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Monday - Fields of Provence, French Riviera

Heading south, pass the Olympic city of Grenoble at the foot of the French Alps on your way through the colourful landscapes of Provence, an inspiration for the early Impressionist painters. Here, Matisse, Van Gogh and Picasso created their masterpieces inspired by the region's incredible beauty and soft light. Travel past the olive groves and pine forests to the picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence, famous for being the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Spend free time in Aix-en-Provence for lunch on your own. Later, continue towards Cannes, the "star" of the dazzling French Riviera, famous for the International Film Festival, glitzy hotels, and beautiful people. Next, a visit to a French perfumery. Hear about the many ways to produce this major export and try some of the popular fragrances. The aromas are amazing! Tonight, at dinner, a taste of the French Riviera's specialties

• Overnight: French Riviera
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in the French Riviera

A full day to enjoy the countless extravagant delights of the Cote d'Azur and your resort in the quintessential Mediterranean twin towns of Antibes and Juan-Les-Pins, known for their long sandy beaches and energetic nightlife. Relax on the beach, suntan at the pool, shop to your heart's content and just "people-watch" from a seaside café. Don't miss the optional excursion to the Picasso Museum at Chateau Grimaldi, where he painted and lived. Tonight, see glamorous Monte Carlo's lights glisten as you travel along the magical seaside Corniche on the optional night tour

• Overnight: French Riviera
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Wednesday - Avignon, Pont du Gard, Carcassonne

This morning journey on to Avignon, the "City of Popes" named after seven popes who reigned there during the 1300s. Admire the Place de l'Horlorge, the city's main square and the vast Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a fortress-like palace that once served as the papal residence. View the famed Bridge of Avignon, the city’s landmark. Lunch is in the historic centre on your own before travelling to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River dating from 19 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day in the fairytale medieval town of Carcassonne. Enjoy dinner together at the hotel tonight

• Overnight: Carcassonne
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Thursday - Carcassonne, Lourdes, Candlelit Procession

This morning’s walking tour takes you around Europe's best-restored ancient fortified city with its over fifty towers and turrets, still standing today. Stroll along the cobbled streets to the St. Nazaire Basilica, adorned with magnificent stained glass and intricate carvings. Afterwards, indulge in a tasting of various medieval beverages, including Hippocras. This spiced wine, was highly prized during the medieval era. Following the tasting, time at leisure for lunch on your own. Your journey continues to Lourdes, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, that rose to international fame in 1858 when visions of the Virgin Mary were described at the Grotto of Massabielle. The town is now a major site of Roman Catholic pilgrimage and of reported miraculous healings. Witness the stirring candlelight procession tonight, which has unfailingly taken place since the 1800s. Dinner and overnight is in Lourdes

• Overnight: Lourdes
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Friday - Visit Lourdes, Wine Tasting in St. Emilion, Bordeaux

In Lourdes, visit the sacred church, sanctuary, and grotto where the apparitions took place and behold the healing water spring from the grotto, believed to possess healing properties. Time to reflect on your own before departing this holy city. Afterwards, drive north through magnificent rolling landscapes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Emilion. In this fertile area, viticulture was first introduced by the Romans and further intensified in the Middle Ages. The tradition was carried on by the monk Emilion, who was the first to begin commercial wine production. Views of the city include Romanesque churches and fascinating historic ruins stretching along steep and narrow streets. Enjoy a wine tasting and then free time to wander on your own in this delightful town before continuing to Bordeaux. A lovely evening tonight! Dine together at a local restaurant in Bordeaux accented by fabulous wines and local flavours

• Overnight: Bordeaux
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Saturday - Tour of Bordeaux

Morning tour of Bordeaux, on the crescent-shaped Garonne River, with its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Bordeaux is distinguished for the wines that bear its name, considered by connoisseurs to be amongst the best in the world. The city tour begins at the Place des Quinconces, the largest square in Western Europe with its mighty pillar centrepiece, the Girondist Column. In the historic Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, view the beautiful Grand Theatre built in 1780 and the Victory Arch, an amazing piece of Roman architecture. The afternoon is yours to independently explore this beautiful city. Choose to stroll down Rue St. Catherine, a main pedestrian thoroughfare running through the historic district. This evening, an optional* dinner in the Bordeaux countryside will complete the day

*Due to venue closures, the Bordeaux Countryside with Dinner will not operate on the Jul. 1, Jul. 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 12, & Oct. 28 departures

• Overnight: Bordeaux
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Sunday - Cognac Tasting, Chateau de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

Depart Bordeaux to the enchanting town of Cognac, world-famous for the grape-based spirit produced here for over 300 years. Visit one of the cellars, hear about the history of cognac and enjoy a tasting! Onward to the very heart of the magnificent Loire Valley, brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. For centuries, royalty and nobility built their magnificent chateaux here, inspired by the lush forests and rich farmlands. Tour the elegant Chateau de Chenonceau. Stretching across the river Cher, the chateau boasts a 197-foot gallery, built over a series of arches. Take some time to explore the extravagantly furnished rooms and formal gardens, added by the mistress of Henry II, Diane de Poitiers. Proceed to Amboise, a delightful riverside town with an imposing castle, before continuing to the hotel for overnight. Enjoy dinner together tonight at the hotel

• Overnight: Loire Valley
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Monday - Farewell in Paris

Begin by crossing the Loire River and head back to the capital city of Paris for time at leisure to independently discover this city with its never-ending surprises. Tonight, gather together for a Farewell Dinner in a Parisian bistro, including wine as you bid au revoir to your new-found friends and a fascinating journey through France

• Overnight: Paris
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Tuesday - Depart France

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

• Meals: Breakfast

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Multiple departures are available throughout the year. The below price is based on the 5 August 2020 departure

• Twin share - WAS from $5,699 per person - NOW from $4,619 per person
• Solo traveller - prices available on request

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure this offer!

Hotels include:

• Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel, Paris
• Hotel Le Jura, Dijon
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon
• AC Ambassadeur Antibes, Juan Les Pins
• Mercure Carcassonne Porte de la Cite Hotel, Carcassonne
• Gallia Et Londres, Lourdes
• Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons, Bordeaux
• Novotel Amboise, Amboise

Is This Trip Right for You?

This program is moderately active. Walking is done over various surfaces including stairs, steps and significant slopes. The pacing is moderate as numerous sites are included. This itinerary includes a mix of city and countryside sightseeing. The longest day spent on the bus is between Lyon and the French Riviera, with about four and a half hours on the bus in total. Most of the sightseeing requires between one to three hours of walking.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travellers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary.

Additional Information:
Land only packages do not include arrival/departure transfers.

Climate & Clothing
France - Spring and Fall: 45–60°F; Summer: 60–80°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat.