Best of France

Visit Europe

Day 1

Bonjour Paris

All the flavours of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the 'City of Light'.

Spend your day strolling past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city.

Day 2

Journey through Burgundy to Lyon

We travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune.

On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colourful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century. Next we continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Consider spending your evening delving into the epicurean delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous. Why not wander up the city's narrow lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cosy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?

Day 3

Onwards to Avignon, Monaco and the French Riviera

Today we journey to the city of Avignon at the heart of Provence.

See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous by the song - Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco. Upon arrival we'll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married, where we will enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to our hotel.

Day 4

The French Riviera Your Way

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, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.

Day 5

Admire Arles and Continue to Carcassonne

Visit Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture, and enjoy some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city.

Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert before winding your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Day 6

Pilgrimage to Lourdes and on to Biarritz

We drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage.

You will have an opportunity to see the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.

Day 7

Venture to Bordeaux

This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience across the border into Spain to discover more about the  Basque Country.

Later, after journeying through Les Landes, we arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux, whose stunning Garonne riverfront and Age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France's most visited cities. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.

Day 8

Discover Beautiful Saint-Émilion

Lush green valleys and wine hills take centre stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion to Saint-Émilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times.

You will also have free time to explore Bordeaux and perhaps tease your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or stroll through the city's historical centre admiring its beautiful architecture.

Day 9

Explore a Château in the Loire Valley Stays With Stories

Today we journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the 'Garden of France'.

Along the way, we will stop to Connect With Locals over a light lunch and unique Be My Guest experience. Next we Dive Into Culture and visit the remarkable gardens at Château de Villandry where you will see an array of beautiful gardens; such as the Water Garden which is filled with spectacular ponds and fountains. Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night - one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories.

Day 10

Off to Mont-Saint-Michel and the Normandy Beaches

We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where we visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey.

Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.

Day 11

Journey to Paris

We travel east towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art.

This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.

Day 12

Discover the Delights of Paris

Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop.

View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Enjoy a leisurely café au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, we celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 13

Farewell Paris

For now it's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday.

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)

12 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a delightful Be My Guest experience.

Iconic Experience

Beaune: Vist the Hopsices de Beaune and learn about its captivating past as well as admiring its flamboyant Gothic architecture. 

Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.

Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.

Arles: Hear more about the city that is famed for being the inspiration behind the Van Gogh paintings during a city orientation.

Lourdes: Explore Lourdes, globally renowned as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and attracting over three million faithful visitors every year. 

Saint-Émilion: Take in the vine-laden surroundings and established wine-making heritage of Saint-Émilion.

Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel and cross the causeway to explore the tidal island town.

Omaha Beach: Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach. 

Giverny: View the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s most famous masterpieces.

Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Villandry: Visit Château Villandry in the Loire Valley and admire the exquisite Renaissance gardens that surround this elegant estate. 

Must-see Highlights

Explore Carcassonne and Paris

Discover Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Arles, Lourdes, Bordeaux and Nice

Visit the Hospices de Beaune, Château de Villandry, the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and Claude Monet's home at Giverny.

View the Papal Palace in Avignon, Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco, Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day Beach of Omaha in Normandy, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris

See the Roman Amphitheatre and the Cathedral in Arles

Scenic Drive through the Dordogne and the Loire Valley

Trafalgar Difference

Loire Valley: A symbol of the passing of time, step back with a stay in the regal 16th and 17th- century Chateâu de Beauvois, which opens its doors to those who wish to experience exceptional moments. 

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