Best of France

All the flavors 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 travelers and Travel Director for a dinner and an orientation drive through the city.

Travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune. On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colorful 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 cozy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?

• Visit Hotel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune

Today you’ll travel to Avignon, where the legacy of the city’s papal past comes into view at the Papal Palace and the famous bridge celebrated in the song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’. From here, continue south through Provence as you make your way towards the French Riviera. Your journey ends in Nice, where you’ll settle in to your hotel and get your bearings before enjoying the rest of the day at your own pace.

• Avignon Orientation

Enjoy a free morning in Nice, perhaps wandering through the old town, browsing the Cours Saleya market or taking a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Travel along the Moyenne Corniche for views across the French Riviera before visiting Fragonard Perfumery, where you’ll discover how its fragrances are created and learn more about this Provençal craft. In Monaco, see the cathedral where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly were married and discover more of the principality before sitting down to dinner.

• Moyenne Corniche Drive
• Visit Fragonard Perfumery
• See Monaco Cathedral

Visit Arles, where honey-colored facades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture reveal the character of southern France. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city or choose an Optional Experience with a resident expert, uncovering more about Vincent van Gogh and local history. Then wind your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne, where a guided exploration reveals the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

• Visit Carcassonne with a Local Specialist

Drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global center of the Marian pilgrimage. You'll 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 you'll spend the night.

• Lourdes Orientation

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, you will 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.

Lush green valleys and wine hills take center 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 center admiring its beautiful architecture.

• Saint-Émilion Orientation

Today, journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the ‘Garden of France’. Along the way, you’ll stop for a light lunch with the de Montferrier family on their farm during a unique Be My Guest experience. Appetites satisfied, it’s time to explore the stunning gardens of Château de Villandry during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with Elise, Local Specialist and environmental educator, learning how organic gardening techniques support biodiversity. Stroll through the estate’s beautifully designed spaces, from the tranquil water garden, with its shimmering ponds and fountains, to the intricate ornamental gardens. Later, arrive at Château de Beauvois, your hotel for the night — one of Trafalgar’s Stays with Stories.

• Explore a Chateau in the Loire Valley
• Stays with Stories
• Lunch with the Montferrier Family on their Farm near the famous Château de Villandry

Travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where you will visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to Saint-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.

• Mont Saint-Michel Visit
• Visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches

Set off for 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.

• Giverny Visit

Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods 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 cafe au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a dinner.

• Paris City Tour

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