Best of France
14 Days from $3,350 per person
Enjoy France à la carte – châteaux, chic beach resorts and delicious cuisine served with a dash of French Riviera, medieval Bastide villages and a healthy helping of Bordeaux. Journey through the romantic Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz and Carcassonne with its enchanting city walls. Marvel at Avignon's famous bridge, see the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy and visit Claude Monet's home in Giverny.
Overview
Enjoy France à la carte – châteaux, chic beach resorts and delicious cuisine served with a dash of French Riviera, medieval Bastide villages and a healthy helping of Bordeaux. Journey through the romantic Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz and Carcassonne with its enchanting city walls. Marvel at Avignon's famous bridge, see the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy and visit Claude Monet's home in Giverny.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Paris
All the flavors of France come to life on this unforgettable journey that kicks off in Paris, the City of Light. On arrival to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through the city to see some of its most magnificent sights.
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Day 3: Paris – Beaune – Lyon
We travel south to Burgundy, past the Côte d'Or vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits St. Georges. The colorful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century Hospices are a sight to behold as we arrive in the medieval town of Beaune before continuing to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Perhaps spend your evening delving into the delicious delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous.
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Day 4: Lyon – Avignon – Monaco – French Riviera (2 Nights)
We stop in the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon. See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous in the song - sur le pont d'Avignon. Journeying through the fields of Provence, we arrive in the sophisticated Principality of Monaco, where we will view the cathedral where Prince Ranier and Princess Grace were married. This evening we enjoy a Regional Meal in Monaco before arriving at our hotel.
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Day 5: French Riviera
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Meander along Nice's elegant Promenade des Anglais treading in the footsteps of the aristocrats of yesteryear, relax on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or perhaps visit the charming hilltop town of St. 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 delicious Salad Niçoise overlooking the beautiful Bay of Angels.
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Day 6: French Riviera – Arles – Carcassonne
Visit Arles with its honey-colored façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively choose to take an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent Van Gogh and local history with our resident expert, before winding your way through the Corbières Hills and ‘Cathar' landscapes en route to the fortified city of Carcassonne. Join a Local Specialist to explore this exquisite ancient town, view the Cité, which is said to have inspired Walt Disney for his Castle of Sleeping Beauty, and see the double ring of ramparts spanning some 3km with 52 towers.
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Day 7: Carcassonne – Lourdes – Basque Coast
We drive toward the Pyrénées this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global center of the Marian pilgrimage. You will have an opportunity to see the Basilica perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto where the young girl is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. We travel north to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.
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Day 8: Biarritz – Bordeaux (2 Nights)
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. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city, including the magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
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Day 9: Dordogne Excursion
The lush green valleys and hills of the Dordogne take center stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion. We drive to St. Emilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times and return to Bordeaux this evening for some free time to explore the city at leisure. See the glittering reflection of the Place de la Bourse in the Garonne River, tease your taste-buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or meander through the city's historical center admiring its beautiful architecture by night.
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Day 10: Bordeaux – Loire Valley
We meander through the Garden of France, stopping at the beautiful fairy-tale Château Chenonceau, which spans the River Cher. Join your fellow travelers and the Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a special Be My Guest Tourangelle dining experience where you enjoy traditional French hospitality. -
Day 11: Loire Valley – Mont St. Michel – Omaha Beach
We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany to the extraordinary island-town of Mont St. Michel on the Normandy coast, featuring its impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach where your Travel Director will provide an excellent account of the poignant events that took place here and changed the course of history in Europe. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn in detail about how the operation was planned and executed. -
Day 12: Omaha Beach – Giverny – Paris (2 Nights)
This morning we travel south towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to see the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art. The City of Light shines brightly as we have an evening at leisure to explore Paris by night. This evening in the glittering capital, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabaret venues. -
Day 13: Paris Sightseeing
Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. Our short insider walk will take you off the beaten tourist track for a view into the lives of real Parisians. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views across the city - see the Seine snake its way through the city and the grand boulevards and beautiful gardens stretch out below. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre, 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.
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Day 14: Depart Paris
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 vacation. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8 am and 11.30 am.. Conditions apply.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jul 18 | 3 Aug 18 |
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$3,450pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 22 Sep 18 | 5 Oct 18 |
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$3,550pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Oct 18 | 19 Oct 18 |
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$3,525pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 13 Oct 18 | 26 Oct 18 |
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$3,525pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 Oct 18 | 2 Nov 18 |
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$3,350pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $960 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $10 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $127 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8:00 am and 11:30 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
Meal Summary
12 nights, 12 hot buffet breakfasts, 7 dinners.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Return to 17th century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle dinner accompanied by local wines
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Carcassonne and Paris
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- Insider walking tour in Paris
- City tour in Carcassonne
- Orientation of Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Nice, Arles, Lourdes, Bordeaux
- Visit the Hospice de Beaune, Château Chenonceau, D-Day Museum, Claude Monet's home at Giverny, The Eiffel Tower
- View the Papal Palace in Avignon, The Royal Palace, Cathedral while in Monaco, Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, St Bernadette's Grotto in Lourdes, Esplanade des Quinconces in Bordeaux, the Abbey of Mont St. Michel and the D-Day Beach of Omaha while in Normandy
- See the Roman Ampitheatre and the Cathedral in Arles
- Scenic drive through Dordogne and Loire Valley.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visa
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Currency
The currency in France is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in France, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in France. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from. And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.
Wine is the most popular drink in France and is consumed at both lunch and dinner. Coffee is generally served black, unless a café au lait or café crème (with milk) is requested. For a simple and inexpensive lunch or snack, stop by a local bakery or food cart for a baguette au jambon (ham sandwich), crêpes, or a buckwheat galette filled with melted gruyère cheese and mushrooms. Many restaurants also offer a simple three course menu at a reasonable price.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
In France, a 15% service compris is included by law in the price of food and drink. Tipping in addition to this service charge is never expected, but always appreciated. If you’d like to leave something extra, keep in mind that even in the fanciest restaurants, people rarely tip more than 5-10%. A good rule of thumb is to leave an extra €1 for every €20 spent. Rather than adding gratuity to your credit card slip, leave coins in the tray where the check was presented to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Paris
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €162.00
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €139.00
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theaters in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment – including the world-famous Can-Can.
Versailles Palace And Gardens
Adult Price: €65.00
Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler. Your Local Specialist will take you through the State apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors, with free time to stroll the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. Please note: this optional is subject to availability.
Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations
Adult Price: €38.00
Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we’ll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
2CV Experience
Adult Price: €60.00
View the hidden gems of Paris in classic style! Enjoy a guided drive around France’s most Iconic city in France’s most iconic car - the 2 CV (a.k.a. deux chevaux). Drive off the beaten track and let your personal Parisian driver give you all the insider facts about Paris. Note: We recommend two people per car. However, if you would like three people in the rear seat, the price will be €40 per person.
Notre Dame And Latin Quarter
Adult Price: €33.00
A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterwards, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
Lyon
Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner And Old Town Discovery
Adult Price: €69.00
Enjoy an evening drive along the beautiful Saône River and taste the most acclaimed French cuisine. You’ll discover Lyon's secrets, from the Gauls to the medieval old town. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Lyon is also the gastronomic capital of France and our chef will prepare a mouth-watering three course dinner, with local wines included.
Nice
St Paul, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal
Adult Price: €83.00
First we'll travel to the medieval hill top town of St. Paul to visit this artists' paradise. We'll continue along the Riviera, travelling on the Basse, Moyenne and Grande corniche roads with their spectacular views, to a local restaurant for a delicious meal including drinks.
Arles
On the trail of Vincent Van Gogh
Adult Price: €23.00
Discover the secret stories and life of Vincent Van Gogh, as you stroll through the ancient streets and squares of this enchanting provincial town with our resident Local Specialist.
Biarritz
Highlights Of The Pyrénées
Adult Price: €40.00
Join us on a beautiful drive up into the Pyrénées, where we’ll catch a funicular train to ascend through mountain pastures to the top of these magnificent mountains, finding ourselves in Spain. You’ll have time to enjoy some Basque hospitality before our descent, with a drink included. Weather permitting.
St Jean De Luz, Jewel Of The Basque Country
Adult Price: €40.00
With your Local Specialist, discover the town where Louis XIV met his bride, Spanish princess Maria Theresa. Rich in Basque heritage, you’ll visit the house of Louis XIV, see the church where they married in 1660 (complete with hanging sailing ships inside) and sample the most famous patisserie created for the event, the macaron. Later have time to explore this unique seaside town’s 400 year history, weekly market and beautiful beach.
Bordeaux
Secrets Of The Bordelaise With Lunch Or Dinner
Adult Price: €80.00
We’ll journey through the rolling vineyards of the Bordeaux region to our favourite French Chateau Estate. Enjoy a a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars before a wine tasting, all while learning the secrets of the French wine-making process. Later, discover the World Heritage monolithic church of St. Emilion, before dining in traditional Bordelaise style, with drinks included. May be operated without dining for €49.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
