Best of France
13 Day France & Monaco Tour from Paris | Operated by Trafalgar
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13 Days
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2 Countries
France, Monaco -
18 Cities
Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Avignon, Monaco City, French Riviera, Arles, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Villandry, Loire Valley, Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Normandy Beaches, Giverny -
19 Meals
6 Dinners, 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
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 Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city.
We 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?
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.
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.
Visit Arles with its honey-colored 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.
We drive toward the Pyrenees 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, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 6 Dinners (D)
- - 12 Breakfasts (B)
- - 1 Lunch (L)
- Vist the Hopsices de Beaune and learn about its captivating past as well as admiring its flamboyant Gothic architecture.
- View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Hear more about the city that is famed for being the inspiration behind the Van Gogh paintings during a city orientation.
- Explore Lourdes, globally renowned as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and attracting over three million faithful visitors every year.
- Take in the vine-laden surroundings and established wine-making heritage of Saint-Émilion.
- Savor your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel and cross the causeway to explore the tidal island town.
- Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach.
- View the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s most famous masterpieces.
- Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- 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 lunch.
- Visit Château Villandry in the Loire Valley and admire the exquisite Renaissance gardens that surround this elegant estate.
- Step back in time with a stay in the regal 16th and 17th-century Chateâu de Beauvois.
Optional Experiences
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.
Local Beaujolais Dinner and Old Town Discovery (Available on Day 2)Strolling through the maze of hidden courtyards, cobbled streets and hidden traboules with our Local Specialist, we'll step back in time to discover Lyon's secrets. The World Heritage city was formerly home to ancient Gauls, powerful Romans, Gothic Cathedral builders and wealthy Renaissance Silk Merchants. We'll finish the evening with a mouth-watering three-course French feast, paired with local wine.
Adult Price: €77 Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal (Available on Day 4)Today, with our Local Specialist, discover the artists' and shoppers' paradise that is medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in the region. Next, we’ll travel the famed Corniche roads to witness the most spectacular views of the Riviera coastline and its lavish villas. Along the way we’ll pay a visit to a traditional French perfumery and then finish our excursion at a local restaurant for a delicious meal with wine.
Adult Price: €91 On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh (Available on Day 5)You simply can’t visit Arles without seeing all of the treasures the Romans left behind. Marvel at the amphitheater built 2000 years ago, then switch gears with your Local Specialist to learn about Arles’ other great claim to fame – the locations where Vincent Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works in Provence, including The Starry Night.
Adult Price: €26 Biarritz Train Ride & Basque Country Dinner (Available on Day 6)
All aboard! We’ll take a private train through the streets of the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, taking in spectacular coastal viewpoints. We’ll arrive at a typical Basque chalet in the nearby countryside to enjoy tasty local specialties for dinner. You might even catch the locals playing their favorite sport: Jaï alaï !
Adult Price: €76 A Morning in Spain - Jewels of the Basque Country (Available on Day 7)Cross the border into Spain to discover the charming Basque town of Hondarrabia. Stroll through the maze of cobblestoned streets with our Local Specialist, who will reveal the secrets of this medieval town, known for its beautiful Basque houses and colorful wooden balconies. Discover its role on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and the impressive Castle of Charles V, today a parador. Later we will cross back into France and on to St. Jean de Luz, a wealthy Basque port town with an intriguing past filled with pirates, a royal marriage and closely-guarded family recipes. Taste this city’s world-famous creation - the macaron, and enjoy free time for lunch or to explore the local craft shops and the beautiful beach.
Adult Price: €48 Secrets Of The Bordelaise (Available on Day 8)After today’s drive, you’ll understand why Bordeaux is often described as the most beautiful wine region in the world. We’ll take you inside the World Heritage Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, before heading to our favorite French Chateau Estate. The hostess will take you on a tour of the vineyards and the cellar, before we sit down to enjoy a Bordelaise-style feast with local wine.
Adult Price: €87 Montmartre Village and Artists' Square (Available on Day 11)Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighborhood.
Adult Price: €47 Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 11)It’s world famous for a reason, and this is your chance to see the real-life inspiration behind the award-winning movie. This Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers with over 1,000 costumes to create a dazzling spectacle. You'll enjoy wine, dinner and Champagne during this unforgettable soirée at the original Parisian Cabaret!
Adult Price: €205 La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 11)Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, Nouvelle Eve has been spotlighted by ‘Emily in Paris’ and has hosted events for high-fashion icons like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Vivienne Westwood. An icon of Parisian elegance for 125 years, this chic revue theater is your ticket to an unforgettable night. An a la carte meal and dazzling cabaret will bring the French Cancan to life before your eyes. Performances run from April 20 to October 26.
Adult Price: €163 Versailles Palace and Gardens (Available on Day 12)Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler, but loathed by the French commoners, which lead to the French Revolution. Step inside the opulent world of Versailles and our Local Specialist will take you through the palace’s Hall of Mirrors and State apartments. Then, enjoy free time to wander the symmetrical, tree-lined gardens.**
Adult Price: €81 Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations (Available on Day 12)To truly see Paris in all its glory, you need to see it from the Seine. Enjoy a cruise along this famous river and take in unmatched views of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, we’ll drive through the City of Lights to see some of the fascinating sights this beautiful city has to offer.
Adult Price: €47