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Country Roads of France

16 Day France Tour to Paris, Dijon & Monaco | Operated by InsightVacations

  • 16 Days

  • 2 Countries

    France, Monaco
  • 21 Cities

    Paris, Troyes, Dijon, Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble, Nice, Monaco City, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Carcassonne, Albi, Cahors, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac, Lascaux, Sarlat-la-Caneda
  • 22 Meals

    7 Dinner with Wines, 15 Breakfasts
  • Pace: Comfortable

    Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Chicago
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Authentic Dining: Paris Welcome Dinner Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
Notes
Day 2: Champagne Region and on to Dijon

Journey through the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region. Admire the green shoots in spring, full summer foliage or the russet autumnal hues, this is a glorious region throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire its medieval Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses while sipping a glass of champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Dijon Orientation Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
Authentic Dining: Champagne Tasting Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a taste of the bubbles.
Notes
Day 3: Free Time in Dijon

Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 4: Chamonix

Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. Take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.

Hotel: Alpina Eclectic Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Chamonix Orientation Explore the charming streets of Chamonix during your stay in France's mountaineering capital.
Notes
Day 5: Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble

In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Annecy Free Time Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.
Authentic Dining: Grenoble Dinner Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.
Notes
Day 6: The French Riviera to reach Nice

Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue through Provence to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?

Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Nice Orientation Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
Notes
Day 7: Nice - Principality of Monaco - Nice

Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and with Insight Choice enter the Oceanographic Museum dedicated to the concept of the Mediterranean Science Commission or visit the Royal Palace of Monaco and see Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?

Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Cote d'Azur Perfumery Visit Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.
Top Rated Highlights: Monaco Cathedral Visit Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
Top Rated Highlights: Monaco Orientation Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
Insight Choice: Prince's Palace Visit Explore the Prince's Palace. Admire extraordinary Italian Renaissance frescos and visit the newly-renovated State Apartments.
Insight Choice: Visit the Oceanographique Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments. 
Notes
Day 8: Picturesque Provence

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.

Hotel: Aquabella Hotel & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: St Paul de Vence Orientation Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.
Insight Experiences: Join a Petanque Player for a Game in Saint Paul de Vence Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.
Top Rated Highlights: See Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.
Notes
Day 9: Avignon and Pont du Gard

Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh. After, journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.

Hotel: Aquabella Hotel & Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: See the Ancient Bridges of Pont du Gard See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.
Top Rated Highlights: Avignon Orientation View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Notes
Day 10: Carcassonne and to Albi

A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Chateau De Luc, for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

Hotel: Hôtel Saint Antoine
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Carcasssonne Orientation Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Rated Highlights: Albi Orientation This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.
Make Travel Matter: Chateau Le Luc The Fabre family has been producing wine since the 17th Century. At the heart of their passion lies a strong commitment to protect the natural environment of the region and produce complex yet sustainable wines.
Notes
Day 11: Free Time in Albi

Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savor a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Hôtel Saint Antoine
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Notes
Day 12: Cahors and Rocamadour

Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims traveling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Later we make our way to our hotel nestled in the countryside of La Roque-Gageac.

Hotel: Hotel Le Perigord
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Authentic Dining: Cahors Market Tasting See the Pont Valentré as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.
Notes
Day 13: Exploring the Dordogne Valley

Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

Hotel: Hotel Le Perigord
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Visit Lascaux Caves These caves contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory.
Authentic Dining: La Roque-Gageac Farm-to-Table Dinner Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and served with wines from the local region.
Notes
Day 14: Paris, The City of Light Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 15: Romantic Capital on the Seine

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening with a delicious Celebration Dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France.

Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: See the Top Sights of Paris Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Authentic Dining: Paris Celebration Dinner Rendezvous with your friends at a typical French bistro for a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!
Notes
Day 16: Au Revoir Paris

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

Dining Summary
  • - 7 Dinner with Wines (DW)
  • - 15 Breakfasts (B)
Authentic Dining
  • Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
  • Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a taste of the bubbles.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.
  • See the Pont Valentré as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.
  • Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and served with wines from the local region.
  • Rendezvous with your friends at a typical French bistro for a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!
Top Rated Highlights
  • Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
  • Explore the charming streets of Chamonix during your stay in France's mountaineering capital.
  • Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.
  • Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
  • Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.
  • Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
  • Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
  • Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.
  • See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.
  • See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.
  • View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
  • Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.
  • These caves contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory.
  • Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Insight Choice
  • Explore the Prince's Palace. Admire extraordinary Italian Renaissance frescos and visit the newly-renovated State Apartments.
  • Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments. 
Insight Experiences
  • Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.
Make Travel Matter
  • The Fabre family has been producing wine since the 17th Century. At the heart of their passion lies a strong commitment to protect the natural environment of the region and produce complex yet sustainable wines.

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.

Seine Cruise and Illuminations (Available on Day 1)

The City of Light really lives up to its name when the city's monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all of their glory. First, a specially-designed sightseeing boat takes us for an unforgettable cruise along the Seine and beneath famous bridges to appreciate the Left and Right Banks and the Île de la Cité and St Louis. Then, we'll enjoy an illuminations tour, when the rubies and diamonds of the Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower are at their magnificent best.

Adult Price: €47 Beaune & the Burgundy Wine Road (Available on Day 3)

We take a scenic drive through the most prestigious vineyards of Burgundy - the Cote d’Or, where every village sign reads like a premium wine list. Arriving in Beaune we'll discover this charming city on foot, taking in the architectural jewel of the region - the Hospices de Beaune.

Adult Price: €34 Burgundy Wine Tasting & Dinner (Available on Day 3)

The Premier Cru village of Fixin is your destination for this evening. Our visit begins at a winery, where a third-generation winemaker will take us to see some of his vines before he walks us through the elaboration process. Then he'll take us to a 16th-century cave to taste a selection of his wines. Later, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner, sampling the rich flavors of Burgundy

Adult Price: €83 Alpine Drive & Savoyard Dinner (Available on Day 4)

The varied seasonal conditions of the Alps has resulted in an honest, robust cuisine fashioned from local ingredients. A spectacular, scenic drive high into the mountains, takes you through the national reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges, (Red Peaks) to a former farmer's lodge, now lovingly converted into a restaurant. You are welcomed with an apéritif before enjoying a delicious dinner of traditional Savoyard specialties. Wine is included.

Adult Price: €81 Nice Old Town at Night (Available on Day 6)

Enjoy a walk with your Local Expert through the historic and colorful maze of alleyways and streets of the Old Town in Nice. See Piazza Rozzetti, stroll along Rue Droite and finish in Cours Saleya for dinner at leisure in one of the hundreds of bistros and outdoor restaurants. Coach transfers are included.

Adult Price: €27 Eze & Botanical Gardens (Available on Day 7)

Today we'll follow the narrow winding cobbled alleys through Eze village; a medieval gem filled with old stone archways, flower decked houses, shady squares and gurgling fountains. Visit the hill-top Botanical Gardens, where an impressive collection of cacti, sculptures and other rare plants surround the remains of an ancient chateau. After resting our feet by the contemplation pool, we'll reach the high point of our visit, literally, with fabulous panoramic views over the coast.

Adult Price: €30 Traditional Niçoise Dinner (Available on Day 7)

Provence wouldn't be Provence without sampling the local fare. Tonight, a nirvana of Niçoise specialties will be spread before you, colorful salads and meat dishes paraded from the kitchen, all made with fresh seasonal produce. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included but make sure you leave room for dessert!

Adult Price: €81 Wonders of Aix (Available on Day 8)

Bathed in the special light of Provence, we'll discover the elegant city of Aix with a Local Expert. Wander around its beautiful narrow streets and charming squares, embellished by fountains or hot springs. Each 17th or 18th Century house has a story to tell. Birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne, Aix is still a painter's and photographer's delight.

Adult Price: €38 Village in the Sky (Available on Day 11)

Driving through the vineyards of Gaillac, we'll soon arrive at Cordes-sur-Ciel, a medieval village that rises into the sky like a mirage. Together with our Local Expert, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the 13th century streets lined with Gothic houses sheltered behind timber doors. Shops filled with traditional crafts, art galleries and panoramic views ensure that Cordes-sur-Ciel fascinates all those who visit - a place not to be missed.

Adult Price: €44 An Evening on the Dordogne (Available on Day 13)

Locally known as the “Grande Aygue”, the River Dordogne wends through the local countryside. For centuries the river was the commercial center of the valley and river boats known as gabarres transported goods to towns and villages along its banks. Join us for a cruise on a replica gabarre and admire the magnificent views of the valley from the water, including some of the most prestigious chateaux of Perigord, all while enjoying a drink with your companions.

Adult Price: €36 Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 14)

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!

Adult Price: €205 La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 14)

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 Giverny Excursion (Available on Day 15)

A lovely drive takes us along the Seine to the village of Giverny, where the impressionist artist Monet lived for the last 43 years of his life. Enjoy a visit to see his fascinating house with its blend of colors. However, it's in the garden where the spirit of the artist is most revealed. A spectacular array of color is created by poppies, delphiniums, lupins, peonies, irises and roses, while the water garden is a wistful dream of bamboo, willow and rustic bridges sweeping over the water lilies, one of Monet's favorite subjects.

Adult Price: €54