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Highlights of France

Operated by: CostSaver

13 Days from $2,030 per person
APR - OCT 2023
France Paris Eiffel Tower At Summer Afternoon

Countries Visited

France, Monaco ...more France, Monaco

Locations Visited

Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, French Riviera, Avignon, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Tours, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chambord, Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Deauville, Honfleur, Rouen ...more Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, French Riviera, Avignon, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Tours, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chambord, Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Deauville, Honfleur, Rouen
  1. Day 1 Arrive Paris (2 Nights)

    It's time to explore Paris’s grand past, its dynamic present and exciting future. This is one capital city that doesn’t hold back and doesn’t expect you to either. Dive right into the history, culture and culinary delights of this extraordinary city, from the iconic Iron Lady to croque monsieurs, lazing on the banks of the Seine, or visiting museums and monuments. After checking in there’s time to relax or explore the city your way, but you might like to get a head start on your sightseeing by joining an Optional Experience - a Seine cruise and scenic drive taking in many of the major sights.

    hotel Novotel Porte d'Orléans
  2. Day 2 Paris sightseeing and free time

    The Parisians know a thing or two about beauty, elegance and a life well lived, which your full day in Paris will deliver in abundance. Hit the grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour through the heart of the city conducted by your Travel Director. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées then perhaps choose to tread in the footsteps of Picasso and Dalí during an optional visit to Montmartre, exploring the cobbled streets and Artist’s Square. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Novotel Porte d'Orléans
  3. Day 3 Paris – Beaune – Lyon (1 Night)

    Au revoir Paris. The City of Light will keep shining, but for now our sights are set on medieval Beaune where the official raison d'être is the local wine. The beautiful marketplace and 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu are yours to explore before later continuing your journey to Lyon. Get your bearings during an orientation tour, then perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience delving into the rich history of the city and the classical French cuisine that helped make it famous.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Axotel Perrache
  4. Day 4 Lyon – Aix-en-Provence – Monaco – French Riviera (2 Nights)

    Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs. The last leg of your journey southwards stretches out to the shimmering Mediterranean coast, where the Principality of Monaco and the Côte d'Azur await. Keep your cameras at the ready as you drive along its elegant boulevards and attempt to capture the sophistication that seems to ooze from every corner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Campanile Nice Aéroport
  5. Day 5 French Riviera free day

    Ooh là là! A full free day on the French Riviera. There’s no shame in spending the day sprawled out on a sun-lounger with a cocktail, but if you can pull yourself away from the beach you’ll want to join your fellow travellers for an optional exploration of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Life is rather idyllic in this enchanting walled hill-town and, like some of its famous residents, you’ll want to linger here a little longer. You never know who you might spot seated in those sleek Ferraris and private yachts that dot the French Riviera.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Campanile Nice Aéroport
  6. Day 6 French Riviera – Arles – Pont du Gard – Avignon (1 Night)

    Fuel up on a characteristically French breakfast of croissant and coffee before embarking on your next adventure. Today we travel west to the Camargue centre of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for so many of his paintings. Next, you'll view the magnificent Pont du Gard, an aqueduct carefully constructed in the first century to supply fresh water. Continue to the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon which features one of the world's most incredible religious architectural legacies.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Ibis Avignon Sud
  7. Day 7 Avignon – Carcassonne – Lourdes (1 Night)

    Like a scene straight from the pages of a children’s storybook, Carcassonne stands proudly on a hillside behind fortified stone walls. Its undeniable charm is evident when you come across the town’s 12th century architecture and turreted medieval castle. From fairy tales to the foothills of the Pyrénées, your next stop is the pilgrimage town of Lourdes where you’ll tread in the footsteps of the millions of Catholics who have made the journey to pay homage to St. Bernadette and view the basilica on top of the Grotto where she is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. This evening presents an opportunity to join a procession by torchlight with the pilgrims – a truly magical and moving experience.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Mercure Imperial
  8. Day 8 Lourdes – Biarritz – Bordeaux (1 Night)

    The beach is back on the agenda today, so get your hat and sunglasses ready for a trip to the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz on the Atlantic coast. There’s no need to think about what to do next. Take your cue from the European royals who have been visiting this resort town since the 1800s and find your new favourite spot on a wicker chair in the sun. If watching local surfers perform their stunts isn’t enticing enough, you could choose an Optional Experience into the Basque country. After a good dose of sun, sea and lofty peaks, it’s back into the rolling countryside of Les Landes and onwards to our final destination of the day, Bordeaux.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Ibis Centre Meriadeck
  9. Day 9 Bordeaux – Saint-Émilion – Tours (2 Nights)

    After a night sampling Bordeaux blends and the city’s eclectic mix of street life and well-preserved 18th century architecture, a new adventure awaits. The hilltop village of Saint-Émilion is an appealing stop for red wine lovers. This is château country and there’s no better way to explore it than joining an optional wine tasting at an historic vineyard. Continue to your hotel by the city of Tours, known as the gateway to the Loire Valley.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Ibis Styles Sud
  10. Day 10 Loire Valley and Châteaux excursion

    Indulge your inner king or queen when you embark on a whimsical tour to Chenonceau with a Local Specialist. This enchanting, fairy-tale château straddling the Cher River is the most photographed sight in the Loire Valley and it’s easy to see why. Explore its priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture and stroll through the exquisite landscaped gardens before continuing to the royal town of Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried. Your encounter with French nobility not quite at its end, you’ll view the splendid Château de Chambord, one of the world’s most remarkable châteaux. Make the most of your last night back in Tours with an Optional Experience to visit the Old Town and enjoy Touraine cuisine in a traditional restaurant.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Ibis Styles Sud
  11. Day 11 Tours – Mont Saint-Michel – D-Day Landing Beaches (Omaha) – Deauville (1 Night)

    Only the epic sight of a medieval town rising out of the sea could compete with the beauty of the Loire Valley and your visit to Mont Saint-Michel will certainly not disappoint. Hear how the Archangel inspired the Bishop of Avranches to build a church atop this rocky outcrop, then continue your journey to the iconic D-Day landing beaches where thousands of Allied soldiers first landed on French soil, in what became the largest seaborne invasion in history. After a poignant stop at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, you’ll continue on to your hotel in Deauville. This elegant resort is renowned for its racecourse, harbour and high-profile international film festival held in September.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Ibis Centre
  12. Day 12 Deauville – Honfleur – Rouen – Paris (1 Night)

    You’ll wish you had the talents of Monet during your brief visit to the colourful port town of Honfleur. It’s easy to see why this 'most ravishing spot in the world' was immortalised on canvas by many of the world’s greatest artists. Next head to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Despite this tragic episode, there’s much to fall in love with here, from the cobbled streets to Gothic churches and the impressive cathedral. After a busy day engaging with all that history, return to the glittering French capital for the final evening of your adventure. Consider joining an Optional Experience dinner for a celebration of your memorable journey with new friends.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Novotel Pont de Sèvres
  13. Day 13 Depart Paris

    And just like that, you’ve seen all the highlights of France. From Paris and beyond, you’ll be finishing your trip this morning with a lifetime’s supply of memories. Say a fond au revoir to your Travel Director and newfound friends.

    meals Breakfast
Highlights France Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Many meals and daily breakfasts included
  • City orientation tours
  • Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
  • Variety of Optional Experiences

Dining Summary

  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Dinner (D)

Essentials

  • : View the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower on your sightseeing tour
  • : Visit this charming town
  • : Orientation tour of this gastronomic city
  • : View the Palace of the Popes and the Pont d'Avignon
  • : Visit the Principality
  • : Search for inspiration in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh in this famous town
  • : Explore this beautifully preserved walled city
  • : View St. Bernadette's Grotto
  • : Visit this seaside resort
  • : Orientation tour
  • : Visit the famous wine village
  • : Visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist and view the Châteaux at Amboise and Chambord
  • : Visit the island town and view the abbey
  • : Hear about the D-Day Landings at Omaha Beach
  • : Visit this picturesque port
  • : View the cathedral

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : Many meals and daily breakfasts included
  • : City orientation tours
  • : Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
  • : Variety of Optional Experiences

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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April 2023
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$2,085
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$2,118
May 2023
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$2,228
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$2,255 $2,030 Save $226
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$2,255 $2,030 Save $226
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Oct 11 Wed
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$2,255
Optional Add-Ons

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

Available on Day 1

Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations

Experience the world-famous 'City of Lights' as Paris transforms in the evening. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Seine, taking in views of iconic Parisian sights such as Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. Later, kick back for a relaxing drive through this picturesque city that will show off the best Paris has to offer.
Adult Price: € 43
Note: In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.

Available on Day 2

Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens

With your Local Specialist, visit the historic Saint-Sulpice Church once used in the filming of Dan Brown’s famous ‘Da Vinci Code’. En route to the iconic Latin Quarter, you’ll stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, admiring a replica of the Statue of Liberty and the garden’s famous beehives before enjoying free time to explore the Latin Quarter and view Notre Dame Cathedral.
Adult Price: € 32

Available on Day 2

Montmartre Village and Artists' Square

Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre is a must-visit destination in Paris. Join a Local Specialist to explore the winding streets, unusual galleries and world-famous Artist’s Square - once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. With time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, this tour uncovers the true joy of the Montmartre lifestyle.
Adult Price: € 37

Available on Day 2

Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner

No tour of Paris is complete until you’ve enjoyed dinner and cabaret at the world-famous Moulin Rouge! The original Parisian cabaret, immortalized in film by Baz Luhrmann, boasts 60 dancers and entertainers, with more than 1000 costumes to admire as you take in the spectacular show. With wine and champagne included, you’ll toast to an unforgettable evening in Paris.
Adult Price: € 165

Lyon

Available on Day 3

Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner and Old Town Discovery

Relax and unwind as we take an evening drive along the beautiful Saône River and savour the tastes of acclaimed French cuisine. You’ll discover the secrets of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lyon, from the Gauls to the medieval old town. Along with being an historic centre, Lyon is also the gastronomic capital of France! Our chef will prepare a mouth-watering three course dinner, with local wines included.
Adult Price: € 71

Cannes

Available on Day 5

St Paul de Vence and Nice

Travel into the Esteral Heights to uncover the quaint town of St Paul de Vence. Walk through the winding streets of the village with your Local Specialist, admiring elegant fountains and medieval architecture, before continuing along the Riviera to glamorous Nice. Enjoy the famous city, exploring its old town and provençal markets.
Adult Price: € 43

Nice

Available on Day 5

St Paul, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal

We’ll kick things off with a visit to the artist’s paradise of St. Paul, to explore the medieval hilltop town in all its quirky glory. Continuing along the Riviera, we’ll travel on the Corniche Roads to take in their spectacular views as we make way for a Perfumery Tour. Later, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and included drinks at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: € 86

Arles

Available on Day 6

On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh

You simply can’t come to France without seeing all of the treasures the Romans left behind. Marvel at the Amphitheatre they 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: € 23

Biarritz

Available on Day 8

St Jean De Luz, Jewel Of The Basque Country

Truly the jewel of the Basque Country, St. Jean de Luz is a wealthy port town with an intriguing past filled with pirates, a royal marriage and closely-guarded family recipes. Our local specialist will guide you through it all and give you the chance to taste this city’s world-famous creation – the macaron. Later, you’ll have time to explore the local craft shops and the beautiful beach.
Adult Price: € 40

Bordeaux

Available on Day 9

Wine Tasting in a French Chateau

Enjoy an iconic travel experience in Bordeaux as we journey through the scenic wineries of St Emilion to our favourite French Chateaux Estate. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the rolling green vineyards and cellars before sampling some of the world’s most prestigious wines. Heading home with the secrets of French winemaking added to your repertoire, you’ll love feeling like a true wine connoisseur.
Adult Price: € 38

Tours

Available on Day 10

Tours, Old Town and Traditional Dinner

Join our Local Specialist for an enchanting excursion to rival the greatest fairy tales, discovering the dreamlike Old Town of Tours, including the Basilica of St. Martin and the history of Renaissance Kings. This evening tour out in the city will also include a feast of Touraine Cuisine in a traditional restaurant, adding yet another authentic experience to your holiday.
Adult Price: € 67

Available on Day 12

Paris Dinner And Illuminations

Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious Parisian dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. Afterwards, make the most of your tour as we drive through enchanting streets to marvel at the magic of the illuminated ‘City of Lights’. We'll stop at scenic vantage points for opportunities to capture these fascinating sights on camera.
Adult Price: € 69
Note: In summer this optional experience may take place before sunset.

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Service
Good, some of them are very patient but some of others are not.
Vacation
The tour direct is very caring and patient. There are too much extra charges, some of the hotel rooms are too small to even find room to put two suitcases on the floor. The show in last night is terrible, way too crowed, way too expensive. All four of us came back with positive Covid. Test.
Jian Deng
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Service
I like this travel, I learn a lots from the travel. If the travel can avoid covid is very perfectly.
Vacation
This travel is good , I like this travel. I learn a lots about France . If the travel can avoid Covid-19, is very perfect .
Trusted Customer
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Service
Great helpful travel specialists.
Vacation
Best trip I have taken out of 5 trips with Insight, Trafalgar and Costsaver. Chantal our guide was very knowledgeable and accomodating. We received the best gift as past travelers and many treats from her. We saw many spectular sites. Very enjoyable and loved the optional tours. The driver Thierry was the best driver. He had to drive us through very narrow streets and make sharp turns. Both were very polite and worked so well together. I wish the next trip I will get them as our tour director and driver again.
Response from Grand European Travel:
You cant top having the best trip ever, but we look forward to trying with number 6! Thank you for being a part of our valued travel family. We are so happy that you enjoyed yourselves on the Highlights of France!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Kris Ericson-Cano
Monday, October 28, 2019
Service
We found the tour to be an amazing experience. The sites to visit were well chosen and gave us a profound introduction to France. The tour guide enhanced ever experience with her fascinating narrative. We thoroughly enjoyed the meals and the rooms. Both the tour guide and the driver were true professionals, doing their jobs with skill, attention to detail, and concern for every aspect of our journey.
Vacation
The number of tour stops, the quality of the rooms and the dinners, the comfort of the bus, and the professionalism of the tour guide and driver made the experience a true value.
Jeffrey Weispfenning
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Service
We booked both land and air. We got a really good price on the air, and we were able to make changes quickly when we needed to change our flights to come back to the US early.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are very happy that everything worked out well with your early return to the US. We hope to be able to help you plan another trip in the future.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Vacation
There are a lot of highlights in France, and this trip provides experience with a large number of them in a relatively short time.
Wendell Covalt Jr
Friday, June 21, 2019
Service
Excellent tour guide, quality bus, hotels very pleasant, great selection of locations visited and events. all in all an excellent trip.
Vacation
Great guide, locations, quality of events, pleasant hotels, explanations of the different areas of France.
Eddie Byone
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Service
I had a very good experience on the trip, everything went as planned.
Vacation
Well planned the trip was exciting and fun.
Vickie Kjesbo
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Service
Example: Air France strikes resulted in cancellation of the Heathrow to CDG leg flight. AF rescheduled 2 days later! Get Rep was able to get on a direct DET to CDG flight! GREAT RELIEF, GREAT JOB, and THANK YOU!!!!!
Response from Grand European Travel:
We're so glad we could be there for you to make sure your trip was hassle-free! Thank you for your comment, we'll share it with the team. Happy travels!
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Vacation
Excellent package, loved the visit sites selected, enjoyed Nikolas our guide.
Marsha Wagner
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Service
Pros: Great customer service. Tour Director wonderful. Also, he was very informative and knowledgeable about France. Driver did an excellent job. Saw everything we were suppose to plus. Trip very well organized. France is a beautiful country, enjoyed every minute of it! Cons: Very fast pace.
Vacation
Cost saver package so hotels were probably in line for what we paid. Dinner excursions pricey.
Trusted Customer
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Service
Easy to set up vacation and work with agent. Enjoyed the highlights of France tour and the guide and driver were exceptional. Very attentive. Would recommend to others.
Vacation
Great value and allowed optional experiences.
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