Highlights of France
13 Days from $1,895 per person
Grand avenues, lush vineyards and the French Riviera are highlights on this leisurely sojourn through France. Journey through the Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz, see Carcasonne with its enchanting city walls and the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
Grand avenues, lush vineyards and the French Riviera are highlights on this leisurely sojourn through France. Journey through the Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz, see Carcasonne with its enchanting city walls and the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Paris
Welcome to Paris. 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. After a welcome meeting with your Travel Director, there is time to relax and explore this beautiful city. Consider an evening tour to Montmartre, an area full of charm and character.
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Day 2: Paris Orientation and Free Time
This morning your orientation features views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Spend the rest of the day as you wish or join an Optional Experience to a Parisian Cabaret.
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Day 3: Paris – Beaune – Lyon
Visit medieval Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Arrive later in Lyon, a dynamic cultural city. Enjoy an orientation tour en route to your hotel.
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Day 4: Lyon – Avignon – Monaco – French Riviera
Enjoy a scenic drive south to Avignon to view the Palace of the Popes and St. Bénezet Bridge. Then continue to the tiny Principality of Monaco on the coast. Finally, drive to your hotel on the glamorous French Riviera.
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Day 5: French Riveria Free Day
Relax and experience the Côte d'Azur's sophisticated atmosphere. Perhaps laze on the beach and sip cocktails in a shady terraced bar, shop for the latest fashions or explore the town of Cannes famous for its film festival.
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Day 6: French Riviera – Pont Du Gard – Nîmes
View the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct which was built in the 1st century to supply water to the nearby towns. Continue to your hotel in Nîmes.
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Day 7: Nîmes – Carcassonne – Lourdes
Drive to Carcassonne for an orientation of this walled medieval town. Visit Lourdes, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrénées to view the basilica on top of St. Bernadette's Grotto. This evening, there is an opportunity to join a procession by torchlight to the basilica with the pilgrims – a magical and moving experience.
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Day 8: Lourdes – Biarritz – Bordeaux
Drive westwards from Lourdes to the Atlantic coast. In the glamorous resort of Biarritz explore the chic boutiques and watch the surfers perform their stunts. Traverse the rolling countryside of Les Landes to classical Bordeaux.
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Day 9: Bordeaux – St. Émilion – Tours
Enjoy a scenic drive to the hilltop village of St. Émilion which is famous for its wine. Continue past the strange buildings of Futuroscope, the amusement and science theme park at Poitiers, to the Loire Valley.
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Day 10: Loire Valley and Château Excursion
Your Local Specialist takes you on a fascinating visit to Chenonceau, a fairytale château built across the River Cher, home to priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture. Your journey continues through verdant countryside. View the imposing castle at Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried and view the splendid Château de Chambord. Tonight why not try delicious local Touraine cuisine?
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Day 11: Tours – Mont St. Michel – D-Day Landing Beaches (Omaha) – Deauville
Head north through the picturesque countryside of the Loire Valley and Normandy. Visit Mont St. Michel and view the abbey. Then continue to the historic D-Day Landing beach and the American cemetery at Omaha Beach. Arrive later at your Normandy hotel in Deauville, the elegant resort renowned for its racecourse, harbor and international film festival.
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Day 12: Deauville – Honfleur – Rouen – Paris
Explore the picturesque harbor at Honfleur on the Normandy coast, a summer haunt of the impressionist painters. Drive through cheese and cider country to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and view the impressive cathedral. Your day ends in the glittering capital, Paris, where you may consider an Optional Experience to a local restaurant.
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Day 13: Depart Paris
Say ‘au revoir' to Paris, your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a memorable vacation in France. Return transfers will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8 am and 11:30 am. Conditions apply.
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.
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Definite Departure
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Bastille Day
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Apr 19 | 1 May 19 | $1,895pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 26 Apr 19 | 8 May 19 |
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$1,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 3 May 19 | 15 May 19 | $1,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 17 May 19 | 29 May 19 | $1,925pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 24 May 19 | 5 Jun 19 |
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$2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 7 Jun 19 | 19 Jun 19 |
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$2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 21 Jun 19 | 3 Jul 19 | $2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
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Bastille Day |
5 Jul 19 | 17 Jul 19 | $2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Jul 19 | 31 Jul 19 | $2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 2 Aug 19 | 14 Aug 19 | $1,895pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 16 Aug 19 | 28 Aug 19 | $1,895pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 30 Aug 19 | 11 Sep 19 | $2,095pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 6 Sep 19 | 18 Sep 19 |
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$2,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 13 Sep 19 | 25 Sep 19 |
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$2,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 Sep 19 | 2 Oct 19 | $2,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 27 Sep 19 | 9 Oct 19 | $2,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 4 Oct 19 | 16 Oct 19 | $1,895pp | Request Quote Book Now |
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Bastille Day: This departure will be in France during Bastille Day. Celebrations will be taking place throughout the country.
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: from $570 per person
Triple Room Discount: $60 per person
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 am, 11 am and 2 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 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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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
17 meals: 12 Buffet breakfasts, 5 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Paris Sightseeing includes views of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower
- Beaune Visit this charming town
- Lyon Orientation tour of this gastronomic city
- Avignon View St. Bénezet Bridge and the Papal Palace
- Monaco Visit the Principality
- Cannes Visit the home of the annual film festival
- Pont du Gard View the Roman Aqueduct
- Carcassonne Visit this beautifully preserved walled city
- Lourdes View St. Bernadette's Grotto
- Biarritz Visit this glamorous resort
- Bordeaux Orientation tour
- St. Émilion Visit the famous wine village
- Loire Valley Visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist. View the Châteaux at Amboise and Chambord
- Mont St. Michel Visit the island town and view the abbey
- Normandy Visit the D-Day Landing beach of Omaha
- Honfleur Visit this picturesque port
- Rouen View the cathedral
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.
-
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 Visas
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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.
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.
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!
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.
Paris
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €139.00
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres 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.
Paris
Notre Dame, Latin Quarter And Seine Cruise
Adult Price: €39.00
Come with us to explore the magnificent cathedral at the heart of Paris, Notre Dame. With your Local Specialist, you’ll also enjoy the Latin Quarter and have free time for a bite to eat. Then relax on our River Seine cruise, the perfect way to discover the city - don't forget your camera.
Paris
Montmartre Village And Artists' Square
Adult Price: €37.00
Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, you’ll join your Local Specialist to explore Montmartre’s winding streets, unusual galleries and world famous Artist’s Square - once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. You’ll have time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, for a real flavour of Montmartre life.
Paris
Paris Dinner And Illuminations
Adult Price: €67.00
Enjoy a taste of local cuisine with a memorable dinner and drinks in typical Parisian style. Afterwards, driving through this amazing city, we'll stop at scenic vantage points to give you opportunities to capture these fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Bordeaux
Wine Tasting in a French Chateau
Adult Price: €37.00
Discover the most famous wine region in the world with a tasting at an historic French Chateau. Explore the underground cellars, learn about the wine-making process and why Bordeaux wine is so well known. Listed as a National Heritage site, this family-owned vineyard is truly an experience not to be missed.
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.
Tours
Tours, Old Town and Traditional Dinner
Adult Price: €67.00
You’ll discover the charm of Tours, bustling city of St. Martin and Renaissance kings, and its Old Town on this evening tour. You'll also enjoy Touraine cuisine in a traditional restaurant.
Cannes
St Paul de Vence and Nice
Adult Price: €43.00
A lovely drive into the Esteral Heights bring us to the quaint walled hilltown of St Paul de Vence. Our walk through the village’s winding streets with a Local Specialist reveals elegant fountains,vine-covered ramparts and interesting galleries. Then, because no visit to the Riviera is complete without it, we continue to glorious Nice to enjoy the city, its old town and colourful provençale markets.
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.
