Wonderful France
9 Day France Tour to Paris, Lyon, Avignon | Operated by Trafalgar
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9 Days
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2 Countries
France, Monaco -
10 Cities
Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco City, French Riviera, Saint-Tropez, Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard -
12 Meals
4 Dinners, 8 Breakfasts -
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
Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and picturesque avenues of the 'City of Light', before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendor for you to admire.
Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighborhoods. Consider an optional experience to the exquisite gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colorful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavors in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for lunch and perhaps a taste of the sweet flavors of calissons. Continue to the glamorous Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest and wealthiest nations on earth. View the palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. Enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner together in Monaco before traveling further along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
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, 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 a delicious Salade Niçoise.
We arrive by boat in glitzy Saint-Tropez for a morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surroundings. This afternoon journey to the ancient city of Arles to admire its Roman theater and arena - once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of this town where he was inspired to produce more than 300 paintings and drawings. Later, journey to Western Europe’s largest river delta region - the Camargue. Here we will Connect With Locals for a home cooked Be My Guest meal of original, regional dishes made with produce from local farmers and markets. Later, we make our way to Avignon where we will spend the next two nights.
This morning we visit the impressive Pont du Gard – an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge to cross the river Gardon. It's arches of stone, still standing since the 1st century AD when it was originally built to take water to the Roman settlement of the present day city of Nîmes. Take time in Avignon to explore its impressive Old Town, once the seat of the Papacy. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the French song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon.
The French countryside is your companion as you take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own or explore Montmartre with a stroll through the 'village' overlooking the city of Paris on an Optional Experience. Later, enjoy market-fresh produce and seasonal cuisine at Maison Plisson celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during a Farewell Dinner and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that advances Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.
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)
- - TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris.
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 4 Dinners (D)
- - 8 Breakfasts (B)
- Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
- Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- Marvel at Beaune's famous renaissance roofing style during an orientation of this wine capital.
- Bask in the stunning views on your Monaco Orientation.
- Soak up the beautiful surroundings on your morning sojourn on your visit to Saint-Tropez.
- Admire the exquisite Romanesque Cathedral and Amphitheater on your city tour of Arles, guided by a Local Specialist.
- 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.
- Join Patrick for a Be My Guest Lunch at his home and enjoy a traditional meal from local produce.
- Enjoy market fresh produce and seasonal flavors during a Farewell Dinner at Maison Plisson. In this combination grocery store and restaurant, every ingredient is hand-selected based on rigorous criteria to guarantee exceptional flavors and quality. Maison Plisson’s mission is to guarantee healthy and sustainable menus, minimal food waste and to contribute to a growing network of high quality and responsible producers. This experience advances Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
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.
Giverny House and Gardens of Claude Monet (Available on Day 2)Step into the enchanting world of Giverny – Claude Monet’s carefully-crafted paradise. The gardens and home of the Impressionist master were the inspiration behind some of his most renowned paintings. The famous Japanese bridge, the magnificent waterlilies, his charming pink house – it’s all there waiting for you to discover.
Adult Price: €54 Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 2)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 2)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 Local Beaujolais Dinner and Old Town Discovery (Available on Day 3)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 5)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 Treasures of Provence (Available on Day 7)The prestigious name, the famous curved bottles and the connection to the papacy all mean that Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a wine region unlike any other. We’ll visit the vineyards and cellars at a favorite French Chateau Estate. Later, there’ll be plenty of wine to sample while we enjoy a traditional Provençal-style dinner!
Adult Price: €84 Montmartre Village and Artists' Square (Available on Day 8)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 Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations (Available on Day 8)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