Grand Tour of France

Upon arrival in Paris, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Paris. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

After breakfast, this comprehensive Paris tour allows you to discover the attractions of Paris at your own pace. Whether it is shopping, dining, history, or romance that brought you to the city of lights, this tour will help you to discover your perfect Paris. Your pass allows you unlimited hop-On, hop-Off access over a one-day period. There are 4 routes and more than 50 stops to choose from on this wonderful tour. All 4 routes are interconnected, allowing you to switch between them easily.

Your day also includes a boat cruise on the Seine River. The Seine is the epicenter of Paris, flanked by the emblematic monuments of the French capital, making it a real essence of the city. The modern riverboat "Bateau Parisien," with accessible terraces and outdoor walkways, will take you on a smooth boat ride along the river. Enjoy the beautiful panorama on this one-hour cruise and learn about the city's secrets and fascinating history. An audio guide available in 14 languages will keep you entertained. Glide past the Notre Dame cathedral and under the famous Pont Neuf. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Orsay Museum, Grand Palais, Trocadero, Conciergerie, and many more.

With this 3-hour walking tour in Montmartre, you will visit some of the best bread and pastry shops in town! You will learn why the best baguettes are in Montmartre, taste some unusual bread such as squid ink/ curry baguette or blue cheese ficelle, some financiers or fruit tarts, and much more. In this tour, be sure to learn how to recognize a good shop from an industrial one or how to find the best croissant so that you won't make the mistake again! This tour will also be the occasion to discover the streets of Montmartre village, its grapevine, and mills, as well as its best restaurants and shops. As we don't like crowded itineraries, we will use a different way from Rue Caulaincourt to Rue des Abbesses, and try to stay off the beaten path!

Later in the day, take an introduction to the French cheese and wine experience as you visit a 17th-century cheese maturing cellar in the heart of Paris. You will learn the skill of tasting exceptional cheeses and pairing them with wonderful wines. Ooh, la la! Learn and enjoy the art of tasting and pairing exceptional cheeses with wines in a historic Parisian cellar - you will never taste cheese and wine like this again! This tasting includes seven types of cheeses, two glasses of wine, and a fresh baguette.

Say Au Revoir to the City of Light and take a private transfer to the airport or train station.

Upon arrival in Reims at the main train station, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Sacy, located just outside the city center of Reims. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Today you will drive through Champagne Avenue in Epernay, the unofficial capital of Champagne. Some of the most prestigious estates are based here (Pol Roger, Perrier Jouët, Mercier, Boizel, Moët & Chandon).

Visit Moët & Chandon, the most famous Champagne producer, discover the Champagne making process and taste some of the 150 year- old-cuvees "Brut Imperial". You will then discover the village of Hautvillers, the Champagne birthplace, and enter the church where the famous monk Dom Pérignon is buried. At a traditional Champagne House (Le Clos Corbie, you will get to train your nose to identify the different aromas and flavors that can be found in Champagne through an olfactory workshop.

You will be served with a traditional lunch which consists of homemade regional specialties paired with a variety of Champagnes. Appreciate the charming hillsides of Champagne and a peek-behind-the-scenes of a family-run boutique winery. Visit the traditional press, vat room, and cellar of this authentic Champagne grower. Stroll down the cool cellar corridors and glance at the immense quantity of bottles slowly maturing. Enjoy several tastings of their best-seller "cuvees" and find the best values of Champagne!

Today you will have a unique experience as you sip champagne and cruise in a lovely wooden boat from the '20s, the ideal way to visit champagne. Enjoy a private boat trip in a 1927 Dutch cruiser, a vintage vessel that is agile, comfortable, and fast. The front deck is raised to host a small living room, a kitchen, and a restroom.

Your local, knowledgeable skipper will take you where one of the great French rivers meets France's most celebrated wine. Sail along from one village to another according to your wishes. A serene and peaceful way to spend an afternoon and see the vineyards from a different angle as you discover the listed UNESCO World Heritage sites from an unexpected point of view. While cruising, you will be offered a bottle of champagne from a small winemaker of the valley.

Say goodbye to the Champagne region and take a private transfer to Reims train station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.

Upon arrival in Lyon at the main train station, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Lyon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

This gourmet tour passes through Lyon's most emblematic neighborhoods with stops to taste local specialties. Meet your guide by the Saint-Jean Cathedral. He is a specialist in culinary history, who will show you around the charming historical Lyon and point out the admirable traboules, sheltered medieval passageways. The first gourmet stop is at one of the best pastry shops in Lyon, where you will learn about how pralines are made. Of course, you'll get to taste them too! The popular pink sugar-coated almonds are a perfect dessert on their own but are also the base of a number of praline-based treats.

The tour continues on the other side of the Saône River, where the Bourgeoisie settled from the 17th century. The Presqu'île district has seemingly countless bouchons, traditional bistros found only in Lyon. Learn the history of the Mères Lyonnaises, or the mothers of Lyon, 19th-century middle-class women who worked outside their homes as cooks. They created brand new culinary traditions incorporating regional cooking.

A stop at one of the famous Chocolats Voisin stores to taste Coussin de Lyon is a must! This unique chocolate and marzipan dessert is shaped like the cushions used by Lyon's silk weavers. It has been a symbol of Lyon since the 1960s. Finally, visit the indoor Paul Bocuse Market, in the modern Part-Dieu district. This is the center of Lyon gastronomy that brings all of the region's fine products under one roof: charcuterie, cheese, quenelles, chocolate, wines, and much more. Products change based on seasonal availability, but no matter when you visit, it is a gourmet pleasure. Your tour ends at the "Halles Paul Bocuse".

At 9:00 am, your small group tour leaves Place Bellecour in Lyon to explore Beaujolais, considered France's prettiest wine region, and discover the unknown beauty of the Golden Stones Country. Cross several quaint medieval towns built in ochre-colored stones and see majestic castles. Visit the lovely picturesque village of Oingt and enjoy panoramic views of stunning landscapes with rolling hills dotted with vineyards. Then, get to know a family-owned winery and immerse yourself in their history, "terroir" and tradition, meeting the winemaker himself. Enjoy a private vineyards inspection, learn about the wine-making process as you taste several Beaujolais wines in a friendly atmosphere.

Stop for lunch in a Beaujolais restaurant serving typical Beaujolais regional cuisine (lunch not included). In the afternoon, discover the medieval town of Pérouges, a "must-see" attraction, also the set of the popular 3 Musketeers film! Walk along cobblestone streets and appreciate the architecture of ancient houses from the XIII to the XVI century. Learn about French history as you discover this unique part of France.

Say goodbye to the Bordeaux and take a private transfer to the train station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.

Upon arrival at Aix-en-Provence train station, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Cezanne or similar (3 nights).

Today, enjoy a full day, small group shared experience, and explore the Luberon massif's charming markets and villages. The order and stops in this itinerary change according to the daily markets, but no matter what day you join though, you will be assured of an authentic Provencal market experience. The itinerary will include a combination of these lovely villages and sites: Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the Abbey of Senanque, and Apt. Besides tasting local favorites, this tour engages all of your senses. From Rousillon's vibrant ochre-colored homes to the lavender fields in Senanque (mid-June to mid-July); from Gordes' medieval streets to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's gentle canals the area is stunning.

Market days are as follows: Gordes on Tuesdays, Roussillon on Thursdays, Lourmarin on Fridays, Apt on Saturdays, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Sundays

Take your time today to explore this lively city at your leisure. Stroll along the main boulevard, the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, dotted with historical buildings, restaurants, cafes, shops, markets, and more. Take in a theatre show or follow in the footsteps of Paul Cezanne, the day is yours to discover.

Say goodbye to the Nice and take a private transfer to the airport or train station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.

Upon arrival in Nice at the airport or train station, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Bordeaux. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Today you will discover Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais along the water or climb up to Castle Hill to admire the fantastic panorama and walk by the waterfalls and gardens. In the charming Cimiez neighborhood, known for the Marc Chagall and Matisse Museum, you will see the Excelsior Regina Palace, the winter house of Queen Victoria. This area was considered the Roman quarter of Nice with its ancient Roman amphitheater, baths, arena, and olive grove. You will also come across the Monastery of Cimiez and rose garden, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Place Massena, and the "square head" library. Back in the historical old town in the heart of Nice, visit the popular flower market, still one of the most famous markets in France which also sells fruits, vegetables, local delicacies and local crafts in the evening.

The first stop is the medieval village of Eze, one of the most picturesque sites of the French Riviera. Dating back from the Middle Ages, the village was built on top of the rocky outcrop for security reasons. The walls of the twelfth century were dismantled in 1706 by the order of Louis XIV. Today you can walk the cobbled streets and reach the top where you can find the exotic garden and the castle ruins. The view is amazing (427 meters high)! Just below the village is the famous Fragonard perfume factory. Then, drive to the small village of La Turbie, also called the "Monaco terrace" because of the panoramic view of the Principality of Monaco. Admire the ruins of an imposing monument (50 meters high) named the 'Trophy of the Alps, dedicated to Emperor Augustus, built-in 7 BC on the road that linked Italy to Cimiez. You will then reach the Principality of Monaco for the last stop of today.

Say goodbye to Nice and take a private transfer to the airport or train station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.

Upon arrival in Bordeaux at the main train station, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Bordeaux. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

You will start your day in the city center of Bordeaux nearby the cathedral at a bakery, where you can smell the flavors of the fresh bread just coming out of the oven and share this moment with the baker. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a canelé, the traditional sweet pastry from the area of Bordeaux. Your next stop is a "Tour de France of Cheese and Charcuterie" at a cheese store, where you will receive a detailed explanation of the production and character of famous cheeses and charcuterie.

Today you'll visit the charming village of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a historic city dating back to the 9th century. The village is located on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. Just outside of town, you'll get to sample the region's famous wines at a chateau that produces grand cru classé vintages. Walk through the vineyards and tour the cellars to learn about the winemaking process. The visit includes two tastings and is accompanied by hors d'oeuvres.

A picnic lunch is served at the chateau. Next, explore Médoc's famous Route des Chateaux and pass by legendary Bordeaux appellations. This specific terroir is known for its powerful reds. A visit is to an intimate estate. It's been owned and run by the same passionate family for generations. Walk in the vineyards, tour the traditional vat room, and learn the steps of a proper wine tasting in the cellars. You'll get to practice training your nose to identify wine aromas. The final visit of the day is to an estate that produces grand cru classé. Learn about winemaking from the grape through to the bottle. End the visit with a tasting paired with local specialties.

Say goodbye to the Bordeaux and take a private transfer to the train station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.

Upon arrival in Tours at St. Pierre des Corps railway station, meet your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Tours. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Tours and take you for a memorable walk to discover the interesting places of the city. Declared a "City of Art and History" more than 20 years ago, Tours stays true to its title boasting rich cultural and historical heritage dating back to the second century BC. During your walk, you will have the chance to stop and have an aperitif with local wine at a local producer. Finally, you will reach Place de la Cathedrale, which is a beautiful little square with two impressive religious landmarks. The first is the Cathedrale Saint-Gatien, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The second is the beautiful Cloitre de la Psalette, a cloister completed in the same architectural style as the cathedral. Your guide will take you inside the cathedral to explore the architecture and also share some stories and anecdotes about the area.

In the afternoon, you will get to visit two superb estates of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area! You will get to meet a genuine French winemaker in a charming family-run estate! Visit the traditional vat room where hundreds of barrels are lined up. During this visit, you will improve your knowledge regarding wine-making and of course winetasting! After this, your guide will drive you to a grand wine house situated just along the Loire River. All along the afternoon, you will get to know and understand better the diversity of Loire Valley wines. Your guide will help you to learn the different steps of wine-tasting and train your nose to identify many wine aromas. And before saying goodbye, you will get to share an aperitif with a stunning view.

Spend the day discovering the Loire Valley while visiting two of its most prestigious castles: the majestic Chateau de Chambord and stunning Chateau de Chenonceau. Chateau de Chambord is a glorious historic site that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience by sharing with you various facts and anecdotes about its history. We will stop for lunch off the beaten path, in a lovely and private Loire Valley chateau that was built by Jean le Breton. Start with a tour of this unique family château, where you will meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of peace and tranquility. Next, the Château de Chenonceau is the most visited historical monument in France after the Chateau de Versailles. You will get to admire this stunning château and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, take a stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens a la Francaise named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Medicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". After this memorable visit, your tour guide will share with you a delightful aperitif with local products in a secret spot with a magnificent view.

Say goodbye to the Loire Valley and take a private transfer to St Pierre des Corps railway station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.

Upon arrival at the Bayeux Train Station, you will be transferred to your hotel in Bayeux. A driver will be waiting for you at the end of the platform at the front of the train holding a sign with your name on it. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Today, your expert guide will take you back in time to the different emblematic places of Operation Overlord. Explore the D-Day landing beaches and gain insight into World War II history. Learn the names of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Your first stop will be the American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer, located on the top of the cliff overlooking the famous Omaha Beach. The cemetery is one of the largest American World War II cemeteries constructed on foreign soil.

Next is Omaha Beach, which is sadly renowned for the most devastating but glorious moment of the Normandy invasion, marking the beginning of the end of World War II. You will also get to see Pointe du Hoc. An ominous piece of land jutting into the English Channel. It provided an elevated vantage point from which large German guns with a range of 15 miles km (25 kilometers) could deliver fire upon both Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. The neutralization of these guns by the allied forces was the key to victory. Visit Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first French villages to be liberated. It is famous for a paratrooper who remained attached to the bell tower of the church. Close to the church stands the Airborne Museum. There, you will learn more about the role played by the paratroopers in Operation Overlord.

The final stop will be Utah Beach, the westernmost beach in the combat zone, where 23,200 American soldiers landed on D-Day.

You will depart from Bayeux for a day trip to visit one of the most popular and emblematic sites in France: Mont Saint-Michel and its bay, a unique place between sky and sea. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the distinctive characteristic of being built on a rocky islet, surrounded by a magnificent bay with the highest tides in continental Europe. Your expert guide will make you discover all aspects and reveal all the secrets of its famous abbey. From here, you will admire one of the most beautiful and largest bays in the world. Stroll through the maze of streets in the village.

Visit the Benedictine Abbey founded at the beginning of the 8th century. It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages, a jewel of Romanesque, Gothic and flamboyant arts: the cloister, the refectory, and its authentic garden overlooking the sea.

At the end of the visit, you will have free time to have lunch and fully enjoy Mont Saint-Michel for two hours before heading back to Bayeux.

Take a private transfer to the Bayeux train station to your onwards journey in France or beyond.