Expect only the best on one of our favourite France trips, beginning and ending in Paris. Spend the night as a French lord or lady in an elegant Loire Valley château, be inspired like Cezanne was, by the beauty of Provence and visit the playground of Monaco.

 Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• $2000 flight credit per person
• 12 night Best of France guided tour with Trafalgar Paris return

Tour includes:

• 12 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
• Cherry picked hotels all tried and trusted
• Orientation tours with local guides
• Explore Carcassonne and Paris with a Local Specialist
• Visit the Hospices de Beaune, Château de Villandry, the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, Claude Monet's home at Giverny and the Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

 Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 15-27 September 2024, Alternative dates are available may incur surcharge

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: BONJOUR PARIS

All the flavours of France come to life on this unforgettable journey, which kicks off in Paris, the 'City of Light'. Spend your day strolling past its iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city.

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: JOURNEY THROUGH BURGUNDY TO LYON

We travel south to Burgundy and on to the medieval town of Beaune. On a visit to Hospices de Beaune admire the colourful geometric roof tiles of the 15th century. Next, we continue to Lyon, the gourmet capital of France. Consider spending your evening delving into the epicurean delights for which Lyon is justifiably famous. Why not wander up the city's narrow lanes lined with pastel pink and yellow façades in search of a cosy bouchon for a tasty dinner with newfound friends?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: ONWARDS TO AVIGNON, MONACO AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Today we journey to the city of Avignon at the heart of Provence. See the Papal Palace and the bridge made famous by the song - Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Continue through the Provençal countryside to Monaco. Upon arrival we'll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married, then in the evening we'll enjoy a Regional Dinner in Monaco before continuing along the Riviera to our hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: THE FRENCH RIVIERA YOUR WAY

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, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in this region. In your free time, soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: ADMIRE ARLES AND CONTINUE TO CARCASSONNE

Visit Arles with its honey-coloured façades, Roman ruins and Camargue culture, and enjoy some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert before winding your way to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES AND ON TO BIARRITZ

We drive toward the Pyrenees this morning and arrive in Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage. You will have an opportunity to see the Basilica, perched atop St. Bernadette's Grotto, where the young girl, turned saint, is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Then, travel west to the Basque Coast, where we spend the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: VENTURE TO BORDEAUX

This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience across the border into Spain to discover more about the Basque Country. Later, after journeying through Les Landes, we arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux, whose stunning Garonne riverfront and Age of Enlightenment history and architecture have made it one of France's most visited cities. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century and the biannual wine fair attracts buyers from all over the world. Spend some time seeing the sights during your orientation of the city.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: DISCOVER SCENIC DORDOGNE

The lush green valleys and hills of the Dordogne take centre stage today during a scenic half-day included excursion to Saint-Émilion, whose wine heritage dates back to Roman times. You will also have free time to explore Bordeaux and perhaps tease your taste buds with delicious Bordelaise cuisine or stroll through the city's historical centre admiring its beautiful architecture.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: EXPLORE A CHÂTEAU IN THE LOIRE VALLEY

Today we journey to the renowned Loire Valley, known as the 'Garden of France'. Along the way, we will stop to Connect with Locals over a light lunch and unique Be My Guest experience. Next, we Dive into Culture and visit the remarkable gardens at Château de Villandry where you will see an array of beautiful gardens; such as the Water Garden which is filled with spectacular ponds and fountains. Later, arrive at our special hotel for the night - one of Trafalgar's Stays with Stories.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: OFF TO MONT-SAINT-MICHEL AND THE NORMANDY BEACHES

We travel through the patchwork landscapes of Brittany, to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, where we visit the island town and view the impressive Norman Benedictine Abbey. Follow the Liberty Highway to St. Lô and on to Omaha Beach. Reflect on the bravery of the young men who sacrificed their lives for freedom and visit the D-Day Landing Zone to learn how the operation was planned and executed. Arrive later at your hotel where you dine tonight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: JOURNEY TO PARIS

We travel east towards Paris, stopping at Giverny to visit the house and gardens that once inspired Claude Monet's exquisite Impressionist works of art. This evening, consider a trip to one of the city's renowned cabarets.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: DISCOVER THE DELIGHTS OF PARIS

Join your Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris to see where the locals live and shop. Visit the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights on your terms. Enjoy a leisurely café au lait in quiet surrounds or consider an Optional Experience to the opulent Palace of Versailles. This evening, we celebrate an epic adventure with your Travel Director and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: FAREWELL PARIS

For now, it's time to bid a fond au revoir to the Best of France and your fellow travellers at the end of a magical and memorable holiday.

Included Meals: Breakfast