Wonderful France
Wonderful France
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Wonderful France" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of France and Monaco. Begin in the romantic city of Paris, exploring its iconic sights and hidden gems with a Local Specialist. Travel through the picturesque Burgundy wine region to Lyon, and continue to the glamorous French Riviera, including a visit to Monaco. Experience the charm of Saint-Tropez and the ancient city of Arles, before enjoying a Be My Guest experience in Avignon. Marvel at the historic Pont du Gard and explore Avignon's medieval streets. Conclude your adventure with a high-speed train ride back to Paris, where a Farewell Dinner at Maison Plisson awaits, celebrating sustainable and responsible dining. Enjoy luxury accommodations, expert guidance, and unforgettable cultural experiences throughout this enriching tour. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bonjour France
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel, Renaissance La Défense
Accommodation Name: Renaissance La Défense
Meals Included: Dinner
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 splendour for you to admire.
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Day 2: Discover The Delights Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel, Renaissance La Défense
Accommodation Name: Renaissance La Défense
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 neighbourhoods. 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.
Day 3: Journey Through Burgundy To Lyon
Location: Lyon
Accommodation: Hotel, Charlemagne
Accommodation Name: Charlemagne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colourful 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 flavours in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Day 4: Continue To Monaco And The French Riviera
Location: Monaco
Accommodation: Hotel, Montaigne & Spa
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Centre Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for lunch and perhaps a taste of the sweet flavours 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 travelling further along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 5: The French Riviera Your Way
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation: Hotel, Montaigne & Spa
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Centre Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: On To Saint-Tropez, Arles And Avignon
Location: Avignon
Accommodation: Hotel, Mercure Pont d'Avignon
Accommodation Name: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 theatre 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 experience of 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.
Day 7: Explore Ancient History In Pont Du Gard And Avignon Connect With Locals
Location: Avignon
Accommodation: Hotel, Mercure Pont d'Avignon
Accommodation Name: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Travel By High-Speed Train To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel, Evergreen Laurel
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Laurel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris
A TGV Express train journey between Avignon and Paris is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour includes optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included.
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Visas
Visas and other government fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Optional Experiences
Costs of optional experiences are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Specific hotels include Renaissance Paris La Défense, Hotel Charlemagne Lyon, Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice, Mercure Pont d'Avignon Centre Hotel, Evergreen Laurel Hotel Paris.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a TGV Express train journey between Avignon and Paris.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including specific hotels like Renaissance Paris La Défense, Hotel Charlemagne Lyon, Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice, Mercure Pont d'Avignon Centre Hotel, and Evergreen Laurel Hotel Paris.
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Is there a local guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, as well as Local Specialists for certain city tours.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a Be My Guest experience in Avignon, a Farewell Dinner at Maison Plisson in Paris, and a guided tour of Arles with a Local Specialist.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as visiting the gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny and exploring Montmartre in Paris.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Paris, with pick-up and drop-off at Charles de Gaulle airport.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Wonderful France
9 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Lyon, Monaco, French Riviera, Avignon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FWOFZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours