Operated by Collette

France Magnifique

From

CAD 5,599

Duration

12 days

Countries

France

Activity

active

Rating

4.5 · 70 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Bask in the rich culture and romance of fascinating France on a tour that explores captivating Paris, picturesque Provence, historic Normandy and breathtaking Le Mont St. Michel. Delight in a 2-night stay in a stunning, renovated French abbey in the UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley. Relish a tour of two of the Loire Valley’s most famous castles – Château du Chenonceau and Château du Clos Luce. Sip wine during a tour of a well-known winery in the medieval town of Chinon. Come to know the enchanting medieval walled city of Avignon during a walking tour and visit to the 14th-century papal palace. Discover and typical French market and learn about the lavender of Provence. Exciting experiences like a high-speed train ride through the French countryside and a spectacular evening river cruise on the Seine bring to life the joie de vivre of this fabulous country.

At a glance

Duration

12 days

Route

→

Countries

France

Activity level

active

Style

Culture & History, Food & Drink, Rail Journeys

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Ask an agent

Day by day

Your journey through

France

Day 1Overnight FlightEmbark on your tour through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture, and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.

Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.

Overnight Flight

Embark on your tour through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture, and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.

Day 2Paris, France - VersaillesBienvenue en France, and to charming Versailles. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Celebrate the beginning of your tour with a savoury French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.

Bienvenue en France, and to charming Versailles. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Celebrate the beginning of your tour with a savoury French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.

Day 3Versailles - Royal Palace and GardensStart your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide will lead you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon, your exploration continues in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.**

Versailles

Start your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide will lead you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon, your exploration continues in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.**

Day 4Versailles - Giverny* - CaenJourney into Normandy and let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to Monet’s countryside home at Giverny.* Stroll through the colourful living work of art that is Monet’s Garden, where you’ll see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.

Versailles

Journey into Normandy and let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to Monet’s countryside home at Giverny.* Stroll through the colourful living work of art that is Monet’s Garden, where you’ll see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.

Day 5Caen - Normandy American Cemetery - Arromanches - CaenThis morning, the exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites starts with a walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial. See where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Then, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Centre. See the Stars and Stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy and stop at Omaha Beach. Next, make your way to Arromanches-les-Bain and see the impressive concrete blocks remaining from Mulberry Harbour, the artificial port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. Then, return to Caen.

Caen

This morning, the exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites starts with a walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial. See where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Then, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Centre. See the Stars and Stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy and stop at Omaha Beach. Next, make your way to Arromanches-les-Bain and see the impressive concrete blocks remaining from Mulberry Harbour, the artificial port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. Then, return to Caen.

Day 6Caen - Bayeux - Saint-MaloThis morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition. Then, visit a local farm for a stroll through their apple orchards and a taste of their traditional cider. Afterward, enjoy some time in Bayeux to wander through its well-preserved medieval streets and get lunch on your own. Next, it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself among the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.

Caen

This morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition. Then, visit a local farm for a stroll through their apple orchards and a taste of their traditional cider. Afterward, enjoy some time in Bayeux to wander through its well-preserved medieval streets and get lunch on your own. Next, it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself among the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.

Day 7Saint-Malo - Le Mont St. Michel - Saint-MaloTravel to Le Mont St. Michel*** (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

Aerial shot of a historic cathedral amidst the urban landscape of Paris, France.

Saint

Travel to Le Mont St. Michel*** (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

Day 8Saint-Malo - Chinon - Loire ValleyJourney south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers, and local products, and take time to enjoy lunch along the banks of the Vienne River. Next, tour a local winery and discover some of the Loire Valley’s best wines. This afternoon, feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château’s charming terrace. This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château.

Saint

Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers, and local products, and take time to enjoy lunch along the banks of the Vienne River. Next, tour a local winery and discover some of the Loire Valley’s best wines. This afternoon, feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château’s charming terrace. This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château.

Day 9Loire Valley - Chenonceau - Amboise - Tours - Loire ValleyExplore the spectacular Château de Chenonceau at your own pace. As you wander through the château, you'll discover its rich history and admire the exquisite art and furniture collections. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, this romantic castle is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque centre of Amboise. Enjoy some free time for exploring before reaching Tours, where a local expert will introduce you to the stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals.

Majestic view of Sully-sur-Loire Castle reflecting in the moat under blue skies.

Loire Valley

Explore the spectacular Château de Chenonceau at your own pace. As you wander through the château, you'll discover its rich history and admire the exquisite art and furniture collections. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, this romantic castle is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque centre of Amboise. Enjoy some free time for exploring before reaching Tours, where a local expert will introduce you to the stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals.

Day 10Loire Valley - ParisTravel the French countryside to France’s capital, the City of Light – Paris. Pause for lunch at a modern bistro, before gliding under romantic bridges during a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Take in the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis peeking at you from the banks of the Seine (UNESCO). As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening at leisure in this incredibly walkable, world-famous city. Perhaps you will enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Stunning view of Château de Chaumont with lush gardens, a renowned French landmark.

Loire Valley

Travel the French countryside to France’s capital, the City of Light – Paris. Pause for lunch at a modern bistro, before gliding under romantic bridges during a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Take in the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis peeking at you from the banks of the Seine (UNESCO). As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening at leisure in this incredibly walkable, world-famous city. Perhaps you will enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Day 11ParisThis morning, it's your choice! See the iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic tour, including the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées, complete with a Parisian treat of macarons -OR- hop on Le Métro to Montmartre to explore the hilltop neighborhood’s charming streets, finishing at a cozy café for a delightful tasting. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story in romantic Paris. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your French tour during an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Light.

Breathtaking aerial view of Ljubljana cityscape featuring iconic red roofs, lush greenery, and distant mountains.

Paris

This morning, it's your choice! See the iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic tour, including the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées, complete with a Parisian treat of macarons -OR- hop on Le Métro to Montmartre to explore the hilltop neighborhood’s charming streets, finishing at a cozy café for a delightful tasting. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story in romantic Paris. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your French tour during an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Light.