Best of France

Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Paris, the storied City of Lights that has inspired many artists and poets throughout history. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your local leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. If you arrive early, it’s highly recommended you start exploring. Maybe go for a stroll along the Seine or stop in at a cafe for a classic French pastry – pain au chocolat, anyone? After tonight’s meeting, you’ll have a welcome dinner with your group at Le Reflet – a restaurant run in partnership with Intrepid Foundation partner Les Extraordinaires, which works to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in mainstream workplaces. Get your first taste of typical French fare made with fresh, seasonal produce and raise a glass to the start of an incredible adventure.

After breakfast, say ‘a bientot’ to Paris and begin your train journey east, headed to Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region. Renowned for producing some of France' best wines, Burgundy is filled with historic towns and beautiful vistas of rolling vineyards. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get the lay of the land. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might like to wander the streets, relax at a cafe, nibble on gougeres (delicate choux pastries with gruyere cheese) with a glass of wine or seek out a dinner spot where you can get stuck into the region’s culinary delights – ask your leader for advice on where to find popular local specialties like beef bourguignon (a rich stew of beef braised in red wine and aromatic herbs), coq au vin (chicken and vegetables slow-cooked in red wine) or escargots a la bourguignonne (snails cooked with butter, garlic and parsley).

Today is all about savouring the rich flavours and unforgettable landscapes of France. Take a private transfer to a Burgundy winery where a passionate vigneron (winegrower) will share the traditions and techniques behind his craft. Burgundy wines are globally renowned for their complexity and elegance, and you’ll get to sample some of the finest local drops around. Paired with a traditional lunch and the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding vineyards, this winery visit will be a feast for the senses. This afternoon, continue to Annecy. This alpine town is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Alps’, and it won’t take long for you to see why. See the winding canals spilling out onto the strikingly blue lake, fringed by mountains. The town itself is painted in pastel colours, with its old stone streets connected by charming bridges. Settle into your accommodation this evening before a full day of exploring Annecy tomorrow.

Get to know Annecy on an orientation walk with your leader this morning. You’ll explore the fascinating Vieille Ville (Old Town), stroll along the canals and spot monuments like the Chateau d’Annecy and the Palais de l’Ile – a 12th-century palace that sits on a rocky island in the middle of the Thiou River. Soak up the gorgeous Lake Annecy scenery – the exceptionally clear waters here are the result of a highly successful clean-up of the lake that began in the 1950s, after the lake suffered significant pollution. Today, Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. During your walk, you’ll make a stop at a fromagerie to sample an important (and beloved) part of the French culinary tradition – cheese! Eight Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses are produced around Lake Annecy, including soft cheeses like reblochon and chevrotin, semi-hard cheeses like abondance and hard cheeses like beaufort. The rest of your day is free. Maybe soak up the beautiful surroundings by renting a bike to cycle around the lake, take a paddle-boat ride or, if the weather’s right, go for a swim.

Leave the Alps and begin your journey south to the sunny region of Provence. Along the way, visit the town of Sisteron, known as the ‘Gateway to Provence’. Set between mountains and the Durance River, this small town's highlight is its impressive citadel, which dates back to the 13th century and sprawls over more than 10 hectares. Perched on a distinctive limestone ridge overlooking the town, the castle was badly damaged in the 1940s but has since been well restored. You’ll have some free time in town for lunch – Sisteron is famous for its lamb. Then, continue to the town of Greoux-les-Bains. Set on the banks of the Verdon River, this town is full of lively markets, medieval buildings and typical Provencal architecture. It’s also known for its thermal hot springs and spas. When you arrive, your leader will guide you on an orientation walk through town. Tonight, why not gather your group for dinner. Your leader will have all the best local recommendations.

After breakfast, leave Greoux-les-Bains and travel through the Verdon Regional Natural Park, full of picturesque lavender fields, lakes and gorges. Arrive in the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, tucked beneath limestone cliffs, where you’ll take a walk through the winding streets lined with traditional Provencal homes. Continue to the shores of the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Pont du Galetas – your gateway to the Gorges du Verdon. This beautiful canyon is the largest in Europe. Follow the Route des Cretes, which offers dramatic views over the cliffs, deep ravines and canyon below. You’ll stop in the town of Castellane, located at the entrance to the canyon. Join your leader for a stroll through the town centre, then you’ll have some time for lunch. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Nice – the capital of the French Riviera, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Take an orientation walk through the historic centre to see the colourful streets lined with Baroque churches and landmarks like Cours Saleya, famous for its flower and food markets. The rest of your evening is free – how about a seaside stroll or dinner along the promenade?

Embrace a free day to experience Nice however you’d like. You could head out on a daytrip to Cannes, home to the famous film festival, or take a half-day trip to the medieval hilltop village of Eze. The town’s vaulted, narrow streets are filled with art galleries and workshops to explore, and the town is crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle. Monaco, Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez are also popular daytrip options. Back in Nice, you could browse the boutiques in the Old Town, visit the Matisse Museum or kick back on one of the many beaches. You could also take a food tour to try some regional produce and learn about Nicoise culinary traditions. This evening, join your group for a farewell aperitivo where you’ll try pastis – a popular pre-dinner drink – paired with a snack of socca (a flatbread made from chickpea flour that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside). Here's to an incredible adventure!