La France
Admire the beauty of St. Malo, Dijon & Bordeaux
For those who want to see the best of France, this 14-night guided vacation is a perfect fit - and with a host of special experiences along the way!
What's Included
Transportation:
- Round-trip economy class air to and from Paris (CDG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- High-speed TGV train (first-class)
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
Accommodations as listed or similar:
- 2 nights in Paris at the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
- 1 night in Bayeux at the Novotel Bayeux Hotel
- 1 night in St. Malo at the Oceania Hotel
- 1 night in Blois at Mercure Blois Centre & Spa
- 2 nights in Bordeaux at the Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel
- 1 night in Lourdes at the Grand Gallia & Londres Hotel
- 1 night in Nimes at the Novotel Atria Nimes Centre Hotel
- 2 nights in Nice, France at the Marriott Riviera La Porte De Monaco Hotel
- 1 night in Lyon at the Alexander Park Hotel
- 1 night in Dijon at the Mercure Clemenceau Hotel
- 1 night in Paris at the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in itinerary, including:
- Paris, Honfleur & Deauville, Bayeux, Normandy Beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, St. Emilion, Biarritz, Lourdes, Carcassonne, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monte Carlo, Grasse, Lyon, Dijon
Other Inclusions:
- Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch with a drink; 8 three-course dinners with wine, including a special welcome dinner in Paris and special dinners in St. Malo and in Bordeaux
- Services of a Professional Travel Director; headsets throughout the tour
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
Great Ways to Explore
-
Paris, the capital of France, is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, erected as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.
- Don't miss a thing with a local guide taking you to all of Italy's highlights. Escorted tours ensure you see it all.
-
You will visit the Normandy Beaches, scene of the Allied Forces' landing on D-Day, June 6th, 1944.
-
Enjoy lovely accommodations throughout your vacation.
-
France is known for its culinary arts, you can find some of the best baguettes, macaroons, cheese and crepes in Paris.
This is the ideal vacation to explore the highlight cities and sights of France. Enjoy 2-night stays in Paris, Bordeaux, and Monte Carlo. Start with a special welcome dinner at a Parisian restaurant, followed by an orientation drive through the “City of Light.” Also visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Next, continue to Normandy and stop in the seaside resorts of picturesque Honfleur and elegant Deauville before arriving in Bayeux to admire Queen Matilda’s tapestry.
Continue via the landing beaches to Mont St. Michel to visit the Abbey, and to St. Malo, where a special dinner at La Table d’Henry restaurant awaits you. A scenic drive through Brittany brings you to the Loire Valley, to visit Catherine de Medici’s castle, lovely Chenonceau. Enter the Bordeaux area, savor dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at Château Soutard in St. Emilion.
Other highlights are the ancient fishing village of Biarritz; Lourdes with a visit to St. Bernadette’s grotto, and the memorable rosary and candlelight procession in the evening; medieval Carcassonne; Nimes; Aix-en-Provence; and Nice. Stay two nights in Monte Carlo. Hear about perfume making from a local expert at the famous Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse, then turn north and drive along the famous Route Napoleon to Chambéry. Explore Lyon, France’s second-largest city, and stay in Dijon, one of Burgundy’s prettiest cities. Finally, travel on the high-speed first-class TGV train back to Paris.
Note: In the rare event that the TGV train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided. May 9 Departure–will overnight in an alternative location.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Transportation:
- Round-trip economy class air to and from Paris (CDG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- High-speed TGV train (first-class)
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
Accommodations as listed or similar:
- 2 nights in Paris at the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
- 1 night in Bayeux at the Novotel Bayeux Hotel
- 1 night in St. Malo at the Oceania Hotel
- 1 night in Blois at Mercure Blois Centre & Spa
- 2 nights in Bordeaux at the Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel
- 1 night in Lourdes at the Grand Gallia & Londres Hotel
- 1 night in Nimes at the Novotel Atria Nimes Centre Hotel
- 2 nights in Nice, France at the Marriott Riviera La Porte De Monaco Hotel
- 1 night in Lyon at the Alexander Park Hotel
- 1 night in Dijon at the Mercure Clemenceau Hotel
- 1 night in Paris at the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in itinerary, including:
- Paris, Honfleur & Deauville, Bayeux, Normandy Beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, St. Emilion, Biarritz, Lourdes, Carcassonne, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monte Carlo, Grasse, Lyon, Dijon
Other Inclusions:
- Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch with a drink; 8 three-course dinners with wine, including a special welcome dinner in Paris and special dinners in St. Malo and in Bordeaux
- Services of a Professional Travel Director; headsets throughout the tour
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
-
Paris, the capital of France, is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, erected as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.
- Don't miss a thing with a local guide taking you to all of Italy's highlights. Escorted tours ensure you see it all.
-
You will visit the Normandy Beaches, scene of the Allied Forces' landing on D-Day, June 6th, 1944.
-
Enjoy lovely accommodations throughout your vacation.
-
France is known for its culinary arts, you can find some of the best baguettes, macaroons, cheese and crepes in Paris.
This is the ideal vacation to explore the highlight cities and sights of France. Enjoy 2-night stays in Paris, Bordeaux, and Monte Carlo. Start with a special welcome dinner at a Parisian restaurant, followed by an orientation drive through the “City of Light.” Also visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Next, continue to Normandy and stop in the seaside resorts of picturesque Honfleur and elegant Deauville before arriving in Bayeux to admire Queen Matilda’s tapestry.
Continue via the landing beaches to Mont St. Michel to visit the Abbey, and to St. Malo, where a special dinner at La Table d’Henry restaurant awaits you. A scenic drive through Brittany brings you to the Loire Valley, to visit Catherine de Medici’s castle, lovely Chenonceau. Enter the Bordeaux area, savor dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at Château Soutard in St. Emilion.
Other highlights are the ancient fishing village of Biarritz; Lourdes with a visit to St. Bernadette’s grotto, and the memorable rosary and candlelight procession in the evening; medieval Carcassonne; Nimes; Aix-en-Provence; and Nice. Stay two nights in Monte Carlo. Hear about perfume making from a local expert at the famous Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse, then turn north and drive along the famous Route Napoleon to Chambéry. Explore Lyon, France’s second-largest city, and stay in Dijon, one of Burgundy’s prettiest cities. Finally, travel on the high-speed first-class TGV train back to Paris.
Note: In the rare event that the TGV train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided. May 9 Departure–will overnight in an alternative location.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Paris!
At 6pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner with wine at one of Paris' lively restaurants. Then, enjoy an scenic drive to get a first impression of the City of Light. (Dinner)
Check-in - Paris Marriott Rive Gauche
With an ideal location along the Left Bank, simple access to the best of the Montparnasse, unparalleled convenience, and four glittering stars, the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche is a hotel that begs to be enjoyed. Rooms boast first-class amenities and select rooms offer mesmerizing views of the stunningly unique Paris cityscape. Guests can treat themselves to traditional French cuisine in the Rive Gauche's signature restaurant, R'Yves, as well as take a few laps through their fully equipped fitness center that features a separate room for classes, personal trainers, changing rooms with showers, and a treatment room.
With over 50,000 square feet of elegant, flexible venue space, as well as first class planning and catering services, the Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center can set the stage for a distinctive event, perfect for a business meeting or private event in the Montparnasse area. Providing multilingual receptionists, 24 hour concierge, and currency exchange, the Paris Mariott Rive Gauche also offers high speed Internet access in all areas of the hotel and a business center provides printing and ticketing services. For quick access, there is also a a convenience store, gift shop, and a take-away counter to grab a coffee or a snack on the go.
Day 2. Paris
Guided sightseeing features the highlights of Paris, like the Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, and Champs-Elysees. Visit the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and admire its Rose Window, and for a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Optional excursions are available to the impressive Palace and Gardens of Versailles, built by the Sun King, Louis XIV, as well as to the artists' hill of Montmartre, followed by a cruise on the beautiful Seine River. (Breakfast)
Day 3. Paris - Honfleur - Bayeux
A pleasant drive through the rural area west of Paris takes you to the picturesque town of Honfleur with its enclosed harbor. You will have time to explore both towns before heading to Bayeux, where you can admire Queen Matilda's Tapestry, depicting in extraordinary detail William the Conqueror's conquest of England. (Breakfast)
Check-in - Novotel Bayeux
The hotel offers a restaurant. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. 4 meeting rooms are available. This business-friendly hotel also offers an outdoor pool, gift shops/newsstands, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Complimentary parking is available on site.
Day 4. Bayeux - Normandy Beaches - Mont St. Michel - St. Malo
Along the Normandy Beaches, scene of the Allied Forces' landing on D-Day, June 6th, 1944, arrive at the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, spectacularly perched on a rocky isle in the Gulf of Saint Malo, and enjoy an included lunch. This evening, enjoy a special dinner with wine at La Table d'Henry restaurant, where you can try out regional specialties. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Check-in - Oceania Hotel
Modern hotel with multilingual staff; sits near the beach facing the ocean, 5 minutes from port.
Day 5. Loire Valley
Enjoy a scenic drive through Brittany to the Loire Valley for your overnight stay in Blois. This evening you may wish to sample traditional cuisine at a local restaurant. (Breakfast)
Check-in - Mercure Blois Centre & Spa
Three story hotel with restaurant and facilities for children is located in the city; 1 km from the railway station.
Day 6. Loire Valley - Chenonceau Castle - Bordeaux
Visit the 16th-century castle of Catherine de Medici, lovely Chenonceau, a fairytale castle with a moat, drawbridge, and towers. Continue to Bordeaux, and join your Tour Director for a walking tour through this pretty city on the Garonne River. Tonight, savor dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Mercure Chateau Chartrons
The hotel offers a restaurant. An Internet point is located on site and high-speed wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary. Business-related amenities at this 4-star property consist of a business center and audiovisual equipment. Event facilities include conference/meeting rooms and banquet facilities. This Victorian hotel also offers multilingual staff, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Day 7. Bordeaux - St. Emilion - Bordeaux
In the morning you can join an optional excursion to Arcachon. Situated at the southern entrance of the Atlantic Ocean, Arcachon Bay is crowned by Europe's largest sand dune, the Dune de Pyla. This afternoon, your highlight is a visit to St. Emilion, where an exclusive Wine Tasting at ChÉteau Soutard awaits you. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8. Bordeaux - Biarritz - Lourdes
A wonderful stop at the coast to visit Biarritz, an ancient fishing village turned trendy seaside resort. Continue to Lourdes, one of the world's most famous places of pilgrimage. Visit the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, and this evening, join the memorable rosary and candlelight procession. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Grand Gallia & Londres Hotel
Its rich past gives it the authentic character that has made its reputation. Its majestic architecture houses air-conditioned rooms beautifully decorated in Louis XVI style.
Day 9. Lourdes - Carcassonne - Nimes
You'll go from Lourdes to the beautifully preserved, medieval, walled town of Carcassonne for a leisurely walk on the ancient Battlements and time to explore the town on your own. Continue to Nimes for your overnight stay. Find out what both this city and Genoa, in Italy, have to do with jeans! (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Novotel Atria Nimes Centre Hotel
The Novotel Atria NImes Centre is located in the center of Nimes, a stone's throw from the train station. The hotel has 119 air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a patio, a car park and a conference center comprising a 410-seat auditorium and11 meeting rooms. This hotel is ideal for both business travel and stays as a couple or family due to its exceptional location close to the Arena of Nimes, mecca of artistic and cultural events.
Day 10. Nimes - Grasse - Nice
This morning, drive through the splendid city of Grasse, and visit the famous Fragonard Usine Historique, where an expert will give a lecture about perfume-making. Join your Tour Director for a walk along the Promenade des Anglais on your way to Nice, where you'll spend the next two nights. (Breakfast)
Check-in - Hotel Ellington Nice
Inspired by Duke Ellington and giving off a 1950s jazz vibe, the Hotel Ellington has recently been renovated and now features a 1920s style lounge, marble fireplace, and a black & white photo gallery of famous performers. Sitting in the excellent location of the center of Nice, the hotel is within walking distance of the beach, the Promenade des Anglais, the place Massena, and Promenade du Pallion Park.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and the rooms offer contemporary decour, flatscreen TVs, an electric kettle, a safety deposit bos, a minibar, a desk, and a private bathroom with a bath. free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Breakfast is served up buffet style every morning and can be taken out on the terrace upon request, where you can look out over Nice's Old Town.
Day 11. Nice
Browse through the elegant shops or you may wish to join an optional excursion to the famous artist town of St. Paul de Vence. (Breakfast)
Day 12. Nice - Aix-en-Provence, France - Lyon
Tour through one of the most elegant cities, Aix-en-Provence beforee taking a drive along the spectacular Route Napoleon through the French Alps past medieval towns to Lyon. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Best Western Alexander Park Hotel
Located in Chambery, historical capital of the Savoy region, this hotel is strategically situated close to the most important ski areas of Europe, the largest natural lake of France "The Bourget", Natural parks like the Chartreuse and the Bauges, and the National park of the Vanoise. Come, discover and enjoy everything the Alexander Park Hotel has for you.
Day 13. Lyon - Dijon
Leave the Alps and arrive in Lyon. Orientation features a panoramic view from Fourviere Hill with its basilica to enjoy a breath taking panorama of the city and its Roman ruins. Then, drive north into Burgundy, where road signs read like the wine list of an expensive restaurant. On to Dijon, which was the capital of Burgundy from the 11th to the 15th centuries. During your orientation, hear about the various dukes who ruled over the area, then have the rest of the afternoon to browse the shops and enjoy this charming city. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Mercure Clemenceau Hotel
7-story Hotel located near Congress Hall in city center.
Day 14. Dijon - Paris
Enjoy a ride on the high-speed TGV Train to Paris. Tonight, dinner and a lively cabaret show at one of Paris' nightclubs might just be the ticket! (Breakfast)
Day 15. Depart France
Depart France today from the Paris airport.
Fly home!
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