Overview
Itinerary
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 dinner. 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. (D) Stay: Renaissance La Défense
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. (B)
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. Continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where you'll 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. (B) Stay: Tribe Lyon Croix Rousse
Follow the Rhône Valley south to Aix-en-Provence, where you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace, perhaps sampling the city's famous calissons. Continue through Provence to the stylish Principality of Monaco, one of the world's smallest and wealthiest nations. See the royal palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and visit the cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier.
This evening, enjoy free time to dine as you wish, whether that's a relaxed bistro or a sea-view terrace. Later, travel along the coastline of the French Riviera to your hotel, where you'll stay for the next two nights. (B) Stay: Novotel Nice Centre Vieux
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. (B)
Travel by boat along the Côte d'Azur to Saint-Tropez, taking in views of the harbour and Mediterranean coastline. You'll get your bearings on an orientation of the old town, then enjoy free time to explore. Browse the shops, walk the narrow streets or stop at a local patisserie to try a slice of Tarte Tropézienne — a cream-filled brioche created in the town in the 1950s. This coastal spot has long drawn artists, locals and visitors alike.
Later, continue inland to Avignon, a Provençal city rich in history, where you'll stay for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Travel to the impressive Pont du Gard, the ancient Roman aqueduct that once carried water to the city of Nîmes. Take time to admire this feat of engineering before continuing to Arles, a city known for its Roman heritage and its influence on artist Vincent van Gogh. Join a Local Specialist for a tour of the city's highlights, including the Roman amphitheatre and the Cathedral of St. Trophime, both reminders of Arles' rich past. Enjoy a Be My Guest experience, joining your hosts for regional food and warm Provençal hospitality. (B/D)
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 a local restaurant celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during dinner together. (B/D) Stay: Occidental Paris Levallois
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Paris and Arles
- Discover Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco and Avignon
- Visit Pont du Gard
- View the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomph, and the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Place Bellecour and the Basilica of Notre Dame in Lyon, the Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon
- Cruise across to Saint-Tropez
- Scenic Train Ride from Avignon to Paris
Be My Guest
- Avignon: Join Patrick at his home "La Table a Rallonges" and enjoy traditional Avignon recipes made from local produce.
Iconic Experience
- Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- Beaune: Join your Travel Director for an orientation walk through Beaune's medieval centre. Pass wine shops, timber-framed buildings and lively market squares as you get a feel for this historic Burgundy town. Along the way, hear how wine, trade and tradition have shaped daily life in one of France's best-loved wine capitals.
- Monaco City: Bask in the stunning views on your Monaco Orientation.
- Saint-Tropez: Get your bearings on an orientation of Saint-Tropez with your Travel Director, taking in the old port, colourful facades and lively squares that once drew artists and actors to the Côte d'Azur.
- Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman aqueduct bridge of Pont du Gard, spanning the Gardon River.
- Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Arles: Admire the exquisite Romanesque Cathedral and Amphitheatre on your city tour of Arles, guided by a Local Specialist.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris.
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 4 Dinners (D)
- 8 Breakfasts (B)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Wonderful France' Reviews
Download Brochure
Trafalgar Europe (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
