French Heritage
French Heritage
$10050
Tour Overview
Take a once in a lifetime adventure across France, playing petanque in Provence, wine tasting in Chateau Le Luc, and jet-setting with the rich and famous on the French Riviera in Nice. This indulgent Tour de France showcases the famous bubbles of the Champagne region, the mustard making city of Dijon and the endless vineyards of Burgundy. The sights, tastes and tours are carefully curated at every stop across France starting in Paris, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience. From an ascent into the Alps to the fashionista ski resort of Chamonix to the stunning Mont St Michel abbey near Deauville, the itinerary doesn't miss a beat. In Saint-Malo, the City of the Corsairs—navigate the maze of medieval streets, humming with local markets and cubby hole cocktail bars. ...more ...less
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
- Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
- Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in the heart of the Old Town.
Top Rated Highlights
- Relax and enjoy the scenery of the French countryside as you travel through Burgundy, the High Alps, along the Route Napoleon and French Riviera, past Cote d'Azur, Avignon, the Languedoc Region, through the Dordogne Valley, along the River Seine and through Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley.
- Dijon: Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
- Chamonix: Explore the city's charming streets set against a backdrop of the stunning French Alps.
- Annecy: Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.
- Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Eze: Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.
- Monaco City: Drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour.
- Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.
- Aix-en-Provence: See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.
- Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Gardon River, a true marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the Pont du Gard stands as a testament to Roman ingenuity.
- Avignon: Once the seat of papal power, Avignon is a city steeped in history and charm. View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe.
- Cite de Carcassone: Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Albi: This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.
- Paris: See famous landmarks, including Pont Alexandre III, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Rouen: See the cathedral, the Great Clock, the Old Market square and Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
- Honfleur: See this charming fishing town.
- Omaha Beach: Follow the route of the Rangers, visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial.
- Omaha Beach: With a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel. Cross the causeway for a guided tour with your Local Expert through the maze of halls and vaults of the abbey.
- Saint-Malo: Visit the labyrinthine streets to arrive at the cathedral. Later, enjoy the chance to walk along the fortifications and explore the city's nightlife at your leisure.
- Angers: See the imposing château.
- Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau: Visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and admire this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley with your Local Expert.
Make Travel Matter
Avignon: Supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, meet owners Jean-Benoît and Catherine at their organic olive mill, where sustainable farming promotes biodiversity. Explore the groves, learn about eco-friendly cultivation and taste exceptional oils of the highest quality.
Loire Valley: Discover the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry. Now a hub for sustainability, preserving the estate's biological diversity, learn about the a sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil grown organically to regenerate the local ecosystem. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 15: Life on Land.
Authentic Dining
Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
Troyes: Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a tasting of renowned Champagne wine.
Grenoble: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.
Cahors: See the Pont Valentré as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.
La Roque-Gageac: Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
Paris: Rendez-vous with your fellow travellers at a typical French bistro for a rousing dinner with wine. Bon Appetit!
Saumur: Learn about local grape varieties and regional wine-making traditions as you sample wines of the Loire Valley.
Insight Choice
Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum.
Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in the heart of the Old Town.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Pullman Paris Center Bercy.
Accommodation Name: Grand Chicago
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers to the hotel leave terminal 2F. Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Day 2: Champagne Region and on to Dijon
Location: Champagne Region, Dijon
Accommodation: Hotel, Grand Dijon La Cloche Dijon.
Accommodation Name: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the Champagne region. Stop to savour a taste of Champagne, for which this region is world-famous. Arrive in Burgundy and continue to Dijon, the region's elegant capital.
Day 3: Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start
Location: Dijon, Beaune
Accommodation: Hotel, Grand Dijon La Cloche Dijon.
Accommodation Name: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your day at leisure, perhaps visit the wine capital of Beaune?
Day 4: Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation: Hotel, Alpina Eclectic Chamonix.
Accommodation Name: Alpina Eclectic Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel into the high Alps to the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix.
Day 5: Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble Relaxed Start
Location: Annecy, Grenoble
Accommodation: Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery.
Accommodation Name: Le Grand, BW Premier Collection
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a beautiful journey to Annecy. Enjoy free time for lunch. This evening, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: The French Riviera to reach Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Hotel, Radisson Blu Nice.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort town of Nice.
Day 7: Nice and the Principality of Monaco
Location: Nice, Monaco
Accommodation: Hotel, Radisson Blu Nice.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco. Enjoy an Insight Choice experience with a visit to the Oceanographic Museum or Royal Palace of Monaco.
Day 8: Picturesque Provence
Location: Saint-Paul de Vence, Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Hotel, Aquabella & Spa Aix-en-Provence.
Accommodation Name: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the winding streets of Saint-Paul de Vence before taking a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Your day concludes in Aix-en-Provence.
Day 9: Avignon and Pont du Gard
Location: Pont du Gard, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Hotel, Aquabella & Spa Aix-en-Provence.
Accommodation Name: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Marvel at the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring the storied streets of Avignon, home to the seat of the Pope and Christianity in the 14th century. Move on to a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a local olive estate, where you’ll stroll through scenic groves. Learn about sustainable olive oil production from tree to table and indulge in a tasting of artisanal oils where you’ll learn to differentiate the rich palette of aromas, colours and textures. Return to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence for a free evening to relax and unwind or explore the city’s vibrant cafes and boutiques.
Day 10: Carcassonne and to Albi
Location: Château De Luc, Carcassonne, Albi
Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine Albi.
Accommodation Name: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Château De Luc, for a wine tasting and your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore Carcassonne and on to Albi.
Day 11: Free Time in Albi
Location: Albi
Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine Albi.
Accommodation Name: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening enjoy a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Cahors and Rocamadour Relaxed Start
Location: Cahors, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac
Accommodation: Hotel, Le Perigord
Accommodation Name: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sample some local Dordogne specialities when you visit the market at Cahors, famous for its black wine. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Day 13: Dordogne Valley and Paris
Location: Lascaux II, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel, Le Perigord
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Lascaux II, the world-renowned site of pre-historic cave paintings. Stop in Sarlat-la-Canéda before arriving in Paris. Luxuriate in the charm of the City of Light as you savour French cuisine and regional wine at dinner.
Day 14: Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville
Location: Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile Paris.
Accommodation Name: Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church memorialises the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and wander along the harbour or stroll through the colourful streets. Close by, visit a family owned apple farm for apple juice, cider and calvados tasting. Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Day 15: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings
Location: Deauville, Omaha Beach, Arromanches-les-Bains, Gold Beach
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile Paris.
Accommodation Name: Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice.
Day 16: Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo
Accommodation: Hotel, Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf Deauville.
Accommodation Name: Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo.
Day 17: Villandry Experience
Location: Angers, Saumur, Château de Villandry
Accommodation: Hotel, Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf Deauville.
Accommodation Name: Château De La Bourdaisière
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the valley of the Loire to Angers. After wine tasting in Saumur head to Château de Villandry to visit the sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Continue to your very own castle hotel.
Day 18: Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley
Location: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde St Malo.
Accommodation Name: Château De La Bourdaisière
Meals Included: Dinner
Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the world's best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Return to your château for relaxation.
Day 19: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light
Location: Chartres Cathedral, Paris
Accommodation: Château De Rochecotte Saint Patrice Loire Valley.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Chartres Cathedral. From here, return to the French capital. The City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. Don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Day 20: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Château De Rochecotte Saint Patrice Loire Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.
Day 21: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light
Location: Chartres, Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile Paris or similar.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Chartres Cathedral. From here, return to the French capital. The City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. Don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Day 22: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 9 dinners with wine and 21 breakfasts.
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Guided Tours
Personal radio headsets are provided for guided tours, allowing you to hear your Local Expert's commentary clearly.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips at hotels and restaurants are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping or currency exchange.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as wine tastings, traditional dinners, and cabaret shows are not included and can be purchased separately.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers for flights outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and must be arranged separately.
Dining Summary
Additional Included Highlights
Insight Experiences
Well-being
Summary
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer are also available on the coach.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 9 dinners with wine and 21 breakfasts. Additionally, there are opportunities for authentic dining experiences in various locations.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at luxurious hotels such as the Pullman Paris Center Bercy, Grand Dijon La Cloche, Alpina Eclectic Chamonix, and Radisson Blu Nice. Other accommodations include the Aquabella Hotel & Spa in Aix-en-Provence and the historic Chateau de la Bourdaisiere in the Loire Valley. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences such as wine tastings, traditional dinners, and cabaret shows that can be purchased separately.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Monaco?
In Monaco, you can admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace, visit the Oceanographic Museum, enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit, and explore Monaco Cathedral.
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What unique experiences does the tour offer in the Loire Valley?
In the Loire Valley, the tour offers a visit to the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry, where you can learn about the preservation of biological diversity and sustainable gardening practices.
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Is luggage handling included in the tour?
Yes, luggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience included in the tour?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience includes a visit to the Fabre family winery in Luc-sur-Orbieu, where you learn about the production of biodynamic wines and the family's commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Saturday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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 insight vacations 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
French Heritage
22 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Champagne Region, Dijon, Beaune, Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble, Nice, Monaco, Saint-Paul de Vence, Aix-en-Provence, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Château De Luc, Carcassonne, Albi, Cahors, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac, Lascaux II, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Omaha Beach, Arromanches-les-Bains, Gold Beach, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Angers, Saumur, Château de Villandry, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Chartres Cathedral, Chartres ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E326ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
24 - 40
Age range:
5-99
