Wonderful France
Wonderful France
Wonderful France
9 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Lyon, Monaco, French Riviera, Saint-Tropez, Avignon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FWOFZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Wonderful France" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of France and Monaco. Begin in the romantic city of Paris, exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. Travel through the picturesque Burgundy wine region to Lyon, and continue to the glamorous French Riviera, with stops in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. Discover the ancient Roman heritage in Arles and the stunning Pont du Gard. Enjoy unique experiences such as a traditional meal in Avignon and a sustainable dining experience in Paris. Travel in comfort with luxury transportation, including a scenic TGV train ride from Avignon to Paris. Stay in carefully selected hotels and savor delicious local cuisine, making this an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bonjour France
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Renaissance La Défense
Meals Included: Dinner
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 Welcome Reception. We 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 splendor for you to admire.
Day 2: Discover The Delights Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Renaissance La Défense
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 neighborhoods. 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.
Day 3: Journey Through Burgundy To Lyon
Location: Lyon
Accommodation Name: Charlemagne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colorful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavors in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Day 4: Continue To Monaco And The French Riviera
Location: Monaco
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Center Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for lunch and perhaps a taste of the sweet flavors of calissons. Continue to the glamorous Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest and wealthiest nations on earth. View the palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. Enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner together in Monaco before traveling further along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 5: The French Riviera Your Way
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Center Vieux
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: On To Saint-Tropez, Arles And Avignon
Location: Saint-Tropez
Accommodation Name: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We arrive by boat in glitzy Saint-Tropez for a morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surroundings. This afternoon journey to the ancient city of Arles to admire its Roman theater and arena - once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of this town where he was inspired to produce more than 300 paintings and drawings. Later, journey to Western Europe’s largest river delta region - the Camargue. Here we will Connect With Locals for a home cooked Be My Guest experience of regional dishes made with produce from local farmers and markets. Later, we make our way to Avignon where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 7: Explore Ancient History In Pont Du Gard And Avignon Connect With Locals
Location: Avignon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit the impressive Pont du Gard – an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge to cross the river Gardon. It's arches of stone, still standing since the 1st century AD when it was originally built to take water to the Roman settlement of the present day city of Nîmes. Take time in Avignon to explore its impressive Old Town, once the seat of the Papacy. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the French song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon.
Day 8: Travel By High-Speed Train To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Evergreen Laurel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Maison Plisson celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during a Farewell Dinner and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that advances Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Day 9: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris
Travel by TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the base price.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a TGV Express train journey between Avignon and Paris.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Avignon?
In Avignon, the 'Be My Guest' experience involves joining Patrick at his home to enjoy a traditional meal made from local produce.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Paris?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Paris includes dining at Maison Plisson, where you enjoy market-fresh produce and seasonal flavors. This experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption by ensuring healthy and sustainable menus with minimal food waste.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include exploring Paris and Arles, discovering Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco, and Avignon, visiting Pont du Gard, viewing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of the Popes, and a scenic train ride from Avignon to Paris.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including Renaissance Paris La Défense, Hotel Charlemagne Lyon, Novotel Nice Center Vieux Nice, and Mercure Pont d'Avignon Center Hotel.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, with a total of 4 dinners and 8 breakfasts.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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