French Heritage - Small Group
French Heritage - Small Group
French Heritage - Small Group
22 Days Starting and ending in Paris
Visiting: Paris, Dijon, Reims, Chamonix, Grenoble, Annecy, Nice, Monaco City, Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Arles, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Albi, Carcassonne, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac, Cahors, Lascaux, Rouen, Deauville, Arromanches-les-Bains, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Chateau de Rochecotte, Saumur, Angers, Azay-le-Rideau
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE326ZN20
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take a once in a lifetime adventure across France, playing petanque in Provence, wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 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 by local experts 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Pullman Paris Center Bercy.
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at Brasserie Bofinger, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Day 2: Champagne Region And On To Dijon
Location: Dijon, Reims, Paris
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey to historic Reims where an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architectural diversity of the city. Stop to savor a taste of champagne before traveling past the Champagne region en route to Dijon.
Day 3: Free Time In Dijon Relaxed Start
Location: Dijon
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.
Day 4: Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation: Alpina Eclectic Hotel Chamonix.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. Take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.
Day 5: Lakeside Annecy And Grenoble Relaxed Start
Location: Grenoble, Annecy, Chamonix
Accommodation: Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: The French Riviera To Reach Nice
Location: Grenoble, Nice
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?
Day 7: Monaco And The Côte D’Azur
Location: Monaco City, Nice, Nice
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your Travel Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbor. Your exploration continues as you visit inside Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hilltop Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?
Day 8: Picturesque Provence
Location: Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Nice
Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.
Day 9: Avignon And Pont Du Gard
Location: Aix-en-Provence, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh. After, journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.
Day 10: Carcassonne And To Albi
Location: Aix-en-Provence, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Albi, Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Chateau De Luc, for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 11: Free Time In Albi
Location: Albi
Accommodation: Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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: Albi, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac, Cahors
Accommodation: Hotel Le Perigord
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain.
Day 13: Exploring The Dordogne Valley
Location: Lascaux, La Roque-Gageac
Accommodation: Hotel Le Perigord
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced.Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
Day 14: Paris, The City Of Light
Location: La Roque-Gageac, Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Day 15: Romantic Capital On The Seine
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Today enjoy an Insight Choice experience. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious highlight dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.
Day 16: Rouen, Honfleur And Deauville
Location: Rouen, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel 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 commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Day 17: Normandy Beaches And D-Day Landings
Location: Deauville, Arromanches-les-Bains, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach
Accommodation: Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Day 18: Mont Saint-Michel And Saint-Malo
Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Deauville, Saint-Malo
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through Bocage country for an exploration of the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. The abbey stands on an island and is reached by a causeway across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town - it's one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, to the cathedral, the burial place of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?
Day 19: Villandry Experience
Location: Chateau de Rochecotte, Saint-Malo, Saumur, Angers
Accommodation: Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages, and purple basil grown organically to regenerate the local ecosystem. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings.
Day 20: Scenic Drive Along The Loire Valley
Location: Chateau de Rochecotte, Azay-le-Rideau
Accommodation: Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your own superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.
Day 21: La Beauce And Chartres To Paris, City Of Light
Location: Paris, Chateau de Rochecotte
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Traveling through the vast wheat fields of the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight. From here, return to the French capital. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, 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 along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport.
Check out our Q&As
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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
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Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 16, 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