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Search 195 France tour operators and travel companies, with 3,202 reviews.

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France Reviews & Ratings

Christopher Postell

Highlights of France and Barcelona

This trip took the low road and tried to save money at the ...

Afsaneh Naghdchi

Very little was included in the tour. We didn't have any included tour of Paris and Barcelona, we had to pay ourselves for a hop-on hop-off tour while we were still ...

Not a good itinerary. Not enough sightseeing. Terrible choices of hotels specially in terrible locations. Not enough included sightseeing. Basically we spent hour...

Trusted Customer

Not enough time to see many places. The tour guide was not organized. Kept...

I found it utterly weird + frustrating that Trafalgar office staff did not tell me that the much-desired optional in Barcelona at the dancing ...

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Refined culture and deep history

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

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Destination Must-Sees

This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light." Renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire, one can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.

Sitting on the French Riviera, north of Cannes, is a town that is an olfactory oasis. Set in the hills, Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world. The town’s fields of jasmine, lavender, and other fragrant flowers are harvested to create essential oils for perfume production. Perfumers (known as a nez, or nose) in Grasse can teach you how to recognize different scents and how top notes, mid notes and the lingering base of a fragrance come together to create a magical aroma.

At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Discover a place that is just as you imagined with opulent architecture, stunning coastal panoramas, chic boutiques and ritzy cars. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.

A perfectly preserved medieval enclave of Roman origins, Avignon is set in the heart of France's Provence region on the banks of the Rhone River. For 68 years in the 14th century, Avignon was the capital of Christianity, the seat of 10 Popes before the papacy was brought back to Rome in 1377. Avignon has always been a center for art and culture, a designation that continues with its annual Arts Festival, hosting numerous stage productions, film showings, exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts, mime performances, ballets, and more.

Destination Must-Dos

Small-town touring:

Take a break from the City of Light and get a taste of old world France when spending time in countryside villages that look like they are plucked from a storybook. With many unique villages, each region has its own special qualities for you to experience. Travel through hilltops, rocky coasts and remarkable views while learning about the locals and their lifestyles.

Omaha Beach:

This was one of the beach sectors assigned to the American landing forces during the invasion of June 6, 1944. It was here that the U.S. First Division fought the bloodiest engagement on D-Day. Go through the towns that make up the sector: St-Laurent, Colleville and Vierville. Set foot on the beach and reflect on that fateful day and cherish the present peace. The American Military Cemetery stands up on the bluff as a testament to the greatest sacrifice that these Americans have made in the name of freedom.

Dinner at Eiffel Tower:

Put yourself in a scene from a movie; the lights of Paris glitter beneath you as you dine inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.

Cabaret Theatre performance:

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic side of Parisian culture when taking your seat at a traditional cabaret show. Colorful, crazy, glamourous and intriguing are all used when describing the excitement that is Parisian cabarets. Enjoy your meal while being entertained with a show or play in this festive atmosphere.

Expert Advice

In many places in France, wine costs less than water. Stay hydrated of course but this is also an affordable chance to try many different varieties of the best wine in the world.

Dinner at the Paradis Latin requires business casual attire; shorts are not allowed. This is your chance to get into the spirit of this exciting night.

The French eat lunch between noon and 2:30p.m. and dinner between 8-11p.m. Many restaurants close after lunch and do not open again until dinner time.

Featured Tours to France

Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

France Magnifique

Spotlight on Paris

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Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival

Memorials of World War II featuring the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing

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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in France 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in France. Below you will find 33 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in France offering in total 660 tours and holidays through-out France. Combined they have received 1748 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in France are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife & Adventure and sport.

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33 Tour Operators in France with 1,748 Reviews

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 1 hour

Insight Vacations

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 86%

• Address 30 N Gould St, Sheridan, WY, USA
• Response Rate 99%

• Response Rate 87%
• Response Time 2 hours

So Provence, So Alps!

• Address 2 rue de Beausset , MARSEILLE, France
• Response Rate 84%

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England

Walkers' Britain

• Address 1B Osiers Road, London, England
• Response Rate 83%

Go Go Tours - Privat Tours In Paris

• Address 20 Avenue Duquesne, Paris, France
• Response Rate 34%

Indus Travels

• Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
• Response Rate 98%

• Address Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, 600 North Bridge Road #06-06, Parkview Square, Singapore

• Address 22 Bis rue Emmanuel Philibert, Nice, France
• Response Rate 100%

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 95%

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There’s a reason France is the most visited country in the world. Actually, there are several.

The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The Pyrenees and Chamonix. Escargot and ratatouille. Champagne and croissants and berets and baguettes. Napoleon and Simone de Beauvoir and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Jazz bars and vineyards and lavender fields as far as the eye can see. ‘Un petit peu’ of this, ‘un petit peu’ of that. A balmy evening on the French Riviera, a morning frost on the fields of the Somme. French flags flying after the FIFA World Cup. Guillotines falling after the French Revolution. Chanel and Chandon and Versailles and Vuitton. Forget the museums; this country is a work of art.

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France at a glance

Capital city.

Paris (population approximately 2.1 million)

Approximately 67 million

(GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Learn more about France

Culture and customs.

What makes the French so, well, French? Is it the food? The wine? How about the art, the philosophy, the history, or the fierce passion often caricatured as arrogance? Whatever it is, it’s seduced Francophiles around the world for countless years and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

The French are lovers of life. They celebrate the ‘joie de vivre’, or joy of living, in every aspect of their day. Conversation should be meaningful; food should be rich and sumptuous; music should move you; art should change you.

Sure, there are the stereotypes of the French being rude, but you could be forgiven for your reluctance to speak English when you’re the most-visited country in the world. There are, after all, only so many times one can give directions to the Eiffel Tower. But sit down for dinner at a French person’s house and you’ll discover the opposite. France is a very liberal country and every topic is up for debate – dinner is just an entrée for the conversation.

Much of France’s reputation rests on romanticized images of Paris. Sitting at a cafe on the Ile-St-Louis with a piping-hot croissant and cafe au lait, for example, or watching sunset from the steps of Sacre Coeur. But travel through France and you’ll find an incredibly diverse and multicultural country that changes so much between regions, from Marseille’s cultural melting pot to Biarritz’s surfers to the hardy mountain folk of the Pyrenees and Alps. 

Every region and valley, every coastline and ridgeline and three-hour line for the Louvre, will offer up something different. But remember, there’s one thing that doesn’t change no matter where you go: the unwavering belief that there’s nothing better than being French.

History and government

After the conquest of the Gauls and the fall of Rome, the area we know as France was dominated by a tribe known as the Franks. They were headed up by a brutal man named Charlemagne, whose mission was to convert all of   Europe  to Christianity. After Charlemagne’s death his empire was split into three, with West Francia corresponding to the modern territory of France.

The Hundred Years’ War

West Francia, which was really a patchwork of territories run by the dukes, had institutional power more or less centralized in the 12th century. As time went on the tension between France and England grew until the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War, which actually lasted 116 years. Though France’s population was decimated during this period, thanks to both war and plague, it was also a formative time for the country’s national identity.

One of the key figures to come out of this long period of fighting was Joan of Arc, who is still a national hero in France. She was born in 1412, just after the Battle of Agincourt, during which the French were dominated by the English. As a young girl she heard the voices and saw visions of multiple saints, all of whom told her to go fight for Charles, the rightful king of France. At the age of 16 she traveled to his court to convince him of her mission and somehow did exactly that. She turned the tide of the war and in doing so was captured by the English and sentenced to death as a witch. Her ashes were scattered in the River Seine, but her story was never forgotten.

The French Revolution

Bad harvests, taxation, abject poverty and an unrestrained aristocracy sowed the seeds of the French Revolution in the 18th century. The Renaissance began in   Italy   and spread across Europe, ushering in the Age of Enlightenment, which spread the ideas of individual liberty, tolerance and the separation of church and state. In France, King Louis XVI had inherited a country in dire trouble but was still living it up at the Palace of Versailles. The peasants revolted and stormed the Bastille Prison – hence the national celebration of Bastille Day – and King Louis, along with Marie Antoinette, his queen, were captured and executed by guillotine. A decade of chaos ensued.

It was Napoleon, a military general, that took control of France following the revolution and established the Napoleonic Code, which has become the foundation for the development of most modern democracies. He embarked on military campaigns throughout Europe and was eventually defeated and exiled by the combined forces of   Russia   and Prussia, a northern state that would rise to power as a united Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The World Wars

The 20th century was a horrific time for France with   Germany   invading the country twice. France suffered huge casualties during both WWI and WW2, and by 1945 it was on its knees. Further conflicts followed in colonial territories across Africa and Asia, which led to an influx of migration to France. In Europe, governments were dealing with the fallout from WWII and making agreements to avoid another conflict, from which the European Union was born.

France is now a leading power both in Europe and globally after a huge post-war effort to rebuild the country. It has the third-largest economy in the EU and is one of the most modern countries in the world, continuing to value liberty, fraternity and equality. Recent years have seen issues arise with the Islamic extremism and the European refugee crisis, but the country continues to grow and remains a thriving destination for tourism.

Eating and drinking

The gastronomic pleasures of France are world-renowned, so travellers won’t be worried about going hungry. There’s something to suit every budget here, from Michelin-star restaurants to market stalls and everything in between, and it’s not just frog legs and snails that are on the menu.

There’s simply no better buy than a fresh, crusty baguette. Buy one for less than a euro from the nearest bakery and take it down to the nearest park or river. Apply butter liberally, fill with whatever you like and bite into France – c’est magnifique!

Pastries, cakes and tarts

French chefs set the global quality benchmark for pastries so there’s no feeling guilty when you sample the croissants, eclairs, crepes, macaroons and whatever else you can get your hands on. Find them at your local patisserie and don’t forget to say merci (or mercy, depending on how many you eat).

If you’re going to indulge in a little wine, there’s no better place than France. It is, after all, home to some of the most famous wine regions in the world: Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, Provence, Champagne. Whether you’re at the cellar door or on the restaurant floor (please, drink responsibly), there’s tasty tipple with your name on it.

When in France, right? From soft cheeses like brie and camembert to a hard, sharp Beaufort, it’s all on offer in France’s bountiful cheese shops and markets.

Beef Bourguignon

This beefy stew originates in Burgundy and is an example of a peasant dish now considered high-end cuisine. It’s prepared with beef braised in red wine and broth, flavoured with garlic, onions and mushrooms, and it’s absolutely perfect on a winter’s evening.

Geography and environment

Bordered by Spain,   Andorra , Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Belgium, France’s geography is as varied as its neighbors.  

In the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border with a   Spain . This mountain range rises over 11,100 feet (3400 meters) and stretches from the west coast to the east. It’s a hiker’s paradise in summer, with thousands of miles of hiking trails, and a haven for snow sports in the winter thanks to a huge number of ski resorts.

To the south-east, France borders the Mediterranean Sea all the way up to the Italian border. A large stretch of this area is what’s known as the French Riviera, which has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm weather, calm water and golden beaches.

Continue north along the Italian border and you’ll reach the French Alps, France’s other predominant mountain range. The Alps are home to Mont Blanc – France’s highest point – and form another natural border, this time with both Italy and Switzerland.

France’s central region is mostly rolling hills and fields, perfect for farming and producing wine. There are two main rivers, the Loire and the Rhone, with the Rhone running south from   Switzerland   through to the Mediterranean and the Loire running north and west to the Atlantic.

The west coast is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and sees a cooler climate than the east. The large Atlantic swells have brought surfers to the area for years with several international surfing competitions being held throughout the year.

Northern France, which is bordered by   Belgium , Luxembourg and Germany, remains relatively flat with grasslands, fields, forests and, of course, the capital of Paris. These northern areas suffered most during the wars, both because of their proximity to Germany and the landscape itself. This is where trench warfare was first employed, only possible because of the huge swathes of flat land.

Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Dior. Lacroix. Hermes. You want luxury? You got it. Paris has long been considered the fashion capital of the world and if that’s your bag, well, you’ll need some room in your bag after a stroll down the famous Champs-Elysees. France isn’t all high fashion though. Yes, the French are notoriously fashionable, but there’s plenty of shopping to be done for those that aren’t quite ready to step out on the catwalk.

Remember, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The United States and Canada generally have strict customs laws.

And you thought Paris was just about fashion? It also happens to be the fragrance capital of the world. There’s no better place to pick up a sensational scent than in one of the city’s many perfumeries, some of which have been trading for more than a century. It’s the perfect gift – or a subtle suggestion – for your friends and family back home.

Flea Markets

Parisian flea markets are a top spot to pick up a vintage bargain. From jewelry and purses to paintings and old-school electronics, you’re bound to find something unique or, at the very least, enjoy trying. Make Porte de Vanves and Porte de Saint-Ouen in Paris your first stops.

Village Markets

Regional French markets just ooze with charm and can be found all over the country. Peruse fresh produce, home-made jams, pickled vegetables, rich cheeses and summer flowers, or just soak up the provincial atmosphere and try your hand at having a chat with one of the locals.

France has been at the forefront of winemaking forever and there are plenty of high quality wines to be found at very decent prices. Just remember that French wines are named for their geographic origin rather than the grape. Take a Burgundy, for example: if it’s red it’s pinot noir, if it’s white it’s chardonnay. Do some research and reap the rewards.

Festivals and events

There are festivals happening all over France throughout the year. Whether you’re in the city or a small town, you can expect a lot of food, some phenomenal wine and plenty of music.

Bastille Day

The French National Day is celebrated on July 14 and commemorates the storming of the Bastille Prison during the French Revolution. It’s celebrated all over the country, but Paris is the place to be, with the city hosting parades, fireworks and the famous Firemen’s Balls, where the main station in each Parisian district throws open its doors for a huge ball lasting until 4 am. It’s a tradition that’s been happening for over 100 years.

Avignon Festival

Performers and art lovers from around the world descend on Avignon for this three-week celebration of performance art. Dance, theatre, comedy and musical performances feature on the bill, with everything from open-air classical concerts and sweeping operatic epics to spoken word poetry.

Tour de France

This is the world’s most iconic cycling competition. It lasts three weeks and was first held in 1903. Things are a little more high-tech now—back then, the cyclists didn’t have support vehicles, and they carried baguettes, wine and cheese for sustenance. They also had some phenomenal mustaches.

Nice Jazz Fest

The Nice Jazz Festival dates back to 1948 and is one of the oldest jazz festivals in   Europe . The first headliner was Louis Armstrong, and since then, a glut of phenomenal musicians have performed, including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Erykah Badu.

Roland Garros

Also known as the French Open, Roland Garros is one of tennis’s grand slams and the premier clay-court competition in the world. The biggest tennis stars in the world converge on the courts to slug it out, but Rafael Nadal will forever be the king.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Victory Day 1945

Ascension Day

Whit Monday

Assumption Day

All Saint's Day

Armistice Day

Please note that the dates of  France's public holidays  may vary.

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to France but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighboring locations:

• Switzerland

Or maybe you need help comparing countries? Check out our blog:

• France or Italy?

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your France adventure, check out these books:

• The Three Musketeers   – Alexandre Dumas
• Chocolat   – Joanne Harris
• The Hunchback of Notre-Dame   ­– Victor Hugo
• Dangerous Liaisons   – Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
• Suite Francaise   – Irene Nemirovsky
• A Year in Provence   – Peter Mayle
• How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style and Bad Habits   – Caroline de Maigret, Anne Berest, Sophie Mas, Audrey Diwan
• The House in France: A Memoir   – Gully Wells
• Marie Antoinette: The Journey –   Antonia Fraser
• Les Miserables   – Victor Hugo
• Me Talk Pretty One Day   – David Sedaris

France travel FAQs

When is the best time to visit france.

The best time to visit France depends on where you are planning to travel to.

The best time to visit Paris, in terms of sunshine and weather, is early summer and early autumn as the late summer can get quite hot. That said, the winter months are a dark albeit beautiful time to visit, like many European cities. The same applies for most of inland France.

If you’re heading to the east coast and the Mediterranean Sea, the best months are July and August as the sea breeze tends to keep the coast a little cooler than inland. There will, however, be more tourists than in the early summer or spring and autumn.

The mountains are best for skiing in February and March as the days are longer than in December and January, while the late spring, summer and early autumn are perfect for hiking.

The Atlantic areas of Brittany and Normandy are best experienced from June through August as they can get quite wet and cold outside of summer.

Is it safe to visit France?

Yes, it is still safe to visit France, though parts of the country have been affected by various issues of late.

Over the past 5–10 years France has been targeted by extremist groups. These attacks have received widespread global coverage and while they are shocking and saddening, they are also very infrequent. France is at no more risk of extremist violence than any other Western country, but travelers should exercise caution nevertheless and keep up-to-date with local news sources.

Much has also been made of the Yellow Vests Movement, which has spread around the country. These protests began in 2018 after an increase in fuel taxes and have morphed into a movement demanding economic reform and the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Though the protests have turned violent on several occasions, particularly in Paris, they are also easily avoided. The protests occur on Saturdays and the streets are shut down by police – travelers should check local news sources and avoid any trouble areas on Saturdays.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

France is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like France, for a total of less than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in France?

Most restaurants in France will include a service fee within the bill; however, tipping extra (while not absolutely necessary) is customary and will be appreciated by wait staff. Usually rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is sufficient. Feel free to tip more if the service has been exemplary or if you’re feeling generous.

What is the internet access like in France?

The internet access is great in France. All cities and major towns should have internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots, while most of the country aside from very remote areas will have phone reception should you wish to use your mobile/cell phone.

Can I use my cell phone while in France?

Travelers can use their phones throughout France, though remote and isolated areas in the Pyrenees or Alps may have limited service.

You’re able to purchase a local SIM on arriving in France, which will generally be cheaper than using international roaming. If you do wish to use international roaming, ensure it’s activated before leaving your home country and ask your provider what charges apply. Data use can be particularly expensive while overseas.

What are the toilets like in France?

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the standard across France.

Can I drink the water in France?

Drinking water from taps is considered safe in France unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottle water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards widely accepted in France?

Major credit cards are widely accepted across France. Some smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, especially in more rural areas, so be sure to carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in France?

ATMs are common across France in both cities and towns so there shouldn't be a problem finding one.

What is the weather like in France?

France’s weather varies depending where you are.

Paris tends to be quite cool with temperatures averaging 59–77°F (15–25°C) even in the height of summer. The winter average is 36–45°F (2–7°C), though it’s worth keeping in mind that the city can experience more extreme heat in the summer or snow in the winter.

The French Riviera, including Nice, has a sunnier climate and averages 68–81°F (20–27°C) in the summer and 41–55°F (5–13°C) in winter. This area is quite sheltered compared to the rest of the south-east coast, which will much hotter and dryer in the summer.

The mountainous regions, like Chamonix in the Alps, will vary depending on altitude. Chamonix experiences an average temperature of 48–75°F (9–24°C) in the summertime and 19–37°F (-7–3°C) in the winter. The summer also sees afternoon thunderstorms and more precipitation than other times of year.

The climate on the Atlantic coast tends to be quite cool and wet, with rain and wind all year round, particularly around the English Channel. Bordeaux, which is much further south, enjoys a warmer climate though it’s prone to both the cold Atlantic fronts as well as cold winds from the north-east. Its average temperature in summer is 61–81°F (16–27°C), while winter averages 37–50°F (3–10°C).

Is France safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

France is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers and has always been celebrated for its liberal attitudes towards sexuality. Paris was the first European capital to vote in an openly gay mayor in 2001 and France was the first country in the world, back in 1791, to decriminalize same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 and attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ identifying people are generally positive across the country.

Paris has had a thriving queer scene for years which revolves around Le Marais, a district just north of Notre-Dame, though the city is so open that it can be difficult to pin down its epicenter. Active queer scenes can be found in most major cities across the country including Bordeaux and Lyon.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Is France accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

France is a relatively accessible destination for travelers with disabilities, particularly for those visiting Paris. All buses and trams in the Paris metro area are equipped for wheelchairs and most, though not all, metro stations have been equipped to make traveling with a disability as hassle-free as possible. The city’s official visitor website has a section dedicated to   visiting Paris with a disability   in both French and English.

Elsewhere, as in much of Europe, travelers may find that the older city buildings and infrastructure in smaller towns may present them with some difficulty, depending on their disability. If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in France

France is a very liberal country and travelers should not feel compelled to dress particularly conservatively unless visiting a religious site. After all, Paris is the fashion capital of the world – go hard or go home. That being said, Intrepid encourages all travelers to respect the locals in the places we visit. If they wouldn’t wear something, we don’t suggest that you do. 

Remember that the weather in the mountains can change extremely quickly, even in summer, so your best bet is dress in layers. If you do plan on visiting the Alps or Pyrenees, be sure to take a raincoat, sturdy walking shoes and a wind breaker or warm jacket.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Why the french route

We’re experts on france.

• We’re an independent Paris-based travel agency specializing in France.
• Our founder, Louis, was born and raised in Paris. Louis and his team share the same passion and knowledge about France.
• We only propose hand-picked places, sites and accommodation that we love.

100% tailor-made trips

• We listen to you so that we can create the best tailor-made vacation for you.
• All our trips are 100% private and custom-made. None of our trips are the same.
• Whichever part of France you visit, we will propose activities and guides to enrich your experience.

We’ve got you covered

• You have one point of contact, before, during and after your stay. It’ll either be Louis, our founder, or one of our travel specialists.
• We offer you financial protection during your stay so that you spend stress-free vacations.
• We have a free concierge service that you can use before, during, and after your stay.

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Zicasso tours of France offer a unique opportunity to explore the iconic destination known worldwide for its culture and cuisine. With over 15,000 itineraries planned for our France travelers already, uncover the real France through your own personalized vacation. From iconic monuments to charming countryside villages, discover what this marvelous country has to offer through our sample itinerary collection and visit our France guide to get inspired for your own journey.

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Best of France Tour: Starry City to Countryside Chateaux

11  Day Custom Tour

From  $3,933

Highlights of France Tour: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice

14  Day Custom Tour

From  $9,795

10-Day France Without Crowds

10  Day Custom Tour

From  $3,665

Opulent Visions of France Tour: Endless Cultural Delight

From  $11,699

Luxurious Couple's Retreat Tour to France

From  $8,575

Ultimate French Wine Tour: Burgundy and Alsace

From  $7,145

Why Travelers Choose Us

Benefits of Using Zicasso

Fabulous France Tour: Roman Remains to Countryside Discoveries

From  $3,856

Spring Family Getaway in Paris and Loire Valley

8  Day Custom Tour

From  $2,907

Fabulous Paris, Provence, and French Riviera Tour

Unique France Itinerary for Second-Timers

From  $2,859

Luxury Bordeaux and Northern Spain Tour

From  $10,915

French Immersion: History, Cuisine, City, and Countryside Tour

9  Day Custom Tour

From  $3,217

Show More • ( 12 itineraries)

Popular France Travel Styles

Travel Tips for Your France Trip

When is the best time to visit france.

While some months are busier than others, the best time to travel to France is between mid-spring and early summer, from April to June, and in fall, between September and November.

As the weather warms up in spring and early summer, travelers arrive to explore popular cities and famous regions such as the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, and more. Temperatures rise as the crowds gather in July and August, and while busy, summer travel is enjoyable when you have planned early to secure top accommodations and guides. In the fall, France is breathtaking and a quieter atmosphere invites you to slow down and appreciate the highlights.

While not the most popular time to visit, the winter months from December to February are excellent options for travelers spending Christmas in Europe or those seeking active adventures like skiing in the French Alps.

To find the right time for your tour of France, explore more in our guide on the best time to visit France , or learn about when to go to Paris if you are spending a few days in the capital.

Where should I visit in France?

From Paris to Normandy, the Loire Valley to Burgundy, and the French Riviera, each of France’s top destinations offers something unique.

Whether you want to enjoy pastries in boulevard cafés near the Eiffel Tower or taste fine wines in medieval villages in the countryside, here are some of the best places to visit in France :

• Paris : France’s capital is a beacon of romance, innovation, and tradition. Boasting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Michelin-starred restaurants, fashion districts, and famous museums, there is so much to explore.
• Loire Valley: Home to regal chateaus, including Chambord and Chenonceau, and a gateway to the cascading vineyards of the wine country, Loire Valley is a must-visit to explore France’s royal history and fine wines.
• Burgundy: From Pinot Noirs to Chardonnays, Burgundy produces some of France’s finest reds and whites. Explore the wine cellars on tasting tours or visit medieval towns that reveal the history and culture across the French countryside.
• French Riviera: Explore stunning resort towns and admire the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline of southern France . Spend time on sandy beaches, stay at upscale boutique hotels, and swoon over views of villages perched on the coastal cliffs.
• Normandy: With a picturesque coastline, charming towns, and emotionally stirring history, Normandy is a top spot for relaxation, cultural explorers, and history buffs.

What should I do in France?

Art and architecture bring France’s dramatic history to life while cafés and Michelin-starred restaurants reveal the traditions of French cooking. Wine estates offer a comfortable getaway from the bustling cities, and fashion takes center stage in the capital.

You can experience all of this and more as you plan to enjoy the following top things to do on tours in France:

• Enjoy the best experiences in Paris and visit the capital’s many landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre
• Explore French history on cultural tours of medieval villages, in famous museums , and at heritage sites
• Admire European art in France’s iconic galleries and exhibitions
• Taste French wine in the countryside at estates overlooking the hills and sweeping valleys
• Savor fine French cuisine and learn about the culinary traditions on food tours or during cooking classes
• Escape the bustling cities and visit the chateaus in the French countryside

What should I see in France?

Most of France’s top attractions can be seen in or around Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre.

Whether exploring the highlights of Paris or enjoying a day trip to Versailles, here are some of the top things to see in France:

• Eiffel Tower, Paris
• Arc de Triomphe, Paris
• Louvre Museum, Paris
• d’Orsay Museum, Paris
• Palace of Versailles, Versailles
• Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy
• Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

What is France famous for?

France is famous for its romantic and fashionable capital, Paris, and its museums that display many of Europe’s greatest artworks. Travelers flock from all over to sample world-class wines and savor decadent desserts and pastries. You can experience all of this and more on trips to France.

What are the best wine regions in France?

French wine is considered some of the best in the world, and its wine regions are a global hotspot for wine enthusiasts.

From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the authentic champagnes of the Champagne region, you can cross the countryside to taste the fine wines or simply bask in the scenery of these famous wine regions in France :

• Loire Valley
• Rhone Valley
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Jura and Savoie

What food is France known for?

French cuisine is known for its deliciously sweet pastries and baked breads, hearty soups and stews, and unique delicacies like escargots.

Some of the most popular foods in France to try on French culinary tours include:

• Escargots , snails
• Cuisses de Grenouilles , frogs’ legs
• Foie gras , duck liver pate
• Coq au vin , chicken braised with wine
• Ratatouille
• Beef bourguignon , beef braised with wine
• Chocolate souffle

What are your most popular France itineraries?

The best France itinerary combines several days in the capital city with extensions to the countryside, French coast, or medieval villages. Below, we share some of our most popular customizable France itineraries:

• From the capital city to the countryside, explore the best of Paris, Loire Valley, and Bordeaux on our Best of France Tour: Starry City to Countryside Chateaux .
• Spend several days in the bustling capital city, sample the vintages of Bordeaux and Lyon, and conclude your French experience on the coast with our Highlights of France Tour: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice .

Showcasing the best Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera, our Opulent Visions of France Tour: Endless Cultural Delight combines cosmopolitan splendor, wine country exclusivity, and coastal charm.

Where should I go in France in winter?

France is a sensational winter destination. You can explore Paris when it's covered in snow, head for the French Alps to ski the slopes, or admire the Christmas festivals lighting up the center of Lyon.

When planning a winter trip, these are a few of the best places to spend winter in France :

• The French Alps

What else should I know about how to plan a trip to France?

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to France and inspiration in our France travel guide .

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The trip of a lifetime awaits… join an award-winning tour today.

Join France Off the Beaten Path Tours for an Award-Winning, Small Group Tour To Experience & Discover Authentic France! Recommended by Frommer’s France, France Off the Beaten Path Tours small group walking tour travel itineraries to Provence, southern France, Loire Valley, Bordeaux wine region, Champagne, and Normandy, France, have been voted among the BEST small group tours in France! Our company is your France tour travel destination specialist operating in France for 30 years! France Off the Beaten Path tours are small group tours—maximum 12-16 travelers per tour date—designed for couples, singles, women, friends, and family traveling together.

Our specialty and focus is small group tour travel in France. Travelers and travel publications, including Frommer’s France, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, and Forbes Traveler, rate France Off the Beaten Path Tours as one of the BEST tour companies in France for a small group, gourmet food and walking tour travel in France.

Best-selling travel author PJ Adams endorses France Off the Beaten Path Tours for its Best Adventures in Provence Tour, Best Adventures in Loire Valley Tour, and Best Adventures in Bordeaux Tour! The company is proud to be featured and recommended as PJ Adams’ “TOUR COMPANY OF CHOICE” for tour travel in France to discover the magical moments she writes about in her travel books…. READ MORE »

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A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded our expectations.

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

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Boutique Travel Agency  crafting bespoke trips in France

What we offer

Let’s start planning your trip to France and enjoy your stay like a local would do. Transfers, accommodation, activities, private tours... The French Travel is here to make your stay unique and easy.

Discover Paris with a local perspective. Whether you’re a pastries fan, architecture buff or French history lover, we offer unique private tours tailored to your wishes.

Involve your team or clients in an exclusive experience. The French Travel organizes all types of incentive, team-building, event or dinner to make your team fall in love with Paris.

Our happy clients

Based out of Paris, The French Travel designs personalized and exclusive experiences throughout France.

We rely on years of local knowledge and expertise to provide the highest level of service for your holidays or business trip. 

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Travel France Like A Local

on one of our

Unique Cultural Small Group Tours

Family Story

The family tour operator was created to allow English-speaking travelers to discover France as a local since 2016

Local Guides

Julia, Stéphane, Peter and their team of awesome local tour guides will share with you their culture, traditions & knowledge

Small Groups

14-16 travelers per tour allows us to take part in exclusive experiences that large groups can't normally access

Cultural Experience

Carefully crafted tours with top destination, off-the-beaten-path gems & fun activities for a memorable vacation

Travel as a local with TripUSAFrance

New Way of Travel

"Bonjour, my name is Julia, I am the founder of TripUSAFrance. Born and raised in Southern France, I started this company to help people who are interested in France to have a cultural trip where they can experience the country as temporary locals, not the average tourists bouncing around in a crowd or waiting in long lines and getting stuck in tourist traps. We will help you make a deeper connection with the country and understand what it is like to live there, while fulfilling the desire to see amazing sites and make lasting memories.

Past Traveler's Words

Linda F. (Normandy Tour)

"I was impressed with the knowledge of our guide, Jonathan, in all aspects of the tour, not just his wide historical knowledge, but also his eagerness to familiarize us with the towns we visited as well as recommendations for dining on our free evenings. Our group was a great size and everyone was amenable making for a great atmosphere for learning and fun! Christophe was also impressive with his extensive D-Day knowledge. I enjoyed the personal references to people."

Dickie C. (South France Tour)

"It was a wonderful experience and felt like we were traveling with our best friends! We got to see so much and most of it at a local level which is the best. We can’t wait to do another tour with this group! Thanks for the best vacation in memory."

Rena B. (South France Tour)

"Not your typical trip - this was a really fun adventure! Our delightful guides Isabelle and Stephane took us to places such as the Camargue ranch and the wonderful picnic with (really fun!) French locals! That we'd never have found on our own - and watching the water jousting competition was an unexpected (and funny) bonus. Our hosts at the hotel were also wonderful :). The meals at each of the uniquely French rustic and refined restaurants were also delicious - and really good wines! This tour was beyond my expectations!"

Joan B. (Bordeaux & Dordogne)

"An unforgettable trip—perfect in every way: fabulous sites, activities and meals. The wine-tasting and education was terrific! Bordeaux is a gem—not to be missed. As a guide, Julia is a meticulous planner and a whirlwind. She is attentive to the needs and preferences of the participants and creates a fun atmosphere, as well."

Sandra S. (South France Tour)

"Julia was an excellent guide and we were made to feel like family. All of the details were taken care of so we could thoroughly enjoy and be immersed in the experience. All of the meals and accommodations were local and top notch. Highly recommend this tour company."

Lynne W. (Normandy)

"With Peter's experience in France, we learned the complex history of the Normandy Invasion, met Claude Monet the gardener and artist, heard the bells and chants at Saint-Mount Michel, the ancient and incredible tapestry of the Battle of Hastings, and lovely Normandie countryside. Wow what a week! BravoTripUSAFrance!"

David W. (South France Tour)

"This was a fantastic time, even better than we imagined! Julia had everything planned to the minute. She was on top of things so we just enjoyed the wonderful food, the sights and camaraderie. Her slogan of travel like a local is so true. We did not feel like we were tourists. We felt like we belonged because everyone was so helpful and friendly. The picnic prepared by Julia’s mom was delicious and we always had fun with Stephan, Julia’s dad when he drove. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the food, the wine , the culture and the people of Provence!"

Gary B. (South of France Tour)

"This was terrific! We looked forward to each day, as it was different from the day before. It was wonderful to be able to see so much of the South of France and not have to unpack and repack every single day. The small group experience was fantastic. We highly recommend."

4 Memorable Journeys

From the purple lavender fields of Provence to the infinite vineyard of Bordeaux to the rough cliffs of the Normandy coast we have put together 4 distinct tours each filled with rich history, breathtaking sites and singular adventures!

9 Day Signature Southern France Tour 9 Day Southern France Tour - Special Lavender 8 Day Bordeaux & Dordogne Tour 7 Day Normandy Tour

Read more about these 4 tours below.

Pictures are worth a thousand words

8 Day Tour of Southern France

From Provence to the coast to the off-the-beaten-path gems!

UNIQUE INSIDER TOUR

Medieval villages of Provence , grand castles, city squares with cafes & markets , narrow streets for exploring and shopping, beautiful wineries , excellent food, warm beaches on the Mediterranean, the South has it all! Come with us for a more intimate experience of France and see what the French have kept secret all these years! Variant available in July to see the lavender fields of Provence. Join our small group tour today.

7 Day Normandy Tour

Enduring WW2 sites and historical monuments of Northern France that should be on everyone's bucket list!

REGION FULL OF HISTORY AND SECRETS

Explore the beautiful and famous region of Normandy to walk in the footsteps that the greatest generation left as they landed on the beaches during WW2. Our itinerary is full of must-see sites and off-the-beaten path gems! From the incredible Mont-Saint-Michel to the powerful sites of D-Day , Normandy should be on your bucket list.  Come discover the secrets of Normandy with us!

8 Day Tour of Bordeaux & Dordogne

Cliff villages, Castles, Prehistoric Sites, and more with a few wineries

BREATHTAKING, MAGICAL, AUTHENTIC FRANCE

Discover the incredible beauty of the Dordogne , also called Périgord, with its castles guarding the valley , its enchanted small medieval villages such as Sarlat or La Roque-Gageac and its heritage still very present today in the everyday life and cuisine . Unveil the secrets of the picturesque village of St Emilion and learn all about its world famous wine . Finally you will fall in love with elegant Bordeaux , its architecture, history and vibes. Join this carefully crafted small group tour and learn about the French way of life! 

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We always go the extra mile for you!

- Deluxe France is a premier DMC that specializes in luxury travel experiences across France tailored for individual travelers. - We have established long-lasting cooperation with the travel industry and are proud to be part of the preferred suppliers of leading U.S travel agencies networks such as  Virtuoso , and Internova . - In addition, we actively engage with the industry through participation in events such as the  DUCO France trade show. For over 15 years, we've been proud members of the esteemed Lush Experiences collection . This enduring partnerships has been instrumental in cultivating strong B2B relationships with travel agents across North America. - One of our key distinguishing features as a DMC is to originate from a chauffeur-driven service company, allowing us to provide you or your clients with our own exclusive fleet of luxury vehicles . A large majority of our drivers, driver-guides, and tour guides are directly employed by us, enabling us to maintain optimal flexibility and take proactive measures in last-minute situations. - There is no minimum amount to work with us. Whether it's a VIP meet-and-greet service, airport transfers, or crafting a comprehensive itinerary from start to finish including luxury accommodations, we cater to all needs. - Our quotations are always transparent, providing detailed breakdowns rates . - We have built this website to serve as a valuable tool for travel advisors, offering assistance during the initial stages of the booking process.

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• Normandy from Paris
• Bourgogne from Paris
• French riviera
• Saint Tropez
• Paris Versailles

Experience the Best of French Luxury Travel with a Leading Luxury Travel Agency

Looking for a bespoke and luxurious way to explore France's most iconic destinations? Look no further than Deluxe France! As a leading incoming travel agency, we specialise in high-end custom private tours and experiences across Paris, Provence, the French Riviera, Normandy, Champagne, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Lyon, Saint Tropez, and Paris Versailles. Deluxe France is an incoming travel agency based in all main areas of France, offering custom private tours and experiences across the country's most iconic destinations. With a team of expert local guides, professional travel planners, and luxury transport, Deluxe France provides a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience in France.

Discover the Best of France with Deluxe France

Whether you're looking to explore the romance and beauty of Paris, the stunning lavender fields of Provence, the glamour of the French Riviera, or the rich history and culture of Normandy, Deluxe France can create a bespoke itinerary that perfectly matches your interests and preferences. From private tours of the Palace of Versailles to exclusive access to some of France's most prestigious vineyards, our luxury private tours and experiences are tailored to provide you with an unforgettable journey through France.

Experience the Luxury of Custom Private Tours

At Deluxe France, we believe that the key to an unforgettable travel experience is personalisation. That's why all of our tours and experiences are custom-designed to match your specific interests and preferences. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore the best of French cuisine, an art lover interested in visiting the Louvre, or a history buff keen to learn about the D-Day landings, our expert local guides and travel planners can create a bespoke itinerary that perfectly matches your needs.

Get in Touch with the Leading Luxury Travel Agency in France

In conclusion, if you're looking for a bespoke and luxurious travel experience in France, look no further than Deluxe France. With custom private tours and experiences across Paris , Provence , the French Riviera , Normandy , Champagne, the Loire Valley , Burgundy, Bordeaux , Lyon, Saint Tropez, and Paris Versailles, our team of expert local guides and travel planners can create a unique and unforgettable journey through the best of France. So why not let us help you discover the beauty and charm of France in a way that is truly tailored to your needs and preferences? We take great pride in offering a personalised and high-end travel experience that exceeds our clients' expectations. From luxury transport to expert local guides, we ensure that every aspect of your journey is of the highest quality. So, whether you're interested in discovering the beauty of the French Riviera, exploring the charm of the Loire Valley, or experiencing the rich history of Normandy, Deluxe France can provide you with a bespoke and unforgettable travel experience. Contact us today to start planning your custom private tour and experience the best of France with Deluxe France!

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Luxury Provence & the French Riviera

13 days from $20,295pp

• Day-to-day Itinerary
• France trip ideas

Tour highlights

Hunt for truffles with a local expert and trained dog before enjoying a four-course gourmet meal in Ménerbes.

Sample some of France’s best-known wine appellations at Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Explore the Roman and medieval heritage of Pont-du-Gard, Uzès and Arles with a guide.

Walk the streets of Monaco, Monte Carlo and Èze.

Relax and enjoy coastal views over a glass of champagne on a private sunset cruise.

Price includes:

• In-destination transfers
• Activities and excursions as detailed
• All accommodations
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

Upon arrival at Marseille Provence Airport, you're met by your private driver and driven to your hotel in Gordes. One of Provence's best-known villages, it faces the Lubéron Valley. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure to acquaint yourself with your hotel and the winding cobbled streets of this medieval town, often referred to as the 'jewel of Provence'.

Your private driver will pick you up this morning for a tour and tasting at a local olive oil mill in the heart of the Lubéron Valley. From here, you're driven to meet a local truffle-hunting expert, Robert, and his trained dog, Kita, joining them on a traditional truffle hunt through the valleys and woods of Provence. Afterwards, you will journey to the village of Ménerbes to enjoy a truffle lunch before returning to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. We recommend taking a swim, relaxing in the spa, or just enjoying the commanding views from the hotel's gardens.

This morning, your private driver takes you out to explore the beautiful Lubéron National Park and its many medieval villages, fields of lavender, and vivid sunflower meadows. Immerse yourself in a culture where locals have mastered the slow pace of life while visiting the canal village of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the medieval Abbaye de Sénanque, and the ocher quarries of Roussillon, among other sites.

After checking out of your hotel in Gordes, you're driven to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region. Named after the Pope's summer residence during the 14th century, this region is internationally renowned as one of the highest-quality wine-producing areas of France. With a small group and guide, you journey to the heart of the vineyards to gain an in-depth understanding of the land and agriculture. While here, enjoy a few tastings with some of the local producers. Your driver-guide will then bring you to your hotel in Avignon's old town with views of the colossal Palais des Papes (Papal Palace).

You'll be met by your driver this morning and head into Provence for a Roman and medieval heritage tour. Starting with a visit to Arles, you visit a remarkable Roman amphitheater, still in use today, before exploring the city and a café that inspired artist Vincent van Gogh. Following a drive through the narrow, winding countryside, you arrive in the authentic hilltop village of Uzès. Have lunch here before exploring the village's historic square, browsing its boutiques and taking in panoramic views of the Provençal landscape. Finally, you visit the largely intact Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct used to connect Arles to the town of Nîmes, before returning to your hotel.

Today's private outing brings you south of Avignon to the picturesque mountain villages of Les Alpilles. You stop in towns such as Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to take in views of the sprawling landscape and stroll the medieval streets, pausing to enjoy lunch and do a bit of boutique shopping. You'll also visit the Carrières de Lumières (Quarry of Light), the Roman ruins of Glanum and the nearby monastery, Saint-Paul de Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh lived for a year in 1889.

Today, your private driver escorts you to Avignon's train station, where you board your train to Nice. Another private driver will meet you at Nice's train station and drive you to your hotel in Saint-Tropez. Situated on the French Riviera, the coastal town boasts views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Spend the day at leisure, perhaps taking time to enjoy your hotel's facilities or venturing out to take in Saint-Tropez's sights. You may want to take a stroll downtown to visit streets lined with designer boutiques or relax on the white sands of Pampelonne Beach.

After checking out of your hotel, you're picked up by your driver and driven to meet your private boat for your journey to Nice. Arriving in Nice, you're met by another driver for a private tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo and Èze. Your guide will introduce you to the second-smallest country in the world, Monaco, and walk you through its lavish Monte Carlo Casino. The tour concludes at the hilltop town of Èze, where you check in to your hotel.

Enjoy the day at your own leisure, acquainting yourself with your hotel and the town of Èze with its Mediterranean seascape and tranquil gardens.

Departing from your hotel this morning, you'll travel with your driver to the small seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Take some free time to explore this fortified town, wandering its streets and soaking up the sea views. Re-join your driver and venture toward the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, home to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Here, you can wander through the historic home and gardens to discover tapestries, frescoes, exotic plants and magnificent fountains. Before heading back to your hotel, stop at the beautiful Paloma Beach for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Saying goodbye to the coastline for the day, you head west with your private driver for a visit to Grasse, where you can take a tour of the world-renowned Fragonard Perfumery. The short tour ends in a gift shop, where you can smell and test out perfumes covering a wide range of scents. Next, visit Tourrettes-sur-Loup and stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets before heading farther west to explore the medieval streets and art galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Later in the evening, you meet your yacht captain at the Port of Nice and board a private yacht for a sunset cruise.

Today your private driver escorts you to Nice Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

La Bastide de Gordes

Mas de la Clairière

Hôtel de l’Atelier

La Réserve Ramatuelle

Mas de Chastelas

Château de la Chèvre d'Or

• Provence Luberon
• Provence North
• Provence Alpilles
• Saint-Tropez
• Riviera East
• Riviera Central

The specialist who designs your trip to France will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

Watch our tailor-made process

Other tours you may be interested in.

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Highlights of Bordeaux & the Dordogne

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Best of culinary Italy & France

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French & Italian Riviera

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A family journey through Paris & the French Alps

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Classic Paris & the Normandy D-Day beaches

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The Art of Luxury Travel

Luxury like no other, that is our promise to you.  At Académie des Arts de Vivre (AAV), we create each holiday individually, tailor-made to your tastes, special interests, and time frame.  You will experience the very best France can offer, with each detail carefully thought out and organized so that all you need to do is enjoy.

Our favorite destinations in France

Paris, the capital of France, is a large European city and a world center of art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 1…

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, The garden of France, the Valley of Kings… An idyllic holiday destination. Parts of the region, the…

Normandy is world-famous for its D-day beaches and World War II battle sites. There are also monuments from an older, l…

Panoramas, perched villages, mountains, valleys, fields of lavender, seaside and beaches– Provence geography is wonder…

South of France

Luxury travel in the south of France means seeing monuments which are off the beaten track, having local experts share t…

The city and region make a great destination for your luxury vacation. You will find the same magnificence and lavishne…

The westernmost point of France, like an arm reaching out to the ocean, much of Brittany is coastline, rugged rocky coas…

With a landscape of wide rivers, canals, fertile valleys, rolling hillsides, Burgundy is especially beautiful. It has b…

Corsica is sea: over 1000 kilometers of coastline and over a third of that is beaches. The island has over 200 beaches,…

French Riviera

Luxury travel on the French Riviera means seeing sites which are off the beaten track, having local experts share their …

There are so many ways to discover France.  You can spend an entire holiday in Paris or in one region—we will ensure that you have plenty to see and never get bored.  You can combine several destinations and become an expert of the south of France, for example, or Brittany, Normandy and the Loire Valley.  You can even tell us your special interests, couture (high fashion) or wine tasting among others, and we will design a trip throughout France focusing on that. These pages on destinations and experiences provide a sampling of what we can do for you.

Travel experiences in France

France boasts many great courses all across the country, which makes it an ideal destination when you’re looking to co…

• Chateaux & Castles

Visit France’s chateaux and castles and discover over nine centuries of history and architectural prowess. One of the …

When AAV organizes your luxury ski vacation, you get the best of everything: luxurious accommodations in some of the mo…

• Art & History

Art and history have been closely intertwined in France, ever since the Paleolithic period when cavemen painted aurochs …

More luxury tour inspirations?

Need inspiration? Discover some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that France has to offer:

• Family Holidays
• Architecture & Gardens
• Fashion & Shopping

Luxury travel specialist

Your dream vacation. Unparalleled luxury. The trip of a lifetime.  That is our goal.

We at AAV are France’s foremost luxury travel experts.  We know the entire country like a local, perhaps even better than a local because we have access to places which most Frenchmen don’t know about, let alone have visited.  Access which you will enjoy. We plan then minutely scrutinize every detail of your vacation, making sure that everything flows smoothly from one moment to another, from one place to another.  We will ensure you have the best of everything– food, accommodations, and transportation—and see to it that you see the most well-known sites accompanied by expert local guides who give you the insider’s viewpoint. We believe that every client is unique which is why every luxury vacation we plan is unique, designed specifically for you.

Unique family holidays

Family holidays for all to enjoy

Travelling with children? We’ve got families ourselves and have concocted some fun outings for the little ones.  From Euro Disney near Paris to a Harry Potter tour of London, a scavenger hunt in the Louvre, dress-up in historical costumes at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, and canoeing down the Gorges du Verdon… spend quality time in France with your loved ones. We provide tailor-made vacations for all ages, ensuring that everything runs like clockwork so that you are free to create beautiful memories with your family. 

Sample itineraries around France

Wine experience in Burgundy and Provence – 8 days

• Accommodation for 8 nights in luxury hotels in Paris, Beaune and Avignon
• 1st Class train tickets
• Private driver in luxury vehicle
• Full day visit of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy
• Full day visit of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy
• Full day visit of Chablis
• Full day visit of Beaune
• Full day visit of Châteauneuf du Pape and Tavel
• Full day visit of Avignon
• Full day visit of the Luberon region
• Specialised guides and sommeliers will accompany you throughout your stay

Fashion and Shopping experience in Paris and London – 8 days

• Accommodation for 8 days in luxury hotels in Paris and London
• Private driver in luxury vehicle throughout your stay
• 4 full-days and 3 half-days of Fashion and shopping experiences in Paris and London with a specialised private fashion guide or shopper (according to your tastes and interests)
• 1 full-day and 3 half-days at leisure
• Our AAV Concierge will be available to help you organize your free time with private tours, restaurant reservations, spa treatments, and whatever else you wish to ensure you have a memorable time

International destinations around France

One of the great things about Italy is there is something interesting to see, something new to taste, no matter where yo…

Spain really does have it all. Mountains. Beaches. Miles and miles of coastline with gorgeous weather most of the yea…

United Kingdom

Perhaps because they are islands, separated from the rest of Europe by water, perhaps for other reasons, the U.K. has be…

Switzerland

Switzerland is an extraordinary mix of breathtaking landscapes, art and music, winter sports, summer sports, beautiful c…

After your vacation in France, why not add on a few more days and visit one of the neighboring countries?  Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom are all a short plane or train ride away.  AAV can deliver the same high quality, luxury travel that you enjoyed in France in these destinations as well.

We spent the most incredible two weeks traveling around Switzerland, France and Italy. Our private tours were seamlessly orchestrated by AAV’s professional drivers, guides, and concierge, leaving my husband and me to explore these stunning regions in a casual, yet 5-star world. Jan B.

The trip exceeded our expectations. We did not have to worry about anything, we just enjoyed! You took care of everything. It was a perfect holiday. Julie P.

The guides were very knowledgeable and flexible. They took into account our specific requests and made suggestions that we had not even considered. It was the trip of a lifetime, due, in large part, to the advanced planning of the travel company and our fantastic guides. If you are planning a trip to France, this company is first rate. Ronald R.

We had a wonderful trip to London and Paris. AAV did an outstanding job making arrangements for our entire trip. Eric B.

I truly appreciate everything you have done for us. We will be telling all our friends and passing out your name. You are the best! D. S.

AAV and our trip were both fabulous! Their guides and drivers were all first rate. R. B.

This was a trip of a lifetime. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left everything was arranged for us. All we had to do was be there! Our driver was the best as were both of our guides. The agency arranged everything and it was spectacular! We were never left feeling confused or lost because the arrangements were impeccable. I highly recommend this company. A. S.

We had an absolutely wonderful vacation. We loved it all. We learned a lot, enjoyed superb dining and soaked in the beauty of France. K. O.

10 Best France Tour Operators 2024 [Unbiased & With Reviews]

10 best france tour operators 2024.

Are you planning to visit France, but unsure which tour provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple tour providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost tour for the most affordable trip abroad.

Get Free Quotes From 10 Best France Tour Operators

Do you dream of a fun-filled tour de France? Do you want to find the most affordable and reliable tour companies in France? Do you want to know how to find professional and highly rated France tour operators ?

France is famously known as the country of love. It serves delights of romantically inclined fairy-tale castles, soaring cathedrals, picture-perfect villages, and great fashion. It impresses with modernized emblems of France such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and the iconic Palace of Versailles. While in France, be sure to save some time for the world-famous French gastronomic in the beautiful town of Brittany near the French Alps that specialize in seafood, crêpes, cheese-based fondues, and charcuterie.

When you decide to take your dream vacation in France, finding trustworthy tour companies in France is the next step. But this is not an easy feat! When you start looking at the best France tour companies, you will find thousands of companies offering the same tour packages. It is hard to select the best, and you could end up spending many hours and thousands of dollars just to choose the wrong company, which could ruin your tour of France.

Travellersquest’s goal is for you to have a memorable and life-changing experience with no regrets! So, we have spent thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and compiling the perfect list of the most affordable, highly rated, and trustworthy tour companies in France.

Table update Feb 18, 2024

Babylon Tours Paris

Babylon Tours  is on our list of the top 10 best tour companies in France because of their dedication to provide you with the best excursions to Paris and other cities around the country. With local and friendly English-speaking guides, the company shares a mix of historical facts, scandalous stories, and hidden gems, whether you’re touring the Louvre or strolling through the Eiffel Tower. Their enthusiasm and passion for their city is contagious and it clearly reflects in the way they conduct their tours.

Babylon Tours Paris Best France Tour Packages

With their experience and proficiency, Babylon Tours delivers a wide variety of tour packages to choose from that are fun and memorable. Take a deep dive into art and culture during the  Musée d’Orsay and the Montmartre Private Tour and see first-hand the world of impressionists. Learn more about French art and culture in the 19 th  century.

Auguste Rodin is one of the most fascinating sculptors in the world. On their Guided  Musee Rodin Tour , you’ll explore his iconic art and learn some of his techniques, personal life, and discover his creative struggles.

 Join a small group on the  Private Louvre Museum Tour  and see the world-famous Mona Lisa painting. Also see Louis XIV’s Apollo Gallery, and analyze famous sculptures by Michelangelo.

Babylon Tours Paris Reviews

Babylon Tours delivers their services with such excellence that no other tour company comes close! As the best-rated tour operator in France, they have 5,932 reviews on TripAdvisor. They are ranked at the top as #1 of 1,832 Tours & Activities in Paris and have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. See what a recent customer of theirs wrote:

Florent was AMAZING tour guide! Speaking excellent english and VERY informative. Good pace. So lovely artwork. Must visit… Hasan B

Read all reviews of Babylon Tours Paris on TripAdvisor .

Discover the natural wonders of Denmark by joining one of the 10 Best Denmark Tour Operators , promising an unforgettable and eco-friendly adventure.

Corse Adrenaline

Explore the waters off the Corsican Coast with Corse Adrenaline , a highly-reviewed travel and tour company in France. The company was founded by Francois-Xavier, who comes from a family of native fishermen that call Corsica their home. Xavier was deeply driven by his passion for the sea and wanted others to experience the wonders of his hometown and the vast blue sea sprawling out from the coast. Corse Adrénaline offers immersive and personalized sea excursions that provide insights into the region’s highlights and hidden gems.

Corse Adrenaline Best France Tour Packages

Paris is not the only thing fascinating in France and Corse Adrenaline is here to prove that with their excellently crafted tour packages. Known as The Complete , this 3 and half hours tour package will bring you the best that Corsica has to offer. Explore the rare and beautiful landscapes of Western Corsica and visit Capo Rosso, Girolata and the Scandola Natural Reserve.

Their Porto-Girolata Boat Trip will take you to the must-see attractions in the Gulf of Porto. First, you will travel to the Scandola Natural Reserve by boat and enjoy the nature there. Then, travel to Girolata, a small Corsican hamlet, for coffee and souvenirs.

Also, go on their boat trip to the Calanques of Piana for an immensely pleasurable experience. From natural pools to beautiful rock formations and secret caves, this tour package condenses everything into a singular bombastic experience!

Corse Adrenaline Reviews

Travelers have praised Corse Adrenaline for showing them the beautiful nature of France. The company is hailed as a top-tier tour operator in France and has 4,707 reviews on TripAdvisor. They are ranked as #1 of 18 Tours & Activities in Porto. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A past customer wrote this about them:

Fantastic scenic boat trip with captain Arnaud who was very knowledgable, spoke in both French and English, and gave us a fantastic tour of the amazing Calanques de Piana… Eva F

Read all reviews of Corse Adrenaline on TripAdvisor .

OverlordTour

Based in Normandy,  OverlordTour  was founded by Alain Chesnel, a local travel enthusiast from the Norman Village. Alain has unique expertise and understanding of the history of the D-Day Normandy Invasion. He is exceptionally familiar with the Norman countryside’s remote, secret, and intimate parts that were used for the historic battle. The company has selected knowledgeable guides who are fluent in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. OverlordTour is highly recommended by veterans and it is one of the most authentic and unfiltered tour companies in France.

OverlordTour Best France Tour Packages

OverlordTour delivers a variety of unique France tour packages to choose from. Book their tours for an immersive, historical experience. The  Omaha Beach Half Day Tour  is designed to accommodate tourists interested in the landing areas at Omaha Beach from Longues Sur Mer to Pointe du Hoc.

The most popular excursion is the  Airborne Tour  taken by travelers that have watched Steven Spielberg’s Band of Brothers. Few sites on the movie are still accessible such as the Brecourt Mano, where Lt. Winters spent the first nights of the invasion.

The  Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey  borders Normandy and Brittany, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage. The fascinating medieval architecture and the surrounding areas of natural beauty are not something you should miss out on!

OverlordTour Reviews

OverlordTour has been praised for providing tours with the perfect blend of immersion, activity and sightseeing. As an award-winning French travel agency, they have 4,602 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #1 of 69 Tours & Activities in Bayeux. They are also recipients of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A satisfied customer said this about them:

We had a private tour with Guillaume – he was an exceptional guide and enhanced every aspect of our visit. We were very fortunate to have had an opportunity… Jeff B

Read all reviews of OverlordTour on TripAdvisor .

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Finland by joining one of the 10 Best Finland Tour Operators , ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Paris by Mouth

If you are looking for the best places to eat in France then, Paris by Mouth is here to help you out! Established in 2010, this French tour operator specializes in food tours around Paris. They embellish their services by keeping track of what food critics say about different restaurants around Paris. Thus, they are up-to-date and are ready to take you on a thrilling journey for both you and your taste-buds!

Paris by Mouth Best France Tour Packages

Explore the nooks and crannies of Paris and find out the best places to enjoy French food on Paris by Mouth’s tour packages. Start with their West Saint-Germain Food Tour where you’ll be taken to explore 5 different high quality shops and cafes. The tour features charcuterie and other delicious meat products.

Cheese is a big part of French food culture and you’ll find out all about cheese on their French Cheese Explosion tour package. Sample 10 different cheese including fromage and learn about cheese sourcing and aging.

On their Left Bank tour , you’ll just about taste everything – from cheese and wine to pastry and chocolate. Visit a cheese shop to try fromage and then indulge yourself in the best pastry and chocolates in town prepared by prize-winning producers!

Paris by Mouth Reviews

Paris by Mouth has proved, through their excellent reception of guests, that food tours are invaluable to a true touristy experience. This French tour company has over 3,500 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #1 of 499 Food & Drink in Paris. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A recent client of theirs wrote this about them:

We had a wonderful day with Matthieu on our food tour. He was very knowledgeable about the area, the history (which I love) as well as the food… Luke W

Read all reviews of Paris by Mouth on TripAdvisor .

Rustic Vines

Rustic Vines is an all-round great travel company that provides daily tours in the South West area of France. Their mission is to maximize your travel experience in any way they can. Their tours don’t have an age limit so that all people can enjoy the mystical allure of Bordeaux. The company was founded by Tim Cowley in 2012 and since then, they have come a long way to be recognized as one of the best tour operators in France.

Rustic Vines Best France Tour Packages

Rustic Vines provides tour packages that are catered specifically to suit your needs and interests. Start with their Original Saint Emilion Bike Tour and roam around its picturesque vineyards. This package features a traditional French style lunch and over 10 different wine tastings in some of the best wine estates in the country.

On their Half Day Bike Tour , you will be guided to Saint Emilion and its beautiful Chateaux. The serene backdrop makes for excellent sightseeing and the tour even features some delicious wine tasting.

Their Bordeaux vineyard will give you a luxury private experience . Whether for a birthday party, bachelorette party or corporate event, this private tour is sure to enchant all of its customers.

Rustic Vines Reviews

Rustic Vines values the importance of French vineyards and their tours have proven that many travelers also value it the same. As a leading French travel agency, Rustic Vines has 1,987 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #1 of 171 Food & Drink in Bordeaux. A customer who went on tour with them wrote:

Fabulous trip. Knowledgeable guide. It was well planned to take in places of intetest and history. The visits to wineries were informative… Mandy M

Read all reviews of Rustic Vines on TripAdvisor .

Uncover the hidden gems of Sweden. Choose one of the 10 Best Sweden Tour Operators , providing exceptional services for your exploration.

Bayeux Shuttle

Owned and operated by a Franco-American couple with over 20 years of experience in the tourism sector, Bayeux Shuttle is a premier tour provider of battlefield and D-Day tours of Normandy. The company’s stellar reputation is attributed to their team of in-house guides, known for their expertise and exceptional communication skills. As a family-run company, they believe in honoring tradition and upholding the culture of Normandy. Their success in tourism has made them one of the leading travel agencies in France.

Bayeux Shuttle Best France Tour Packages

Bayeux Shuttle operates well-crafted tour packages that include excellent shuttle services and customizable itineraries. If you are a WWII fanatic, their Normandy American D-Day Experience will take you to important landing sectors like the Omaha and Utah Beach. You can also visit the Normandy American Cemetery to pay your respects.

Skip the line for an exclusive and private tour of Mont St. Michel . You will learn about fascinating legends of Archangel St. Michel beating the devil while also getting to see the monks and pilgrims living there.

Also, book their Omaha Beach D-Day Experience and explore the American sector of Omaha. This 4 hour tour will also take you to Pointe Du Hoc and the American Cemetery.

Bayeux Shuttle Reviews

As a top-rated tour company in France, Bayeux Shuttle has never let its customers down. With 4,466 reviews on TripAdvisor, the company ranks as #2 of 69 Tours & Activities in Bayeux. They have earned the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023 through their meticulous service. A past customer wrote:

If you are short on time but want to see the WWII highlights this few hours’ tour is a good way to do it. The guide was knowledgeable and the tour didn’t feel rushed… Intrptrvlr

Read all reviews of Bayeux Shuttle on TripAdvisor .

La Cuisine Paris

La Cuisine Paris is a French cooking school, workshop provider and food tour provider in France. The company dabbles in a wide variety of activities and boasts expertise in all of them. They are one of the best tour operators in France when it comes to authentic French cuisine. They believe that the best experience is a shared experience and therefore, they organize classes and workshops that focus on team effort and authenticity for a chief gourmet experience.

La Cuisine Paris Best France Tour Packages

La Cuisine Paris will craft you the perfect Paris itinerary to make your vacation in France as memorable as possible. Travel to one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Paris on their Marais Food Tour . Here, you will visit fromagers, boulangeries and French patisseries while tasting charcuterie, pates and delicious cheese!

Delve into the history of French gastronomy through their Les Halles Food Tour . From French bread and fromage to pastry and charcuterie, taste some of the best traditional French dishes on this tour.

Similarly, book their Chocolates and Pastry Tour and eat the best pastry boutiques and chocolate in town. The delicious goodness of éclairs and pastries will put a smile on your face!

La Cuisine Paris Reviews

La Cuisine Paris has been involved in the tourism sector for a long time and their expertise in the industry remains unquestioned. With over 3,200 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are a leading French tour company with a ranking of #2 of 432 Classes & Workshops in Paris. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A recent client of theirs wrote:

Had my first baking class with La Cuisine Paris. The pastry chef in charge, V is an amazing teacher and kept the class entertaining. The experience was definitely worth it… Jiyeon C

Read all reviews of La Cuisine Paris on TripAdvisor .

Dive into the rich history and culture of Portugal. Join one of the 10 Best Portugal Tour Operators , ensuring an immersive and authentic experience.

Paris Charms & Secrets Tours

Paris Charms & Secrets  is placed among the highest-reviewed tour companies in Paris, France. Founded by Oliver Marie-Antoine, the company provides unique electric bike tours that guarantee a historical and fun experience while exceeding your expectations. This multi-award-winning company is operated by local professional guides who have curated over a dozen tour packages to match your budget, interest, and schedule. Paris Charms & Secrets’ goal is to offer customers a safe and memorable experience while maintain a high standard in the French tourism industry.

Paris Charms & Secret Tours Best France Tour Packages

Paris Charms & Secrets Tours primarily focuses on delivering immersive guided tour packages. Call ahead and join one of their many fun excursions. The soul of Paris is in its history. Their  Famous Monument Tour  will take you to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Louvre, where you will enjoy architectural history and listen to biographies of great men dating back over 1000 years. 

In about a thousand years, France’s financial interest, whims of fashion and politics have taken center stage. During the  Secret Places Tour , you will discover numerous famous places that even Parisians sometimes forget.

Enjoy the  Electric Bike Tour , which will take you away from the traffic and to the monuments such as the Louvre or the Champs de Mars.

Paris Charms & Secrets Tours Reviews

Paris Charms & Secrets Tours has earned international recognition for its well-executed tours and exceptionally good services. As a well-respected French travel agency, they are ranked as #6 of 1,830 Tours & Activities in Paris. Over 6,000 reviews have earned them the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A client of theirs who went on one of the tours wrote:

Had a group tour as part of a university orientation programme. Pierre was our guide, and he did an incredible job. He was animated, funny, and very knowledgeable about Paris… cwardrop

Read all reviews of Paris Charms & Secrets Tours on TripAdvisor .

Bike About Tours

Bike About Tours  is one of the highest-rated tour companies in France that seeks to create authentic connections with the city through passionate Parisian tour guides. For nearly 16 years, the company has been developing the best bike tour packages catering to small groups, couples, corporates, and families. Your itinerary with Bike About Tours is designed and personalized to meet your requirements by an expert, knowledgeable and multilingual guide. Book with them today and experience the hype everyone is talking about!

Bike About Tours Best Paris Tour Packages

Bike About Tours has a diversified selection of fantastic tour packages for you, your friends, and your family to join. France is world-famous for fine champagne and wines. Join the  Champagne Tour  to meet local producers and taste France’s best champagne while enjoying the scenic views of charming vineyards, ancient villages, and the beautiful countryside.

Escape the crowds in Paris and take the  Versailles Bike Tour  to enjoy the fantastic local food markets, Grand Canal, and Marie Antoinette’s chateau.

Explore the city like a local on their  Hidden Paris Bike Tour . This tour is designed for you to experience Paris in a brand-new way as you roam through gardens, Roman ruins, and hidden passageways.

Bike About Tours Reviews

As a leading tour operator in France, Bike About Tours has 3,857 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #6 of 430 Outdoor Activities in Paris. Their exceptional skills have earned them the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A satisfied customer wrote:

Marley was a fantastic guide! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun and had great answers to all of our questions. I felt completely safe biking through the city at all times… Ben C

Read all reviews of Bike About Tours on TripAdvisor .

Explore the unique landscapes of Iceland with our recommendations for the 10 Best Iceland Tour Operators , promising an adventurous journey.

Secret Food Tours Paris

Passionate about sharing their love for Parisian food, Secret Food Tours takes pride in showing the best places to enjoy a tasty bite in Paris. Their tours are appropriate and suitable for all ages and occasions. With Secret Food Tours, you will not only engage in delightful cuisine but also learn about the city’s history and culture. Visit all sorts of crafty, hidden places with an award-winning French travel agency for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Secret Food Tours Paris Best France Tour Packages

Secret Food Tours Paris allows you to personalize or customize your vacation packages depending on your interest or budget. To begin with, book their Paris Montmarte Food Tour where you’ll enjoy chocolates, macarons and freshly made crepes. Of course a visit to the local fromagers, boulangeries and patisseries is a must!

For a mix of culture and gastronomy, consider their Notre Dame: Heart of Paris tour package. Not only will you visit the magnificent cathedral but also indulge in hearty cheese, freshly baked macarons and fragrant wine.

A gastronomical tour of France is incomplete without chocolates and pastries. On their Pastry & Chocolate Tour , you will visit an artisan-chocolatier and taste some of the best chocolates in Paris along with delightful pastries.

Secret Food Tours Paris Reviews

Most of Secret Food Tours Paris’ customers are surprised at how good the company operates its service. This top-rated travel agency in France has 4,684 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #10 of 499 Food & Drink in Paris. They received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A past customer of theirs wrote:

Our guide Alexandre was wonderful; engaging and knowledgeable. The various treats were delectable. Best Croque Monseur I’ve ever eaten. We hit some parts… Warren M

Read all reviews of Secret Food Tours Paris on TripAdvisor .

Embark on a true European getaway in Turkey. Join one of the 10 Best Turkey Tour Operators , guaranteeing a memorable and relaxing vacation.

The best time to visit France is during the months of April to October. Springtime in France is especially appealing and you can go on different cruises and sightseeing tours during this time. The splendid weather will make for excellent trips to vineyards.

The most visited attraction in France is of course the Eiffel Tower. This gigantic metal monument attracts millions of tourists to it every month. There is also the Notre Dame cathedral, Louvre museum and the Parisian catacombs.

Trains are the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation in France. However, if you are planning to travel short distances, we highly recommend using bikes and going on bike tours as they truly are a different kind of wondrous experience in France.

French gastronomy ranks among some of the most flavorful in the world. From delightful wines and cheese to chocolates and pastries, France has it all. Their macarons, croque monsieur, boeuf bourguignon, bouillabaisse, chocolate soufflés and crepes are bursting with flavor.

If you are traveling in France and it’s your first time, definitely start with Paris! From rich culture and cuisine to historical monuments, art and architecture, Paris is brimming with sights to see and things to do. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Paris catacombs, and the Louvre for an all-around amazing experience!

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The Treasures of France including Normandy

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8 Day France Tour of D-Day Beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel and the Loire Valley

8 days, 1 country and 13 cities

Accommodation

7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

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Travel from Paris to the D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy and on to the beautiful Loire Valley on this in-depth France and Normandy tour. Imagine life as a French noble as you are welcomed to a 17th-century château and learn about the battles that were fought here through the ages.

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Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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8 days itinerary trip from Paris to Paris visiting 1 country and 13 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Mont-Saint-Michel and Châteaux of the Loire Valley and Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches

Discover Rouen, Honfleur, Bayeux, Loire Valley and Paris

Visit the Bayeux Tapestry, the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches, the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Châteaux of Amboise and Chenonceau and Chartres Cathedral

View the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

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 and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Frequently asked questions

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What is a definite departure?

A departure is shown as 'Definite Departure' once it has reached a minimum number of guests. That particular departure will definitely run, barring any extraordinary circumstances. We update these regularly, and you can book any departure. While it is highly unlikely a departure doesn't meet the minimum number of guests, you will be offered the best alternative dates or a full refund of any payment made if this is the case. If there are ever any changes to your departure, we will contact you.

How can I book flights for my tour? What about extra hotel nights?

You can add flights and extra hotel nights directly through Trafalgar, so that everything is taken care of, leaving you to relax and enjoy your tour. If you're booking online, once you've selected your travel dates and room type, you'll be offered an option to add extra hotel nights and flights. Alternatively, you can call us to book and one of our travel experts can advise on your options.

How much is the deposit for a Trafalgar tour?

On most of our departures, you can secure your trip today with a low deposit from just $200.

What are the different kinds of experiences available?

Each Trafalgar tour has a carefully-selected range of included experiences to help immerse yourself in a destination. But did you know that every tour also has a Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience? Be My Guest Experiences are the original local travel experience, letting you step into the lives of hosts who will share stories about their families and communities. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences that give back to the local communities, which support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our tours also include a selection of Optional Experiences which are available for an additional cost, allowing you to make your trip your own.

Can I join a Trafalgar tour as a solo traveller?

A guided tour is the perfect way to solo travel. You'll meet like-minded people traveling with Trafalgar, and you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease, forming genuine connections as you go. To find out more solo room types and pricing select your preferred departure date and continue to the next page.

Where can I find room options?

Once you've selected your preferred departure date, on the next step add the number of guests to review the available room options and find the one that suits you best.

How can I apply my past guest discount?

It's great to have you back on board - the loyalty of our guests means everything to us. To access your Global Tour Rewards discount, please confirm the name and date of your past trip once you've added your passenger details. The discount will be applied before you book.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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We're Redefining Luxury Travel

The award-winning, French Promise ®  team led by Philip Haslett (Kairos, Unique Provence) and Sarah Latrous, has over 45 years combined experience in providing bespoke itineraries and unparalleled luxury travel services to the most discerning clientele throughout France.  

France's Top Luxury Travel Specialist

An expert in french luxury travel.

"Having been a travel guide, luxury hotel barge captain, hot air balloon pilot, and even chef, we combine hands-on experience with a highly vetted network of local guides and luxury partners to offer you the very best of France."

Director, Philip Haslett, has been featured in numerous luxury travel publications such as: Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Knot and Town & Country. Philip has been named a top Luxury France Travel Advisor again in 2024 by Travel + Leisure and Wendy Perrin's Wow List.

Discover France Like An Insider

This month's featured travel destinations.

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Off the-beaten-track.

As more and more repeat travellers return to France, enamoured with its culture and beauty; they are feeling much more confident and comfortable with traveling to lesser known regions. It is with immense pleasure that we can take our clients beyond the must-visit destinations, and off-the-beaten track to discover parts of France that do not figure in regular touristic brochures.

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The Many Facets of France

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A Genuine Trip to the South West of France

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From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean

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From Provence to Paris - Immersion into the "Real France"

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Paris, the Loire Valley and Normandy at a slower pace

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Focus on the South West of France

Self-guided driving tours of france [fjfy:year], self-guided driving tours of france.

France Just For You takes you away from the beaten paths, on scenic roads for a memorable driving tour of France !

Enjoy a warm French welcome & experience the real France.

Planning our trip via France Just For You was an amazing experience from beginning to end! Emilie's professionalism, attention to detail, thorough and thoughtful communication, and …

Planning our trip via France Just For You was an amazing experience from beginning to end! Emilie's professionalism, attention to detail, thorough and thoughtful communication, and expertise made our recent trip to France one of the smoothest and most enjoyable we've ever experienced. France Just For You truly cares about the individual needs, wishes and hopes of their customers, and Emilie made every effort to ensure that this personalized trip would be the trip of a lifetime! The travel book (which we affectionately dubbed our travel "bible") was extremely well-organized and informative. The advice, recommendations, and guidance provided therein was invaluable and, as we have just returned home, is now a treasured memento of our magical travel experience. I highly recommended France Just For You, and have already been spreading the word to family and friends! If you are planning a trip to France, do not hesitate to work with Emilie and Guillaume from France Just For You. Their knowledge of and appreciation for their French culture and heritage, professionalism, impressive attention to detail, and personalized commitment to providing a meaningful and memorable travel experience are exceptional! France Just For You is a travel company you can trust, and I will most certainly work with Emilie and France Just For You again in the future!

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Let's go touring France by car ! Experience our driving tours of France and you'll never travel the same way. 

Meet the locals, enjoy the gastronomy, drive at your own pace... let us craft the trip of your dreams.

Our Travelers’ Reviews

I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …

I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little reluctant to take a trip this long and do this much driving but Emilie's planning and suggestions were so great that we never had any problems. And she arranged the best bed and breakfasts possible. All of the hosts were wonderful and we had some very good dinners around a table with many people from other countries, which was one of the reasons why we wanted to stay at bed and breakfasts. Our tour guides were amazing and at two different places Emilie had left personal notes and gifts. That is just the type of person she is. We asked Emilie if we could meet her and we were fortunate enough to be able to do that in her hometown of Langeais. She is just was delightful as you would expect her to be and she spent over an hour with us. It was one of the highlights of our trips. Every day we had to pinch ourselves that we were doing all of these fabulous things from Paris, to Normandy, to Brittany, to the Loire Valley, to Burgundy, to Provence and to the French Riviera. As you can see, we covered a lot of territory because of Emilie's willingness to customize our trip so that we could see a lot of France. We agree with the suggestion to go with your own GPS. It certainly helps to know how to use it before you arrive. We also suggest that you book your trip well in advance so that Emilie has time to arrange the best bed and breakfasts and the best tour guides. We certainly felt like we had that and we booked our trip seven months ahead. And read your tour book(s) before you go. You will still refer to them each and every day but there is so much general information in the books that we found very helpful. We have NEVER had a better trip and it's because of Emilie. Thank you, Emilie, for truly giving us the trip of a lifetime. We have memories that will last forever because of you.

A Fabulous Honeymoon ! We found France Just For You (FJFY) while doing a google search of places to honeymoon. After reaching out to Laura and Emilie we were immediately met with professionalism and enthusiasm. This trip was flawless in every way possible, any question we had about traveling to a foreign country had been thought of and answered by …

A Fabulous Honeymoon ! We found France Just For You (FJFY) while doing a google search of places to honeymoon. After reaching out to Laura and Emilie we were immediately met with professionalism and enthusiasm. This trip was flawless in every way possible, any question we had about traveling to a foreign country had been thought of and answered by the FJFY team. We could not have asked for a better team to plan our honeymoon and hope to use them again soon!!

This was a wonderful way to travel in France! Our tours were wonderful and the guidebook was very helpful. Each day we had suggestions of things to do and we loved every suggestion! Our car and our accommodations were first class. Having the french phone made travel easy since we could use Waze and Google Maps. If we return to France, we will …

This was a wonderful way to travel in France! Our tours were wonderful and the guidebook was very helpful. Each day we had suggestions of things to do and we loved every suggestion! Our car and our accommodations were first class. Having the french phone made travel easy since we could use Waze and Google Maps. If we return to France, we will definitely use France Just For You again.

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7 Fun Facts About France

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Luxury France Tours made for you

Exquisite wines

Visit boutique suppliers

Inspiring landmarks

Explore cities full of history

World-class gastronomy

Dine at outstanding restaurants

Breathtaking scenery

Travel from the mountains to the Med

Romance, gastronomy, history and the City of Lights

Beautiful châteaux, rolling vineyards and prestigious vintages, the glamorous Côte d’Azur, elegant cities and medieval towns. Much of France’s beauty lies in its diversity, and its lure is hard to resist.

Known for its exceptional cuisine, bubbling champagne, diverse terrain and distinctive culture, it is little wonder France is among the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Whether it’s the iconic landmarks and chic style of Paris that has you captivated, the lavender fields of Provence , the medieval history of Reims, the fertile vineyards of Burgundy , Bordeaux and Champagne or the glitz and sun of the star-studded Saint-Tropez , you’ll find a drastically changing landscape and culture wherever you go.

Industrialisation was late to arrive in France and there is a strong sense among its people that it remains a rural country. And while there are many developed cities, the large spaces of countryside and woodland are widespread and vastly unchanged. As well as being celebrated for its gastronomy, producing more than 250 cheeses and some of the world’s most-loved wines, France is also recognised for some of Europe’s most influential artists from Renoir and Monet to Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse and Braque.

Your trip, whether it’s a romantic France honeymoon or a family adventure , can include as much or as little as you like. We’ll help you explore this welcoming and varied country, perfect for newlyweds seeking a blend of romance and discovery. Assisted by our enthusiastic local guides, we’ll plan every step of your journey, from charming châteaux to the sun-soaked Côte d’Azur, ensuring you can immerse yourself in the tremendous adventure of France while we take care of all the details.

Browse the example plans below for ideas or take a look at our locations page for inspiration, and then speak to our France Travel Designers to start planning your own tailor-made trip.

Visit boutique wineries and Champagne producers and attend wine blending workshops in Champagne.

Take a tour of the beautiful Palace of Versailles just outside of Paris.

Go on an exhilarating hot air balloon flight over the stunning Loire Valley.

Head out on a mouth-watering gourmet walking tour of Lyon.

Soak up the sun on the French Riviera.

Senior Travel Designer

Beyond the style and history of Paris, there is so much to discover in France. From quaint villages in the countryside to rolling vineyards with outstanding wines, you can be sure your stay will be a memorable one.

Luxury Accommodation in France

French Riviera

The Loire Valley

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

20 Day trip

12 Day trip

10 Day trip

Whatever you want from your France tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

The south-western region has been producing wine since the Romans arrived in the 1st century AD and is today the world’s major wine industry capital.

Burgundy is a fairytale land of Renaissance chateaux, medieval abbeys, fortified villages and rolling vineyards.

With its sweeping, lush vineyards, Champagne is best known for its sparkling white wine production that bears the region’s name.

Also known as the Côte d’Azur, this is a beautiful section of France‘s Mediterranean coastline stretching from the Italian border westward.

Undeniably one of the best destinations in France for exceptional produce and world-class gastronomy, Lyon offers a feast for all the senses.

This region is home to some of France’s best museums and romantic old towns.

Paris is seductive, stunning whatever the weather, and above all, timeless.

Provence offers a rich and diverse landscape, from endless lavender fields to bountiful vineyards, rocky hilltop villages and dazzling Côte D’Azur waters.

The romantic nature of the Loire Valley captivates history enthusiasts, gourmets and wine lovers alike.

Meet your Europe team

Travel Designer

When to visit

France is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, and spring, summer and autumn are the best times to visit. You’ll find some restaurants close during August so it’s best to avoid this month if you’re after a foodie -themed trip. There are some lovely markets around Christmas time and plenty of galleries and museums to explore if you’re visiting during the cooler months.

Sand and Sun

May - October

Hiking Trails

April - June

Explore Paris

Winter Wonderland

December - March

When is the Best Time to Visit France?

France travel guides.

Our Favourite Château Hotels in France

Our Guide to the Wine Regions of France

Best European Cities for a Christmas vacation

Europe Bucket List: Top 10 things to Do in Europe

The World's Top Wine tours

The World’s 25 Best Luxury Wellness Retreats

Plan your trip to france.

Whatever you want from your adventure in France, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Excellent company and communication. They were able to put together trip last minute. Everything on the trip was amazing, hotel, trips, tour guide. It was everything i expected and beyond!

Jacada Travel planning a perfect trip for my family, (husband and 18 yo daughter). ALL the details were taken care of without any issue. Our Senior Travel Designer, Kate and our Concierge for Europe, Symmone, helped me plan every detail for our trip. They gave wonderful suggestions for additional tours which were a must-see and the restaurant recommendations and the…

At the last minute I planned a trip from the US with Jacada to visit London and Paris with my son who is studying in Italy. Hanna Fischer and Alice Cosso, my contacts at Jacada, had the very difficult task of making arrangements for us during such a busy travel period and with not a great deal of time to…

Hanna and Alice were amazing! They were great planners and advisors. Any questions, concerns, or requests were promptly handled.

Our Jacada trip to London, Bath, Paris, Normandy and Champagne was amazing! Kate and Marta planned everything for us .. it was fun, we hit all the highlights, had time for some off the beaten path excursions and it was stress free. I was impressed by the accommodations. All of the rooms were large with comfortable, roomy beds. The staff…

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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10 Best Rhine River Cruises

Sail past stunning castles, quaint towns, and vineyards on these Rhine River cruises.

Courtesy of Riverside Luxury Cruises

River cruising has grown in popularity in recent years, with new lines offering unique ways to experience Europe’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, Douro, Seine, and, of course, the Rhine. “The Rhine River is famous for castles, cathedrals, historic sites, and medieval towns, offering majestic scenery as you travel through several European countries. You feel as if you’ve traveled back to a different time in our world,” Travel + Leisure A-list advisor Olga Placeres says.

On most Rhine River cruises, guests can explore on their terms, making this a great trip idea for multi-generational travel. From family-friendly trips to beer-focused itineraries to festive holiday cruises, here are 10 of the best Rhine River cruises for every type of traveler.

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

7-night Enchanting Rhine Cruise

Cruise expert Placeres named AmaWaterways one of her favorite river cruise lines. This family-owned and operated line offers all-inclusive river cruises with a range of shore excursions for both active and relaxed travelers. Several Rhine River cruises are available, and a few include the Moselle and Main Rivers. Christmas market cruises and wine-focused itineraries are also offered.

The Enchanting Rhine cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, where passengers board their vessel (while the specific ship varies depending on the dates, all carry fewer than 170 guests). In Breisach, Germany, guests can choose a wine country bike tour, walking tour, or hike in the Black Forest. The cruise continues to Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Rüdesheim, with options each day for active or relaxed excursions. The scenic Rhine River Gorge area is a highlight, and there are visits to Cologne and Düsseldorf before arriving in Amsterdam.

Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

11-day Rhine and Main Explorer Cruise

Placeres also recommends Viking Cruises, which was established by Torstein Hagen in 1997 and operates river, ocean, and expedition cruises across all seven continents. Viking’s Rhine River cruises range from eight to 15 days, and itineraries go beyond the Rhine to include the Main, Moselle, and a voyage that goes across the North Sea to Norway’s fjords.

The Rhine and Main Explorer begins in Nuremberg and continues to Bamberg for a walking tour through the winding streets of the medieval city. Cruise highlights include palace tours in Würzburg, local Bavarian culture and food in Marktheidenfeld, scenic sailing on the Main River, touring the charming French city of Strasbourg, and admiring Germany's famous Black Forest. The tour ends with two nights in Basel, where you can take a tour of the city and enjoy cheese fondue.

Adventures by Disney

8-day rhine river cruise.

Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, but they also offer adults-only (18+) experiences on Europe’s rivers. Instead of setting sail on a Disney Cruise Line mega ship, these itineraries use AmaWaterways river ships for a more intimate experience with a maximum of 156 guests. Travel writer Terry Ward took her six and seven year olds and her 18-year-old niece on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise in July. “I can confirm it’s a trip with total multigenerational appeal,” Ward says. “There were always multiple options for shore excursions — something to interest passengers across the board.”

“During a port of call in Germany’s Black Forest region, for example, we could choose a toboggan run through the forest with time spent carving wooden toys and learning to make butter, visiting Europa Park, or enjoying the medieval old town of Riquewihr.” Ward tells T+L, “On several nights, Disney’s Adventure Guides whisked the kids off to the lounge for their own fun — maybe a Disney movie and dinner or games — so the adults could try the chef’s tasting table or enjoy a quieter dinner. Teens had their own tables for dinner if they wished.” Ward added, “The Adventure Guides hailed from some of the countries we sailed through, so traveling with them in Europe felt a bit like being along for the ride with an in-the-know friend.”

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

8-day Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts Cruise

After nearly a century in European tourism, the Globus family of brands launched Avalon Waterways in 2004, and it was ranked among the top river cruise lines in the world by T+L readers in 2024. Avalon’s Rhine River cruises range from five days to 11 days; several include the Moselle, and they offer seasonal Christmas market cruises.

The Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts cruise is a round-trip cruise from Amsterdam offered in the spring, with a beer expert on board to host lectures, beer tastings, and food and beer pairings. The ship heads to Rotterdam for a walking tour, bike ride, or a guided excursion to Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe” with over seven million tulips. In Antwerp and Ghent, guests can choose between bike or walking tours, while guided tours in Willemstad take guests among centuries-old buildings. In Amsterdam, guests can take a guided canal cruise followed by a Dutch beer experience.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

8-day Rhine River Valley Cruise

Founded in 1976, Uniworld is a luxurious, all-inclusive cruise line that offers itineraries on Europe's famous rivers. Uniworld's Rhine River cruises start at eight days, but travelers with more time can combine the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers on a 25-day, eight-country cruise.

The eight-day Rhine River Valley cruise boards in Nuremberg and cruises to Bamberg where guests can choose a walking tour, nature park hike, or brewery tour. In Würzburg, an 18th-century palace tour or wine tasting are options; additional stops include Miltenberg, Mainz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, and Breisach, before disembarking in Basel.

8-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure Cruise

This century-old, family-owned company offers travel experiences in more than 100 destinations, ranging from small-group tours to river cruises. Tauck’s Rhine River cruise itineraries range from eight days to the 15-day Grand European Cruise that covers nine countries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

The eight-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure is a Tauck Bridges family cruise designed for guests of all ages. The cruise departs from Basel, and the next day, guests travel by rail to Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne to ride the world’s steepest cog-wheel train. In Strasbourg, there’s a French sing along and chocolate tasting. The family-focused fun continues at stops in Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne before the ship reaches its final stop. In Amsterdam, guests can take a canal cruise, visit a windmill, or taste local cheeses.

Courtesy of Scenic

8-day Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

This Australian-founded company established in 1986 offers river cruises, ocean voyages, and expeditions to the polar regions. Billed as an ultra-luxury, five-star cruise line, Scenic offers special Rhine River itineraries that feature Christmas markets or focus on topics like wine and food.

The Rhine Christmas Markets cruise begins in Amsterdam with options of a walking, biking, or canal tour before setting off for Cologne, where guests can see the magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, visit a brewery, and browse the Christmas markets. In Baden-Baden, a famed German spa town, browse the markets or soak in thermal waters. Koblenz, Mannheim, and Strasbourg are additional stops on this holiday-themed itinerary.

Emerald Cruises

Courtesy of Emerald Cruises

8-day Jewels of the Rhine Cruise

Emerald, founded in 2013, specializes in luxury river and yacht cruises. Emerald's Rhine River cruises include an eight-day voyage and an 11-day cruise that includes the Moselle.

The Jewels of the Rhine cruise starts with two nights in Amsterdam, where guests can take a bicycle tour or canal cruise before the captain’s dinner. Then, it's off to Cologne and the charming cities of Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Freiburg, where castles, historic churches, and half-timbered buildings await. The ship arrives in Basel for the end of the cruise the next day.

CroisiEurope

Courtesy of CroisiEurope

5-day Rhine in Flames Cruise

Founded in 1976 in France, CroisiEurope is the largest European-based river cruise line. The company also offers sea voyages and canal barge cruises. Their budget-friendly river cruises include some shore excursions, and Rhine River cruises vary in length from three days to two weeks or longer.

The five-day Rhine in Flames cruise boards in Strasbourg for a night of cruising. The next day in Rüdesheim, excursion options include a train ride to a wine cellar followed by a visit to the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments or a gondola lift to the Niederwalddenkmal and vineyard hike. The next day is the main event as the ship sails towards Trechtingshausen for the famous Rhine in Flames fireworks show. The ship arrives in Mannheim for an optional visit to Heidelberg and later a gala evening before sailing back towards Strasbourg.

A-Rosa Cruises

Courtesy of A-ROSA Cruises

6-day Rhine Legends Cruise

This German company has been cruising the Rhine River and its tributaries since 2009. The family-friendly line has a kids club and family suites with plenty of room to spread out. Their river cruises range from four to seven days, and there is a fee for most excursions.

The five-day Rhine Legends cruises the Middle Rhine round-trip from Cologne. In Rüdesheim, guests can tour the countryside on a bike or train tour. Stops in Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz provide more ways to explore the beautiful region, before the ship returns to Cologne for disembarkation.

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France holiday destinations: the most beautiful places to explore this year

Whether you want to taste world-class wines in lovely vineyards, explore prehistoric caves or laze on a Mediterranean beach, France has all of this and more

France has the perfect region for everyone – which is why we've rounded up our favourite France holidays to feature something everyone will love, from gorgeous coastal resorts and blissful islands to bustling cities, from national parks and reserves filled with thrilling outdoor pursuits to world-class art and architecture.

You might head for an alpine lake or be lured by a river beach, you might discover modern metropolises that are busy greening themselves for the 21st century and beyond, or you may be tempted by splendid châteaux, cathedrals and other great reminders of bygone eras. But perhaps the best thing about France is that you don’t have to choose – it’s all there for the taking in fantastic destinations in every corner of the land.

And anywhere you decide to go, you’re guaranteed the fabulous cuisine that is so much part of the reason people come back to France time and again.

Whether you're looking to travel by Eurostar or drive, there's a city , coastal spot or beautiful countryside to be explored. From Bordeaux to Lille and Provence to Marseille , these are the best France holiday destinations to discover this year.

At the heart of one of the world’s most revered wine-growing regions, this rapidly evolving river port draws oenophiles but also those who love French gastronomy and culture in general. Perhaps its main sight is the immense and wonderfully interactive Cité du Vin, but part of the charm of Bordeaux is just discovering its districts - including hip Chartrons - and its riverside on foot or by bike.

You’ll be rewarded for your amblings by architectural glories in styles ranging from Gothic and neo-classical to contemporary, by art and history museums galore, and of course by wine estates including the bijou Chateau les Carmes Haut-Brion within the city limits, with a spectacular modern wine cellar by Philippe Starck. Bordeaux is also a fantastic French destination to reach by train, less than six hours from London by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to Stay : The best Bordeaux hotels range from boutique urban boltholes to wine estates offering dining in the midst of the vines. Some have Michelin-starred restaurants and some even have grape-based spa treatments. Try the chic Mondrian Bordeaux , which opened recently.

Alternatively, you can explore Bordeaux on a gourmet river cruise in the autumn with celebrated chef Raymond Blanc.

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Provence and the Côte d’Azur/French Riviera

A vast and varied area, the South of France (the historic province of Provence, which is now largely equivalent to the modern-day Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region/Région Sud) embraces everything from the North-African-inflected city of Marseille and glam, yacht-filled resorts such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez to tiny timeless villages lost amid rugged countryside scented by local herbs.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur are perfect for anything from a long weekend in France to a full-on holiday, and the weather is mild enough even in February to make this a great pick for a winter break. It’s also easy reached by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to stay : The best Provence hotels are inspired by surrounding nature, whether it’s lavender fields or Mediterranean beaches, and many have great restaurants showing fresh produce including fish fresh from the fishing boats – some holding Michelin stars. See also our round-up of recommendations in the laidback Riviera resort of Antibes with its cobbled streets, 16th-century ramparts and Picasso museum. Try La Place Boutique Hotel , located in the old town of Antibes.

Loire Valley

Dating from its 150 years as home to the French court, the castles of the Loire Valley are so impressive that this entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among the most breathtaking are Chenonceau straddling the Cher river, and the almost ridiculously opulent Chambord, the biggest, including a famous open double-helix staircase said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

But the landscapes of the Loire Valley are spectacular too, from the wide swathe of the River Loire itself to the vast old hunting forests full of stags and wild boar, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including boat cruises, canoeing, cycling along the river banks, and exploring local cave homes.

How to visit: Country Living's tour of the Loire Valley takes in several extravagant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals and abbeys, and lush gardens.

Now an an artists’ village with workshops, galleries and a re-creation of a historic artists’ studio, this Normandy beauty spot 75km north-west of Paris was home to Claude Monet for half his life, from 1883 to 1926, and provided inspiration for his iconic water-lily and Japanese bridge paintings.

Long a pilgrimage site among both art and plant lovers, it’s back in the limelight thanks to the film Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse . You can also see other sites in the surrounding Seine Valley that inspired Monet and his fellow Impressionists.

How to visit : Giverny is the focal point of our tour of Monet’s France and the Loire Valley, with wine tastings, palace tours and more.

From its Haussmannian boulevards to its great green spaces, the City of Lights is always a delight, no matter how many times you visit or with whom. There are too many sights to do justice to here, but among the highlights are the Jardin du Luxembourg with its sculptures, boating pond and puppet theatre, the Jardin des Plantes – botanical gardens housing three natural-history museums – and of course the Seine (a river cruise is a great way to take in several major landmarks including Notre-Dame cathedral).

Paris is also a glamorous destination for foodies and fashionistas, with some of the world’s best dining plus superb shopping everywhere from neighbourhoo boutiques and historic department stores to incredible fleamarkets.

Where to stay : Hôtel Madame Rêve has a beautifully nostalgic setting in Paris’ old central post office near the Louvre, a breathtaking decor of boiserie panels, golden velvet and 8m-high ceilings, and fabulous views from its top-floor restaurant and roof terrace.

Carcassonne

Lantern-lit night tours are just one of the ways to discover the fairytale-like medieval city perched up high in this hilltop town lording it over the Aude region of Occitania in south-west France. UNESCO-listed, this Cité Médiévale is said to be one of the world’s most well-preserved medieval ensembles, with 52 towers and two concentric walls creating 3km of ramparts to discover.

Carcassonne is also at the heart of of a major wine-growing region, with lots of small-scale vineyards to visit in the surrounding Greater Carcassonne area. You might also visit on a Canal du Midi cruise, as the iconic waterway passes through the town.

Where to stay : With just 19 rooms, suites and villas decorated in a classic style, this 19th-century townhouse built over the cellars of a Carolingian abbey is a family-run haven from the fray. Expect fine dining (don’t miss ‘Dieu le Fils’ cassoulet ), a seasonal outdoor pool and a nurturing spa.

Alternatively, visit Carcassonne and experience Michelin-starred dining in the town during Country Living's fabulous Dordogne tour.

Oozing creativity, innovation and cultural dynamism, this port city on the Loire River in western France has the unique attraction of the amazing Machines de l’Ile, a collection of giant mechanical ‘living machines’ based on the imaginings of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci and others, some of which you can ‘test’ or even ride, including the 12m-tall Great Elephant and the Marine Carousel.

Jules Verne was born in the city, and there’s also a Musée Jules Verne with a multi-media trail. Another must-see is the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, including displays on Nantes’ role in the slave trade.

Nantes is also a very green city, with an evolving network of eco-friendly transport including new tram lines and green zones for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s also handy for the seaside in destinations including La Baule, Le Croisic and Noirmoutier island with its oyster huts.

Where to stay : The first five-star hotel in the area, a few minutes from the city centre, the Château de Maubreuil sits in a wooded estate with lovely gardens and offers a Cinq Mondes spa and superb dining.

Pastel-painted houses lining the river and canal banks, winding cobbled alleys and array of green spaces make the ‘Venice of France’ a fairytale destination - especially in its Vieille Ville (Old Town). It also holds the rare Fleur d’Or (‘Gold Flower’) award from the national association Villes et Villages Fleuris (‘Cities and Villages in Bloom’).

Other highlights of this capital of the Haute Savoie region of south-eastern France are the Pont de l’Amour or Lovers’ Bridge, a wrought-iron affair with to-die-or mountain and lake views, and the Jardins de l’Europe – laid out by Henry I, Duke of Savoy-Nemours, with ginkgo bilboas, laricio pines, giant sequoias and a tulip tree. There’s also walking, cycling and lake-based water sports to enjoy.

Where to Stay : Hôtel Le Pélican occupies a former alms house transformed by star architect Christian de Portzamparc and offers lake and mountain views from many of its rooms and other spaces, which include a bistro and an artisan bakery. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool with a pool bar.

The birthplace of art is so named for having some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, and while you can’t access the most famous caves, Lascaux, for risk of damaging their 16,000-year-old artworks, you can see reproductions of two of the cave halls at nearby Lascaux II and further reproductions in Le Thot – Centre d'Interpretation de la Prehistoire.

Once ruled by the British, Périgord – as the French know it – is still popular for its slower-paced of life, its rolling countryside dotted with lovely châteaux, and its amazing, if often very rich, food (this is truffle country). But you can work it all off by swim or canoeing in or the Dordogne, especially at Limeuil, with its river-beaches. You can also take a trip along the river in a traditional gabarre , seeing fabulous castles en route.

Where to stay : Le Clos 1855 is a luxury B&B near Limeuil with the option of fabulous dining on local products, plus an outdoor pool for the summer months.

Lively festivals, beautiful beaches and incredible geological formations, record-breaking lighthouses, spiralling head-dresses ( coiffes ), record-breaking lighthouses, and even fairies (the shapeshifting korrigans of local myth)… The northwest corner of France is another world, although it shares a Celtic heritage with parts of Britain and many of its ancient sites were built by the same folk as Stonehenge.

Among must-sees are St-Malo, an ancient walled pirates’ city, the Côte de Granit Rose with its pinkish rocks carved by the elements, the wild, windswept island of Ouessant with Europe’s most powerful lighthouse and unique dwarf black sheep, and Carnac, the most important prehistoric site in Europe, with around 3000 menhirs older than Egypt’s pyramids, thought to have been a lunar observatory.

Where to stay : An icon and an institution dating back nearly 150 years, the Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel is a classic seaside hotel with views of the St-Malo ramparts and a spa with a pool, sauna and hammam.

The capital of the Rhône-Alpes is one of the world’s great foodie cities as well as producing wonderful wines, and you’ll probably spend much of your time here eating and drinking everywhere from Michelin-starred Paul Bocuse to classic bistros (known locally as bouchons ). Don’t miss the likes of hearty saucisson de Lyon sausage and salade lyonnaise with bacon, poached egg and croutons.

This was also home city to the Lumière brothers and there are carefully crafted mini and life-size film sets to behold in the Musée Miniature et Cinéma Lyon as well as cinematic-history displays at the Musée Lumière. Meanwhile, the shiny modern Musée des Confluences is the place to find out about local natural history and anthropology. It’s in the hip former docks area, beside La Sucrière – a contemporary arts space in an old sugar factory.

Where to stay : Intimate and unique, Villa Florentine is a Relais & Châteaux hotel with glorious panoramic views from its lovely pool terrace. Once a former convent, it also conceals a sybaritic spa and an upmarket restaurant showcasing local products such as Bresse poultry and pigeon.

It’s not hard to fall in love with this French island perched out in the Mediterranean, clad in fragrant evergreen maquis and studded with ancient cork oaks and olive trees. Time seems to stand still here as you hike past rock roses, prickly pears and immortelles while red-tailed kites circle overhead.

Among the island’s most charming spots are the Balagne region with its hilltop villages including Montemaggiore and Pigna with their charming rustic architecture and authentic little bars serving fresh lemon and clementine juice from Corsica’s orchards. The bustling ports of Bastia, Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio are all worth spending time in too, and the local markets are sensational.

Where to stay : A family-owned five-star in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa overlooks a vast sandy beach in the bay of Porto-Vecchio and includes a swanky Nucca spa.

More European ideas:

- The best hotels in Geneva

- Where to stay in Rotterdam

- Vienna's best hotels

- The best hotels in the Dolomites

- The best hotels in Iceland

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Tauck celebrates company milestones with four new European land tours in 2025

Post date: Aug 20 2024

Date: Aug 20 2024

By: Travelweek

WILTON, CT — In celebration of its 100 th anniversary next year and its 35 th year of operations in Europe, Tauck is launching four new land journeys in Italy, Switzerland, France and England.

Departing in 2025, the quartet of new itineraries includes “ A Week In… Piedmont ” and “ A Week In… Switzerland ” – both additions to the company’s ‘A Week In…’ collection of eight-day tours – as well as two longer tours, England and the West Country ” (11 days) and “ Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux ” (14 days).

The four new land tours come as Tauck’s business in Europe is surging, says CEO Dan Mahar. The continent continues to be the company’s most popular destination, and 2025 bookings to Europe are up double-digits, percentage-wise, over where 2024 bookings were at this time last year. 

In all, Tauck will offer 39 land tours to Europe in 2025, including five Tauck Bridges itineraries designed specifically for families.

“ Tauck will be 100-years-young in 2025, but we’re certainly not slowing down in any way,” said Mahar. “In fact, our commitment to innovating and enhancing our global portfolio of land tours, river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and Tauck Bridges family adventures is stronger than ever.”

Highlights of the four new lands tours include:

A Week In…Piedmont

• 8 days, from US$6,990 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare
• Wine tasting, a cooking demonstration and lunch at the Slow Food University in the Langhe Hills, where the slow food movement began
• Truffle-hunting with specially trained dogs, followed by a chef-hosted cooking class
• Wine tasting lunch in the Gavi region at an award-winning Piedmont winery

A Week In…Switzerland

• 8 days, from US$7,590 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare
• A visit to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest peak, for lunch and panoramic views
• A rail excursion aboard the Golden Pass Train through the Swiss Alps
• A walking tour and chocolate tasting in Lucerne’s Old Town, followed by a wine tasting at a nearby vineyard

England and the West Country

• 11 days, from US$8,790 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare
• A guided tour of Chavenage House, a 400-year-old Cotswold manor home
• A guided tour of the Morgan Sports Car factory and a chance to pilot a sports car
• A private cooking class at the Philleigh Cooking School

Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux

• 14 days, from US$11,790 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare
• An early-opening private visit to the 12-century Chateau de Beynac in Perigord
• An expert lecture, accompanied by aperitifs, on the Dordogne’s prehistoric sights, followed by dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
• A private tour and tasting at the historic Chateau de Ferrand

GROWTH IN SMALL GROUP TRAVEL

In recent years, Tauck has reduced the average group size of its land tours in Europe and beyond. It introduced its popular Small Group departures averaging 24 guests each, and more recently, its Smaller Group trips averaging just 15 guests. With the reduced group sizes, guests are able to enjoy more intimate and interactive engagement within the destination, and gain access to people, places and experiences unavailable to larger groups.

SHOULDER SEASON DEPARTURES

Also for 2025, Tauck is boosting its shoulder season departures by 50%, primarily during the fall months of October and November. Mahar noted that the cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make fall an ideal time to visit Europe. Along with these advantages, shoulder season travel also benefits local communities in Europe as destinations are far better able to accommodate additional visitors in the fall and spring versus peak summer months. 

“Expanding our shoulder season departures – and hosting more of our guests in Europe during the spring and fall – is a true win-win that benefits everyone,” said Mahar.

For more information go to www.tauck.ca .

Tags: Lead Story, Tauck

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The Best French Wine Regions to Visit—and What to Drink When in Each

It doesn’t get more French than wine—or perhaps more winey than France . If you’re venturing beyond Paris on your next trip to La République, the French wine regions are likely on your itinerary. And if they’re not, they’re worthy additions to any tour of the country. Wine is an essential part of the national culture, and it’s a treat to witness a particularly French brand of passionate expertise expressed beautifully in its vineyards, the good-time drinks and palate-challengers they yield, and the brilliant humans who make them with great care. Talk to any winemaker about their wares and you’ll inevitably go down a rabbit hole about not only their craft, but French society , geography, climate, and even politics. Indeed, the way into any French person’s heart—and to France’s itself—is a glass (or bottle) of wine.

To that end, here is a brief introduction to some of the best French wine regions, how to visit them, and what wines to try when you’re there. All told, there are 10 or 11 major wine regions in France, depending on who you ask. I’ve curated below a selection of seven, featuring places familiar to the casual wine drinker, like Bordeaux and Champagne; as well as appellations (specific areas classified by their wine-growing conditions) that are wine-nerd favorites, like Bandol in Provence , guaranteed to reward curious travelers and palates.

You’re in good hands here: As a travel editor whose areas of coverage include wine and spirits, I’ve spent extended time in a few of these regions; and in my personal life, I’ve fancied myself an oenophile (read: wine fan) ever since my mother switched me from formula to Pinot Grigio. I’ve also consulted some of the best books on the subject, including The New Wine Rules by Jon Bonné, Wine Simple by Aldo Sohm, and Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack. Grab a copy of one or all to further your own wine education.

With that out of the way, here are seven French wine regions to visit, where to stay, and what to drink. Santé!

If you’ve ever had French food , you’ve probably had Burgundy wine. It’s what’s used in classic dishes like coq au vin and bœuf bourguignon—it’s right there in the name, “Bourgogne,” the French word for the region. Viticulture, the growing of grapes, has happened in Burgundy ever since the Roman conquest of Gaul in the second century, and perhaps even before then. So folks here have been working with the land (alternately hilly and flat) and the climate (cold winters, hot summers , and unpredictable precipitation) for eons, giving them time to master the region’s grapes, nowadays predominantly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It’s a highly-prized winemaking region in France, and perhaps one of the most famous in the world. It’s so complex that there are about 100 appellations in Burgundy, but with some likely-familiar names such as Chablis and Beaujolais among them.

Also, I should mention: In most of France, wines are often called by their appellations rather than the grapes they’re made of; so when you’re at a restaurant and you order a Chablis, there’s really no need to ask where it’s from. It’s a cute quirk of the country’s wine ways: You’re drinking not just a grape, but the place itself.

How to visit: For a place that can expertly give you a grand survey of Burgundy’s finest wines, the place to go is Maison Louis Jadot , in the town of Beaune. Its extensive wine shop offers regular tastings; call ahead for a customized experience. To visit the winery and the cellars, make an appointment. Stay nearby at either Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa Beaune or L’Hôtel de Beaune .

Loire Valley

The Loire is the longest river in France. It begins on the Massif Central and flows north then east through Orléans, Tours, Angers, and Nantes before finally emptying into the Atlantic’s Bay of Biscay. As such, it’s divided into four subregions, with many appellations unto themselves: Upper Loire in the highlands; Central Loire, famous for Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé; Middle Loire, around the university city of Tours (lucky kids); and the maritime Lower Loire. All that to say, the Loire Valley is a huge and diverse wine region, with pleasant weather and plenty for travelers to see when they’re not sipping zesty white wines: Gothic cathedrals in Tours, beaches near Nantes, and châteaux all over the valley. As for food pairings, cheese fiends should drink a white Sancerre with soft goat cheese like Crottin de Chavignol; the lively wine will balance the creaminess of the dairy. For seafood lovers, freshly-caught oysters and a chilled bottle of bone-dry Muscadet will make for a pre-dinner course you won’t soon forget.

How to visit: When in Nantes, sink into the plush digs of Château de Maubreuil , just outside the city. From there, cross the river for a 30-minute drive to drink Muscadet from Vincent Caillé’s Domaine Le Fay d’Homme , a fifth-generation family estate, open by appointment. If you’re seeking best-of-the-best Sancerres, call ahead and visit Domaine Vacheron in the town of—you guessed it—Sancerre. You can make a day trip out of it if you’re staying in Paris (the drive is two hours, one-way); if you’d rather stay local, Le Panoramic Hôtel has sweeping views of Sancerre’s winelands that over-deliver on its name.

You know the drill: If it wasn’t made in the Champagne region , then it’s not Champagne. (For what it’s worth, sparkling wine made in the Champagne method, a.k.a. méthode traditionnelle, but made elsewhere in France is called Crémant.) What makes this land so ideal for bubbly? The cool temperatures give the grapes high levels of acidity; rainwater drains well through the chalky terrain, which absorbs the day’s heat and releases it throughout the night. This typifies Champagne’s terroir , a word that refers to all the factors that inform how wine—and in some schools of thought, all food—will taste: soil, exposure, climate, and more. Plus, the chalk quarries in the region, called crayères , make for perfect subterranean wine cellars because their depth and the chalk keep the space and the wine cool. So when you tour the Champagne houses and cellars of Reims, Épernay, and Aÿ for tastings, be sure to bring a sweater.

How to visit: The Champagne region is an easy day trip from Paris : Take the TGV from Gare de l’Est and you’re in Reims, the region’s biggest city, in just 45 minutes. But there’s the lovely La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa , just opposite the stunning Notre-Dame de Reims , where French kings were historically crowned. Here, there are plenty famous grandes maisons de Champagne to visit like Veuve Clicquot and Pommery. Wizened and elegant Ruinart is my favorite among them; try the 2010 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs for an out-of-this-world experience.

That said, it’s essential to explore grower Champagnes too. These sparklers are made by independent businesses and family-run operations who grow, harvest, and process the grapes themselves (the bigger houses often buy much of their fruit from trusted farm partners). Which means these are the special, indie, good-value Champagnes, all brilliant and yet diverse in taste, that will keep you coming back to the region for more. Christophe Mignon and Pascal Agrapart are two of the best.

Rhône Valley

Though not as long as the Loire, the Rhône River still makes quite a journey: from the Swiss Alps, through Lake Geneva and the South of France , and into the Gulf of Lions in the Mediterranean. Given the valley’s size and variation in soil, its winemaking lands are traditionally divided into two subregions: the Northern and Southern Rhône, naturally. The north end is the smaller of the two, characterized by granite soil and steep hills. White wine here is often made with Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier grapes—the third is a personal low-acid favorite. As for reds, Northern Rhône Syrahs are punchy and bright, and their distinctness comes with a price tag. While the south, given its warmer soil and the mistral—the cold wind that blows from France into the Med—is dominated by the Grenache grape. In Côtes-du-Rhône, Grenache is used to make a lot of affordable and reliable vintages, while in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, they’re treated predominantly to biodynamic farming, which makes for some really pure expressions in the resulting wine.

How to visit: To explore the Northern Rhône, stay in Lyon’s Villa Maïa , featured on Condé Nast Traveler ’s Hot List in 2018 and sleek as ever; from there, drive 40 minutes south to try an array of Syrahs at Domaine Jamet , open by appointment. Get to the Southern Rhône via Avignon ( La Mirande is looking very sweet these days) and drop into Maison Brotte , a 20-minute drive away, for a glass or four. Don’t forget to visit the museum or view the bottling line, if you’re still on your feet.

In the last few decades, this region has claimed its place on the map for many travelers thanks not only to its photogenic lavender fields and seaside resort towns, but also the rise of rosé—and Provence makes plenty of the stuff thanks to the gorgeous weather. A Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers ensures the local grapes (and humans) have a good time year-round; the winemakers here, however, have to be mindful of the fruits getting too much sun, as they risk over-ripening. As you’d expect, rosé pairs beautifully with the sunny and summery foods of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region; a full-bodied rosé from Var—the French department sandwiched by Cannes and Marseille, home to Saint-Tropez—is a perfect accompaniment to fishy bouillabaisse. But there’s more to Provence than its famous pale-pink drink: Darker rosés and lighter reds from the Bandol can be rich and almost smoky in a way that recalls bacon. How’s that for a summer drink?

How to visit: Try the Bandols (rosés, reds, and a white) at Domaine Tempier , a 45-minute drive from Marseille, home to the chic five-room auberge Tuba Club , featured on Condé Nast Traveler ’s Hot List in 2021. The home of perennial crowd-pleaser Whispering Angel rosé, Château d’Esclans , is near Nice (an hour away) and Saint-Tropez (an hour and a half). At the former, check into the stunning and newly-opened Hôtel du Couvent ; at the latter, the town is your oyster .

Though its appellations are not as elaborate and highly specific as Burgundy’s, the winelands of Bordeaux —yup, around the gorgeous port city—are just as essential and iconic. Its red blends are paragons of French wine and ambassadors of the type; Bordeaux’s proximity to the harbors of the Gironde estuary, opening up into the Atlantic, also means that Bordelaise bottles have been on the world stage for centuries. The seaside climate is a treat for the grapes, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon on the Gironde’s Left Bank and Merlot on the Right. On either side, the region’s châteaux (as producers in Bordeaux call their wineries) are known for producing wines that age beautifully. As a result, oenophiles travel here to hunt for newer vintages that they’ll take home and open on special occasions years later, driving up their prices. Hot tip: You’ll get great value during your visit by tasting and picking up already-aged bottles—ones that you can pop open as soon as you get back to your hotel.

How to visit: Naturally, you’ll want to base yourself out of an auberge in Bordeaux, and Condé Nast Traveler has a list of the best of them . There are only five rooms at Maison La Course , but securing one will be worth it for the bespoke tasting experiences with the hotel’s cellar master. As for a vintner to visit, Château Pontet-Canet on the Left Bank boasts immaculate blends from their biodynamic farms; nab a 2016 vintage that will be ready to drink next year, in 2025.

To drink in Alsace is to drink like a Deutsche. This region is right on the French border with Germany; its biggest city, Strasbourg, is closer to Munich than it is to Paris. As a result, it’s the only wine-growing region in France that does not name its wines by its appellation—they do it the German way, by the grape varietal, instead. (Also, the bottles here have a more svelte shape, much like their German cousins.) Wines here, like Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, stand up to food nicely, and you’d be smart to pair one with raclette for a cheesy and winey dinner, perfect for a cozy night while visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas markets in winter. The summer is also a great time to visit: The higher elevations keep the climate cool, and the Vosges mountains shield much of the land from precipitation, making the area drier and sunnier. Much of Alsatian production falls into the category of white wine (about 90% of it), but look around for Pinot Noir, the only red varietal permitted in the region, if you’re into trying a chilled red.

How to visit: If you’re going to Alsace, you’re going to Maison Trimbach , a 13th-generation house that’s been making wine since 1626. When you’re there, try a well-balanced Pinot Blanc, fruity yet dry. Game for Pinot Noir? Domaine Ostertag is your destination. Stick around in Strasbourg, where the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile guarantees polished French hospitality.

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