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Overview
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A French vacation would not be complete without a visit to a castle and on this tour, Visit the 16th-century castle of Catherine de Medici, Chenonceau, a fairytale castle complete with moat and towers. You’ll also visit the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on a rocky isle which has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Another famous place of pilgrimage is Lourdes. Here, visit the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. In Grasse visit one of France’s most famous perfume factories and learn about the history of perfume making. In Brittany, visit the Neolithic dolmen La Roche-aux-Fées, which dates back to 3500-3000 BC. In Lyon, sit back and let a Local Guide explain the sights on a private river cruise. In Orange a visit to the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater.
All of this—plus walking tours to explore Bordeaux, the medieval, walled town of Carcassonne, and the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence—are included on the magnificent La France tour, the vacation of a lifetime!
Highlights
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant, orientation drive, guided sightseeing, visit the courtyard of Les Invalides
CAENVisit the Memorial Museum for Peace
NORMANDY BEACHESVisit the American Cemetery at Omaha beach
MONT ST. MICHELGuided visit of the abbey
SAINT-MALOLF Orientation by little train
ESSÉLF Visit La Roche-aux-Fées
ANGERSOrientation
LOIRE VALLEYVisit Chenonceau Castle
BORDEAUXDinner at the Brasserie Bordelaise; walking tour; wine tasting
ARCACHONStop in the seaside resort
DUNE DU PILATMarvel at the tallest sand dune in Europe
BIARRITZOrientation
LOURDESVisit St. Bernadette’s grotto
CARCASSONNEWalk by the ancient battlements
AIX-EN-PROVENCEWalking tour
GRASSEVisit a perfume factory, LF enjoy a lecture on the history of perfume-making
FRENCH RIVIERADrive along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice
ORANGEVisit the amphitheater
LYONLF private cruise with Local Guide, visit Old Lyon
DIJONOrientation
DIJON–PARISBy high-speed TGV train (first-class)
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 15 breakfasts, 6 dinners
ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Day1
Welcome to Paris! At 5:30 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and an orientation drive for a first impression of this magnificent city.
Meals included:
- Dinner
PARIS
Day2
In the morning, an optional excursion is available to the impressive Palace and Garden of Versailles, built by the “Sun King,” Louis XIV. Guided sightseeing features the Opéra, Madeleine, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Visit the impressive COURTYARD of Les Invalides, a complex of buildings, originally built as a home and hospital for war veterans, which houses various museums as well as the Dome Church, burial place of Napoleon. This evening, why not join an optional cabaret show?
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PARIS–CAEN. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY BEACHES
Day3
Arrive in Caen and visit the fascinating MEMORIAL MUSEUM FOR PEACE with its great exhibits and audiovisual show about the Battle of Normandy. Continue to the Normandy Beaches, scene of the Allied Forces’ landing on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Stop in Arromanches and see the Mulberry Harbor. Then, drive to OMAHA BEACH for a picture stop and visit the AMERICAN CEMETERY and memorial.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi / 380 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CAEN–MONT ST. MICHEL–SAINT-MALO
Day4
Visit the famous ABBEY OF MONT ST. MICHEL, with a history going back to the 8th century and spectacularly perched on a rocky isle. Look forward to another highlight: LF in the corsair city of Saint-Malo ride the LITTLE TRAIN, the best way to fully discover the historic walled town with Saint Vincent’s Cathedral and St. Peter’s Gate. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Malo.
Today’s Distance: 124 mi / 200 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ST. MALO–ESSÉ–ANGERS–LOIRE VALLEY
Day5
Drive through Brittany and stop in Essé to visit LF LA ROCHE-AUX-FEES, a dolmen dating back to 3500-3000 BC. On your way to the Loire Valley, enjoy an orientation of the beautiful town of Angers. This evening, you may wish to sample traditional cuisine at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi / 430 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LOIRE VALLEY–CHENONCEAU CASTLE–BORDEAUX
Day6
Visit the 16th-century castle of Catherine de Medici, lovely CHENONCEAU, a fairytale castle with a moat and towers. Continue to Bordeaux, and join your Tour Director for a walking tour through this elegant city on the Garonne River. Tonight, savor dinner at the well-known Brasserie Bordelaise restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 280 mi / 450 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
BORDEAUX
Day7
Today, an exclusive WINE TASTING has been arranged for you to learn all about the local wines for which the Bordeaux area is famous. Balance of the day is at leisure with the possibility to join an optional excursion to the charming village of Saint Emilion.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
BORDEAUX–ARCACHON–DUNE DU PILAT–BIARRITZ
Day8
Stop in the seaside town of Arcachon, famous for oyster harvesting, and marvel at the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. Arrive in Biarritz, an ancient fishing village. Time to relax and enjoy the beach or browse through the little shops. Your Tour Director will have suggestions how to make the most of your stay.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BIARRITZ–LOURDES–CARCASSONNE
Day9
In Lourdes, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage sites, visit the GROTTO where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. Next is the beautifully preserved, medieval, walled town of Carcassonne.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi / 430 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
CARCASSONNE–AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Day10
This morning, enjoy a leisurely walk by the ancient battlements before continuing to Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most elegant cities, and birthplace of painter Cézanne, that has always attracted artists from all over the world. Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through the center of the town and wander through the maze of small streets and along shaded Cours Mirabeau.
Today’s Distance: 186 mi / 300 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AIX-EN-PROVENCE–GRASSE–FRENCH RIVIERA
Day11
Arrive in Grasse, and visit the famous Fragonard Usine Historique, where LF an expert will give a lecture about PERFUME-MAKING. Then, enjoy spectacular views as you drive along the Mediterranean coast and the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Today’s Distance: 130 mi / 210 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
FRENCH RIVIERA
Day12
A full day at leisure on the enchanting Côte d’Azur gives you a chance to visit the beach or browse through the elegant shops. Optional excursions are available to the famous artist town of St. Paul de Vence and to Monte Carlo to try your luck at the Casino!
Meals included:
- Breakfast
FRENCH RIVIERA–ORANGE–LYON
Day13
Follow in the footsteps of the Romans and arrive in Orange, Visit the ROMAN THEATER, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in France. Next is Lyon, the third largest city of France.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LYON–DIJON
Day14
Sit back and relax during LF a PRIVATE CRUISE on the Rhône and Sâone Rivers with a Local Guide, who will explain the sights. Time to walk through OLD LYON to discover the Traboules, secret, hidden passageways winding their way through buildings and along staircases, with a history going back to the 4th century. Continue to Dijon, capital of Burgundy and famous for mustard. During your orientation, hear about the dukes who ruled over the area, admire the architecture, and learn about toits bourguignons (Burgundian polychrome roofs).
Today’s Distance: 124 mi / 200 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
DIJON–PARIS
Day15
Ride the high-speed TGV TRAIN to Paris, where an optional excursion to the artists’ hill of Montmartre, followed by a relaxing cruise on the Seine River, is available.
Today’s Distance: 199 mi / 320 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PARIS
Day16
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
- For operational reasons, slight schedule changes for the Paris program cannot be excluded.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Les Jardins du Marais
Superior First-Class
In the centre of Paris, with 263 rooms and a tranquil garden, this delightful property is composed of nine 19th-century buildings and has 'small village' charm. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a fitness room and Free Wi-Fi access.
Location
74, Rue Amelot, Paris, France
Hotel Facilities
- ATM
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Mini-bar
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
Novotel Paris Gare Montparnasse
First-Class
Stay in the heart of the capital, close to the Montparnasse train station, this modern 199-room hotel is an ideal base for visiting this capital city. Facilities include a trendy bar and restaurant with terrace, Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout and there is also a fitness center.
Location
17 Rue Du Cotentin, Paris, France
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
- Smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance
First-Class
Multistory Hotel located in heart of city, facing the Plaisance Port, close to the Castle.
Location
1 Rue De Courtonne, Caen Cedex, France
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
Oceania Hotel St. Malo
First-Class
This modern hotel faces the sea and is close to the Sillon Beach and St. Malo Marina. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi and coffee machines. Amenities include a terrace bar with panoramic sea-views, a lounge bar serving cocktails and drinks, as well as a fitness room and a hot tub.
Location
Chausse' Du Sillon, St.Malo, France
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Desk
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Newspaper
Mercure Blois Centre
First-Class
Three story hotel with restaurant and facilities for children is located in the city; 1 km from the railway station.
Location
28,Quai Saint-Jean, Blois, France
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Pool
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons
First-Class
Impressive 3-story Turn-of-Century Victorian Hotel with natural stone exterior featuring stone lions & Parisian-style windows.
Location
81,Cours Saint Louis, Bordeaux, France
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Television
Radisson Blu Hotel Biarritz
Superior First-Class
This centrally located hotel boasts great views of the Basque countryside and the oceanfront and offers a resort atmosphere with easy access to surfing, shopping, golf courses and casinos. All 150 guestrooms come with premier amenities such as free high-speed Wi-Fi and individual climate control. Guests can enjoy international cuisine or local Basque dishes at the restaurants or at the rooftop bar overlooking the city and the ocean.
Location
1 Carrefour Hèlianthe, Biarritz, France
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
Double Tree by Hilton
Deluxe
This cleverly designed boutique hotel mixes the modern with the medieval. It is located on the banks of the river Aude within walking distance of the 650-year-old Pont Vieux pedestrian bridge and the medieval city center with its historic landmarks. Each room is air conditioned and includes satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access, safe, minibar, espresso coffee machine and ironing equipment. This property boasts an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour gym and a pleasant bar offering outdoor seating with views of the Citadel.
Location
2 rue des Claquières, Carcassonne, France
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Elevator
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Spa Services
- Ice Machine
Room Facilities
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Voicemail
- Mini-bar
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
Grand Hotel Roi René
Superior First-Class
This inviting 134 room boutique property is built in a courtyard style around the swimming pool and garden terrace. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. A beautiful seasonal outdoor swimming pool and terrace offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. The hotel restaurant serves traditional southern French cuisine which can also be savored on the outdoor terrace and the hotel bar offers a good choice of snacks and drinks.
Location
24 Boulevard Du Roi Rene, Aix-En-Provence, France
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Phone
- Room Service
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Internet Access
- Voicemail
Ellington
First-Class
This charming 110 room boutique property has an air of casual refinement with architecture from the 1920's. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of the outdoor inner garden and evenings can be spent relaxing in the jazzy atmosphere of the lounge bar.
Location
25 Blvd.Dubouchage, Nice, France
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Ice Machine
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Television
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Window Opens
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Newspaper
Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache
First-Class
Five-story Art Nouveau Hotel located in the city center of Lyons, near the train station and the Place Bellecourt.
Location
12, Cours De Verdun, Lyon, France
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Pay Movies
- Smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Television
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Phone
Oceania Le Jura
First-Class
Located in the heart of Dijon with a peaceful rear garden. This hotel offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout and a selection of Burgandy beers and wines can be enjoyed in the intimate setting of the hotel bar.
Location
14 Av. Maréchal Foch, Dijon, France
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Hot Tub
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- ATM
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Daily Housekeeping
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
