Overview
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France's Champagne region is famous throughout the world and is even recognized by UNESCO. On this French tour, visit Reims in this celebrated region and enjoy a Champagne tasting. Visit the impressive Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 800 years and where the Kings of France used to be crowned. Also visit the magnificent gothic cathedral in Metz and the neo-byzantine Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica in Marseilles, located on the foundations of an ancient fort.
Strasbourg is a city that has retained its historic charm. Here, enjoy a boat cruise and see its “Little France” district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Other highlights of this France tour include a ride on the little train through Colmar’s famous “Little Venice” district, and an excursion to Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of painter Cézanne. Here, walk along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés. You will also enjoy an olive oil tasting in Les Baux-de-Provence—just another behind the scene experience offered by Globus!
All of this and much more is included on this wonderful tour through France. It’s a dream vacation!
Highlights
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; orientation drive
REIMSChampagne tasting; visit the cathedral
METZOrientation, visit the cathedral
SAINT-AVOLDVisit the Lorraine American Cemetery & Memorial
STRASBOURGLF Boat cruise and “Little France” district
COLMAREnjoy an orientation on the little train including “Little Venice”
BEAUNEOrientation, visit Hôtel Dieu
LYONWalking tour of Old Lyon
PONT DU GARDTake pictures of the Roman aqueduct
AVIGNONWalking tour, take pictures of the Palace of the Popes
ST. RÉMY-DE-PROVENCEVisit the St. Paul de Mausole Monastery
LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCEEnjoy the panoramic view; LF olive oil tasting
MARSEILLESOrientation, visit the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica; excursion to Aix-en-Provence; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 8 breakfasts, 2 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 one of Paris’ lively restaurants, followed by an orientation drive.
Meals included:
- Dinner
PARIS–REIMS–METZ.
Day2
Drive to Reims, city of champagne, and enjoy a special CHAMPAGNE TASTING. Also recognized by UNESCO, France’s Champagne region is celebrated for its specialized artisan activity that has become an agro-industrial enterprise. Next, visit the impressive NOTRE DAME DE REIMS CATHEDRAL, where the Kings of France were crowned. Considered one of the most beautiful examples of gothic art, the 800-year-old cathedral was one of the first monuments registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, arrive in Metz, located at the confluence of the Moselle and Seine Rivers. Enjoy an orientation of this 3,000-year-old city and visit the magnificent gothic CATHEDRAL, famous for its glass-stained windows.
Today’s Distance: 230 mi / 370 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
METZ–SAINT-AVOLD–STRASBOURG–COLMAR
Day3
. Stop in Saint-Avold for a visit of the largest American Military WWII Cemetery in Europe, the LORRAINE AMERICAN CEMETERY & MEMORIAL. Next, enter the Alsace region and arrive in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament has its plenary sessions four days each month. A LF BOAT CRUISE is the best way to see Strasbourg with its LITTLE FRANCE DISTRICT and the impressive European Union institutions. Continue to Colmar.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi / 270 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
COLMAR
Day4
. Explore Colmar and the famous LITTLE VENICE district with its half-timbered houses by LITTLE TRAIN. Balance of the day is at leisure. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
COLMAR–BEAUNE–LYON
Day5
Enter Burgundy and arrive in Beaune, wine capital of the region, for an orientation of this beautiful town. Admire Notre Dame Basilica and visit the impressive HÔTEL DIEU, originally founded as a hospital for the poor. Then, continue to Lyon “Capital of the Gauls,” beautifully situated between two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, and enjoy a walking tour of the OLD TOWN to discover the Traboules, secret, hidden passageways winding their way through buildings and along staircases, with a history going back to the 4th century.
Today’s Distance: 280 mi / 450 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LYON–PONT DU GARD–AVIGNON
Day6
This morning enter Provence. At Pont du Gard, marvel at the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France, a monumental feat of engineering completed in 19 BC. Continue to Avignon, the medieval residence of several popes and antipopes. During your walking tour through the OLD TOWN, take pictures of the magnificent Palace of the Popes and the famous bridge, and browse through the colorful shops that sell traditional products made in Provence, like cloth, honey, herbs, and nougat candy.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AVIGNON–ST. RÉMY-DE-PROVENCE–LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE–MARSEILLES
Day7
. In St. Rémy-de-Provence, visit the ST. PAUL DE MAUSOLE MONASTERY, used as a hospital when Vincent van Gogh stayed there for a year in 1889. Continue to Les Baux-de-Provence, famous for its breathtaking views. Then, a special treat awaits: LF an OLIVE OIL TASTING. Arrive in the busy seaport of Marseilles, and visit the neo-byzantine NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE BASILICA, spectacularly located on a limestone outcrop near the Old Port on the foundations of an ancient fort.
Today’s Distance: 162 mi / 260 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MARSEILLES. EXCURSION TO AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Day8
. This morning takes you on an included excursion to Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most elegant cities. It was the birthplace of painter Cézanne, and has always attracted artists from around the world. Explore its center during your walking tour, and wander through the maze of small streets and along shaded Cours Mirabeau. An optional excursion is available to Arles with its Roman arena. This evening, a farewell dinner awaits at one of Marseilles’ excellent local restaurants as a proper au revoir to France.
Today’s Distance: 62 mi / 100 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
MARSEILLES
Day9
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur
First-Class
Located at the foot of Sacré Coeur in the bohemian Montmartre district of Paris. This 305-room hotel is just a few hundred meters from the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret and close to the Haussman-Opéra district's department stores, bistros and bustling cafés. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel and there is a fitness room. A plentiful breakfast buffet is served in the bright breakfast room and there is also a trendy lounge bar for snacks and drinks with an alluring outdoor terrace.
Location
1/3, Rue Caulaincourt, Paris 18, France
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Gift Shop
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Phone
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Television
Mercure Metz Centre
First-Class
In the heart of Metz, 300 m, from the train station, close to access to different highways, the 4-star Mercure Metz Centre offers comfortable accommodation for business or leisure trips. To satisfy your cultural cravings in the Lorraine capital, you will appreciate the proximity of our hotel to the Centre Pompidou, the Musée De La Cour D'Or and the St-Etienne Cathedral. A combination of elegance and modern comfort, discover the Mercure for your seminars and banquets.
Location
29 Place St. Thiebault, Metz, France
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- In-Room Safe
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Mini-bar
- Complimentary Toiletries
Mercure Colmar Centre Unterlinden
First-Class
Located on the famous Alsace wine route, in the heart of the Colmar historic city center this 76 room property has a restaurant and bar and offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. For relaxation there is a Well Being area with fitness room and Sauna.
Location
15 Rue Golbery, Colmar, France
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Concierge desk
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Desk
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Television
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Smoking Rooms
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
Avignon Grand Hotel
First-Class
Overlooking the 14th century city walls of the medieval city, close to the famous Pont d'Avignon and the Palais des Papes, this modern property has 106 rooms with a stunning views. Its restaurant overlooking a courtyard surrounded by historic buildings and beautiful plane trees offers French and international cuisine. A swimming pool on the roof terrace and a bar are also available. Free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel.
Location
34 Boulevard Saint Roch, Avignon, France
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port
Moderate First-Class
A 200 room modern hotel offering Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. A rich breakfast buffet is served in the welcoming restaurant and drinks and snacks are served in the hotel's café/bar.
Location
1,Rue Neuve Saint-Martin, Marseille, France
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
