Overview
La France
This rollicking tour of France gets the festivities started in Paris and keeps the entertainment coming for 16 fun-filled days. Good food, great wine, and memorable activities are all part of the package on our most in-depth vacation to France. After painting the town rouge in Paris, at a renowned Cabaret venue, head toward the northern coastline for a touching visit of the Normandy Beaches as well as a visit to the fairy-tale setting of the Abbey of Mont St. Michel. Delight in the moat-surrounded Chenonceau Castle, the reds and whites of Bordeaux, and the sparkling blue waters from the west coast to the French Riviera. Stroll through perfect medieval towns, the pilgrimage site of Lourdes and along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Top this off with the lavender-hued countryside of Provence and a private cruise on the Rhone. Will you have an absolute ball on this encompassing tour of France? The answer is oui!
Highlights of La France
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $3,964*18 guests in a party: $998*
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
La France
UNESCO Sites
Bordeaux (Port of the Moon)|Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne|Historic Site of Lyon|Mont Saint Michel and its Bay|Paris Banks of the Seine|Roman Theatre and its Surroundings of Orange|The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle)
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 6 three-course dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
PARIS Life is a Cabaret! PARIS Enjoy free time this morning followed by guided sightseeing that features the Arc de Triomphe, les Champs-Elysées, and a visit to the Courtyard of Les Invalides. This evening, enjoy [LF] dinner and cabaret one of Paris lively venues. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEGLITTERING CHAMPAGNEDelectable food, champagne lights, and thousands of glittering costumes. The cabaret in Paris is like a treasure trove: be enchanted! A true tribute to the city of lights but also a great show. Be carried away by the beauty of the dancers expressed on stage. Your eyes will twinkle like stars in the sky!
Day 3
PARIS–CAEN. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY BEACHES Heroes & Hope for Peace CAEN Visit the Memorial Museum for Peace.NORMANDY BEACHES See the Mulberry Harbor remains at Arromanches, then visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery and Memorial with the Monument to the Brave. (B,D) 236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of heroes on the beaches of Normandy, where Allied Forces stormed the beach with courage and heroism in World War II. Visit the final resting place of American soldiers who gave their lives for liberty.
Day 4
CAEN–MONT ST. MICHEL–SAINT-MALO Castle in the Sand MONT ST. MICHEL Guided visit at the abbey.SAINT-MALO Take an orientation ride on the Little Train. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 124 mi / 200 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE A real-life castle in the sand, magical Mont St. Michel Abbey sits on top of a tidal island on the coast of Normandy. Learn how this strategic position has protected it from being invaded but also has made it the ideal location for a place of confinement. Napoleon closed the abbey and converted it into a prison for his opponents.
Day 5
SAINT-MALO–ESSÉ–ANGERS–LOIRE VALLEY Mysterious Stones ESSÉ [LF] Visit the ruins of La Roche-aux-Fées.ANGERS Take an orientation tour. Enjoy free time to browse before continuing to the Loire Valley. (B) 267 mi / 430 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LEGENDS & LORE La Maison de La Roche-aux-Fées is a marvel of mystery. This dolmen tomb, or covered alley, is the largest in the world, constructed with 30 upright stones designed to catch the sun at winter solstice. Believed to be built as a funerary nearly 5,000 years ago, these Neolithic megaliths weigh up to 40 metric tons each and likely been transported from a quarry over 5 km away! Theories of La Mason de La Roche’s purpose range from a temple, to a burial site of a Roman general, to a house built by fairies!
Day 6
LOIRE VALLEY–CHENONCEAU CASTLE–BORDEAUX A Woman’s Touch CHENONCEAU Visit the castle of Catherine de Medici.BORDEAUX Take a walking tour. Enjoy dinner at the Brasserie Bordelaise restaurant. (B,D) 280 mi / 450 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM A stunning jewel of French history, Château de Chenonceau owes its pristine preservation to succession of historic women, including Catherine de Médici, who played critical roles in building, restoring, and preserving its beauty. This earned the castle its second name: The ladies Castle. Walk the regal halls, featuring bedrooms and lounges, and a magnificent museum preserving the history of this Renaissance masterpiece.
Day 7
BORDEAUX Vines & Vintages BORDEAUX [LF] Enjoy a wine tasting in the countryside, followed by free time this afternoon. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Experience the beauty of the Bordeaux region to taste the wonderful wines found only in this bountiful land of vineyards and wine cellars.
Day 8
BORDEAUX–ARCACHON–DUNE DU PILAT–BIARRITZ Scenic Sea & Sand ARCACHON Free time to explore the lovely seaside town.DUNE DU PILAT See the tallest sand dune in Europe.BIARRITZ Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B,D) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDER Explore the highest dune in Europe at Dune Du Pilat and discover a sweeping landscape overlooking the ocean, forest, and Arcachon Bay. This living ecosystem is protected for its rare beauty and natural wonder.
Day 9
BIARRITZ–LOURDES–CARCASSONNE History & Mystery LOURDES Visit St. Bernadette’s grotto en route to Carcassonne. (B,D)267 mi / 430 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Since the winter night in 1858 when a young Marie Bernada Soubirous reported a vision of the Virgin Mary, Lourdes has been a global pilgrimage site for its promise of healing waters. Hear how the Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette 18 times and the underground spring revealed to her, was declared to have miraculous qualities.
Day 10
CARCASSONNE–AIX-EN-PROVENCE Battle Sites & Boulevard Sights CARCASSONNE Take a walking tour by the ancient battlements.AIX-EN-PROVENCE Join an orientation walk along Cours Mirabeau, one of Europe's great boulevards. Enjoy free time to explore. (B) 186 mi / 300 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Visit the ancient city of Carcassonne and see its pre-Roman settlement complete with medieval castle and dramatic defensive walls, called the finest remains of medieval fortifications in Europe by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Stunning!
Day 11
AIX-EN-PROVENCE–GRASSE–FRENCH RIVIERA Fragrances & A Feast for the Eyes GRASSE [LF] Visit the perfume factory at Fragonard Usine Historique. Take a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast.NICE Take in the sights with a drive along the Promenade des Anglais. (B) 130 mi / 210 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITIONS French perfume is as famous as the country’s food and wine. The historic factory at Fragonard Parfumeur still crafts parfum and soaps as they have since 1926 where lavender fields span the Grasse area. Visit the museum to discover the tradition of perfumeries from Antiquity to the present day, with artifacts like Egyptian cosmetics spoons, medieval pomanders, paintings, and antique Provencal furniture.
Day 12
FRENCH RIVIERA The Good Life on the Côte d'Azur FRENCH RIVIERA Relax with a free day on the beautiful Côte d'Azur. (B)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Enjoy a leisurely day in the glamorous French Riviera with a free day at the seashore or a stroll through Nice’s vibrant Vieille Ville. Wander the maze of narrow lanes in the Old Town and linger in the cafes, galleries, shops, and museums.
Day 13
FRENCH RIVIERA–ORANGE–LYON Historic Performances ORANGE Visit the Roman Theatre en route to Lyon. (B) 298 mi / 480 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTMUSIC & MASTERPIECES Admire the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Orange, built in the era of Emperor Augustus, in the 1st century AD. Explore this giant outdoor auditorium – one of the best preserved in the western world. Its massive stage and circular seating still deliver superior sound and sensational performances to this day.
Day 14
LYON–DIJON Reverie on the Rhône and Sâone LYON Board a [LF] private cruise on the Rhône and Sâone Rivers with a Local Guide. Enjoy free time to walk through the Old Town.DIJON Take an orientation walk with free time to explore. (B) 124 mi / 200 kmLOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Join us for a cruise on the Rhône and Sâone Rivers in the culinary capital of France – Lyon. See the city from a new perspective and enjoy a leisurely tour on the water, before enjoying free time to browse the city’s bakeries and shops.
Day 15
DIJON–PARIS Paris Part Deux DIJON Board a high-speed TGV train ride to Paris.PARIS Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 199 mi / 320 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. Board the high-speed train to the City of Light and enjoy a free evening to experience your idea of the perfect Parisian pastime.
Day 16
PARIS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2023-04-21 | 2023-04-22 | 2023-05-07 | $4399 | $0 | $4399 | RA30422 | Please Call |
| 2 | 2023-04-28 | 2023-04-29 | 2023-05-14 | $5189 | $0 | $5189 | RA30429K | Please Call |
| 3 | 2023-05-05 | 2023-05-06 | 2023-05-21 | $4569 | $0 | $4569 | RA30506 | Please Call |
| 4 | 2023-05-12 | 2023-05-13 | 2023-05-28 | $4549 | $0 | $4549 | RA30513 | Not Available |
| 5 | 2023-05-19 | 2023-05-20 | 2023-06-04 | $4569 | $0 | $4569 | RA30520 | Available |
| 6 | 2023-05-26 | 2023-05-27 | 2023-06-11 | $4619 | $0 | $4619 | RA30527 | Available |
| 7 | 2023-06-02 | 2023-06-03 | 2023-06-18 | $4699 | $0 | $4699 | RA30603 | Not Available |
| 8 | 2023-06-09 | 2023-06-10 | 2023-06-25 | $4599 | $0 | $4599 | RA30610 | Not Available |
| 9 | 2023-06-16 | 2023-06-17 | 2023-07-02 | $4599 | $0 | $4599 | RA30617 | Not Available |
| 10 | 2023-06-23 | 2023-06-24 | 2023-07-09 | $5329 | $0 | $5329 | RA30624K | Available |
| 11 | 2023-07-14 | 2023-07-15 | 2023-07-30 | $4499 | $0 | $4499 | RA30715 | Available |
| 12 | 2023-07-28 | 2023-07-29 | 2023-08-13 | $5189 | $0 | $5189 | RA30729K | Not Available |
| 13 | 2023-08-18 | 2023-08-19 | 2023-09-03 | $5229 | $0 | $5229 | RA30819K | Available |
| 14 | 2023-09-01 | 2023-09-02 | 2023-09-17 | $5009 | $0 | $5009 | RA30902 | Available |
| 15 | 2023-09-08 | 2023-09-09 | 2023-09-24 | $5399 | $0 | $5399 | RA30909 | Not Available |
| 16 | 2023-09-15 | 2023-09-16 | 2023-10-01 | $4939 | $0 | $4939 | RA30916 | Available |
| 17 | 2023-09-22 | 2023-09-23 | 2023-10-08 | $6079 | $0 | $6079 | RA30923K | Available |
| 18 | 2023-09-29 | 2023-09-30 | 2023-10-15 | $4979 | $0 | $4979 | RA30930 | Not Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Le Meridien Etoile | Located just a short distance away from the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, this elegant 1025-room hotel has a captivating mid-century modern design with boutique amenities reflective of the lively surroundings. Artfully appointed accommodation includes modern technology such as complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning, luxurious bath products and the Le Méridien Signature Bed. The legendary Paris Jazz Club is the place to enjoy snacks and hand crafted cocktails with a backdrop of live music on weekends, the welcoming restaurant serves a creative international menu composed of fresh seasonal produce and there is also a 24 hour fitness center on-site. | Paris Cedex 17 | 81 Bd Gouvion St Cyr | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance | Multistory Hotel located in heart of city, facing the Plaisance Port, close to the Castle. | Caen Cedex | 1 Rue De Courtonne | First-Class |
| 3 | Oceania Hotel St. Malo | 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. | St.Malo | Chausse' Du Sillon | First-Class |
| 4 | Mercure Blois Centre | Three story hotel with restaurant and facilities for children is located in the city; 1 km from the railway station. | Blois | 28,Quai Saint-Jean | First-Class |
| 5 | Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons | Impressive 3-story Turn-of-Century Victorian Hotel with natural stone exterior featuring stone lions & Parisian-style windows. | Bordeaux | 81,Cours Saint Louis | First-Class |
| 6 | Novotel Biarritz Anglet | Novotel Biarritz Anglet is set in a 3-hectar wooded park that invites to relax and feel good. Enjoy a typical Basque dish at the elegant restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the park or enjoy tasty tapas at the wine bar. A fully equipped gym, sauna, and heated outdoor swimming pool are also available. All 104 guest rooms are fully air conditioned and come with mini bar, in-room safe, coffee/tea making facilities, and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel. Located in the Saint-Jean district, an area well served by buses, the city center of Biarritz, its Grande Plage and numerous restaurants and bars are just a short drive away. | Biarritz | 68 Avenue D'Espagne | First-Class |
| 7 | Hotel du Roi & Spa | 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. | Carcassonne | 2 rue des Claquières | Superior First-Class |
| 8 | Grand Hotel Roi René | 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. | Aix-En-Provence | 24 Boulevard Du Roi Rene | Superior First-Class |
| 9 | Apollinaire | 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. | Nice | 25 Blvd.Dubouchage | First-Class |
| 10 | Sofitel Lyon Bellecour | Centrally located, overlooking the river Rhone, this 164-room hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant on the top floor where delicious meals can be enjoyed while taking in panoramic city views, the Brasserie serves simple refined dishes in contemporary surroundings and there are two bars, a chic cocktail bar with an impressive drinks list and a lobby bar with summer terrace. Leisure facilities include a relaxation area, fitness centre and a steam room. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Lyon | 20, Quai Gailleton | Moderate Deluxe |
| 11 | Oceania Le Jura | Located in the heart of Dijon with a peaceful rear garden. This hotel offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout and a selection of Burgundy beers and wines can be enjoyed in the intimate setting of the hotel bar. | Dijon | 14 Av. Maréchal Foch | First-Class |
| 12 | Oceania Porte de Versailles | This elegant hotel offers a peaceful haven with an inner courtyard surrounded by a spacious Mediterranean garden located close to the heart of Paris in the 15th arrondissement. Facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness center. The soothing lounge bar serves light meals, snacks, and drinks and has an outdoor terrace for the warmer months. All 250 guestrooms have been designed to provide maximum functionality and relaxation with air conditioning, soundproofing, flat-screen TVs, and feature superbly appointed bathrooms with spacious Italian-style shower or bath. Nearby tram and metro stops provide easy access to the heart of the city. | Paris 15 | 52 Rue D'oradour S.Glane | First-Class |
