France Tours

Paris: The City of Light

Paris — the City of Light — is one of the world's greatest cities and the jewel of any France tour. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre (home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of masterpieces), the Musée d'Orsay (with the world's finest collection of Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Van Gogh, and others), and the Palace of Versailles are all within easy reach of the French capital. Admire the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, stroll across the elegant Pont Alexandre III, or take in the views from Place du Trocadero. Explore the historic Latin Quarter in Paris, and discover art at the Louvre Museum. The unique Troglodyte Cellar Cave offers a glimpse into subterranean history on any extended France tour. Claude Monet's garden at Giverny is a wonderful day trip from Paris, while Versailles offers manicured gardens, grand palaces, and the rich history of the French kings. A guided tour of Paris is the best way to discover the city's iconic landmarks and hidden gems with a knowledgeable local tour guide who brings French culture and history to life.

D-Day Beaches and Normandy

Normandy is one of France's most historically significant and emotionally moving regions — home to the D-Day beaches where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, in one of the most decisive moments of World War II. Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer are among the most powerful and poignant sites on any France guided tours itinerary. Mont Saint-Michel — the magnificent medieval abbey rising from the tidal flats off the Normandy coast — is one of France's most iconic and breathtaking landmarks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint-Malo, the fortified port city of Brittany, and the charming medieval town of Rouen — home to Rouen Cathedral where Joan of Arc was tried — are also wonderful stops on any Normandy tour. River cruises along the Seine through Normandy offer a scenic and relaxed way to discover the region's diverse landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. The town of Amboise in the Loire Valley is another must-see on any France itinerary — a charming royal town with a magnificent château and connections to Leonardo da Vinci.

France Guided Tours: Provence and the Côte d'Azur Tours

Provence is France's most sensual and beautiful region — a landscape of lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards, medieval villages, and dramatic coastlines. Avignon — home to the magnificent Palais des Papes and the medieval Pont Saint-Bénézet — is one of the great historic cities of southern France and a highlight of any Provence tour. Aix-en-Provence is the cultural heart of Provence — a city of elegant fountains, narrow streets, open-air markets, and the best food in southern France. The Pont du Gard — a spectacular Roman aqueduct — is a must-see stop on any Provence tour. Arles, where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works, and the charming Luberon Market are also wonderful destinations in southeastern France. The Côte d'Azur tours take travelers to the glamorous French Riviera — Nice, and Cannes with its world-famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Monaco, and the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. The Alsace region and Loire Valley showcase both vineyards and stunning châteaux, including Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau.

The French Alps and Basque Country

The French Alps are one of Europe's great natural wonders — a landscape of snow-capped peaks, mountain villages, and world-class ski resorts. Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc (the highest peak in the Alps), is France's most famous mountain resort and a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Basque Country — straddling the border between France and Spain in the southwest — is one of France's most distinctive and rewarding regions, with its own unique culture, language, architecture, and cuisine. The Pyrenees, the Loire Valley châteaux, Burgundy's wine country, Bordeaux's Saint-Émilion vineyards, and the medieval city of Carcassonne are all wonderful France tour destinations. For a Mediterranean escape, head to L'Île-Rousse in Corsica — with sandy beaches, lively markets, and a charming Old Town, it's an ideal place to relax and climb to the Île de la Pietra for sweeping views of the turquoise coast.

Best Food and Wine in France

France is home to some of the best food and wine in the world — a country that takes great pride in its gastronomy and culinary traditions. French cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and every region of France offers its own distinctive dishes, wines, and food culture. In Provence, savor fresh herbs, olive oil, bouillabaisse, and local wines from the Côtes du Rhône. In Burgundy, taste world-famous wines from Beaune and Dijon, and discover the rich flavors of Burgundian cuisine. In Bordeaux, continue your wine journey in Saint-Émilion and visit Bordeaux's Wine and Trade Museum. In Paris, dine at a traditional brasserie, sample crêpes from a street vendor, and enjoy French cuisine at its most sophisticated. A power adapter is needed for France (European Type E plugs), and the currency is the Euro (€). Travel insurance is recommended for all France tours.