16D15N Country Roads Of France

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at the hotel before your dinner at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.

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Journey through the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region. Admire the green shoots in spring, full summer foliage or the russet autumnal hues, this is a glorious landscape throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire the medieval Old Town with its colourful, half-timbered houses and make a stop to savour the region’s most famous export, Champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city.

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Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don’t miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

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A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. You could take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car or explore this mountain resort. In the evening you may choose to try a pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a traditional table barbecue.

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In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it’s a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

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Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue through Provence to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?

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Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and with Insight Choice enter the Oceanographic Museum dedicated to the concept of the Mediterranean Science Commission or visit the Royal Palace of Monaco and see Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?

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Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.

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Marvel at the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring the storied streets of Avignon, home to the seat of the Pope and Christianity in the 14th century. Move on to a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a local olive estate, where you’ll stroll through scenic groves. Learn about sustainable olive oil production from tree to table and indulge in a tasting of artisanal oils where you’ll learn to differentiate the rich palette of aromas, colours and textures. Return to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence for a free evening to relax and unwind or explore the city’s vibrant cafes and boutiques.

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Begin your day in Arles, once home to the Romans and later a muse to Vincent Van Gogh, Arles’ meandering streets and classical monuments reveal layers of artistic and architectural heritage. Stroll past the Arena and the Roman Theatre, where echoes of antiquity vibrate in every stone. From here, cross the fertile Languedoc region before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its UNESCO-listed fortress with complete ramparts and a storybook keep. Continue to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec, where your Travel Director will provide an orientation of key landmarks, including views of the museum dedicated to the artist and the cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

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Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savour a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients at a local restaurant.

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Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market – full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it’s an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims travelling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

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Start the day with a morning drive into the Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine golden limestone houses. Relax this evening in the beautiful surroundings of the Dordogne region while you dine at the hotel.

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Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don’t miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

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During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening with a delicious dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France.

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Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.

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