From $5,584 Was $6,205
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In St Paul de Vence, play pétanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
- Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
- Troyes: Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a tasting of renowned Champagne wine.
- Grenoble: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.
- Cahors: See the Pont Valentré as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.
- La Roque-Gageac: Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
- Paris: Rendezvous with your newfound friends at La Coupole for a rousing dinner with wine.
Insight Choice
- Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
- Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.
Insight Experiences
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.
Make Travel Matter
- Luc-sur-Orbieu: The Fabre family has been producing wine since the 17th Century. At the heart of their passion lies a strong commitment to protect the natural environment of the region and produce complex yet sustainable wines. Learn about the production of biodynamic wines during your visit to the family-run winery. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dijon: Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
- Chamonix: Explore the city's charming streets set against a backdrop of the stunning French Alps.
- Annecy: Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.
- Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Eze: Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.
- Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
- Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.
- Aix-en-Provence: See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.
- Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Gardon River.
- Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Cite de Carcassone: Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Albi: This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.
- Montignac: These caves contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory.
- Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1431
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Supplier Code: 33.87A
Starts: Paris, France
Finishes: Paris, France
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $5,584 ($349 /day)
Itinerary
Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Accommodation: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals: Dinner with Wine
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 region throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire its medieval Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses while sipping a glass of champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city.
Accommodation: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Accommodation: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Alpina Eclectic Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast
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, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Le Grand, BW Premier Collection
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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?
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals: Breakfast
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?
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
Artistic Arles and the immense Pont du Gard feature en route to Avignon.
Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
A scenic drive through the Alpilles takes you to Chateau De Luc, for a wine tasting and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savor a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 traveling 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.
Accommodation: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Accommodation: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals: Breakfast
During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the center 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.
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (US)
As a global leader in premium escorted travel, Insight Vacations® has been crafting magical journeys for 40 years that embody The Art of Traveling in Style. Through meticulous planning, detailed preparation and boundless passion, Insight’s collection of award-winning itineraries showcases the most outstanding destinations in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly-skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to traveling in smaller groups, savoring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Robyn W - Traveled, June 2024
The trip was fabulous as it was well paced and we got to see heaps of France. Our tour director and bus driver were fantastic and their knowledge was appreciated. If you want to see fabulous country villages, this itinerary is perfect. It was an amazing trip; well paced and our tour director Fred and bus driver Denni were amazing. We got to see so s fabulous country try places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Laurent (our tour director) and Denis (our coach driver) were excellent. Laurent went out of his way on multiple occasions to be extremely helpful. We spent the right amount of time at each location. It was an excellent tour. If doing it over, we would have booked extra days in Paris, either before or after our tour. The cities visited were interesting and insightful. The time in Nice (the French Reviera) was well spent. The visit to Monaco and the graves of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer was well worth the trip. Visiting the smaller cities gave a good overview of the country of France. Moulin Rouge was an excellent optional experience and well worth the expense.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Wonderful tour guide. Excellent extras.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Our tour leader, Laurient was an oustanding tour director. 100%. It gave us a good overview of the country's landscape, and seeing important places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
From the moment we met Fred our tour director we knew we were in good hands and could relax and enjoy, which we did. Our driver was highly skilled and navigated the country roads with ease. Very true to the tour name of Country roads of France. Great variety of destinations. Amazing landscapes from Vineyards to the Alps to the Sea to Paris! The history is huge, from medieval to 18-1900's, castles/buildings/cathedrals/museums/artists...Wow!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Letitia Day - Traveled, May 2024
This was my third trip with Insight and they did not disappoint. Tour directors and drivers are excellent. Hotel accommodation was very good. Any issues were quickly sorted out by the Tour Director. The optional experiences are definitely worth it. (I did most of them) This trip was an absolute delight! France is such a beautiful country with so much to see. Couldn't see everything of course, but the itinerary was sufficiently diverse to keep everyone interested. Our tour director Laurent was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, entertaining and personable and looked after everyone. I was ill for part of the trip and he made sure I was always OK. Our driver Damien was excellent also, always polite and expertly manoeuvred the big bus through narrow streets and winding roads. Would recommend this tour in a heartbeat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Alison Bey - Traveled, May 2024
Great tours, fantastic knowledgeable tour directors, outstanding coach drivers and everything so well organised. A worry free experience in all aspects. Excellent experiences and plenty of free time to explore places on your own. We saw so many different aspects of French history and life as it is today - from the excitement of Paris and Nice to the medieval towns of Carcassonne and Rocamadour. We enjoyed a wine tasting at a vineyard near Beaune, caught the cable car to the snow covered peaks in Chamonix, visited the palace in Monaco, and enjoyed a river cruise in La Roque-Gageac - just to name a few highlights. So much variety and we still had plenty of free time in each location. The itinerary was complemented by our tour director, Fred, who had amazing knowledge of the history of each place visited as well as providing a fantastic insight into French life in general. Loved every minute of this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
ask about the optional choices before booking Nice a waste of time, hotel far from the centre of the city. Maybe in summer there would be the opportunity eat at their beach restaurant. Dumped at hotel before rooms were ready, too far to go to the city unless by public transport. Maybe guests who don't to visit Eze, given the option of drop off, pick up in Nice central. Lascaux fabulous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Excellent trip and itinerary. Tour director fabulous and driver also.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Karen Lombardi - Traveled, May 2024
Insight Vacation is a first-class travel group. The trip locations, hotels, meals and tour directors are fabulous. The itinerary is awesome and allows you to see so much of France. Paris is great, but the smaller towns are spectacular. The itinerary keeps you hopping for sure. All the hotels were very clean, nice and welcoming. Our tour guide, Laurent Millet was so awesome! Damien the bus driver kept us safe! Hope to do another Insight tour soon!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
The itinerary is very good! This is our first time travel with Insight Vacations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
Good service. Great tour director and driver
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Choice of hotels. Grand Hotel Chicago was pathetic. Could do with a better hotel. Rest were ok Marseilles should have been included in the itinerary. Considering we were near it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Juan Camacho - Traveled, August 2024
It shows a diversity of Topology, Climate, Culture, History, Cuisine and Wine Varietals. France is the largest export of wines. Chances are, your favorite wine falls under the category of the 6 Noble Grape Varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, & Riesling). France is one of the few countries that has them all. It shows a diversity of Topology, Climate, Culture, History, Cuisine and Wine Varietals. France is the largest export of wines. Chances are, your favorite wine falls under the category of the 6 Noble Grape Varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, & Riesling). France is one of the few countries that has them all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2024
Letitia Day - Traveled, May 2024
This was my third trip with Insight and they did not disappoint. Tour directors and drivers are excellent. Hotel accommodation was very good. Any issues were quickly sorted out by the Tour Director. The optional experiences are definitely worth it. (I did most of them) This trip was an absolute delight! France is such a beautiful country with so much to see. Couldn't see everything of course, but the itinerary was sufficiently diverse to keep everyone interested. Our tour director Laurent was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, entertaining and personable and looked after everyone. I was ill for part of the trip and he made sure I was always OK. Our driver Damien was excellent also, always polite and expertly manoeuvred the big bus through narrow streets and winding roads. Would recommend this tour in a heartbeat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
very informative great tour guide and bus driver great tourists on bus beautiful breathtaking scenery
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Hugh Miller - Traveled, May 2024
Our tour director Laurent was fantastic. He went above and beyond to keep everything running smoothly and to be sure we were all okay and having the best experience. He was a font of knowledge on all things French and we could ask him anything on any topic French and he was happy to answer. A really nice guy who obviously loves and is really good at his job. Our bus Driver Damien was also fantastic a nice helpful guy and a top notch driver who could get that large bus around some really tiny country village roads and villages definately not designed for tour buses centuries ago with ease. He earned himself an ovation from the bus on quite a few occasions. Great tour around some stunning countryside with some spectacular locations we have always wanted to see. We visited some beautiful medieval villages perched on hillsides with amazing views learnt quite a bit about French wine and wine making, loved the Lascoux Caves and Pont du Gard and Chamonix were highlights for us. The spectacular drive through the pass after Chamonix was an absolute testament to the skill of our fantastic driver Damien. Thanks to our awesome tour guide Laurent we learnt so much about not only the regions we were visiting but France in general. He was an amazing guide and took fabulous care of us and had us laughing the whole way. We really enjoyed the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Mary Benedetto - Traveled, May 2024
Our Travel Director and Coach Driver were friendly, caring and professional. We felt totally comfortable in their capable control. The tour moved with precision timing, and everyone has to be respectful of the schedule and not create delays. Our entire tour group from all over the world was amazingly punctual and cohesive. From intriguing Paris to the mysterious Alps, to sunny Nice and Monaco, small historical villages and towns, this journey gave us a true sense of the country of France. We found the French people with whom we came in contact to be warm, friendly and welcoming. This trip is a great way to see the many charming facets of France.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Kathleen Teal - Traveled, May 2024
The service was outstanding in every way! No request was left undone! As a solo traveler who pays the extra single supplement, I expect to be completely satisfied with my trip purchases. My experience with the tour “Country Roads of France” was well beyond my expectations. The itinerary was well planned and inclusive of the rich historical backgrounds of the ancient cities, cathedrals, and chateaus, as well as the food and drink of each region we visited. I chose to go on all of the optional excursions and they were all of excellent quality for my money and my time. Our tour director Yannick Morelli ensured that we were well informed about upcoming events and he made sure that everyone had the best time possible. Yannick went to great lengths to make sure that every traveler had a wonderful trip. I can’t think of anything that could have made it better. Our coach driver Denis was very professional, helpful, and always ready to assist. I would take this tour again in a heartbeat. Superior!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Valerie Mcalpine - Traveled, May 2024
Elizabeth was the most BRILLIANT cruise director. She helped me find a doctor when I needed medical assistance and was a great comfort when I learned of my daughter,s death in England. Her commentary, information and history were just perfect. It was a great trip to see a little of the beautiful country of France. I enjoyed the coach travel through the rural countryside. I so enjoyed the commentary, information and history during our tour. Some hi lights for me were Rocamdour, La Nouvelle Eve Cabernet and Dinner, Giverny excursion, Albi and the Tour of Monaco.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
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