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Wonderful France
9 Day France Tour to Paris, Lyon, the French Riviera & Avignon
Combine the glamorous French capital with centuries of history and glorious sunsets on the French Riviera. This favourite French tour package delivers it all in just nine days, from strolling the Pont du Gard to soaking up the sun-kissed charm of St. Tropez and Monaco in France's glorious south.
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Trip code
FWOF
Wonderful France
9 Day France Tour to Paris, Lyon, the French Riviera & Avignon
Combine the glamorous French capital with centuries of history and glorious sunsets on the French Riviera. This favourite French tour package delivers it all in just nine days, from strolling the Pont du Gard to soaking up the sun-kissed charm of St. Tropez and Monaco in France's glorious south.
Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and winding lanes of the 'City of Lights', before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendour for you to admire.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Renaissance La Défense
Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. Visit the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighbourhoods. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
French Culinary Discovery
Today we'll explore the Montorgueil neighborhood on a foodie walking tour with our knowledgeable guide. We'll sample some of the city's finest bread, charcuterie, cheese and pastries; meeting local vendors and artisans along the way. n.b. There is a minimum of 10 guests and a maximum of 20 for this optional.
Adult Price: €73.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Giverny House And Gardens Of Claude Monet
Step into the enchanting world of Giverny – Claude Monet’s carefully-crafted paradise. The gardens and home of the Impressionist Master were the inspirations behind some of his most renowned paintings. The famous Japanese bridge, the magnificent waterlilies, his charming pink house – it’s all there waiting for you to discover.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Journey through Burgundy to Lyon
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Charlemagne
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Local Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner And Old Town Discovery
Strolling through the maze of hidden courtyards, cobbled streets and hidden traboules with our Local Specialist, we'll step back in time to discover Lyon's secrets. The World Heritage city was formerly home to ancient Gauls, powerful Romans, Gothic Cathedral builders & wealthy Renaissance Silk Merchants. We'll finish the evening with a mouthwatering three-course French feast, paired with local wine.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Continue to Monaco and the French Riviera
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for a delicious lunch and the sweet flavours of Calissons, then stop in the glamorous Principality of Monaco bound for the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. View the Palace, which has been the home of the Grimaldis since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. This evening, we enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner together in Monaco before arriving at our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. In your free time, you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
St Paul de Vence and Nice
A lovely drive into the Esteral Heights bring us to the quaint walled hilltown of St Paul de Vence. Our walk through the village’s winding streets with a Local Specialist reveals elegant fountains,vine-covered ramparts and interesting galleries. Then, because no visit to the Riviera is complete without it, we continue to glorious Nice to enjoy the city, its old town and colourful provençale markets.
Adult Price: €43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
On to Sunny Saint-Tropez and Avignon
We arrive by boat in glitzy Saint-Tropez for a leisurely morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surrounds. Continue on to the ancient city of Avignon, once the seat of the Papacy, where we will spend the next two nights. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the famous French song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mercure Pont d'Avignon
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Treasures of Provence
The prestigious name, the famous curved bottles and the connection to the papacy all mean that Château-Neuf-du-Pape is a wine region unlike any other. We’ll visit the vineyards and cellars at a favourite French Chateau Estate. Later, there’ll be plenty of wine to sample while we enjoy a traditional Provençal-style dinner!
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Explore Ancient History in Pont du Gard and Arles
We visit the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct before continuing to Arles, to admire the Romanesque Cathedral and Roman amphitheatre, once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of a city that was once an important Phoenician trading port. Tonight, you’ll enjoy feasting on delicious Provençal flavours as we Connect With Locals and join the widow of Pierre Salinger for a Be My Guest dinner and unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to her converted historic mill on the banks of the Sorgue. Feast on regional specialities such as red snapper, mignon of pork, souffle with a good glass of Coteaux d’Aix red or rose wine on the side. You’ll leave with a deep appreciation of life in Provence as you explore the old home with its many artefacts, family photographs and works of art, knowing that your visit helps to preserve the memories of her famous husband for generations to come.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8
Travel By High-Speed Train to Paris
The picture-perfect French countryside is our constant companion as we take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the sprawling vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own terms. This evening we celebrate an unforgettable sojourn through France at a Farewell Dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends.
Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighbourhood.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations
To truly see Paris in all its glory, you need to see it from the Seine. Enjoy a cruise along this famous river and take in unmatched views of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, we’ll drive through the City of Lights to see some of the fascinating sights this beautiful city has to offer. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Adult Price: €38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Au Revoir Paris
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
French Culinary Discovery
Today we'll explore the Montorgueil neighborhood on a foodie walking tour with our knowledgeable guide. We'll sample some of the city's finest bread, charcuterie, cheese and pastries; meeting local vendors and artisans along the way. n.b. There is a minimum of 10 guests and a maximum of 20 for this optional.
Adult Price: €73.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Giverny House And Gardens Of Claude Monet
Step into the enchanting world of Giverny – Claude Monet’s carefully-crafted paradise. The gardens and home of the Impressionist Master were the inspirations behind some of his most renowned paintings. The famous Japanese bridge, the magnificent waterlilies, his charming pink house – it’s all there waiting for you to discover.
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Local Beaujolais Gourmet Dinner And Old Town Discovery
Strolling through the maze of hidden courtyards, cobbled streets and hidden traboules with our Local Specialist, we'll step back in time to discover Lyon's secrets. The World Heritage city was formerly home to ancient Gauls, powerful Romans, Gothic Cathedral builders & wealthy Renaissance Silk Merchants. We'll finish the evening with a mouthwatering three-course French feast, paired with local wine.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
St Paul de Vence and Nice
A lovely drive into the Esteral Heights bring us to the quaint walled hilltown of St Paul de Vence. Our walk through the village’s winding streets with a Local Specialist reveals elegant fountains,vine-covered ramparts and interesting galleries. Then, because no visit to the Riviera is complete without it, we continue to glorious Nice to enjoy the city, its old town and colourful provençale markets.
Adult Price: €43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Treasures of Provence
The prestigious name, the famous curved bottles and the connection to the papacy all mean that Château-Neuf-du-Pape is a wine region unlike any other. We’ll visit the vineyards and cellars at a favourite French Chateau Estate. Later, there’ll be plenty of wine to sample while we enjoy a traditional Provençal-style dinner!
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Montmartre Village And Artists' Square
Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighbourhood.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations
To truly see Paris in all its glory, you need to see it from the Seine. Enjoy a cruise along this famous river and take in unmatched views of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, we’ll drive through the City of Lights to see some of the fascinating sights this beautiful city has to offer. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Adult Price: €38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
8 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
12 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 8 Breakfasts
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Delicious Provencal home cooking is the perfect accompaniment to a fascinating Be My Guest dinner enjoyed on the banks of the Sorgue with Poppy Salinger, who will regale you with stories of her famous husband.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Help to preserve the memory of Poppy Salinger’s late husband, Pierre Salinger, former advisor to John F Kennedy, with a visit to the beautiful Bastide Rose and its old mill.
Sightseeing highlights
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Discover Beaune, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Monaco and Avignon
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Explore Paris and Arles with a Local Specialist
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Scenic Cruise to St. Tropez
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Scenic Train Ride from Avignon to Paris
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View the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Place Bellecour and the Basilica of Notre Dame in Lyon, the Royal Palace and Cathedral in Monaco and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon
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Visit Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris and Pont du Gard
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
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TGV Express train between Avignon and Paris.
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Wonderful France trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Wonderful France Sept 2021
Trip Rating
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4
The air conditioning at 2 of the hotels wasn't able to get the rooms cool enough to sleep, and one of them had a damp smell to the room. We ended up opening the windows which let in mosquitos. All the hotel could do is offer us fans to cool the room. Since Covid and testing will be with us for a while I think Trafalgar needs to establish a testing place that is setup to handle a bus load of guest for testing all at the same time with a wide range of computer skills and access. The testing for our group delayed us 1-2 hours, but this was a new requirement and we were thankful that Christian setup a place where we could all go and get the test.
I think the overall trip itinerary was great and had a lot to do but not too much. The tour leader was very knowledgeable and went over and above to try to accommodate all the needs or requests that came from the group. We were fortunate that there was only 16 guests due to a last minute cancelation.
Highly recommend Trafalgar. This was my second tour with them and I always felt very safe and saw places I wouldn't have known to seek out if I had been on my own. A truly extraordinary experience!
My Vacation trip to France with Trafalgar was very entertaining from the very start...plus the other people in my travel group are now friends for life...
Everything was well planned. It couldn't have been any better. The Travel Director & Coach Driver were Outstanding. The Local Specialists, Hotel and restaurant staff all were Excellent.
It was great the hotels were all very nice and clean. The beds were pretty hard in most of them except the Novotel in Lyon...that one was the best! All of the hotels were in great locations or locations not far from a Metro so all the main areas were very easy to get to! The coach was fantastic and so comfortable. I loved how the coach was almost all windows. The only thing I think you should keep meals and tours separated since not everyone likes dinners and just wants the tours. David was so awesome though and able to accommodate our request! Thanks again David!
This was our first tour and we loved it. David took care of all our needs and made sure things ran smoothly. I like free time and I had plenty of time to explore on my own! I loved the amount of freedom we actually had. This was a fast paced trip which we thought was excellent as it gave us just enough time in each area you get a good taste. This is a trip to give you an overall sampling of France...don't plan on being somewhere to long. We thought the timing in each city was perfectly laid out. Thanks so much David for a great time. My wife wants to do it again as do I! P.S. McDonald's was awesome lol.
Bastille Day is a national holiday in France. Celebrations will be taking place throughout the country on 14 July.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
