Category: Chambery

Head to beautiful Arles and trace the history of the town home to Vincent Van Gogh. 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 fortress – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel on 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. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi.

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 cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. Learn about the aromatic ‘black diamonds’ as you enjoy a presentation and a walk the through truffle valley led by a hunting dog. After your search, savour a tasting of a variety of truffles and truffle pastes, paired with a glass of wine. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.

Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and served with wines from the local region.

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.

During your time in Paris your Travel Director introduces you to all the sights including Notre Dame Cathedral and the facades of the Louvre. See the Place de la Concorde and travel down the Champs Elysees to Napolean’s Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. Explore Paris with Insight Choice. Choose between shopping at Galeries Lafayette and a guided tour around the Right Bank led by the Local Expert. Alternatively, join a local foodie to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Highlight Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.

Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral – a masterpiece of the Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.

Following the route of the Rangers and visiting the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent near Omaha Beach before a visit to the D-Day Museum to see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay of Arromanches. There are poignant reminders of World War II as you travel past Juno and Gold beaches, which both played a part in the Normandy landings. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.

Journey through Bocage country for an exploration of the hilltop abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. The abbey stands on an island and is reached by a causeway across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – it’s one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, to the cathedral, the burial place of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?

Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region’s delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious gardens. Ensure you don’t miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens – a stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages, and purple basil.

Journey to the fairy-tale Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restorations, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings. Return to your own superb chateau for relaxation and free time. At night, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you’ve returned home.

Travelling through the vast wheat fields of Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral looms large on the horizon. Auguste Rodin called it the ‘Acropolis of France,’ and once inside you can marvel at the beautiful stained-glass rose window which floods the cathedral with colour and light. From here, return to the French capital, don’t miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.