Charming Heritage Journey Through France - 5 Days

Welcome to the start of your journey as we embark on an exploration of the enchanting Provence region. Today's adventure takes us to Arles, a city celebrated for its Roman and medieval landmarks and its inspiring connections to Van Gogh. Stroll through its UNESCO World Heritage sites and feel history come alive. We continue to the picturesque medieval village of Les Baux, where entrance to the mesmerizing Carrières de Lumières is included. Here, art, visuals, and sound converge in a captivating underground show within the old quarries. Should the show be unavailable, we'll head to the remarkable Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead. Lunchtime will be enjoyed with a leisurely walk around Avignon, renowned for the grand Palais des Papes. Our day concludes in Lyon, where we wander through the charming old town, a World Heritage Site, and take a cable car to the impressive Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, offering sweeping views over the city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

As we depart from Lyon, we immerse ourselves in the charming Burgundy region, renowned for its wine and history. Our first destination is Tournus, a delightful town featuring an impressive stone gate and a grand abbey. Following this, we journey to Beaune, the heart of Burgundy's wine culture, where you can choose to peruse the wine museum or explore the historic hospice at your leisure. Enjoy lunch and delve into the region's vibrant viticulture.

Our next stop is Savigny Castle, anchored in the 15th century, which showcases riveting collections of motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters—a unique twist in the winemaking heartland. We then move on to Dijon, the lively capital of Burgundy, celebrated for its bustling streets and the remarkable architecture of its medieval and Renaissance structures, most notably the impressive Palace of the Dukes.

Today we continue our exploration of the Burgundy region, starting with a visit to Besançon. This city, with its Roman roots, boasts a stunning historic centre and a 17th-century citadel that offers impressive views over the town. From there, we journey to Alsace, a region with a rich history of cultural exchange between France and Germany, highlighted by its unique dialect, Alsatian, and its distinct Germanic architectures and traditions.

Our first stop in Alsace is Colmar, renowned for its unique architecture, colourful half-timbered houses, and charming canals. Colmar is also celebrated for its white wines and gastronomy. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque town. In the afternoon, we visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s most enchanting towns, with its medieval cobblestone streets and vibrant houses. This charming town even inspired scenes from Beauty and the Beast. We’ll also take the chance to visit an old winery, where we’ll enjoy a tasting of local wine paired with a traditional sweet.

In the evening, we arrive in Strasbourg. We recommend wandering around the cathedral area and exploring Petite France, both brimming with charming corners and inviting restaurants.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the charm of Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. You’ll discover its enchanting historic centre, renowned for its picturesque medieval streets, the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and the captivating canals adorned with vibrant blooms. Our day includes a delightful boat trip through the canals of Petite France, an absolute highlight of the city.

We then proceed towards the Champagne region. Here, we've arranged a visit to a traditional cellar, where you'll learn about the fascinating process behind the world's most famous sparkling wine, followed by a guided tour and tasting session. Our journey next brings us to Épernay, the heart of Champagne. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll through this charming town, celebrated for its prestigious wineries. Our day concludes with our arrival in Paris in the evening.

Our adventure comes to a close today, as we enjoy one last breakfast together in Paris. As your journey wraps up, you'll carry home cherished memories of the experiences and sights we've shared. We wish you safe travels and look forward to the paths you'll explore in the future.