Provence to Paris A Journey Through History - 4 Days

Welcome to your adventure! Today, we will immerse ourselves in the scenic beauty and rich history of Provence, starting with a visit to Arles, a city recognised by UNESCO for its Roman and medieval heritage, and a place that once inspired Van Gogh. Our journey continues to the charming medieval village of Les Baux. Here, we will enter the Carrières de Lumières, an extraordinary subterranean exhibition that blends art with sound and light within its ancient quarries. By lunchtime, we'll arrive in Avignon, known for the grand Palais des Papes, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy a leisurely meal. As the day unfolds, we will make our way to Lyon. In this vibrant city, we'll explore the historic old town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a cable car up to the impressive Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, which boasts stunning views of the city. Please note, if the Carrières de Lumières show is unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will visit the remarkable Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead. 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.

Departing from Lyon, we journey into the heart of Burgundy. Our first port of call is Tournus, a charming town renowned for its striking stone gate and magnificent abbey. From there, we continue to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. In Beaune, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore at your own pace. You might wish to visit the wine museum or delve into the history of the region at the ancient hospice. Our exploration of Burgundy's rich heritage continues with a trip to Savigny Castle. Nestled in this viticultural haven, the 15th-century castle houses unique museums that showcase a fascinating array of motorbikes, racing cars, aircraft, and helicopters. Our day concludes in Dijon, Burgundy's vibrant capital, noted for its historic charm with streets lined by medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the magnificent Palace of the Dukes.

Today, we set off from Dijon to explore the wonders of Burgundy, beginning with a visit to Fontenay Abbey, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will include admission to this Cistercian masterpiece, allowing you to immerse yourself in its rich history. Following this, we make our way to Semur-en-Auxois, a charming medieval city encircled by ancient, imposing walls.

You'll then have the opportunity to relax over lunch and wander through the picturesque streets of Vézelay, considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. Here, you'll find the magnificent basilica, once a starting point for pilgrims on the Way of St. James.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the vibrant city of Paris, where we will arrive in the evening. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the French capital.

After breakfast, our adventure draws to a close, leaving you with splendid lasting memories of the journey.