SHORTLIST

Country Roads of France - Classic Group

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 Avignon, 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 Sarlat-La-Caneda. 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.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Insight Vacations
Price From	$7,676
Number of Days	16
Start Location	Paris, France
End Location	Paris, France
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	30 to 40
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	No specific theme
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Welcome to Paris

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.

Champagne Region and on to Dijon

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 colourful 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.

Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start

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.

Chamonix

Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. 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.

Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble Relaxed Start

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, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

The French Riviera to reach Nice

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?

Nice - Principality of Monaco - Nice

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?

Picturesque Provence

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.

Avignon and Pont du Gard

Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh. After, journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.

Carcassonne and to Albi

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. 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 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.

Free Time in Albi

Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savour a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.

Cahors and Rocamadour Relaxed Start

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 travelling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Later we make our way to our hotel nestled in the countryside of La Roque-Gageac.

Exploring the Dordogne Valley

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. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

Paris, The City of Light

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.

Romantic Capital on the Seine

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the centre 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 Celebration Dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France.

Au Revoir Paris

Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport.

Inclusions

7 Dinner with Wine (DW)
15 Breakfast (B)

Departure dates

Start	End	Availability	Price NZD
04 May 2024	19 May 2024	Available	$8,120
11 May 2024	26 May 2024	Available	$8,120
18 May 2024	02 Jun 2024	onRequest	$10,150
25 May 2024	09 Jun 2024	Available	$8,140
08 Jun 2024	23 Jun 2024	Available	$10,175
22 Jun 2024	07 Jul 2024	Available	$7,676
29 Jun 2024	14 Jul 2024	Available	$7,900
24 Aug 2024	08 Sep 2024	Available	$9,175
31 Aug 2024	15 Sep 2024	Available	$9,075
07 Sep 2024	22 Sep 2024	Available	$8,989
14 Sep 2024	29 Sep 2024	Available	$8,989
21 Sep 2024	06 Oct 2024	Available	$8,628
28 Sep 2024	13 Oct 2024	Available	$8,628
05 Oct 2024	20 Oct 2024	Available	$8,628
05 Apr 2025	20 Apr 2025	Available	$11,340
26 Apr 2025	11 May 2025	Available	$11,550
03 May 2025	18 May 2025	Available	$11,550
10 May 2025	25 May 2025	Available	$11,550
17 May 2025	01 Jun 2025	Available	$11,550
24 May 2025	08 Jun 2025	Available	$11,580
31 May 2025	15 Jun 2025	Available	$11,580
07 Jun 2025	22 Jun 2025	Available	$11,580
14 Jun 2025	29 Jun 2025	Available	$11,580
21 Jun 2025	06 Jul 2025	Available	$11,490
28 Jun 2025	13 Jul 2025	Available	$11,850
12 Jul 2025	27 Jul 2025	Available	$11,850
09 Aug 2025	24 Aug 2025	Available	$11,850
23 Aug 2025	07 Sep 2025	Available	$12,234
30 Aug 2025	14 Sep 2025	Available	$12,114
06 Sep 2025	21 Sep 2025	Available	$12,114
13 Sep 2025	28 Sep 2025	Available	$12,114
20 Sep 2025	05 Oct 2025	Available	$11,550
27 Sep 2025	12 Oct 2025	Available	$11,550
04 Oct 2025	19 Oct 2025	Available	$11,550