Discover five of France’s seductive regions
From Paris to Nice, this itinerary showcases spectacular history, landscapes, foods and wines of France (plus Monaco!)
Embark on a captivating journey through five alluring regions of France, at a pace that makes absolute sense. France is bigger than you think, and our multiple three night stays enable us to properly create remarkable Gallic experiences for you. Explore the graceful châteaux of the Loire Valley, cruise past the crumbling bastides of the Dordogne Valley, stay in perfect Pézenas, in the land of the Cathars and Knights Templar in Languedoc Roussillon, visit extraordinary Carcassonne, and cross the Tarn Gorge on the enormous Millau Viaduct. Linger in Bordeaux, sip wine in Saint-Émilion and dine in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard, pass wild horses whilst crossing the Camargue to ancient Provence and the stunning Côte d’Azur. Wonderful experiences including the extraordinary Carrières de Lumières in Les Beaux, the incredible caves of Gouffre de Padirac, wine tastings in the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a Roquefort cheese tasting. Croissant anyone?
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Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
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Welcome drink on Day 1 29 meals including breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L) and 10 evening meals (D) A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
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Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 18 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
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Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Local guides as described in the itinerary
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Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including Loire Valley & Bordeaux wine tastings, Chateau Villandry gardens, Roquefort cheese tasting, Dordogne barge cruise and Calanques cruise, lunch in a Saint- Émilion vineyard, discover the unspoiled charm of Pézenas and dine in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Tour itinerary
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La Grande France
Video Highlights
Hand Selected Experiences
These are just a few of the very special hand selected experiences that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.
Château Villandry
Magnificent Gardens
Visit Château Villandry to explore the magnificent terraced gardens, inspired by the classic gardens of the 16th and 18th century. Each of the 6 gardens is distinguished by a specific theme and design, and features include ponds, topiary and ornamental hedges. The extraordinary kitchen garden covers 12,500 square metres.Amboise
Da Vinci’s Residence
In the charming riverside town of Amboise, on the banks of the River Loire, we visit Da Vinci’s residence – Château du Clos Lucé. It is here in the underground rooms that you have the opportunity to see forty machines designed by this amazing inventor.Bordeaux
Saint-Émilion vineyard visit for tasting and lunch
We visit a wine chateaux on the outskirts of Saint-Émilion to sample some of their glorious wines and enjoy a leisurely lunch, surrounded by vineyards.Saint-Émilion
Guided tour and tasting
A highlight of our visit to the picture-perfect village of Saint-Émilion will be a guided visit to the Cordeliers Cloister, followed by a descent into the underground tunnels where we will learn about Cordelier’s sparkling wine making process.Dordogne
Sarlat & La Roc Gageac
Explore the medieval, architectural time capsule village of Sarlat with a local guide. Noted for its gourmet food, cheeses, pâté and foie gras, Sarlat is also famous for its beautifully preserved old town with its café filled squares and delightful cobblestoned alleyways. Later, in the nearby picturesque village of La Roc Gageac, we board a barge and drift slowly down the River Dordogne past medieval castles.Carcassonne
Guided Walking Tour
Dating back to the 13th century, Carcassonne is a magnificent timepiece. We are joined by a local guide to explore the ramparts and maze of cobbled streets and watchtowers in the old town of Carcassonne. We include entrance to the medieval castle, with its gigantic double walled fortifications and 53 watchtowers.Pézenas
Preserved medieval town in the South of France
We stay two nights in the the charming town of Pézenas with its cobbled streets lined with stunning 16th and 17th century French mansion houses. During your stay you will have time to relax and discover the unspoiled character of the winding walkways, artistic boutiques, cozy cafes and restaurants.Millau
La Couvertoirade, Millau Viaduct & Roquefort cheese
Explore the medieval village of La Couvertoirade, that was transformed into a dramatic fortified castle by the Knights Templar and voted as one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ (most beautiful villages of France). Cross the extraordinary Millau Viaduct across the mighty Tarn Gorge & visit the Viaduct Museum. In Roquefort, enjoy a guided tour down through the Caves and a tasting of this rich tasty cheese.Avignon & Pont du Gard
'City of the Popes' & Ancient Roman Aqueduct
Explore the beautiful papal city of Avignon, the gateway to Provence. Once the home of Catholic popes, you are surrounded by impressive architecture and history. Walk across the spectacular Pont du Gard, an ancient roman aqueduct built in the first century AD.Chateauneuf-du Pape
Rhône region vineyard visit
One evening during our stay in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon we venture to nearby Chateauneuf-du Pape, set on a hill like an island rising out of a sea of grapevines, to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner in one of the many vineyards in this renowned area of the Rhône wine region.Calanques Cruise
Along the Côte d’Azur
Discover the dramatic Calanques on a coastal cruise along the Côte d’Azur. These rugged inlets with steep cliffs tumbling into the crystal clear, azure waters are best viewed by boat.Dates and Prices
* The itinerary and hotels featured are based on 2026 tour departures and may be subject to change. Any questions, please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.
Your Hotels
Tour Suitability
Due to the nature of the niche places we visit on this tour, to explore all of the beautiful towns and sites a level of mobility is required.
- From experience we know that since this tour is packed with so many top shelf experiences people find it more taxing than usual
- The Gouffre de Padirac cave visit can be a little more challenging, and persons with mobility difficulties are advised to go down in the lift if they choose to participate in this activity. However, there are a further 70 steps down to the underground river level 103 metres below, which are metal "Eiffel-Tour" style. There are 3 sets of elevators to take you all the way back up. The gallery tour includes several sets of steps. Access to the Salle Du Grand Dome involves 150 steps going up and 150 steps going down, and is a one-way system so once you commence you cannot turn back. Those who have mobility difficulties may choose not to participate in this activity.
Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
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