France Magnifique
Overview
Highlights
- Dine at a traditional bouchon where you will sample Lyon's cuisine.
- Delight in a tour and tasting at a local winery.
- Enjoy a delightful dinner at a traditional French restaurant.
- Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Seine and drift past famous landmarks.
- Travel back in history when you stand before the impressive UNESCO Bayeux Tapestry.
- Learn the secrets of perfume making in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
- Discover Avignon and enjoy free time to explore.
- Ponder history at Normandy's Memorial Peace Museum and Omaha Beach Cemetery.
- Explore Monaco and take in the Casino of Monte Carlo and the Cathedral of Monaco.
What's this trip about?
Details
Destinations
Attractions
Itinerary
Your tour opens in beautiful Paris. Celebrate the beginning of your French voyage with a sunset river cruise past famous glittering landmarks along the River Seine, which divides the north from the south of Paris into what is known as the Right Bank and the Left Bank. Head to one of Paris’ local restaurants for a savory French dinner.
Start your day by taking in the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic coach tour. With your local guide, see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, and the bustling Place Vendome. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story. Perhaps you’ll take an optional guided tour at the famous Louvre.
Set off for the Normandy coast, where the largest invasion in history took place during World War II. Visit the Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic Battle of Normandy in 1944. Later, see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port bu...
This morning visit the Omaha Beach Cemetery and stop by the Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Center. See the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memo...
Travel back in history when you stand before the impressive Bayeux Tapestry (UNESCO), a 230-foot embroidered cloth depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic town on your own. Then it’s off to Saint-...
Travel to Le Mont St. Michel (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through...
Travel the French countryside to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon (UNESCO). The city was once an important area for silk production. Today it is famous for its world-renowned cuisine. This evening, experience this cuisine firsthand when you dine at a bouchon, a local restaurant that serves traditional Lyonnaise fare.
Choose how you spend the day because it’s your choice! Get to know Lyon with a local expert, visiting the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvier and the historic Old Quarter -OR- embark on an appetizing adventure in Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse food market, where you’ll...
Get acquainted with the walled city of Avignon on a morning orientation tour. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. With your free time, perhaps you will choose to explore the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the world’s largest Gothic palace, or take a relaxing stroll along the river and see Pont Saint-Bénézet, one of the city’s most iconic sites.
Travel to Antibes and rub shoulders with Europe’s elite in this Riviera getaway. After some free time to explore, continue to Grasse, the center of the world’s perfume industry. Learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, while visiting a fam...
This morning you’ll feel like a local as you stroll through the colorful and fragrant flower market* in Nice. Then it’s off to discover Place Massena and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. Your journey takes you to Monaco, the dazzling gem of the Riviera. A pa...
Set out for home with many magnificent memories.
Embark on a tour of the spectacular Château de Chenonceau. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, it is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque center of Amboise. Enjoy free time for exploring and getting to know the local culture.
Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks, once the setting for the French court. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English duri...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
Other Collette Reviews
It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
Tour Operator
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.
Go Guided:
There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.
5 Reasons to Go Guided:
Go Tour Managers!
On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Go Culture!
Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.
Go Product Team!
Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.
Go Social!
Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.
Go Worry-Free!
Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
There are many ways to experience the world:
Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.
Small Groups, Big Experiences
From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
Amazing Family Moments Included
Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Showtime in Paris! - $169
Paris Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children — consult with your Tour Manager.The Louvre Museum - $110
Paris Join us for a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Begin your exploration of the museum by entering through I. M. Pei’s famous Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass pyramid rising out of the courtyard of the Louvre. A local expert will provide commentary as you venture through the countless masterpieces that line the halls of the museum, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 20 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to tour departure date and is not available the first Sunday of each month. Space is limited on some dates. Once purchased any cancellation within 60 days of tour departure will be nonrefundable. Due to schedule changes and availability, the time and day of this optional excursion may need to be changed or cancelled either before or after your departure date.Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations