Highlights of France

9 days
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100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Sensuous cuisine, movie-set monuments and more art and history than you can shake a stick at - France is the number one tourist destination in the world for a reason. Well, it’s actually a multitude of reasons – and they are damn good ones! But let us whisk you away from the hungry jaws of the tourist traps and discover a France that is beyond the pages of mo...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Contrast the booming city of Paris with the rustic, laid-back countryside of the Burgundy and Provence regions
    • Two nights in Paris affords you time to see the city’s world famous sights and also discover some of its hidden treasures at a relaxed pace
    • Experience the elegance of a bygone era while staying in the stunning surrounds of a historic chateau in rural France
    • Savour Michelin-starred French fare in Dijon and taste the local wine in a famous vineyard of Burgundy, a place where wine is so much more than just a drink
    • Explore the atmospheric warren of corridors that make up Avignon’s Palais de Papes, the largest medieval Gothic palace in the world
    • Relaxed train rides allow you to soak up French countryside that has inspired the brushes of countless Impressionist artists
    • Wind up this adventure in the famous town of Aix-en-Provence, not far from the breath-taking French Riviera

What's this trip about?

    Sensuous cuisine, movie-set monuments and more art and history than you can shake a stick at - France is the number one tourist destination in the world for a reason. Well, it’s actually a multitude of reasons – and they are damn good ones! But let us whisk you away from the hungry jaws of the tourist traps and discover a France that is beyond the pages of most guidebooks. A France where the countryside unfolds before you like brushstrokes on an emerald green canvas, where medieval towns still bustle with an air of old-world charm, and where tastebuds are privy to recipes that have remained unchanged for centuries. Spend a night in a traditional chateaux, wander hallowed cathedrals and find a slice of heaven in the French Riveria. This Highlights of France tour will have you experiencing what the French call ‘coup de foudre’ – or as we might say ‘love at first sight’.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions

  • Avignon
  • Burgundy
  • Dijon
  • Paris

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Paris

Bonjour. Welcome to Paris, France. Your 'Highlights of France' adventure begins with a welcome meeting, which is usually at around 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please in...

Day 2 Paris

After breakfast this morning, the rest of your day is free to explore Paris. From incredible art galleries and imposing monuments, to world-renowned shopping, quaint cafes and hidden treasures, Paris is a wonderful city to explore. Discover the artistic treasure trove...

Day 3 Chateau Stay

Today you'll be transported back to the elegance of a bygone era when you travel to an idyllic French chateau, spending the night amid spectacular scenery. Firstly, board the train to Dijon, and then change to a private minibus that takes you to the chateau. The journ...

Day 4 Dijon/Beaune

Leave the beautiful chateau behind and travel back to Dijon today (approximately 45 minutes). From your base in Dijon, discover one of France’s wealthiest provinces in the region of Burgundy. Dijon was once one of the greatest centres of art, learning, and science in ...

Day 5 Dijon/Beaune

After breakfast this morning, you'll have some free time in Dijon. Explore the palace of the former rulers of the region or stroll along the Burgundy canal. Later you’ll visit one of the region’s most famed wineries in Beaune, the walled town in the centre of Burgund...

Day 6 Avignon

Take the train to Avignon today, which takes around three hours in total. This charming city is located on the left bank of the Rhone River in the south-east of France. The journey is idyllic, so make sure you have a camera at the ready. On arrival into Avignon, check...

Day 7 Avignon

Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Taking the train to Arles is a popular option, as the city has an abundance of Roman monuments and a strong association with the arts. If you stay within Avignon, comb the city's own impressive collection of art – even out...

Day 8 Aix-en-Provence

Leave Avignon this morning and continue your French journey, through heartland scenery that has long attracted the brushes of Impressionist painters, to the French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) town of Aix-en-Provence. Boasting a rustic French appearance, high-end shopping an...

Day 9 Aix-en-Provence

Your 'Highlights of France' adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no more activities planned and you're able to leave the accommodation at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,605
Price per day$289
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Chateau (1 night),Hotel (7 nights)

Transportation & Flights

Bus,Metro,Minibus,Taxi,Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus,Metro,Minibus,Taxi,Train
Guides
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, US and British citizens currently do not require a visa to enter countries visited on this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassy or consulate in their home country for up to date visa information. Passports have to be carried, but normally you do not need to show them. Stamps are no longer issued at border crossings.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Artéa Aix la Rotonde
  • 4 Boulevard de la République
  • Aix-en-Provence
  • 13100
  • FRANCE
  • Phone: 0033 442273600
  • Fax: 0033 442272876
Trip ID
intrepid-AMKF

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