FRENCH HERITAGE (CLASSIC GROUP)

• 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.

Arrival Transfer: Depart Charles de Gaulle airport at 08:30, 11:00, 13:30

Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 17:30

• 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.

• 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.

https://www.insightvacations.com/media/bl1ptxut/20_chamonix-mont-blanc-train-station-chamonix-france-15.jpg?crop=0%2C0.10652501106684373%2C1.263187085796e-16%2C0.05084550686144315&cropmode=percentage&format=webp&mode=crop&width=383.976&height=215.9865&quality=80

• 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.
• Take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car.
• In the evening you may choose to try a local 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 table barbecue using on a hot stone.

• 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.

• 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 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?

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral – a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet.
• Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square.
• Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431.
• Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.

• Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc.
• Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent near Omaha Beach.
• Explore Normandy with Insight Choice.
• Choose between visiting the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
• Alternatively visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England.
• This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.

• Journey through Bocage country for an exploration of the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert.
• The abbey stands on an island and is reached by a causeway across the shining sands.
• Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – it’s one street containing shops, cafes and hotels.
• Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France.
• A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs.
• Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, to the cathedral, the burial place of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers.
• At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay.
• By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants.
• Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?

• Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle.
• Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region’s delicious wines.
• Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
• Ensure you don’t miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens.
• This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil is grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem.
• This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you’ve returned home.

• Journey to the family-owned Château de Cheverny inhabited by the same family for over six centuries.
• Arrive through the forest and park lands with your Local Expert who will show you the château’s decor and aristocratic costumes of the family through the centuries.
• Listen out for the hounds and find out about the connection with Tintin while you are there.
• Return to your superb château for relaxation and free time.

• Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the ‘Acropolis of France’ by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon.
• Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.
• From here, return to the French capital.
• After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when 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 experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

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

Departure Transfer: Depart your hotel to arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport at 08:00, 11:00