Top France Cultural Tours - page 13

The Palace of Versailles and the attached grounds are larger than many tourists first realize, so it’s easy to miss out on some of the opulent historic sights. On this small-group tour, discover the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Mirrors, and much more, before optionally extending the tour with a visit to the Gardens of Versailles.

Step into the cultural heart of Paris on this small-group walking tour of Montmartre, the city's most bohemian neighborhood. Stroll along charming cobblestone streets, and follow in the footsteps of legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, in the company of an expert guide who brings the rich history and culture of Montmartre to life and reveals hidden stories you'd miss on your own.

The castles of Chenonceau and Chambord are two of the most magnificent in the Loire Valley, but it’s hard to appreciate their magnitude on a whistle-stop tour. This small-group tour doesn’t try to pack multiple chateaux into one day—it focuses on quality time at just two stops, allowing plenty of time to explore both the castle interiors and gardens, both with and without your guide.

Aix en Provence is renowned for its historic architecture, art heritage, and lively food market. With this private tour, discover the city’s Provencal cuisine as you browse the local market (morning tour only) and explore the atmospheric streets, cafés, and delicatessens. Stop at local haunts to sample tasty regional snacks such as tapenade, anchovies, and lavender-infused treats, accompanied by local rosé or Pastis.

Tantalize your taste buds with a full-day tour from Paris to the heart of France’s famous Champagne region. Visit the UNESCO-listed town of Reims, where centuries of French kings were crowned at the Gothic Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral. At a top-rated winery, learn about the traditional Champagne-making process and sip several different kinds of the beloved bubbly paired with a gourmet multi-course lunch of traditional delicacies. It’s a fantastic way to experience the one and only home of authentic French Champagne.

The Orsay Museum is one of the most stunning galleries in Paris, but its popularity means entry can be stressful with long lines. Avoid the hassle of buying a ticket on the day with an advance ticket that will take you straight to a dedicated priority entrance. Flexible entry means you can arrive at a time convenient to you. Inside, get up close to iconic works of art by Van Gogh, Manet and Renoir, with an audio guide to deepen your appreciation and help you to navigate the museum. Take your time and explore at your leisure.

Meet a Lyon local for a private walking tour that’s like having a friend—rather than a professional guide—to show you around the city. It’s a new concept in travel, and everything from the pre-tour phone consultation to the walking tour itself is completely tailored to you. Whether you’re exploring neighborhood life or looking for Lyon’s most authentic flavors, it’s a personalized alternative to an off-the-shelf itinerary.

Go beyond Paris to discover the historical highlights of Normandy and Brittany on this 2-day group tour. After boarding your air-conditioned coach in France's capital, sit back and relax knowing your transportation, overnight hotel stay in Caen, and activities are sorted. Enjoy an itinerary that includes Honfleur, Rouen, Normandy's D-Day beaches and American Cemetery, Saint-Malo and Mont-St-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Make exploring beyond Paris easy—and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Giverny, the location of Claude Monet's House and Gardens—on this half-day excursion. Travel by bus to the Monet property, where you have free time to wander around the historic house and picture-perfect garden independently. An audio guide, available in several languages, is included, which you receive before departure. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Lots of tours help you learn about the wartime history of Omaha Beach, but not many let you explore the region aboard an authentic US vehicle from World War II. On this private tour, ride in a Jeep or Dodge army truck as you visit various historic landmarks, including trenches and fortifications that have been preserved since the conflict.

Get an authentic taste of Paris that extends beyond the Eiffel Tower on this half-day walking tour, running from the Latin Quarter to Le Marais. Discover the literary and artistic heritage of Saint-German-des-Prés, the multicultural and fast evolving Marais, as well as the Île de la Cité and Ile St. Louis. As you stroll, discover delicatessens, markets, bridges, and monuments, as well as the local communities that shape the city.

Explore the Parisian neighborhood of Montmartre—a historically bohemian quarter known for its artists, street performers, and cancan dancers—on this walking tour with a guide who introduces you to the sights that line the hilly, cobblestone streets and brings its rich history to life. Hear stories about famous figures like Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh that you'd miss on your own, and see landmarks such as Basilica du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre.

See the sights of Paris lit up at night—and keep your sightseeing fully personal—on this private tour by Citroën 2CV, a classic French car. Enjoy a bottle of Champagne to accompany your trip, and look forward to seeing a new view of the city. You can drive along the Champs-Elysées and pass the Arc de Triomphe, view the Louvre, admire the glittering Eiffel Tower, and head to Montmartre for panoramic city views.

The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, and navigating the sprawling galleries can be difficult for even veteran visitors. Simplify your visit—and listen to enriching background about the works on display—during this private guided tour. Tick off masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, while also uncovering the hidden must-sees that most people miss.

See the pilgrim town of Lourdes more intimately, with your own private guide. Along with a tour of the town itself, this excursion also pays a visit to the Chateau Fort of Lourdes where a wealth of medieval history awaits. Hear the background story of Bernadette Soubrious and get cultural and historical insights, too, to take your visit to Lourdes to the next level. Note that any entry fees are extra.

Simplify your visit to Versailles from Paris with this tour package. Avoid navigating unfamiliar public transportation with a shuttle service, bypass crowds outside with skip-the-line entry to the palace's interiors, and learn more than you could touring the complex solo with an audio guide. Set the pace as you explore the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the opulent gardens, before returning to the city.

Discover the secrets of Bordeaux’s world-famous wines on this small-group afternoon tasting tour of the Médoc wine region. Ensure a high-quality wine tasting experience as you visit Grand Cru winery, followed by a Cru Bourgeois winery where you’ll pair local wines with an indulgent tasting platter. During the tour, learn all about Bordeaux’s different appellations, terroirs, and varietals.

See all the highlights of the French Riviera, from Cannes to Monaco, on this small-group day trip from Nice. Soak in the scenic beauty of the road that snakes between cliffs and towns and the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy pretty coastal towns like Eze, Cannes, and Antibes as well as the glamorous city-state of Monaco. A small tour group ensures plenty of personalized attention from your guide.

Check off two of France's top attractions in a single day, and make exploring beyond Paris city limits totally hassle-free, on this full-day tour. Following pickup in the city center, head first to Giverny, home to Monet's House and Gardens. After a tour and stop for lunch, continue to the UNESCO–listed Palace of Versailles. Explore the lavish palace and its ornamental gardens—and even see the Musical Fountain Show (depending on the day selected).

The Luberon region of Provence is renowned for its idyllic landscapes, but getting around is difficult without your own transport. This half-day tour has you covered, taking the scenic route through Luberon Regional Park, and stopping at two of the most photographed hilltop villages, Gordes and Roussillon, as well as the Roman bridge of Pont Julien.

Reims is the Champagne capital of France and there’s no better place to sample the world’s finest Champagne. This full-day tour includes a tour of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne estate for a tasting, a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Reims, and a Champagne tasting in the Montagne de Reims’ vineyards. This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience.

Zip through the heart of Paris in your own private tuk tuk, seeing more of the City of Lights than you would manage on foot. From hidden gems to bucket-list monuments, see bucket list icons in less time—without the hassle of public transport. Your Driver-Guide shares fascinating facts and stories at every stop, tailored to your interests, as you ride around in style.

Soak up Bordeaux’s rarified atmosphere, and see more of the city’s highlights in less time, when you embark on an adventurous bike tour. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and meet your guide around the corner from the Bordeaux Cathedral. After grabbing your bike and helmet, you’ll set off on a tour of Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed city center, will wend your way along the Garonne River, will explore its more modern quarters, and more.

Soak up the bounty, beauty and history of Provence on a small-group trip from Marseille. Discover ancient and medieval art and architecture in Avignon, the ‘City of Popes. Pop into the Popes’ Palace (own expense) before continuing to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to sample fine Provençal wines. Finish with a visit to the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence.