Top France Culture - page 5

Perfect for fans of French impressionism, this half-day trip whisks travelers from Paris to Giverny by luxury coach. Upon arrival to the Normandy village, where Claude Monet and other artists lived and painted, enjoy priority access to Monet's exquisite 19th-century home. Then, with an art historian as your guide (if upgrade selected), tour the flowerbeds, Japanese bridge, and water lily pond that served as inspiration for his best-known paintings.

Discover Bordeaux on a 3-hour guided bike tour covering 9 miles (14 km) of historic streets, green spaces, and street art. Ride comfortable Dutch bikes with helmets, baskets, and an exclusive tasting of Bordeaux’s canelé pastry included. Guides share personal stories and local tips in small groups of up to 12 guests, with a relaxed pace and no megaphones. Choose between regular and electric bikes for a personal and eco-friendly experience.

Explore the scenic Alsace region from Strasbourg, without hiring a car or planning a day trip yourself, with this small-group tour. Let your guide handle the day's logistics and activities, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. Enjoy an itinerary that includes the High Koenigsbourg Fortress, Colmar, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr.

There’s no need for a designated driver when you join this guided small-group Bordeaux wine tour. Spend the morning in Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a walking tour of the village and a grand cru tasting. After a picnic lunch, enjoy tastings and the grand cru classé, with a photo stop at Margaux.

Bordeaux's historic core—including the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'eau (water mirror)—lines the Garonne, but most visitors view it from the quay rather than the river itself. For an unparalleled vantage point, this cruise heads out onto the water, and includes a guide covering the city's history and architecture, plus a glass of Bordeaux wine and a traditional canelé pastry served onboard.

Bordeaux is home to a wide range of UNESCO–listed attractions—but it can be hard for first-timers to see them all on their own. Instead, book a hassle-free, private walking tour to check off the city's best-known sights in a single excursion. Choose a start time that works best for your schedule, and set off to discover highlights from the Port Cailhau and Grand Théâtre to the Bordeaux Cathedral.

While the afternoon away discovering charming hilltop villages in the Luberon region on this 6-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence. Admire breathtaking Provencal landscapes as you explore Gordes, Lourmarin, Bonnieux and Roussillon. An informative guide shares historical commentary and takes you to the most picturesque spots, including Pont Julien, a 12th-century church and more. Round-trip transport by minibus included.

Imagine how the extravagance of Versailles was part of everyday life for Marie Antoinette during a guided tour of the palace with a chance to watch the fountain show (seasonal). Take advantage of reserved access to avoid the long lines at the start of your tour. Gaze in wonder at the Royal Apartments and the Queen’s Apartments, and walk through the glittering Hall of Mirrors to the Salon de la Guerre and the Salon de la Paix. Plus, explore the expansive gardens on your own after the palace tour.

Immerse yourself in French Impressionism on a full-day art history tour through Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise. Your guide shares anecdotes often unheard by visitors about the lives of renowned French painters Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. Stops on the itinerary include Monet’s home and flower garden, the village church, and his grave, as well as Van Gogh’s boarding house and tomb. With a group capped at 8 people, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.

Navigate one of the world’s largest and busiest art museums with ease—and follow your guide to the collection highlights without getting lost—on this Louvre tour. Pick from several start times, meet your guide outside the museum, and head in. Once inside, you’ll see highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace, and more, all while learning the stories behind the masterpieces.

Visit multiple scenic hotspots, and see the sights without tiring yourself out, on an electric bike tour of the French Riviera. Set off with only a small group for company; begin along Nice’s scenic Promenade des Anglais before heading to Villefranche-sur-Mer, where you’ll admire the port and historical attractions like the Citadel of St. Elme. Continue to Mont Alban fort to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of Villefranche-sur-Mer harbor.

Get the whole family engaged in the treasures of the Louvre during this 2- or 3-hour private tour. Explore the renowned museum with an itinerary that's been tailored to the needs of your family, depending on time available, ages, and interests of the family members.

Carved out by cave dwellers in the 16th century, the Caves Ambacia have hosted a wine merchant since 1874. Discover the caves and the Duhard wine collection with a sensorial experience to awaken all five senses, a journey through 150 years of wine history, and a tasting of six exceptional wines led by a sommelier. Should a wine take your fancy, the merchants offer shipping throughout the world.

Spend a day sipping French reds and whites in the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region. Departing from Bordeaux, visit two chateaux to taste the region’s famous wines and wander the streets of beautiful Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sample the fine wines of Provence on this half-day small-group tasting tour from Avignon. Visit three different wineries in Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Chateauneuf du Pape; learn more about French winemaking and wine appellations; and sample an array of grand or premier cru wines.

Learn and experience history on a small group tour learning about Paris during World War II and the true story Occupation of Paris that breaks stereotypes. An expert guide who has lived in Paris for a long time will be your guide and tell you the true histories as you walk through the WW2 battlefield sites.

See Paris like a local as you pedal around its vibrant neighborhoods, lively markets, and hidden sights on this small-group bike tour. Explore the bohemian Latin Quarter, the Jewish communities of Le Marais, and the historic Place de la Bastille, as well as enjoying views of iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral. With plenty of rest stops and photo opportunities, this tour is suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels.

See the highlights of the Orsay's collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on a private or small-group tour of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Let an art historian guide lead you straight to masterworks by Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas and more. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and learn the history behind the art for a truly immersive experience.

Medieval Èze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo are widely considered the jewels in the French Riviera’s crown—but organizing transportation to reach them independently from Nice takes up valuable sightseeing time. On this tour, begin with pickup at your Nice hotel and visit all three destinations in one adventurous day. Discover top attractions like the Grand Casino and the Fragonard Perfumery, and admire uninterrupted views over Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Discover Provence’s ancient roots and winemaking traditions on a half-day, small-group tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards from Avignon. Wind through the verdant vineyards of the Rhône Valley, and visit two distinguished wine estates where you can enjoy tutored tastings and the chance to learn more about the winemaking process. Plus, with round-trip transportation included, getting around is made simple.

Discover the wines, foods, and charms of Saint-Emilion without having to organize car rental or cabs on this small-group tour from Bordeaux. Begin with a van ride to Saint-Emilion village featuring vineyard explanations, followed by a guided walk of the UNESCO-listed village. Enjoy a wine tasting and picnic lunch paired with château wine at the first chateau, then proceed to two more wineries for tastings. Choose a classic or veggie picnic lunch according to your preferences.

See the D-Day Landing Beaches from a unique perspective while enjoying the vintage thrill of riding around in a sidecar with this private tour. Meety your guide in Bayeux and head to visit key sights, including Longues-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Two participants can share one bike, so that one person can sit in the sidecar and one can ride behind the driver.

Visit two of France's most stunning chateaus in one day on a small-group tour from Paris via luxury minivan. See the splendor and gardens that inspired Louis XIV to build Versailles at 17th-century Vaux-le-Vicomte, and follow in the footsteps of seven centuries of French royalty at sprawling Fontainebleau. Learn the fascinating history behind each castle and explore at your own pace with an included audio guide.

Explore one of France’s most famous wine regions with a full-day small-group tour of Burgundy’s wineries from Dijon. Enjoy a scenic drive through the vineyards, stopping at traditional wine cellars to sample a variety of fine wines and learn about France’s prestigious Premier and Grand Cru classifications. Discover the wine capital of Beaune, with free time to enjoy lunch (own expense), tour the Moutarderie Fallot mustard house (own expense) or explore the charming old town.