Top France Culture - page 6

Learn about the pivotal role that Normandy’s beaches played in World War II—and pay tribute to the thousands of fallen soldiers—during this half-day history tour from Bayeux. Board your air-conditioned minivan and head to the coast, where you'll see landmarks ranging from Omaha Beach to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

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.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is one of the world’s most famous artworks and the star attraction of Paris’ Louvre Museum. With this first viewing tour, enjoy the opportunity to admire the iconic masterpiece during an early morning visit. Afterward, follow your guide on a tour of the Louvre, and take in the highlights of the vast art museum.

Devote a day to the wines and traditions of one of France’s most celebrated wine regions on this full-day small-group tour from Bordeaux. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan, criss-cross Bordeaux’s vineyard-covered hills and visit several wineries to indulge in tastings. A gourmet picnic lunch is included.

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.

Visit two of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord are known for their Renaissance architecture and picturesque riverside settings. Enjoy views from panoramic spots and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles. As a bonus, enjoy a relaxing lunch away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

Enjoy a more personal way to explore the hilly streets of Montmartre and follow in the footsteps of the artists who lived there (including Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne) on this private or small-group tour. Look forward to seeing the best of this popular Paris neighborhood in one excursion, from Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge to Van Gogh's former house. You can even discover a historic cabaret and Montmartre's only vineyard.

Marvel over the masters of Impressionism on a private or small-group tour of the Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum) in Paris. Enjoy the undivided attention of your expert guide, who introduces you to famous works by artists including Renoir, Cézanne, and Manet, while explaining the innovative techniques used by Monet and Van Gogh. A must-do tour for art enthusiasts and anyone wanting to learn more.

Dive into the history, culture, and legends of Paris’ Montmartre district on a small-group walking tour. This sightseeing experience is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the tourist guidebook. Itinerary highlights include the Sacre Coeur Basilica, Moulin Rouge exterior, Pigalle, and the Montmartre hill. Along the way, listen to stories of Van Gogh's old stomping grounds, the birth of the Can-can, and Paris' red light district.

Lyon’s old town is riddled with secret passageways and history. This immersive, guided walking tour begins at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and takes you through the traboules (covered passageways used by silk workers to transport fabrics), to present-day silk workshops, and the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures, before finishing up at the Grand Hotel Dieu, formerly the city hospital, now a luxury hotel and shopping complex.

Get your fashion fix in Paris with a private, 2-hour tour of the city’s most prestigious retail and design districts. Learn about the history of Parisian fashion and the hottest current brands and collections from a private guide with professional industry experience. Stroll along fashionable Rue Saint-Honoré, admire handcrafted jewelry, and see where local trendsetters shop, from vintage boutiques to design flagships.

See the best of the French Riviera on a Segway tour of Nice that lets you cover much more ground than you could on foot. See more of the sights in less time aboard your Segway, including the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town, the Marché aux Fleurs flower market, and more. Learn more about Nice’s rich heritage than you would alone as you go.

Where else can you discover three countries in a single day? During this border-crossing ride through Germany, France, and Switzerland, you’ll discover some of the most picturesque locations in the region, from the Alsatian fortified village of Neuf-Brisach to the medieval Old Town of Basel. Get a peek at the famous Rhine River and discover under-the-radar shopping districts in a group capped at only 7 people.

Lyon flies more under the tourist radar than it should—with UNESCO sites aplenty, 2,000 years of visible architecture, and some of the country’s best foodie experiences, the city’s one world-class adventure. You’ll learn about and see all the best spots on this walking tour, your local guide leading the way from the neighborhood of Croix-Rousse to the famous Vieux Lyon.

The Musee d'Orsay is packed full of artistic masterpieces, but is also well known for its long lines and wait times. Save precious vacation time with prebooked entry and breeze straight inside with your group and art historian-guide. View famous paintings by artists such as Renoir, Manet, Degas, Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh, and listen as your guide's commentary brings the world-renowned artwork to life.

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.

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.

Take in the sights of Lyon with an electric bike tour, an easy way to get around, while you sample some of what makes this the culinary capital of France. After stops in Lyon's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Place des Terreaux, and La Croix-Rousse, riding along the picturesque Rhône River, pause at a restaurant to taste regional specialties such as locally made cheeses and cured meats.

Challenge your romantic illusions of Paris on this evening tour of the city’s sinister spots. Delve into the mysteries of the City of Light, going off the beaten path as you hear ghost stories and local legends from your guide. Learn the history behind places such as the Place de la Vert Gallant and the Palais du Justice, as well as lesser-known spots you might otherwise pass by.

Provence is famous for its hilltop villages and scenic landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in France. This small-group half-day tour will take you back in time, as you see the magnificent Roman amphitheater and Maison Carrée in Nîmes, stroll the medieval streets of Uzes, and visit the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct.

The Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world, and it would take days to cover its vast collections of art. Ideal for time-crunched travelers, this express tour takes you straight to the highlights in just a few hours. From the Venus de Milo and other ancient Greek sculptures to dramatic works by Delacroix, you’ll get an insider’s overview—all in an intimate group capped at six people.

Paris’ Latin Quarter buzzes with the rich legacy of luminaries like Hemingway, Descartes, and Dalí. Watch this storied history come to vivid life on a private tour that immerses you in the Left Bank's bohemian past and hidden corners. In the company of an expert guide, trace the area’s history beginning with medieval times, and stroll past highlights like the Sorbonne, Pantheon, Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, and more.

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.

Soak in the incredible beauty and background of one of France's most recognizable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel, while leaving Bayeux behind. Your day trip begins with a coastal drive to the UNESCO-listed site: a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey that sits atop a rocky bay perch. Explore its ramparts while an expert guide fills you in on Mont Saint-Michel's remarkable history and heritage, then enjoy time to explore independently.