Top France Holidays - page 3

See the major sights of Paris from the water on a hop-on hop-off Seine boat cruise. With either a 1- or 2-day ticket, glide leisurely along the river, hopping off and on when you wish to visit the attractions that most interest you, such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Or simply stay on the boat to admire Paris’ World Heritage-listed riverbanks.

Take your understanding of French wine to another level with a guided wine and Champagne tasting in an atmospheric wine cellar in Paris. Sample six different wines while you learn about how to read a French wine label properly. It's a relaxing way to deepen your cultural knowledge and taste some fantastic French wines. Upgrade to include a plate of cheese or cured meats to eat while you sip.

Enjoy an intimate historical look at the D-Day landings on this full-day trip to the beaches of Normandy from Paris. Travel by comfortable van accommodating no more than eight people, and visit Omaha Beach, the Operation Overlord Museum, German bunkers, Pointe du Hoc, as well as the American Cemetery home to 10,000 white crosses. See period-era military maps, plans, and photos, while listening to inspiring stories about June 6, 1944. Sip some of Normandy’s famous traditional cider before returning to Paris.

Make the most of your time at the Louvre, and find your way to the “Mona Lisa” easily. Choose between a guided tour that includes timed entry passes or opt for a package that includes admission and an escort who will take you straight to the “Mona Lisa”.

Enjoy the idyllic scenery and world-class wines on a half-day wine tour of the Médoc region from Bordeaux. Visit two classified growth chateaux wine estates for guided wine tastings. Admire the spectacular scenery surrounding them and along the drives. Pass other famous chateaux, such as Palmer and Chateaux Margaux.

Sample the gastronomic delights of the French Riviera on this small-group tasting tour of Nice. Accompanied by your guide, a fellow foodie, visit restaurants, artisan shops, and bakeries around the city and taste an array of regional specialties that feature a mix of French, Italian, and Mediterranean influences. Sample wines, cheeses, chocolates, pastries, meats, and more.

Retrace the steps of American D-Day troops on a full-day tour of Normandy’s US landing sectors from Bayeux. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with your expert guide, and stand at key landing and drop points, including Omaha Beach and St-Mere-Eglise. See the battle sites at Pointe du Hoc and visit the Utah Beach Museum and Normandy American Cemetery to remember those who gave their lives in June 1944.

Short on time in Bayeux but keen to see Normandy’s World War II US D-Day sites? Visit some key 1944 American locations on a half-day tour from Bayeux. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where US troops landed. Your guide shares details and stories of the landings. Finish at the American Cemetery to pay homage to those who lost their lives.

In the company of your guide, gain access to the tower's second level. Delve into the history of one of the world's most famous monuments and discover the exhibits and maps on display. Then, instead of rushing down, have free time to soak up the views on your own once the tour has finished.

France is world-renowned for its delicious cheese and butter, and this hands-on workshop lets you dive into the country’s cheesemaking and butter-making heritage. Visit a traditional local ‘fromagerie’ (cheese shop), “Paroles de Fromagers”, meet the cheesemakers, and learn the secrets of cheese and butter making during a fun and interactive workshop. Finally, sample some of the delicious cheeses paired with French wine.

Giverny is renowned as an impressionist enclave, and as the former home of painter Claude Monet—and this package makes your visiting logistics seamless. With round-trip transit by air-conditioned minivan from central Paris, and just a small group for company, you're ensured a hassle-free way to travel. Upon arrival, head right into the Fondation Claude Monet with included tickets, and have free time to discover the artist's studio, colorful home, and exquisite gardens independently.

Iconic Paris landmarks including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower line the Seine River, but trying to see them all takes time—and leads to sore feet. Admire the city’s world-famous monuments while resting your legs during this one-hour Bateaux Parisiens river cruise. Ride during the day, or choose an evening departure time to float through the enchanting city at night.

Many visitors to France make time to visit both the Palace of Versailles and Monet's Impressionist garden at Giverny. This trip from Paris allows you to do both in one day. First, wander through the lush landscape around the artist’s residence, which served as inspiration for his Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. After lunch, head to Versailles and visit Louis XIV's lavish royal palace. On particular dates, you see the fountains on display.

Make sightseeing in Paris easier with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour. Instead of relying on expensive taxis or figuring out local public transportation, use the bus to get around to all the major attractions. Audio commentary is available in multiple languages to add context to what you see. Upgrade to add a Seine River cruise so you can get views from the water, too.

Get to know the Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais on a food walking tour with a guide who introduces you to local food vendors and artisans. You'll see sights like Hôtel de Ville and visit the oldest covered market in Paris, Marche des Enfants Rouges, as you learn about and taste the fine products found in this historical yet trendy district.

Immerse yourself in the opulence and drama of the Palace of Versailles on a guided tour from Paris. Enter with your reserved ticket, to explore palace highlights, including the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Apartments, State Rooms, and more. You can also upgrade to stroll through the expansive gardens at your own pace or visit the town of Giverny which includes a visit to Claude Monet's home.

Spend a decadent afternoon in the French capital with a wine and cheese tasting in Paris, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. Sample wines from various regions, learning how each produces different wines. Find out the proper way to taste wine rather than just sampling randomly by yourself. Nibble on French cheeses well-matched to the wines while you sip in a comfortable converted wine cellar in the center of Paris.

History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting World War II sites across Normandy. Head to the Pointe du Hoc, a promontory used by the Germans as a fortification, as well as the American Cemetery in Colleville and Omaha Beach, site of a bloody battle. Learn more at the Overlord Museum at Omaha Beach, too. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour, which makes it easy to visit Normandy from Paris.

Visit Normandy's D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery in just one day on this tour from Paris, ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their time. See Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc, a historic cliff-top site from the landings. Gain insights into WWII sacrifices and the liberation from your guide.

Discover Paris' most iconic landmarks in a single day on this time-saving tour. In addition to getting an included ticket to the Louvre Museum, you'll also explore neighborhoods including Montmartre and Île de la Cité on guided walks. Cover more ground in the city than you could on your own and leave the itinerary-planning to an expert.

Prepare to be inspired by some of the world’s most famous artists as you step inside the iconic Louvre Museum. Choose from a private or small-group tour and with your entry ticket. With the help of your expert guide, see masterpieces like the 'Venus de Milo' and the 'Mona Lisa,' learn about the evolution of art around the world, and discover little-known gems that many visitors miss.

Design your own personal perfume, or ‘parfum’ as the French call it, during this workshop in Paris. Learn about the different families of perfumes and tenacities of scents from a perfumer teacher, and then play with a range of scents to create three different perfumes. Take home your parfum of choice in a 50-ml bottle. This artistic experience is limited to eight people, ensuring a more memorable experience.

Visit one of Paris’ most famous landmarks–the Eiffel Tower—with this hassle-free guided tour. You can choose from different packages—such as one that gives access to just the second level, or another that goes higher, with summit access. After meeting your guide, learn about the history of the tower, then ascend together for majestic views of the city.

It isn’t a trip to Paris without good wine, bread, and cheese—and this indulgent, tutored tasting offers the perfect chance to sample and learn more about the most popular French flavors. You’ll sample six wines from France’s top growing regions, paired with six different cheeses.