Top France Culture - page 2

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s must-see sights. Head inside the Royal State Apartments and gain access to the gardens too, with a guide to provide commentary along the way.

Cruise passengers docking at the port of Le Havre have a prime opportunity to explore the historic town of Normandy: the site of the D-Day landings. Explore Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery while learning more about the dramatic events that took place there on this full-day shore excursion. Stop for a complimentary lunch—including a French baguette—before being dropped off back at port to continue your adventure.

Step into the heart of Paris on a guided walking tour of Île de la Cité, home to Notre Dame Cathedral and centuries of fascinating history. Stroll along the Seine, learn about the island’s transformation from ancient village to cultural hub, and admire the cathedral’s ongoing restoration. Upgrade to step inside Sainte-Chapelle, then finish at the storied Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge.

Especially in peak season, the lines at the Palace of Versailles can be hard to believe. On this eminently civilized guided tour with a round trip transportation from Paris. Your guide will show you the most magnificent of the 2,000 rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and the King’s Private Apartments, then introduce you to the magical 2,000-acre (800-hectare) gardens.

Discover masterpieces by artists from Monet to Renoir on this small-group tour of Paris’ renowned Musée d'Orsay. With numbers limited to just six people, enjoy personal attention from your guide as you learn about the birth of impressionism, discover the unique techniques of Van Gogh and Cezanne, and see exquisite artworks by Manet, Degas, Gauguin and many other artists. Includes admission to the permanent exhibits.

Discover the charms of one of Paris' most popular neighborhoods, without getting lost, on a guided walking tour of Montmartre, a district known for its artists and historically bohemian vibe. See where artists like Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pissarro lived and worked, sights such as the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur, and get insights from your guide about the art, music, food, and history of Montmartre.

Enhance your experience of Normandy and its intriguing historical heritage on a half-day tour of Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach from Bayeux. Delve into the turbulent past of the region with a knowledgeable guide and visit renowned D-Day battlefield sites situated on Normandy’s picturesque coastline. Pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and browse the exhibitions in the informative visitor center.

See various parts of Versailles and its palace grounds on this day trip from Paris via a high-speed train. When you arrive, cruise around town and the grounds of the palace on a bike. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Palace where you walk through the famous gardens and see the fountains. You also stop at the farmers market, visit Marie Antoinette's hamlet.

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.

Experience the newly reopened Notre-Dame in just one hour with a small-group guided tour limited to 5 guests. Begin outside, where your guide explains the cathedral’s famed façade, flying buttresses, and Gothic design. Then step inside to explore the nave, stained glass, and sacred relics while learning about the cathedral’s dramatic history and restoration. Enjoy a meaningful, focused visit ideal for first-time visitors.

Seeing Paris’s famous landmarks and quieter neighborhoods in one outing can be difficult when moving between areas on foot or by public transit. This sightseeing cruise connects the Canal Saint Martin and the Seine River into a single, unhurried route. Glide through the tree-lined canal past locks, bridges, and tunnels before continuing onto the Seine for clear views of major Paris landmarks, all from the water—and without needing to navigate crowds.

Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour of Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Eze. Travel from Nice in a comfortable tour vehicle, which eliminates the need for a rental car. Cover the major highlights of the three destinations—including Place du Casino and the Formula 1 circus in Monte-Carlo—and enjoy a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery too.

Experience the Eiffel Tower the way Gustave Eiffel himself would have by climbing its stairs on a guided adventure. Learn about its history, hidden stories and engineering feats along the way. Then from the second level, take the elevator to the top (optional extra) for panoramic views of Paris, where you can stay and explore at your own leisure.

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.

Explore the City of Light's most memorable attractions, all on one comprehensive tour that visits more than 30 sights. Ideal for visitors with limited time, this walking tour includes stops outside the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and beyond. With just your guide and small group for company, learn insider facts and stories as you go, and also have the chance to ride the Métro like a true Parisian (own expense).

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Avoid the hassle of organizing your visit and buying tickets on the day by opting for a guided tour with reserved access. Take the lift up to admire the view of Paris while learning about the history of this monument from your guide.

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.

Ticking off the top sights in Louvre’s extensive collection can be tricky for time-limited travelers. Optimize your visit on a tour of the gallery’s must-see masterpieces, benefiting from reserved access to minimize time spent waiting to enter. Follow your guide past the crowds and straight to highlights such as the Mona Lisa, Nike of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo. You can also upgrade to a small-group tour for a more personal experience.

Seeing Paris from the river offers a different perspective on the city’s landmarks without navigating busy streets. This Seine cruise departs from Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, and follows a central route along the river. Glide past highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral, with live commentary providing context along the way.

Enjoy a hassle-free introduction to Bordeaux's famous wine traditions on this small-group, half-day tasting tour. Pick your preferred wine region—either Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank or the Médoc on the Left—and get ready to explore. Visit one or two prestigious wineries in either region to sample top-quality local wines, nibble on French cheese and cured meats as you sip, and learn some wine-tasting tips from an expert.

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.

Head to the coast of Normandy to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on this day tour from Paris. You'll receive an orientation from a guide, and then enjoy time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site independently with an audio guide or by wandering the hilly streets at your leisure. Transportation is by coach from Paris.

If you’re a fan of Claude Monet, then this guided tour from Paris to his gardens in Giverny is a must-do experience. Discover where the great Impressionist artist lived for 40 years and delight in the familiar scenery as you stroll through the Japanese Garden and admire the iconic water lilies. Learn from your local guide about Monet’s life, artistic vision, and family. You’ll also visit the village church and Monet’s grave, an off-the-beaten-path spot that many visitors overlook, offering a more personal glimpse into the artist’s life and lasting legacy. This small-group tour is limited to just eight people, ensuring personalized attention throughout your visit.

Explore Paris in an unforgettable way on a tour by vintage open-air sidecar. On a daytime or nighttime adventure, cruise through the city to see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Latin Quarter, or Ile de la Cite, depending on option selected when booking. Or upgrade to the customizable tour to create your own itinerary, even leaving the city for Versailles or Giverny, if you wish.