Top France Culture - page 3

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.

Known as “the empire of death” and home to the remains of some 6 million Parisians, the Paris Catacombs are lined with centuries-old skeletons—and are one of the city’s spookiest sights. On this small-group, skip-the-line tour, you’ll get to explore the medieval tunnels, view hidden chambers most tourists miss, learn about the landmark’s revolutionary and wartime history, and even stumble upon a resident ghost or two.

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.

Go beyond Cannes, the celebrity-studded star of the French Riviera, and visit two of the region's most beautiful towns on this full-day tour from Nice. Stroll the luxurious shopping boulevard of La Croisette, and see the Palace of Festivals, home to the iconic Cannes Film Festival. Next, head to glamorous, seaside Antibes and charming Saint-Paul-de-Vence, renowned for its connection with artists such as Matisse and Picasso.

As one of Paris' top landmarks, the Louvre is always crowded, but this tour ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit. First, meet your guide near the museum; then, explore the museum's most famous and captivating works, including the "Mona Lisa," "The Raft of the Medusa," and other masterpieces. For a more intimate experience, opt for a private tour or visit the Louvre before closing time.

This half-day gastronomic tour puts Paris’ tastiest treats—from gourmet cheeses to delicate pastries—at your fingertips. Get insider knowledge on the most happening hotspots in Montmartre, the city’s cobblestoned arts district, and meet some of the most talented food artisans in the capital. Stop at eight pre-selected food venues and get a peek at landmarks along the way, from the Moulin Rouge to the Basilica of Sacré Coeur.

Discover the beaches of the D-Day landings on this guided day trip to Normandy from Paris. Focusing on the sites where American troops faced intense battles and heavy losses, the tour stops at Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Enjoy free time at Omaha Beach and take in the powerful history of these sacred sites. Reflect on the day’s history while enjoying a pre-arranged lunch, maximizing your time to explore and learn.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delve into the creative mind of impressionist master Claude Monet on this small-group Giverny day trip from Paris. Round-trip transportation in a comfortable 8-seat minivan, together with prebooked admission tickets to the Fondation Monet, helps make this experience seamless. Upon arrival in the quaint village, explore Monet’s home independently, and stroll through the colorful gardens that inspired many of his paintings.

Make your visit to the Eiffel Tower go smoothly with a purchased ticket that allows you to go into the popular monument. Head up to the 2nd level and the summit of the tower to view Paris from above, and walk across the glass floor if you dare, soaking in thrilling views of the city far below your feet.

Explore beyond the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry and get to know Bayeux city better on a two-hour tour in English. This walking tour focuses on local history, so is a must for history enthusiasts. Check out the beautiful medieval architecture, including the cathedral, and listen to your guide’s stories from Bayeux’s long and colorful past.

Become more familiar with French wines, and try varietals that you might have otherwise missed, with this small-group wine and Champagne tasting evening in Paris. Led by a sommelier, learn about France's wine history and culture and specific manufacturing techniques as you try different wines from around the country. Well-suited for foodies and those looking for something a little calmer than going to a bar.

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.

Ensure a stress-free start and end to your vacation with a pre-arranged arrival and departure transfer between Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport and your Paris hotel. Opting for a private transfer means no stops along the way to pick up other passengers, minimizing travel time, and your prepaid voucher means no need to worry about carrying cash or exchanging currency at the airport.

Discover the sacrifices made by Canadian forces during 1944’s D-Day landings and Battle of Normandy on this 8-hour tour from Bayeux. Visit Juno Beach where Canadian troops landed on June 6, and chart the stories of soldiers at the Juno Beach Centre. See the now-excavated German beach bunkers, track the advance to Abbey d'Ardenne and Carpiquet, and visit the Canadian Cemetery and Hill 67. Bayeux hotel, train station, and central pickup and drop-off included.

Ensure you won't miss any of the famous masterpieces at Paris’s Louvre Museum on a small-group tour. Avoid getting lost in the large museum and follow your guide to collection highlights, including the "Mona Lisa," "Venus de Milo," and more. Learn the backstories of these works and enrich your understanding of the art.

Pedal through the parks of Versailles and enjoy timed entrance to the magnificent palace on this full-day tour from Paris. Learn the secrets of palace life, the truth about Marie Antoinette and the palace’s role in the French Revolution on a bike tour of Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet and the Petit and Grand Trianons. Visit Palace of Versailles, where you have time to explore the apartments and Hall of Mirrors independently. Discover the market with your guide and delve into the flavors of French cuisine.

Trade bustling city streets for the stunning UNESCO-listed chateaux of the Loire Valley—and pair your experience with a wine tasting—on this hassle-free, full-day tour from Paris. Tour two beloved castles in one trip, including Chambord (said to have inspired "Beauty and the Beast") and Chenonceau. Enjoy additional free time for lunch (own expense) in the quaint town of Blois, plus a complimentary tasting of local Loire wines.

Experience the quiet beauty of French Impressionism and the excesses of Marie Antoinette all in one day with this combo day trip from Paris to Giverny and Versailles. Visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet in a quaint country village, where you can admire the water lilies that inspired some of the painter's most celebrated work. Then, travel back to the eve of the French Revolution on a tour of the great halls, private chambers, and intricate gardens of the opulent Palace of Versailles, considered one of Europe’s greatest royal estates.

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.

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.