France tour

The Best of France

Highlighting Paris, plus visits to Provence & French Riviera

April 7-15, 2023

PARIS….the “City of Lights” is enchanting at every turn, at any time and in every season. There is so much to see; The Cathedral of Notre Dame, the famous Champs-Elyees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Around every corner and narrow street you’ll find quaint splendor that highlights the character of this beautiful city. On this tour, we have slowed things down a bit and have added some flexibility so you can create the visit you want and yet have the advantage of group prices.

We’ll be staying in Paris a FULL 5 DAYS. Included tours will be of the city; a welcome dinner cruise on the Seine; a tour to the World War II site of Normandy; and a day tour to the castles of the Loire Valley including a wine tasting. For added flexibility, there will be some free time to “do Paris your way.” You will be able to take some available Optional Tours if you wish to take in the fabulous Palace of Versailles, or a day visit to the magnificent Mont St. Michel. Paris is simply filled with riches to be explored. Even if you have been to Paris before, it is a city you can return to again and again.

To end our “Best of France” tour, we will head south for three days and two nights and travel to Avignon in Provence. Its Luberon Mountains, rippling lavender fields and honey-stoned hilltop villages have inspired everyone from the Romans who settled the area in the second century B.C., to Van Gogh and Cezanne. Its extraordinary history and bewitching natural beauty make it a special place to visit. Here we will explore the medieval city of Avignon and will spend time in St Paul de Vence with a visit to the world-famous village and the Matisse Chapel before heading to the French Riviera for our overnight in Nice. Once there, we will travel to nearby Monte Carlo for our farewell to France dinner.

FRANCE TOUR INCLUDES

Round-trip transportation to JFK
Round-trip flights to Paris & return from Nice
Rail trip from Paris to Avignon
Round-trip transfers between airport, rail station and hotels
Motorcoach transportation in Provence and the French Riviera
Accommodations in First Class hotels
Airline & hotel taxes
Service charges at the hotel
Portage
Daily breakfast
3 Lunches
2 Dinners
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Sightseeing entrance fees

ADDED FEATURES

Welcome to Paris dinner cruise on the River Seine
Paris City Tour
Full day tour to the battle fields of historical Normandy
Full day tour to the Castle of the Loire Valley including a wine tasting
Optional tour to Mt St Michel
Optional tour to Versailles
Tour of the medieval city of Avignon
Lunch in the village of St. Paul de Vence & visit to the Matisse Chapel
Special Farewell Dinner in Monte Carlo

FRANCE TOUR ITINERARY

1st Day, Friday, April 7: To Paris
Late afternoon departure from Montauk to JFK for our overnight flight to Paris

2nd Day, Saturday, April 8: In Paris (D)
Afternoon arrival in Paris. After clearing customs, we transfer to our hotel in the heart of Paris, time to rest and get accustomed to the time change before having our “Welcome to Paris” dinner on a Bateaux Parisien cruise for incomparable views of Paris and its monuments all lit up in a fantastic display of beauty as you cruise the River Seine. It’s a wonderful way to be introduced to the City of Lights as glorious Paris takes on a new brilliance at night.

3rd Day, Sunday, April 9: In Paris: (B/D)
As this is Easter Sunday, we will give you information to the nearest church for those who wish to attend morning services. For the rest of the group, it’s a free morning to relax, sleep late, or go for a walk in this magnificent city and have lunch on your own at a quaint café. Don’t be shy to use the subway, or metro, to get around. It’s incredibly easy to navigate & free maps are available at any ticket window In the afternoon, we will have an introductory panoramic sightseeing tour highlighting the best of Paris including the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, the Sorbonne, the Pantheon, the intriguing Left Bank, Sacre-Coeur and a visit to the famed Notre Dame Cathedral. Dinner is on your own to try some of the charming and exciting Parisian restaurants.

4th Day, Monday, April 10: In Paris: Excursion to Normandy (B/L)
After breakfast we board our coach for Normandy on the coast of northern France where Allied troops landed on 5 beaches along the coast as we remember the heroes of the D-Day landings. As we travel to Normandy, our guide will teach us about the region, pointing out sights along the way. They will share stories about World War II, describing the meticulous planning that led up to D-Day and the largest amphibious attack in history. They will also explain how and why some of these carefully crafted plans came undone. Whether you’re a history buff or not, you’re bound to have questions and curiosities about the heavy air and naval bombing and how Allied boats arrived at Normandy on June 6, 1944. In the early light of dawn, the soldiers struggled to reach the beaches. On Utah Beach, they quickly defeated the German forces and joined up with their air support once inland. But, on Omaha Beach, they faced heavy enemy fire in terrain that left them vulnerable; vertical cliffs were another obstacle that led to the loss of life. Despite this, the Allies had control of Omaha Beach, and within a week of D-Day, more soldiers were able to land on Normandy’s beaches and ensure victory. The beaches were code named as Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword and “Bloody Omaha”, which was one of the main invasion points in the great D-Day landings and where we can still see the remnants of hardy German bunkers cast in concrete on the headlands. It’s a sight that leave many with tears in their eyes. We’ll also view the Memorial Peace Museum and the American Military Cemetery, which will be one of our most emotional stops, if not the most emotional. With 10,000 white crosses throughout, the name of a fallen soldier is engraved on each. This huge cemetery will make you aware of the colossal death count of D-Day. You’ll have time to look around the cemetery, visit the wall of the missing and awe-inspiring memorial. Then lunch in Normandy and then board our coach for the return trip to Paris where we have the evening on our own.

5th Day, Tuesday, April 11: In Paris: Day Free for Exploration or Optional Tour Half Day Morning Tour to Versailles or Full Day Excursion to Mt St Michel (B)
A full day to experience Paris on your own, or take one of two optional tours. There will be a morning excursion to Palace of Versailles as you are brought back to life at the Palace of Versailles where, from 1682, Louis XIV officially installed the court and government of the Kingdom. You will discover the Great Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartments. There will be some free time at the end of the excursion to stroll through the French gardens surrounded by sculptures (statues, busts, marble vases) made from 1661 by teams of sculptors initially supervised by Charles Le Brun, the King’s leading painter. Return to Paris in the early afternoon.

For those who prefer a full day of optional touring, it’s a visit to Mont Saint Michel. Prepare to be stunned the moment you first set eyes on Mont Saint Michel. One of the great treasures of Normandy – nay, all of France! – it crowns a tidal island in the English Channel in Gothic splendor. Once the home of a wandering Irish hermit, the spot later became a Breton bastion against Viking raiders, eventually growing into a sprawling monastic community and castle complex by the Hundred Years’ War. These days, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you’ll tour as you will see a masterpiece of Gothic architecture dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michel. This Benedictine abbey is uniquely beautiful, just like its superb cloisters with their peaceful atmosphere. Its dark corridors contrast with the incredible light illuminating its newly remodeled central garden. Our guide will take us through the various rooms of the Abbey, spread over three floors, explaining the daily life of the monks and the history of the building. We’ll see the cellar where the provisions were stored, admire the majestic chimneys of the Salle des hôtes (visitors’ dining room) and tour the immense refectory where the monks shared their meals. After our visit to the Abbey, our guide will lead us outside, where we’ll have a chance to admire the exceptional view across the bay afforded by our vantage point at the top of this great rocky peak. We will have lunch in the region before boarding our coach for the return to Paris and an early evening arrival at our hotel.

For those not on one of the optional tours, spend the day independently exploring. Visit the Musee d’ Orsay, filled with impressionist paintings. Take a guided tour of the world-famous Louvre Museum, the largest art museum in the world and home to some of the world’s finest art collections, including two of the most famous creations, the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Or find a relaxing café and watch local Parisian life pass by. Paris is an incredible “walking” city, so there will be much for you to do and see. Stroll past fashion houses and boutiques on the Champs-Elysees. Shop for paintings in Montmartre. Or have coffee at a sidewalk café. This evening, you are on your own to experience one of the great local Parisian restaurants.

6th Day, Wednesday, April 12: Discovering the fairy-tale castles of the Loire plus a wine tasting (B/L)
Today we will explore the heart and soul of the French countryside on our Loire Valley Tour, taking you directly from Paris into this stunning region to explore fairy-tale castles, sample local foods and wines, and experience some of France’s most beautiful scenery. We’ll travel out of the city and towards our first site – Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the valley. Disney fans will recognize this castle as the inspiration for ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ You’ll hear about the strange history of this castle, once intended as a hunting lodge for a king, and climb the staircase that was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Our next stop is the town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois, one of most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France. There you’ll have just under two hours to enjoy some free time visiting the Royal castle of Blois on your own, notable for its unique mix of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical architecture. This Royal castle once was the home of kings Louis XII and François I and presents a tragic history, as the place where Joan of Arc went to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans. Last but not least, we’ll head to the Château de Chenonceau for wine tasting – discover a wide range of white and red wines, and even a sweet dessert wine, with tasting notes from a real expert and also a light lunch. Following this, enjoy the chance to tour the so-called “Ladies’ Château,” Château de Chenonceau. This elegant 16th-century castle makes a lasting impression. Don’t miss the spectacular and beautiful bridge that spans the river Cher. Originally used to hold balls and parties, it served as a hospital in WWI and was in use again in WWII, this time helping people escape from occupied France, crossing over the bridge and into free France on the other side. Return to our Paris hotel in the early evening and to have dinner independently at one of Paris’s great bistros.

7th Day, Thursday, April 13: To Provence and Avignon (B)
After an early breakfast, we transfer to the rail station to board one of the great French Railway trains for our journey south into Provence and Avignon. On our arrival, we will check into our hotel and have some free time for lunch on our own. In the afternoon, we will have a walking tour of Avignon. Explore the historical center of Avignon on a walking tour with our guide. Visit the spectacular Gothic-style Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace), learn about the region’s rich-history, Climb up to the top of the fortified medieval city walls and discover Avignon in all its beauty. Explore the rich past of Avignon where the papacy was established in the early 14th-century. Enjoy skip-the-line access and follow our guide inside the spectacular Gothic-style Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Immerse ourselves in this maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels. Walk on the cobbled streets to the Place de l’Horloge and find out about the secret of the painted windows. See the town hall with its clock tower and the theater. We return to our hotel and have time to dine on our own at one of the many outstanding restaurants and cafes.

8th Day, Friday, April 14: to Vence and the French Riveria (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we board our coach for our journey through the French countryside to St. Paul de Vence, a picturesque medieval village and artist colony where we will enjoy exploring its ancient cobblestone lanes, fortified walls and art galleries. The picture-perfect views and plays on light here make it clear why so many famous painters including Renoir, Chagall, and Picasso, came here for inspiration. Our tour will include a visit to the Chapelle du Rosaire, also known as The Matisse Chapel in Vence. It is a small chapel built and decorated between 1949 and 1951 for Dominican nuns in the town of Vence on the French Riviera. The chapel was built and decorated by the artist, Henri Matisse. And while this small Chapel houses only a few Matisse originals. the Chapel itself is regarded by Matisse as his major “Masterpiece” We will have lunch at a local restaurant before we continue to Nice on the French Riviera. After checking into our hotel, we will have time to change before we board our coach for the ride to the fabled town of Monte Carlo and our farewell dinner. After dinner, we have a bit of time to walk around town before returning to our hotel in Nice.

9th Day, Saturday, April 15: To Montauk (B)
An early morning transfer to Nice airport for our connecting flights home. Upon arrival in New York, we return back to Montauk.

Our Hotels (or similar)

In Paris– 5 nights @ the Hotel Millennium Paris Opera
In Avignon– 1 night @ Renaissance Aix en Provence Hotel
In Nice – 1 night @ Hotel Juana

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
RMC Travel now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)

FRANCE TOUR PRICING

PRICE PER PERSON (based on 20 participants. If below 20 participants, see Terms & Conditions for Shortfall Supplements)

Per Person in Double Occupancy
$3,899 via check or money order or $3,999 via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy Room
$4,898 via check or money order or $5,099 via credit card

Add to above costs:
*U.S. airline facility, security, taxes and Fuel Surcharge $549 ($579 via credit card)
*Prepaid Gratuities to drivers and guides $75 ($80 credit card)

Optionals*

½ day tour to the Palace of Versailles (from Paris on April 11) $99 ($105 credit card)

Full day tour to Mt St Michel (from Paris on April 11) $169 ($179 credit card)

*Note Optionals are being operated on a seat-in-coach basis on a regularly scheduled tour

INITIAL DEPOSIT: $500 ($525 credit card)
Deposit due right away to hold space.

FINAL PAYMENTS due on or before February 1, 2023

If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here.

Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323

Photo credits:

Normandy bunker: ebulon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chambord Castle: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chatealu Chenonceau: Taxiarchos228, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vue du village de Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Jpchevreau, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons