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Villages of France - 10 Apr 2027 to 11 Dec 2027
Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: FVOFM27
Overview
Destination:
France,
Duration:9 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
April 2027 - December 2027
Journey through the villages, towns and countryside that define the French way of life. Starting in Paris, travel through Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne, uncovering vine-covered slopes, colourful half-timbered streets and bustling local markets along the way. From cheesemakers and Champagne cellars to riverside walks and storybook squares, this is a France trip that captures the country’s charm, one village at a time.
Sightseeing highlights
- Explore Paris, Orléans, Bourges, Beaune, Dijon, Colmar, Strasbourg, Metz and Meaux
- Discover Paris, Beaune, Dijon, Colmar and Meaux
- Visit St Stephens Cathedral & Palais Jacques Coeur, Hotel-Dieu Museum, La Citadelle de Besançon, and Strasbourg Notre-Dame Cathedral
- See Quartier de la Petite France, River Rhine and Place Kléber, Vineyards of Champagne, and the Statue of Dom Pérignon in Hautvillers
Iconic Experience
- Orleans: Stroll through the medieval streets of Orléans, once the stronghold of Joan of Arc. Explore timber-framed houses, lively squares and riverside views at your own pace. Uncover its past and present as you walk through the same streets that helped shape French history.
- Bourges: Explore the medieval centre of Bourges with a Local Specialist. Hear the stories behind its timbered lanes and grand landmarks as you visit the 13th-century UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and the ornate Palais Jacques Cœur – a merchant’s palace that reflects the city’s wealth and power in the late Middle Ages.
- Beaune: Join your Travel Director for an orientation walk through Beaune’s medieval centre. Pass wine shops, timber-framed buildings and lively market squares as you get a feel for this historic Burgundy town. Along the way, hear how wine, trade and tradition have shaped daily life in one of France’s best-loved wine capitals.
- Beaune: Step inside the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu, once a hospital for the poor and now a museum showcasing Burgundy’s medieval heritage. Admire its colourful patterned roof tiles, gothic architecture and beautifully preserved interiors as you explore the stories behind this historic building at the heart of Beaune.
- Dijon: Join your Travel Director for a walk through the heart of Dijon. See elegant squares, timber-framed buildings and the city’s iconic mustard shops. On market day, step inside Les Halles – the covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel – where stalls brim with Burgundy produce and regional specialities.
- Dijon: Tour Burgundy’s last independent mustard mill, where traditional stone-grinding methods are still used. Discover how Dijon’s most famous condiment is made, then sample a variety of bold and unexpected flavours during a guided tasting that showcases this regional favourite.
- Besancon: Visit La Citadelle de Besançon, a masterpiece of 17th-century military architecture designed by Vauban. Set high above the town, its stone ramparts and views over the Doubs River reveal the scale and strength of this historic stronghold – now home to museums that explore its military and cultural significance.
- Colmar: Join your Travel Director to explore the heart of Colmar, where colourful half-timbered houses, canal-lined lanes and flower-filled squares give the town its storybook charm. As you walk, you’ll discover why this Alsatian gem has inspired artists, winemakers and visitors for centuries.
- Strasbourg: Join a Local Specialist to discover Strasbourg’s blend of French and German heritage on foot. Walk through the city’s historic centre, learn about its shifting identity and see how different cultures have shaped its architecture, food and atmosphere over the centuries.
- Strasbourg: Stroll through the timber-framed houses and cobbled canals of the Petite France district. Take in the views of the River Rhine, then head to Place Kléber – the city’s central square and a hub of daily life, surrounded by cafes, shops and Alsatian character.
- Strasbourg: Admire the pink sandstone facade and towering spire of Strasbourg Cathedral – one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. Inside, look up to see the intricate stained glass and the astronomical clock that’s drawn visitors for centuries.
- Metz: Stop in Metz to admire its impressive cathedral and medieval architecture before continuing to Épernay, set in the heart of Champagne country. This elegant town is home to grand boulevards lined with some of the world’s most celebrated Champagne houses.
- Champagne Region: Travel through the vine-covered slopes of the Champagne region, shaped by centuries of cultivation. Neatly aligned rows of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier stretch across chalky soils, forming the landscape that defines this world-famous sparkling wine.
- Champagne Region: Sample Champagne in the region that gives it its name – and its character. Made using the méthode traditionnelle and a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, each glass reflects the region’s unique terroir and craft.
- Champagne Region: Stop in Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon lived and worked. See the statue that honours the Benedictine monk whose name now appears on one of the world’s most prestigious Champagne labels.
- Meaux: Stop in Meaux, a riverside town known for its Brie and mustard. Browse the farmers’ market, where stalls brim with seasonal produce, cheeses and local specialities. The market reflects everyday life in this part of France, with fresh ingredients and small producers at the centre of it all.
- Meaux: Learn how Brie de Meaux is made on a guided visit to the Saint Faron dairy. See traditional techniques in action, from curdling to ageing, and hear how this soft, creamy cheese became one of France’s most iconic regional products.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Itinerary
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Collapse allBonjour Paris!
Welcome to Paris. After settling in, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner – the perfect chance to get to know each other over classic French flavours. If you’re keen to see the city from a different angle, join an Optional Experience Seine river cruise and take in the sights of France’s capital.
Discover Orléans
Follow the story of Joan of Arc and her role in the city’s siege as you explore Orléans at your own pace, visit the medieval centre or browse the local boutiques. In Bourges, join a guided walking tour and visit two of its most impressive landmarks – the UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and the 15th-century Palais Jacques Cœur. If you’re looking for something special this evening, you can choose an Optional Experience that includes a regional dinner.
From Bourges to Beaune
Travel through the Bourbonnais countryside, where vineyards and fortified villages shape the landscape. Stop at Château de Vieux Chambord for a Be My Guest experience hosted by Marie and Stéphane Devaulx de Chambord. Set within their 14th-century family estate, you'll learn about the château’s history and everyday life in rural Burgundy, followed by lunch served in one of the original towers. Later, continue to Beaune, the wine capital of the region. Join your Travel Director for a walk through the historic town centre, known for its colourful rooftops and medieval streets. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu and explore one of Burgundy’s best-known landmarks, a former hospital with a legacy that spans centuries.
Flavours of Dijon
Join your Travel Director in the mustard capital of France for an orientation of Dijon’s historic centre, where elegant streets, timber-framed buildings and local delicacies come together. On market day, visit Les Halles – the covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel – and see Burgundy’s food culture in full swing. Then Dive into Culture at the Moutarderie Fallot to learn how mustard is made and enjoy a tasting of unique flavours. Spend the afternoon as you please before returning to Beaune.
Through the Countryside to Strasbourg
Visit La Citadelle de Besançon, a UNESCO-listed fortress designed by Vauban, with panoramic views and exhibitions that explore its military legacy. In Colmar, your Travel Director leads a walking orientation through canal-lined streets and colourful timber-framed houses. In Strasbourg, explore a city where you’ll see both French and German influences – from its open squares and historic centre to the architecture that reflects its blended past.
Discover Strasbourg
Explore the city with a Local Specialist on a guided walk through the city’s historic centre. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, stroll through Petite France and see central landmarks like Place Kléber, each offering a glimpse into the city’s unique character. As part of your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll stop in at Cafe Joyeux, where your visit helps champion equal access to employment through hospitality training. The afternoon is yours to explore further or relax. In the evening, join an Optional Experience to enjoy a regional dining experience featuring classic Alsatian dishes in a welcoming local setting.
Journey to Wine Country
Travel to Metz, where you can take in the cathedral and explore the city’s historic centre. Continue into the Champagne region and arrive in Épernay for a tasting of the drink that made the region world-famous. In Hautvillers, stop to see the statue of Dom Pérignon, the monk whose name lives on through one of Champagne’s most prestigious labels. The day ends in Reims, where you’ll gather with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a final dinner, toasting to the journey through Paris, the French countryside and villages.
Through Meaux to Paris
Visit a cheese dairy in Meaux and Dive into Culture as you learn how Brie de Meaux is made using traditional methods. Enjoy time to explore the local farmers’ market, where stalls are filled with fresh produce and regional specialities. Back in Paris, spend the afternoon your way, you might explore landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre. In the evening, an Optional Experience invites you to enjoy dinner and a Parisian cabaret show: a lively night out filled with music, movement and classic French flair.
Your Journey Comes to a Close
So, it’s “adieu Paris,” and farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers who’ve shared this journey through France.
Dates
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Operator
Trafalgar
The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way. Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors – think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit. Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
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8 nights
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