Villages of France - 9 Days
9 Days
Paris
Paris
***
Trafalgar Tours
9-Day France Tour of Paris, Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne
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...
Itinerary
Day 1: Bonjour Paris!
Arrival Transfer: Depart from Charles de Gaulle airport at 09:00, 13:00
Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 16:30
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.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Seine Cruise and Parisian Icons - EUR 51 pp
Discover the heart of Paris with a cruise along the Seine. Take in the city’s most iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Grand Palais from a scenic vantage point. Then, sit back and relax as you drive through the enchanting streets of the City of Love, uncovering even more of its timeless landmarks.
Day 2: 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.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Bourges Supper Club - EUR 94 pp
Settle in at a local restaurant in Bourges for a buffet dinner of regional dishes, offering a relaxed evening and a taste of local cuisine.
Day 3: 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, wine capital of the region. Join your Travel Director for a walk through the town centre, known for its colourful rooftops and medieval streets. Visit the Hôtel-Dieu museum, a historic former hospital, and then Dive into Culture at the Moutarderie Fallot, where you’ll learn how mustard is made and enjoy a tasting. The evening is free to spend as you wish.
Day 4: 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. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or delve deeper into the area’s culinary scene by choosing an Optional Experience at a local vineyard, where you’ll experience a Burgundy wine tasting and sit down to a delicious typical lunch.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Burgundy Wine Tasting with Lunch - EUR 79 pp
In the Premier Cru village of Fixin, meet a third-generation winemaker, visit the vineyard and discover how his wines are made. Then enjoy a tasting in a 16th-century cellar before sitting down to lunch and the flavours of Burgundy.
Day 5: Through the Countryside to Strasbourg
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.
Day 6: Discover Strasbourg
Explore the city with a Local Specialist on a guided walk through its historic centre. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, stroll through Petite France and see landmarks like Place Kléber, each revealing the city’s unique character. As part of your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, stop in at Cafe Joyeux, where your visit helps champion equal access to employment through hospitality training. Your afternoon is yours to explore, relax or join an Optional Experience cruising Strasbourg’s canals before visiting the European Parliament. This evening, another Optional Experience serves up classic Alsatian dishes in a welcoming local setting.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Strasbourg Cruise and Visit the European Parliament - EUR 49 pp
Glide through Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed Grande Île aboard a covered Batorama boat, passing La Petite France, the Covered Bridges and the European Institutions quarter. Then visit the European Parliament, where you may explore the Hemicycle, view exhibitions or see democracy in action during a live session.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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, perhaps exploring landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. In the evening, choose an Optional Experience, with the chance to enjoy dinner and a Parisian cabaret show, or ride the funicular up to Sacré-Cœur before exploring Montmartre with a Local Specialist and dining at a local restaurant.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Montmartre Village and Artists' Square - EUR 51 pp
Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighbourhood.
La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner - EUR 169 pp
La Nouvelle Eve has been spotlighted by ‘Emily in Paris’ and has hosted events for high-fashion icons like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Vivienne Westwood. An icon of Parisian elegance for 125 years, this chic revue theatre is your ticket to an unforgettable night. An à la carte meal and dazzling cabaret will bring the French can-can to life before your eyes.
An Evening in Montmartre - EUR 95 pp
Take the funicular up Montmartre to Sacré-Cœur, where Paris opens out beneath you from one of the city’s most atmospheric hilltop quarters. Then join a Local Specialist for a walk through its cobbled streets, artists’ corners and village-like squares before ending the evening over dinner at a local restaurant.
Includes
- 8 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.