France: A Historic, Cultural, and Artistic Exploration

The Orsay Museum (or Musée d’Orsay) is a reliquary of artistic talent which guests get to explore on a small guided tour today. Afterwards, they'll be free to explore Paris at their leisure. Tomorrow history beckons with a full day tour of Normandy and its historic World War II sights.

Guests will explore the masterpieces of Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and other renowned artists during this small group tour of the Orsay Museum. From exquisite paintings to captivating sculptures, this experience offers an immersive journey through some of the world’s most iconic works of art. Set along the picturesque left bank of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay not only houses incredible collections but also stands as a stunning architectural marvel in its own right.

While today is a more somber departure from the stunning talent of famous artists to the shocking realities of the darker side of humanity, travelers will be impressed with the resiliency and courage of the soldiers who fought during WWII. The historic sights seen on this full day tour stand as important landmarks so that no one will ever forget the true cost of war. After a touching and illuminating day, tomorrow's exploration of the Louvre will bring back a bit more light to the journey.

Guests will depart from Paris for an insightful journey through the history of World War II, traveling in a deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle to the historic Beaches of Normandy. The first stop is at Pointe du Hoc, a 90-foot high cliff where 225 Rangers landed on the morning of June 6, 1944, one of the key strongholds in the German fortifications. The day of remembrance continues with a visit to Colleville-sur-Mer and the American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach. This solemn site, with over 9,000 white crosses perfectly aligned across 170 acres, includes a chapel and memorial, offering a space for guests to reflect on the profound sacrifices of war. The journey then proceeds to other significant World War II landmarks, such as Arromanches, home to the remnants of the Mulberry Bridge (artificial harbor), and Longues-sur-Mer, where the German artillery battery, still intact with its original guns, provides a striking example of what an Atlantic Wall gun emplacement looked like during the war.

The Louvre Museum is definitely in the top three of 'museums to see in Europe,' and anyone who has been knows why. Today travelers get to experience the stunning beauty of the works of arts housed here with a small guided tour. Afterwards, guests can explore Paris at their leisure before departing for Marseille the following morning.

Travelers can admire legendary works by some of history's most renowned artists while learning captivating insights about the masters during this 2-hour guided tour of the Louvre. With a group size limited to just six people, guests will enjoy an intimate and enriching experience within this iconic cultural landmark.

Lavender fields, anyone? Today travelers get to explore the quaint, elegant, and rustic beauty of this famous part of France, immortalized by its stunning rows upon rows of swaying purple herbs. Not to mention its even more famous purple libation of Châteauneuf de Pape! After a full day of exploring this region, guests should get a good night's sleep for another full day excursion tomorrow.

Guests will experience the breathtaking scenery, architecture, and wine of Provence on this enchanting all-day tour. Participants will have free time to explore the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, followed by a visit to—and entrance inside—the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. The tour will proceed to Avignon, where guests will view the Pope’s Palace and Pont d’Avignon and have lunch on their own. After a scenic drive past the vineyards of Châteauneuf de Pape, guests will enjoy a wine tasting in a nearby wine cellar.

This final day in this region, travelers get to explore the cities of Avignon, Gordes, and Luberon on this full day excursion from Marseille. Tailored to their choice of activities, it is sure to be a memorable day before departure to Nice tomorrow.

Guests enjoy a full-day private tour of Avignon, Gordes, and Luberon, accompanied by an English-speaking driver-guide. The experience can be tailored to individual preferences, whether focused on history, culture, gastronomy, or personal activity levels, with adjustments made at the time of booking.

A cultural excursion to France wouldn't be complete without a full day exploring the French Riviera and some of its most popular destinations. Today travelers get to visit the cities and towns of Cannes, Grasse, Gourdon, and St. Paul. Tomorrow, their final day in France before departure home, includes a pièce de résistance of this itinerary.

Arrive in Cannes and walk the famous Croisette Boulevard, by the Film Festival Palace, designer shops and smart sandy beaches. Drive through the charming Countryside of Provence to Grasse, world capital of the perfume industry, for a guided tour of a perfumery or spend free time visiting the old town. View the Alps, valleys and spectacular coastline from the amazing perched medieval village of Gourdon. After lunch (not included), wind down the charming Loup Gorges to Saint Paul de Vence, home of impressionist painters with ancient cobblestone lanes, ramparts, and art galleries.

No trip to the French Riviera is complete without an excursion to Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze and travelers will get to see this glamorous trifecta today. This final day in France is a quintessential hallmark of what makes this country one of the most popular destinations.

Experience panoramic views over Nice. Stop at Eze, a perched medieval village, with its crafts shops and breathtaking views. Take a guided tour of a perfumery, the true essence of Provence. Visit the old town of Monaco. Guests may choose to visit the Palace (open June-October), the Cathedral, Cousteau’s Oceanographic Museum, and see the Changing of the Palace Guards. Tour Monte Carlo and take a lap on the amazing Grand Prix circuit. During free time at the main square, travelers can amuse themselves with luxurious shopping, strolling through stunning gardens, see the mega-yachts and chic casinos, or simply watch the rich and beautiful in their favorite haunts.

Farewell, France, but it is not so long! This European destination will always be there to greet converted and longstanding francophiles to its shores.