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Coastal Nouvelle Aquitaine

Explore the beautiful French coast of Nouvelle Aquitaine along the Bay of Biscay with this tour that takes you from the historic harbour city of La Rochelle to the surf haven of Biarritz.

This varied itinerary is perfect for foodies with a wide range of offerings from oyster tasting on Île de Ré and learning the process of curing meat to the French wine hub of Bordeaux and famous Cognac houses. There is also plenty of time for sightseeing and activities while you rebuild your appetite.

Itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

Arrive in Nantes - La Rochelle Île de Ré - Rochefort Cognac - Bordeaux Explore Bordeaux Bayonne - Biarritz St Jean de Luz - Pays Basque Departure from San Sebastian

Highlights • • • • • • •

Sightseeing in La Rochelle Oyster tasting See the Arsenal des Mers boat Cognac tasting and distillery tour Sightseeing tour of Bordeaux Visit to either a chocolate factory or ham producer Explore the pretty seaside towns of the Basque coast

Full Itinerary Day 1 : Arrive in Nantes - La Rochelle Arrive into Nantes airport. If time permits take the opportunity to do some sightseeing in La Rochelle.

Explore the historic harbour, half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture or sample some of the local seafood. Overnight in La Rochelle area.

Day 2: Île de Ré - Rochefort Spend the morning visiting Île de Ré where you will find the picturesque coastal village of Ars-en-Re. There is also the option to go oyster tasting or wine tasting.

In the afternoon explore the area of Rochefort and see the Arsenal des Mers boat. Nearby, the coast offers panoramic views of Île d’Oléron and the famous Fort Boyard. Overnight in La Rochelle area.

Day 3: Cognac - Bordeaux Today head south towards Bordeaux through Cognac.

Visit the famous houses of Cognac such as Courvoisier, Hennessy or Martell and explore the medieval old town with it’s narrow cobbled streets. Alternative activities include a visit to atelier Cognac, a gourmet chocolate workshop at Maison Rémy Martin or take a tasting class at Maison Martell. Overnight in Bordeaux area.

Day 4: Explore Bordeaux Take a sightseeing tour of Bordeaux, historic regional capital and gateway to the vineyards with it’s Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th century mansions and notable art museums. It is also home to the high-tech wine museum, La Cité du Vin which is a must-see. It offers an immersive and sensory experience with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Overnight in Bordeaux area.

Day 5: Bayonne - Biarritz Continue south along the coast to Bayonne where you can either visit the Bayonne Chocolate Workshop with a tour and tasting or learn about the traditional process of curing meat with local producer Pierre Ibaialde. Spend the rest of the day in Biarritz which is famous for it’s excellent surf, beautiful beaches and upmarket shops.

Overnight in Biarritz area.

Day 6: St Jean de Luz - Pays Basque Take a day trip from Biarritz to the former pirate city, St Jean de Luz which boasts a beautiful architectural heritage. The charming seaside town can be discovered on foot where highlights include the port and the neoBasque villas on the waterfront. Other activities nearby range from paddle-boarding and sea cruises to golf and thalassotherapy. Overnight in Biarritz area.

Day 7: Departure from San Sebastian Your exploration of this spectacular coastline has come to a close and it is now time to head to the airport in San Sebastian.

7 Day Unforgettable Paris City Break

Get a true taste of Paris with this unforgettable 7 day tour of the French capital. Paris has so much to offer from world renowned museums and iconic architecture to incredible food and a variety of shopping experiences.

This is the ultimate Parisian itinerary to see it all - familiarise yourself with the city by taking a unique Citroën 2CV city tour where you will get to see all the main sights. Step back in time with a visit to the Palace of Versailles and dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge.

Highlights

Itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

Arrive in Paris Citroën 2CV Experience Palace of Versailles - Moulin Rouge Louvre - Seine River Cruise Markets - Shopping Catacombs - Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Depart from Paris

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Citroën 2CV City Tour Montmartre funicular Palace of Versailles Dinner and a show at Moulin Rouge Louvre treasure hunt River Seine boat cruise Sample local cusine at a food market World class shopping Catacombs Montparnasse Observation Deck

Full Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Paris Arrive in Paris and check in to your centrally located hotel, suited to your budget. Take the afternoon to familiarise yourself with the local neighbourhood and settle into Parisian cuisine with steak-frites in a typical French bistro.

Day 2: Citroën 2CV Experience See Paris with a unique Citroën 2CV experience tour. Start at the Eiffel Tower and work your way around the city from the Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe to the Notre-Dame de Paris and Place de la Concorde. After lunch take the funicular up to the Sacré-Cœur to explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood. Stop by Le Wagon Bleu for a unique dinner on wood-panelled railway carriage which offers Corsican cuisine.

Day 3: Palace of Versailles - Moulin Rouge Today you will take a guided tour of the extraordinary Classical and Baroque, Palace of Versailles. The history of this former royal residence began in 1623 and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. You will get to see the magnificent gardens, Hall of Mirrors and Apartment of the King. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with dinner and a show at the birthplace of the French Cancan, the Moulin Rouge.

Day 4: Louvre - Seine River Cruise No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the Louvre to see some of the world’s best-known works of art including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. For those wanting the experience to be a little different, you can turn it into an exciting themed treasure hunt with THATMuse. Enjoy a boat cruise on the River Seine followed by a creative dinner at Balls restaurant where all the food is spherical!

Day 5: Markets - Shopping Paris is famed for it’s incredible markets and shopping so today, you will do both. Begin at one the markets depending on what you are looking for such as food, antiques or leather good. You can see our all our recommendations here. You won’t be able to resist trying some of the samples on offer. Head to Les Halles for a bite to eat followed by a stroll along Rue Saint-Honoré where you will find all the flagship designer stores.

Day 6: Catacombs - Montparnasse Tower Panoramic For something a little unusual head to the Montparnasse area of the city and visit the Paris Catacombs. Travel underground to discover a network of tunnels that were converted into a cemetery in the 18th and 19th century. Spend your last evening 56 floors up at the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck. Time it right, and you can watch the sunset over the most romantic city in the world!

Day 7: Depart from Paris Sadly, today is your last day in Paris. If time permits, enjoy a coffee and a stroll along the River Seine before heading to the airport.

Provence & Côte d’Azur

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Nice

Monaco

Gorges du Verdon

Marseille

Avignon

Luberon

St Tropez

Nice

Highlights

Itinerary

This trip will make you forget everyday life - the sun, the sea, the incomparable light and the beguiling scents will captivate every visitor - a feast for the senses!

Day 1: Arrival in Nice. 2 hour city tour with visit & tasting of Confiserie Florian.

Transfer to hotel in the Nice area, 2 nights.

Explore the city state of Monaco, experience the cosmopolitan port of Marseille, the wild gorges of the “Gorges du Verdon”, the historic centre of Aix en Provence, charming villages of the Luberon and of course a good glass of wine at a wine tasting in the region.

Included - 7 nights in hotels in the area of Nice, Gorges du Verdon & Aix en Provence according to budget - Full day German speaking tour guide on day 2, 4, 5 and 6 - Half day English speaking tour guide on day 3 & 7 - Tasting at the Confiserie Florian - Wine tasting in Luberon

Day 2: Full day excursion to Monaco with visit to Monte Carlo.

Day 3: Continue towards Verdon Nature Park stop in Castellane.

Overnight in the Gorges du Verdon area.

Day 4: Continue towards Marseille and visit Notre Dame de la Garde & Aix en Provence. 3 nights in the Aix en Provence area.

Day 5: Full day excursion to Avignon, Arles and the Sanctuary of Saint Maries de la Mer. Day 6: Full day excursion to the Luberon with visits to Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillion, Gordes and wine tasting.

Day 7: Continue to St Tropez & Cannes.

City tour there.

Overnight stay in the Nice area.

Day 8: Transfer to Nice airport.

The History & Gastronomy of Coastal Normandy

The historic north coast of Normandy has so much to offer from ancient fortresses built to defend from the English to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Gothic and Romanesque Mont Saint-Michel.

This emerald coloured coast is dotted with picturesque fishing villages where harbours offer fresh oysters ready to enjoy.

Begin by exploring Paris before spending the week ambling along the coast between pretty villages and ancient monuments offering spectacular views out to sea. The region is well versed for foodies with fantastic restaurants, well known for their freshly landed seafood.

Highlights

Itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8

Arrive in Paris Paris - Côte d’Albâtre Saint-Vaast-La-Houge Barfleur Saint-Malo Mont Saint-Michel Fort La Latte Rennes - Paris Depart from Paris

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Paris city tour Château-Gaillard The picturesque villages of Normandy’s north coast Second highest lighthouse in France UNESCO World Heritage Site Mont SaintMichel Fort La Latte Oyster tasting Maison Drans biscuit manufacturer

Full Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Paris Arrive in Paris and embark on a Paris city tour. See the famous 324m tall Eiffel tower in person and stroll along the Seine towards the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral in the Latin Quarter. Alternatively, head north to the Arc de Triomphe and shopping on Av. des Champs-Élysées continuing to the picturesque streets of the artists’ quarter, Montmartre. Overnight in Paris.

Day 2: Paris - Côte d’Albâtre Head north stopping at Château-Gaillard on the banks of the River Seine and then travel to either the coastal town of Veules-les-Roses and the white cliffs of Etretat or the picturesque harbour town of Honfleur with its colourful half-timbered houses, art galleries and restaurants. Overnight in Caen. Option to add an extra day to enjoy a walking tour of Rouen.

Day 3: Saint-Vaast-La-Houge - Barfleur Take a day trip to the beautiful fishing village of Saint-Vaast-LaHouge famous for it’s oysters. Continue on to the fishing village of Barfleur before ending the day with a visit to Phare de Gatteville, which is the second highest lighthouse in France and offers fantastic views. Overnight in Caen.

Day 4: Saint-Malo Today, head west and up The Rance Estuary which runs north from the medieval town of Dinan to the walled town of Saint-Malo. Along this route is the village of Saint-Suliac which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in France with it’s fishing port and granite cottages. Just outside the village is the Virgin of Grainfollet statue offering panoramic views of the estuary. Overnight in Rennes.

Day 5: Mont Saint-Michel Visit the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont SaintMichel with it’s tidal island and Abbey dating back to the year 708. Enjoy exploring the Abbey with an audio guide then wander the village which is home to 44 inhabitants, including the monks and nuns that reside in the Abbey. You can also walk along the ramparts which offer spectacular views over the bay. Overnight in Rennes.

Day 6: Fort la Latte Today you will visit Fort La Latte also known as ‘Castle of the Rock Goyon’, a pink hued sandstone fortress built in the 14th century that overlooks the emerald coast and is a popular filming location.

Walk through the moors on the peninsula along the top of the 70ft cliffs towards Cap Fréhel where you can admire the hundreds of nesting birds and end the day with an oyster tasting. Overnight in Rennes.

Day 7: Rennes - Paris Enjoy your final morning in Rennes with it’s medieval old town and half-timbered houses before a leisurely journey back to Paris. Stop at either the famous biscuit manufacturer in Sablé sur Sarthes, Maison Drans and the nearby village of Asnieres sur Vegre or visit the Cistercian Royal Abbey of Epau built in 1229 before continuing to Paris for your final evening. Overnight in Paris.

Day 8: Depart from Paris As your week away concludes savour your last moments in the French Capital before heading home.