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Grand Tour of France

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Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Grand Tour of France

with Paris extension

Duration: 15 or 17 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 51

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Discover the many sides of France.

Travel from the culinary capital of Lyon to the iconic city of Paris, and through the plethora of charming medieval villages and coastal Riviera towns in-between. This grand tour is your chance to eat, drink, and sightsee your way through this dynamic country.

Your tour package includes

13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
10 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Arles
Carcassone
Bordeaux
Château country

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Lyon today.

Lyon2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Lyon

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to France! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Lyon

Included meal: Breakfast

A local guide introduces you to France’s culinary capital on a tour through Lyon’s UNESCO-recognized city center.

Take in the Gothic and Renaissance architecture as you pass by the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Step inside Lyon Cathedral and walk through centuries-old traboules, or underground passages

Enjoy a free afternoon in Lyon or add an excursion.

Medieval Village of Pérouges

Excursion (additional cost)

Nice2 nights

Day 4: Nice via Avignon

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the countryside toward the French Riviera, stopping to explore the historic Provençal city of Avignon en route to Nice.

See the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge that inspired the French folk tune "On the Bridge of Avignon"
Pass by the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Stroll through the historic town center, which is surrounded by the city’s original medieval walls

Spend a free evening in Nice or add an excursion.

Evening in Monaco

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Nice

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Nice’s many charms on a guided sightseeing tour.

Drive along the Promenade des Anglais
Discover the narrow streets of the Old Town
Explore the Roman amphitheater
Wander around the gardens of the Franciscan Monastery in Cimiez

Enjoy a free afternoon in Nice or add an excursion.

Medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Excursion (additional cost)

Montpellier1 night

Day 6: Montpellier via Arles

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way through the Provençal landscapes that influenced the French master painters, stopping in Arles for a walking tour with your Tour Director in the lead.

Stroll along beautiful boulevards and view the city’s old hospital, where artist Van Gogh stayed
Enter the Arles Arena, a two-story Roman amphitheater

Continue on to Montpellier and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Bordeaux2 nights

Day 7: Bordeaux via Carcassonne

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, stop in UNESCO-listed Carcassonne, a medieval fortified town. Here, your Tour Director introduces you to the town's unique history on an orientation tour. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore on your own before continuing on to Bordeaux.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Bordeaux

Included meal: Breakfast

Meet your local guide for a panoramic tour of Bordeaux, the capital of the Aquitane region, which is well-known for its wine.

Stop at the Place des Quinconces
Drive along the Garonne River, stopping at Place de la Bourse
Pass the lively hub of the Place de la Comédie and the Grand Théâtre
Sample local sweets as you go

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bordeaux or add an excursion.

Bordeaux Dinner & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Loire Valley2 nights

Day 9: The Loire Valley via La Rochelle

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to the Atlantic port city of La Rochelle, home to a charming harbor and medieval towers, and explore with your Tour Director in the lead. Later, arrive in the Loire Valley where you'll sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of the Loire Valley

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know château country on a sightseeing tour today. Step inside the extravagant Château de Chenonceau, where you’ll discover how it got the nickname “Château des Femmes,” and explore its surrounding gardens. Then, continue on to the town of Amboise for free time.

Enjoy a free evening in the Loire Valley or add an excursion.

Loire Valley Dinner & Wine Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Normandy2 nights

Day 11: The Normandy Region via Mont-Saint-Michel

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel north to the historic Normandy coastline. Stop for several visits along the way, including a guided tour of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Stop to see the medieval Château de Fougères
Visit the striking, 8th-century island Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
See how the UNESCO-recognized site, perched high on a granite rock, is surrounded by water at high tide and quicksand at low tide

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 12: Free day in the Normandy Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in the Normandy region or add an excursion.

D-Day Beaches of Normandy

Excursion (additional cost)

Paris2 nights

Day 13: Transfer to Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Paris and enjoy a free evening in France’s capital city or add an excursion.

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Paris

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods, called arrondissements.

Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe
Pass Pont Neuf and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River
See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square
Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre and Hôtel des Invalides

Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion.

Then, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue exploring Paris.

Extension to Paris

Paris is always a good idea, so extend your trip to keep exploring. Take a couple of days to museum-hop, stroll along the boulevards, brush up on your français, and let your expert Tour Director point you toward the crème de la crème.

Paris2 nights

Day 15: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Paris or add an excursion.

Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 16: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Paris. This evening, sip a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members. Afterward, enjoy more free time in the city or add an excursion.

Paris Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 17: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Grand tour of France

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

Definitely recommend this tour. Would have given 5 stars to hotel but one was not a 5. Meals were great except for one in Montpellier and one in Paris. Julien our tour guide was excellent, I’d do another tour with him! Our bus driver Bernard was great!

France in 15 Days

10/28/2019 by 11th time traveler Arthur M.

If you want to see France this is a great tour to take. Our tour director was outstanding. For the most part the hotel accomodations were very good except for Normandy. Room was extremely small. The other problem with the rooms was climbing over the 2-3 foot bathtub to get into the shower which coul...

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Incredible Tour

10/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Robert J.

An incredible 2 weeks touring all the highlights of France. Our tour guide (Adoram) was unbelievably knowledgeable and a great story teller - conveying the history of the country in an entertaining and engaging manner. Highly recommend this tour for it’s sights, history, great food, and wine!

10/04/2019 by 3rd time traveler Stan A.

The grand tour of France was terrific. Busy and hectic. Hotels were good and food was O K. The best meal we had was at a restaurant in Nice which we had on our own. The meal provided by GoAhead were good but could have been better. The tour guide was knowledgeable and well versed in history and a...

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10/04/2019 by 3rd time traveler Forest B.

An absolutely fantastic trip! Outstanding tour director, wonderful bus driver, outstanding accommodations , beautiful sights, etc. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience the beauty and culture of France. Go Ahead Tours is without a doubt the best tour company I have traveled wit...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Mercure Montpellier Antigone

The Mercure Montpellier Antigone hotel is ideally located in the center of Montpellier, in the Antigone district. It is just a stone's throw from the ...

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Crowne Plaza Montpellier Corum

This contemporary hotel is located in Antigone. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a poolside terrace. Nearby, you'll find the Musée Fa...

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Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice

This contemporary hotel is located in the Thiers neighborhood. Guests enjoy a flower garden, bar, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find Blue Beach, Albert I ...

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Hotel Pierre

This elegant hotel is located in the historic center of Florence. Guests enjoy room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Duomo, Pia...

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AC Nice

This modern hotel is located in the Gambetta neighborhood in the heart of Nice. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Nearb...

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Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel

This modern hotel is located in Montparnasse. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Nearby, you'll find Luxembourg G...

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Novotel Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck Hotel

The Novotel Bordeaux Centre hotel is a 5-minute walk from the historic center and the Mériadeck district. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms, a resta...

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Mercure Montmartre

This contemporary hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy on-site dining options, an outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Sacré-C...

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Mercure Grand Hotel Saxe Lafayette

This contemporary hotel is located in the business district of Lyon. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the UNESC...

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Mercure Bordeaux Centre

This contemporary hotel is located in the city center of Bordeaux. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find the historic distri...

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Aparthotel Adagio Caen Centre

This modern hotel is located on the Orne River. Guests enjoy a cafe, fitness center, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find St John's Church, local restaurant...

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Novotel Amboise Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the heart of the Châteaux de la Loire. Guests enjoy a restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, and tennis court. Nearby, you’...

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Hotel Mercure Cabourg Hippodrome

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Cabourg. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and bar. Nearby you’ll find the Hippodrome de Cabourg, Pl...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter France, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads, cobblestone streets, and sandy paths, with some hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Lyon and depart from Paris. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to France.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Cuisine in the Normandy region of France is known for its fresh flavors. Chicken, rabbit, and duck are staples, and you can find fish and shellfish in its coastal towns. The abundance of dairy farms throughout the region means many dishes are accompanied by cheeses and creams. Normandy is also famous for its apples, which are used to create cider and Calvados, or apple brandy.
For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.

Electricity & air conditioning

France operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning. The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020

Grand Tour of France

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