french tours 2024

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France Tours & Trips

From delicious cuisine and wonderful wines to châteaux and ski resorts, it's no surprise that France entices people of all ages. Take a adventure to the strikingly beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel, challenge yourself with a hike around glorious Mont Blanc , escape to the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera in Nice, or follow in the footsteps of artists in Provence . Visit the vineyards of the Loire Valley on a river cruise , and of course check out the romantic Paris, City of Light. A tour of France is a must for all travelers.

250+ France tour packages with 2,492 reviews

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

French Dream ( 6 days )

• River Cruise

Paris to Normandy 2024

It was a shot in the dark, trying to choose the best cruise and we definitely hit the jackpot with Avalon. The cabins were comfortable and well kept, the food was divine, the tour options were diverse and encompassed everything we could wish for...and the crew were friendly, going out of their way to be helpful. With ages ranging from 14 to 50 in our family group, we were all catered for and everyone enjoyed the vacation. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Avalon, in fact we were so impressed, we are traveling again next March with Avalon and cannot wait.

Cycle Provence

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Mont Blanc Highlights

Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

• In-depth Cultural

The Treasures of France including Normandy (8 Days)

Totally good but need more organized

Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Classic, 8 Days)

This was our first guided tour and we loved it. Shona was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and very funny! She kept us all entertained. The scenery and stops were very interesting. Alan, our driver, was very nice and very skilled! Always pleasant. We will be looking at Insight for future tours.

• Christmas & New Year

Paris and Versailles

Let me begin with my hotel, the André Latin. In the 5th, full of early morning student energy rushing to classes. Chambermaid service every day. A great spread of breakfast included. The 17th century church of Saint Jacques close by. Public Transport on the hotel avenue and a short distance from Luxembourg for Metro and other buses. Although I missed the meeting for the Eiffel Tower, a Guide was sent to meet me and provide me with my entrance ticket. Bus ride through the City was exciting and the trip to Versailles amazing. Before departure all my questions were answered. Recommend the company wholeheartedly.

Looking for tours beyond just France?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including France.

French Ring ( 11 days )

Best of France Tour

Outstanding experience ! Admired the countryside, especcially Loire Valley, St. Michel. Everything went smoothly. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and competent. Thank you very much for everything.

France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

The tour was interesting, fun, and just the right balance of group and independent activities. The tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and very organized!

Paris Explorer (8 Days)

We enjoyed our time in Paris. Johnathan was an exceptional tour guide. His thoughtful approach to Normandy was wonderful. The hotel was not up to Marriott standards. Room was dusty and thoughtlessly cleaned. The location was good and the bus was in great shape.

• Walking Adventure

Paris & Normandy (2024) (Paris to Paris, 2024)

• Wine tasting

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

Paris, Normandy and the Loire

The tour was very interesting and it covered many beautiful places. I am very pleased with choosing this tour of Paris, Loire Valley and Normandy. The transportation was very good, the driver called Laurent drove so smoothly, no hips and bumps what so ever, it was like a dream. I felt very safe all the journey. My feet and ankles started to swell towards the end, but it's not unexpected after such a long journey. The leg room in our bus was very good/spacious. Peter, the guide, is amazing at his job, pleasant all the time having to deal with so many people, very calm, good jokes, lots of information about the places we visited, always very helpful, a star.

Paris & Normandy Highlights National Geographic Journeys

We loved the itinerary and the extra sites we visited, also. Our CEO Alexiane did well. We would have like to hear more history of the places we saw. Alexiane took care to provide for the needs of individuals on our tour. That was especially helpful for me. Our bus driver, Frederick, was excellent and caring, too.

What people love about France Tours

It was a very comfortable and enjoyable cruise. The service staff were very friendly and attentive. The fellow passengers were very friendly and sociable which makes the whole cruise line one big happy family.

Overall a great tour. Much more than we expected. Highly recommend instead of trying to visit a foreign country without a tour guide and driver-- both of whom were fabulous !!

France Destinations

• Southern France (359)
• Northern France (316)
• Provence (117)
• Normandy (87)
• Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees (87)
• Alsace & Lorraine (63)
• Bordeaux & Dordogne (55)
• Loire Valley (46)
• Pays de la Loire (46)
• Burgundy (34)
• Ile de France (28)
• French Riviera (22)
• Champagne (11)
• France Castle (7)
• Brittany (5)
• Rhone (286)

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• Coach / Bus (55)
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France Tours starting in

• Starting in Paris (177)
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• Starting in Strasbourg (46)
• Starting in Arles (42)
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• Starting in London (14)
• Starting in Marseille (11)
• Starting in Chalon sur Saone (9)
• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

The Good Life France

Everything You Want to Know About France and More...

Best Tours of France 2024

• Janine Marsh
• Tours in France

If you’re planning a visit to France – we’ve handpicked the best tours of France for 2024 with the most scrumptious food and wine, tours that let you experience France like a local and that will give you cherished memories to last a lifetime…

We’ve picked the best and most fabulous tours in France where the experience is built around the things YOU want to see and do.

Small Group tours of France

Each and every private tour is unique and for small groups and enable you to tour at a relaxed pace whilst packing plenty into the itinerary so that you enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Unlike tours that rush you around like herds of sheep without time to relish the sights and wonderful food and wines for which France is famous and you’ve travelled so far to experience – these tours are designed to ensure you fully savour your time in France. Whether you’re a lover of chateaux, culture, gourmet cuisine, wonderful wines, gorgeous countryside, the prettiest villages, history, culture, want to learn the language and more – these tours of France are the best.

Tours for those who love the authentic

Discover southern France – from captivating Carcassonne to magical Montpellier and the postcard-pretty blooming lovely lavender fields of Provence, as well as Normandy, Bordeaux and Dordogne.  On these luxury, small group tours you’ll get to experience France like a local, indulge in the best gastronomy and wine, and discover the beauty and culture of France… www.tripusafrance.com

Day trips and tour packages all over France, plus brilliant shore excursions

Ophorus Tours are a French family run business with a huge choice of tours from fun and informative guided walking city tours to very carefully crafted multi regional packages, wine tasting, cycling and themed tours all over France as well as day trips from Paris. Their aim is to show you France as they believe it should be shown – authentic, colourful and friendly. www.ophorus.com

Tailor-made tours

Osprey Boutique Travel create unique, exclusive and authentic travel experiences. Their handcrafted, tailor-made itineraries are meticulously customized to each client’s preferences, based on personally tested experiences and native French expertise. They specialize in offering white-glove service with managing every detail from bookings, arrangements, and care. With Osprey, expect access to unparalleled experiences at prestigious wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a lifetime journey. Find out more: ospreybt.com

Tours of France by train

Authentic Europe’s independent and partly escorted package tours by train are a superb way to explore France. From Paris to the sunny Mediterranean, the vineyards of Burgundy, the chateaux of the Loire Valley, Normandy and more incredible places – the extensive French train network makes it easy to explore every corner of France. Authentic Europe organise accommodation, book your train tickets and provide you with a comprehensive itinerary. All tours are customisable to suit you. Some tours include guided visits, and they always include a great list of recommended visits for self-guided tours so you get to see what you want. Find out more and book your tour of France at: authentic-europe.com

Battlefield tours and historical travel experiences

Tailor-made historical travel experiences by a family-run specialist tour operator creates exceptional WWI and WWII battlefields tours across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Sophie’s Great War Tours will research the history and background of soldiers so that each battlefield tour is a personal historical experience. Add on experiences to suit you, such as chateau visits in the Loire, Champagne tastings in Champagne or a classic car tour in Provence. Every itinerary is designed to be perfect – for you. sophiesgreatwartours.com

CroisiEurope – the very best cruises in France

CroisiEurope are the largest cruise operator in France, and their tours are unbeatable. Sail France’s rivers and canals and the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the culture, gastronomy and cultural wealth of France. Enjoy all-inclusive life onboard with the finest food and wines and fabulous excursions that transport you to the heart of France. There’s no worrying about having to drive, make a train connection or travel delays. There’s no queuing for tickets to major sites. All you have to do is relax, enjoy the wonderful gastronomy, and get to see the best of France – in style.

There are a fabulous range of cruises in France by barge and boat (even a paddle ship on the Loire), including Paris, (from 2 days to 7 days, departure point near the Eiffel Tower) that take in the city sights. Also starting from Paris are several cruises including to Normandy – Honfleur, Rouen and Giverny where you’ll visit Claude Monet’s house and garden; a romantic sites cruise, taking in castles, authentic medieval villages, historic sites and fabulous museums; French Impressionism cruise taking in the artists’ favourite haunts; and Oise Valley cruise. Utterly irresistible…   croisieurope.co.uk

Culture & cookery tours in Provence

Cooking classes with chefs in their homes where you’ll cook authentic French dishes. Shop at enchanting street markets with chefs, and dine at the most scrumptious restaurants in beautiful towns of Provence on this fully escorted, small group delicious and cultural trip of a lifetime. goutetvoyage.com

Immersion courses in the most beautiful places in France

SL Immersion offer French immersion courses in several areas. There are tailor-made lessons to suit each guest, you’ll stay in the home of a fully qualified and experienced tutor, and learn real French the way it’s spoken in France. You’ll quickly improve your French, and you’ll also have an unforgettable cultural experience with activities, cooking classes, sightseeing, wine tasting etc. slimmersion-france.com

Loire Valley Bike Tours – the very best way to travel

One of the best ways to visit the castles, vineyards, pretty little villages, historic towns and gorgeous gardens of the Loire Valley is on two wheels… Loire Brakes guided tours are relaxing (e-bikes provided), you’ll stay in a fabulously renovated comfortable and cosy farmhouse and visit the very best of the Loire Valley with local guides Denise and Kevin. A superb slow travel experience for those who like to discover real France and enjoy the most fabulous food and wine. loirebrakes.com

‘Real’ South of France Tours

Occitanie – formerly Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrenees – is to many the real south of France. It’s a land of hidden gems, postcard-pretty villages, historic giants like Carcassonne, and of lush vineyards where some of the very best wines in France are produced (tastings are included on the tours!). Take a 7-day, fully inclusive, small group guided tour, stay in an award-winning B&B, dine at hand-picked restaurants and discover the heart of this area and its innermost, delicious and fascinating secrets. Discover real France with ‘Real’ South of France Tours. realsouthoffrancetours.fr

Immersive French courses in Burgundy

10-day French immersion stays in Burgundy that will have you learning French in a fabulous and fun way. Stay in a gorgeous luxury chateau, experience the real French way of life, culture and gastronomy. Cooking lessons, wine tasting and guided tours by experts alongside lessons tailored to your level with friendly, qualified teachers make this a truly outstanding experience. lapont.com

Year round themed and bespoke small group tours of Provence

Small group tours and customized travelling to give you memories to last a lifetime. Discover the best of Provence: Lavender tours (there’s still room on the lavender and culture tour), truffle, grape harvest, and bespoke tours as well as chauffeur services for day trips or a lot longer. Emily Durand’s Private Provence tours are unique, exclusive and truly fabulous. yourprivateprovence.com

Luxury tours of Gascony, the Basque country, Provence and southern France

Nourish your soul and unleash your spirit of adventure on tours that feature the famous food, wine and Armagnac of Gascony, and discover where to find the best antique shops and flea markets, the most beautiful villages and magnificent chateaux. From one day to week-long tours that are customised for you. Plus tours of Provence, southern France and the Basque country. frenchcountryadventures.com

Luxury Holidays Cottages**** and Classic Car Tours, SW France

Cottages & Classics offer a range of options for holidays in a former 19 th  century Cognac Domaine in SW France. Choose from luxury self-catering holiday cottages, B&B mini breaks or bespoke, escorted fully catered tours for small groups of 4-12 guests. The “Cottages & Classics Experience” also includes the use of a 4 seater Morgan, perfect for touring the beautiful Charente & Charente Maritime regions through rolling vineyards, the historic towns of Cognac & Angouleme, the Atlantic beaches, La Rochelle and beautiful Ile de Ré. cottagesandclassics.com

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France Tours 2024 Cruises

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• Challenging
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The Enchanting Rhine - From Zurich to Amsterdam

• Enjoy panoramic views of Zürich
• Walk along Lucerne's famous streets
• Visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle
• Admire Amsterdam's beauty

Mount Blanc Hiking Adventure

• Enjoy the view of Chamonix
• Hike the Mont Blanc
• Admire the Bioniassay glacier
• Explore Courmayeur Alpine resort
• Hike the old trail valley in Trient

Corsica & Sardinia

• Discover Cagliari
• Visit Nuraghe Losa
• Enjoy the medieval city of Alghero
• Admire Bonifacio's unique views

Colors of Provence - Cruise Only

• Tour the highlights of Lyon, France
• Stop at the home of a local vintner
• Learn about olive farming tradition
• Take the Artist Experience tour

Taste of Bordeaux - Cruise Only

• Explore Bordeaux, a UNESCO Site
• Taste distinguished French wine
• Tour the Château Latour wine estate
• Visit Libourne's colorful market

European Canal Cruises

• Visit Chateaus
• Experience locally-produced wine
• Visit Leonardo Da Vinci's home

Highlights of Normandy & The Seine

• Be amazed with the town of Conflans
• Explore the Rouen Cathedral
• Visit Normandy Cemetery
• Enjoy Giverny and Monet’s garden

Paris & Normandy

• Visit the Château de La Roche-Guyon
• Walk through the city of Rouen
• Experience Honfleur by foot
• Tour Paris with expert guides

Get Away From It All: An Emotional Journey from Saone-et-Loire to the Cote d'Or

• Discover Santenay
• Enjoy Chalon-sur-Saône wines
• Explore Petit-Ouges
• Visit Burgundy vineyards

Southern Burgundy Cruise

• Visit Clos de Vougeot
• Private wine tastings & Tours
• Tour Dijon and its markets
• Explore Château de Bussy-Rabutin
• Visit to Beaune
• Lunch at Château de Beaune
• Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
• Hot air ballooning
• Towpath for walking and cycling

Corsican Cruise

• Discover Corsica
• Cruise the coast of Gulf of Porto
• Visit Calanques de Piana
• Explore the Balagne Region

Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi

• Tour the medieval city Carcassonne
• Wine tasting at a local château
• Visit Pezenas
• Pass through the Fonserannes locks
• Visit Narbonne
• Cross the Orb canal bridge
• Walking and cycling

European Classic Cruise - Bordeaux

• Tour Saint Emilion
• Visit Château de Duras
• Visit the Bastide village
• Taste the local wines of Bordeaux
• Cruise across the Agen aqueduct

European Classic Cruise - Gascony, France

• Cruise Pont Canal du Cacor
• Visit to Château de Goudourville
• Tour the castle of Nerac
• Taste the wines of the region

Burgundy & Provence

• Enjoy a visit to ruins in Tarascon
• Tour the Rue de Doux old city
• Learn about silk weaving at Lyon

European Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

• Visit Château de la Bussière
• Cruise the aqueduct at River Loire
• Enjoy wine tasting
• Tour of the historic city of Dijon
• Visit Château de Germolles
• Tour Château de Chamirey
• Eat lunch at a Michelin restaurant
• Tour of ancient Autun
• Walk and bike to explore

European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine

• Tour Strasbourg
• Explore Route des Vins d'Alsace
• Visit the Meteor Brewery
• Tour Sarrebourg

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There’s a reason France is the most visited country in the world. Actually, there are several.

The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The Pyrenees and Chamonix. Escargot and ratatouille. Champagne and croissants and berets and baguettes. Napoleon and Simone de Beauvoir and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Jazz bars and vineyards and lavender fields as far as the eye can see. ‘Un petit peu’ of this, ‘un petit peu’ of that. A balmy evening on the French Riviera, a morning frost on the fields of the Somme. French flags flying after the FIFA World Cup. Guillotines falling after the French Revolution. Chanel and Chandon and Versailles and Vuitton. Forget the museums; this country is a work of art.

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France at a glance

Capital city.

Paris (population approximately 2.1 million)

Approximately 67 million

(GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Learn more about France

Culture and customs.

What makes the French so, well, French? Is it the food? The wine? How about the art, the philosophy, the history, or the fierce passion often caricatured as arrogance? Whatever it is, it’s seduced Francophiles around the world for countless years and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

The French are lovers of life. They celebrate the ‘joie de vivre’, or joy of living, in every aspect of their day. Conversation should be meaningful; food should be rich and sumptuous; music should move you; art should change you.

Sure, there are the stereotypes of the French being rude, but you could be forgiven for your reluctance to speak English when you’re the most-visited country in the world. There are, after all, only so many times one can give directions to the Eiffel Tower. But sit down for dinner at a French person’s house and you’ll discover the opposite. France is a very liberal country and every topic is up for debate – dinner is just an entrée for the conversation.

Much of France’s reputation rests on romanticized images of Paris. Sitting at a cafe on the Ile-St-Louis with a piping-hot croissant and cafe au lait, for example, or watching sunset from the steps of Sacre Coeur. But travel through France and you’ll find an incredibly diverse and multicultural country that changes so much between regions, from Marseille’s cultural melting pot to Biarritz’s surfers to the hardy mountain folk of the Pyrenees and Alps. 

Every region and valley, every coastline and ridgeline and three-hour line for the Louvre, will offer up something different. But remember, there’s one thing that doesn’t change no matter where you go: the unwavering belief that there’s nothing better than being French.

History and government

After the conquest of the Gauls and the fall of Rome, the area we know as France was dominated by a tribe known as the Franks. They were headed up by a brutal man named Charlemagne, whose mission was to convert all of   Europe  to Christianity. After Charlemagne’s death his empire was split into three, with West Francia corresponding to the modern territory of France.

The Hundred Years’ War

West Francia, which was really a patchwork of territories run by the dukes, had institutional power more or less centralized in the 12th century. As time went on the tension between France and England grew until the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War, which actually lasted 116 years. Though France’s population was decimated during this period, thanks to both war and plague, it was also a formative time for the country’s national identity.

One of the key figures to come out of this long period of fighting was Joan of Arc, who is still a national hero in France. She was born in 1412, just after the Battle of Agincourt, during which the French were dominated by the English. As a young girl she heard the voices and saw visions of multiple saints, all of whom told her to go fight for Charles, the rightful king of France. At the age of 16 she traveled to his court to convince him of her mission and somehow did exactly that. She turned the tide of the war and in doing so was captured by the English and sentenced to death as a witch. Her ashes were scattered in the River Seine, but her story was never forgotten.

The French Revolution

Bad harvests, taxation, abject poverty and an unrestrained aristocracy sowed the seeds of the French Revolution in the 18th century. The Renaissance began in   Italy   and spread across Europe, ushering in the Age of Enlightenment, which spread the ideas of individual liberty, tolerance and the separation of church and state. In France, King Louis XVI had inherited a country in dire trouble but was still living it up at the Palace of Versailles. The peasants revolted and stormed the Bastille Prison – hence the national celebration of Bastille Day – and King Louis, along with Marie Antoinette, his queen, were captured and executed by guillotine. A decade of chaos ensued.

It was Napoleon, a military general, that took control of France following the revolution and established the Napoleonic Code, which has become the foundation for the development of most modern democracies. He embarked on military campaigns throughout Europe and was eventually defeated and exiled by the combined forces of   Russia   and Prussia, a northern state that would rise to power as a united Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The World Wars

The 20th century was a horrific time for France with   Germany   invading the country twice. France suffered huge casualties during both WWI and WW2, and by 1945 it was on its knees. Further conflicts followed in colonial territories across Africa and Asia, which led to an influx of migration to France. In Europe, governments were dealing with the fallout from WWII and making agreements to avoid another conflict, from which the European Union was born.

France is now a leading power both in Europe and globally after a huge post-war effort to rebuild the country. It has the third-largest economy in the EU and is one of the most modern countries in the world, continuing to value liberty, fraternity and equality. Recent years have seen issues arise with the Islamic extremism and the European refugee crisis, but the country continues to grow and remains a thriving destination for tourism.

Eating and drinking

The gastronomic pleasures of France are world-renowned, so travellers won’t be worried about going hungry. There’s something to suit every budget here, from Michelin-star restaurants to market stalls and everything in between, and it’s not just frog legs and snails that are on the menu.

There’s simply no better buy than a fresh, crusty baguette. Buy one for less than a euro from the nearest bakery and take it down to the nearest park or river. Apply butter liberally, fill with whatever you like and bite into France – c’est magnifique!

Pastries, cakes and tarts

French chefs set the global quality benchmark for pastries so there’s no feeling guilty when you sample the croissants, eclairs, crepes, macaroons and whatever else you can get your hands on. Find them at your local patisserie and don’t forget to say merci (or mercy, depending on how many you eat).

If you’re going to indulge in a little wine, there’s no better place than France. It is, after all, home to some of the most famous wine regions in the world: Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, Provence, Champagne. Whether you’re at the cellar door or on the restaurant floor (please, drink responsibly), there’s tasty tipple with your name on it.

When in France, right? From soft cheeses like brie and camembert to a hard, sharp Beaufort, it’s all on offer in France’s bountiful cheese shops and markets.

Beef Bourguignon

This beefy stew originates in Burgundy and is an example of a peasant dish now considered high-end cuisine. It’s prepared with beef braised in red wine and broth, flavoured with garlic, onions and mushrooms, and it’s absolutely perfect on a winter’s evening.

Geography and environment

Bordered by Spain,   Andorra , Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Belgium, France’s geography is as varied as its neighbors.  

In the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border with a   Spain . This mountain range rises over 11,100 feet (3400 meters) and stretches from the west coast to the east. It’s a hiker’s paradise in summer, with thousands of miles of hiking trails, and a haven for snow sports in the winter thanks to a huge number of ski resorts.

To the south-east, France borders the Mediterranean Sea all the way up to the Italian border. A large stretch of this area is what’s known as the French Riviera, which has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm weather, calm water and golden beaches.

Continue north along the Italian border and you’ll reach the French Alps, France’s other predominant mountain range. The Alps are home to Mont Blanc – France’s highest point – and form another natural border, this time with both Italy and Switzerland.

France’s central region is mostly rolling hills and fields, perfect for farming and producing wine. There are two main rivers, the Loire and the Rhone, with the Rhone running south from   Switzerland   through to the Mediterranean and the Loire running north and west to the Atlantic.

The west coast is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and sees a cooler climate than the east. The large Atlantic swells have brought surfers to the area for years with several international surfing competitions being held throughout the year.

Northern France, which is bordered by   Belgium , Luxembourg and Germany, remains relatively flat with grasslands, fields, forests and, of course, the capital of Paris. These northern areas suffered most during the wars, both because of their proximity to Germany and the landscape itself. This is where trench warfare was first employed, only possible because of the huge swathes of flat land.

Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Dior. Lacroix. Hermes. You want luxury? You got it. Paris has long been considered the fashion capital of the world and if that’s your bag, well, you’ll need some room in your bag after a stroll down the famous Champs-Elysees. France isn’t all high fashion though. Yes, the French are notoriously fashionable, but there’s plenty of shopping to be done for those that aren’t quite ready to step out on the catwalk.

Remember, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The United States and Canada generally have strict customs laws.

And you thought Paris was just about fashion? It also happens to be the fragrance capital of the world. There’s no better place to pick up a sensational scent than in one of the city’s many perfumeries, some of which have been trading for more than a century. It’s the perfect gift – or a subtle suggestion – for your friends and family back home.

Flea Markets

Parisian flea markets are a top spot to pick up a vintage bargain. From jewelry and purses to paintings and old-school electronics, you’re bound to find something unique or, at the very least, enjoy trying. Make Porte de Vanves and Porte de Saint-Ouen in Paris your first stops.

Village Markets

Regional French markets just ooze with charm and can be found all over the country. Peruse fresh produce, home-made jams, pickled vegetables, rich cheeses and summer flowers, or just soak up the provincial atmosphere and try your hand at having a chat with one of the locals.

France has been at the forefront of winemaking forever and there are plenty of high quality wines to be found at very decent prices. Just remember that French wines are named for their geographic origin rather than the grape. Take a Burgundy, for example: if it’s red it’s pinot noir, if it’s white it’s chardonnay. Do some research and reap the rewards.

Events and festivals

There are festivals happening all over France throughout the year. Whether you’re in the city or a small town, you can expect a lot of food, some phenomenal wine and plenty of music.

Bastille Day

The French national day is celebrated on July 14 and commemorates the storming of the Bastille Prison during the French Revolution. It’s celebrated all over the country, but Paris is the place to be, with the city hosting parades, fireworks and the famous Firemen’s Balls, where the main station in each Parisian district throws open its doors for a huge ball lasting until 4 am. It’s a tradition that’s been happening for over 100 years.

Avignon Festival

Performers and art lovers from around the world descend on Avignon for this three-week celebration of performance art. Dance, theatre, comedy and musical performances feature on the bill, with everything from open-air classical concerts and sweeping operatic epics to spoken word poetry.

Tour de France

This is the world’s most iconic cycling competition. It happens over three weeks and was first held in 1903. Things are a little more high-tech now – back then the cyclists didn’t have support vehicles, and they carried baguettes, wine and cheese for sustenance. They also had some phenomenal moustaches.

Nice Jazz Fest

The Nice Jazz Festival dates back to 1948 and is one of the oldest jazz festivals in   Europe . The first ever headliner was Louis Armstrong and there has been a glut of phenomenal musicians perform since including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Erykah Badu.

Roland Garros

Also known as the French Open, Roland Garros is one of tennis’s grand slams and the premier clay-court competition in the world. The biggest tennis stars in the world converge on the courts to slug it out but Rafael Nadal will forever be the king.

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to France but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighboring locations:

• Switzerland

Or maybe you need help comparing countries? Check out our blog:

• France or Italy?

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your France adventure, check out these books:

• The Three Musketeers   – Alexandre Dumas
• Chocolat   – Joanne Harris
• The Hunchback of Notre-Dame   ­– Victor Hugo
• Dangerous Liaisons   – Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
• Suite Francaise   – Irene Nemirovsky
• A Year in Provence   – Peter Mayle
• How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style and Bad Habits   – Caroline de Maigret, Anne Berest, Sophie Mas, Audrey Diwan
• The House in France: A Memoir   – Gully Wells
• Marie Antoinette: The Journey –   Antonia Fraser
• Les Miserables   – Victor Hugo
• Me Talk Pretty One Day   – David Sedaris

France travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit France?

The best time to visit France depends on where you are planning to travel to.

The best time to visit Paris, in terms of sunshine and weather, is early summer and early autumn as the late summer can get quite hot. That said, the winter months are a dark albeit beautiful time to visit, like many European cities. The same applies for most of inland France.

If you’re heading to the east coast and the Mediterranean Sea, the best months are July and August as the sea breeze tends to keep the coast a little cooler than inland. There will, however, be more tourists than in the early summer or spring and autumn.

The mountains are best for skiing in February and March as the days are longer than in December and January, while the late spring, summer and early autumn are perfect for hiking.

The Atlantic areas of Brittany and Normandy are best experienced from June through August as they can get quite wet and cold outside of summer.

Is it safe to visit France?

Yes, it is still safe to visit France, though parts of the country have been affected by various issues of late.

Over the past 5–10 years France has been targeted by extremist groups. These attacks have received widespread global coverage and while they are shocking and saddening, they are also very infrequent. France is at no more risk of extremist violence than any other Western country, but travelers should exercise caution nevertheless and keep up-to-date with local news sources.

Much has also been made of the Yellow Vests Movement, which has spread around the country. These protests began in 2018 after an increase in fuel taxes and have morphed into a movement demanding economic reform and the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Though the protests have turned violent on several occasions, particularly in Paris, they are also easily avoided. The protests occur on Saturdays and the streets are shut down by police – travelers should check local news sources and avoid any trouble areas on Saturdays.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

France is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like France, for a total of less than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in France?

Most restaurants in France will include a service fee within the bill; however, tipping extra (while not absolutely necessary) is customary and will be appreciated by wait staff. Usually rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is sufficient. Feel free to tip more if the service has been exemplary or if you’re feeling generous.

What is the internet access like in France?

The internet access is great in France. All cities and major towns should have internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots, while most of the country aside from very remote areas will have phone reception should you wish to use your mobile/cell phone.

Can I use my cell phone while in France?

Travelers can use their phones throughout France, though remote and isolated areas in the Pyrenees or Alps may have limited service.

You’re able to purchase a local SIM on arriving in France, which will generally be cheaper than using international roaming. If you do wish to use international roaming, ensure it’s activated before leaving your home country and ask your provider what charges apply. Data use can be particularly expensive while overseas.

What are the toilets like in France?

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the standard across France.

What will it cost for a...?

France’s unit of currency is the euro. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

• Metro ride = USD 1.5–2
• A pint of beer/glass of wine = USD 6
• Simple lunch at a cafe = USD 12-15
• Baguette sandwich = USD 5

Can I drink the water in France?

Drinking water from taps is considered safe in France unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottle water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards widely accepted in France?

Major credit cards are widely accepted across France. Some smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, especially in more rural areas, so be sure to carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in France?

ATMs are common across France in both cities and towns so there shouldn't be a problem finding one.

What is the weather like in France?

France’s weather varies depending where you are.

Paris tends to be quite cool with temperatures averaging 59–77°F (15–25°C) even in the height of summer. The winter average is 36–45°F (2–7°C), though it’s worth keeping in mind that the city can experience more extreme heat in the summer or snow in the winter.

The French Riviera, including Nice, has a sunnier climate and averages 68–81°F (20–27°C) in the summer and 41–55°F (5–13°C) in winter. This area is quite sheltered compared to the rest of the south-east coast, which will much hotter and dryer in the summer.

The mountainous regions, like Chamonix in the Alps, will vary depending on altitude. Chamonix experiences an average temperature of 48–75°F (9–24°C) in the summertime and 19–37°F (-7–3°C) in the winter. The summer also sees afternoon thunderstorms and more precipitation than other times of year.

The climate on the Atlantic coast tends to be quite cool and wet, with rain and wind all year round, particularly around the English Channel. Bordeaux, which is much further south, enjoys a warmer climate though it’s prone to both the cold Atlantic fronts as well as cold winds from the north-east. Its average temperature in summer is 61–81°F (16–27°C), while winter averages 37–50°F (3–10°C).

What public holidays are celebrated in France?

1 January   – New Year’s Day

March/April   – Easter Monday

May   – Labor Day

8 May   – Victory Day 1945

May   – Ascension Day

14 July   – Bastille Day

August   – Assumption of Mary

1 November   – All Saints’ Day

11 November   – Armistice Day

25 December   – Christmas Day

For a current list of public holidays in France, including the movable dates noted above, go to: 

timeanddate.com/holidays

Is France safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

France is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers and has always been celebrated for its liberal attitudes towards sexuality. Paris was the first European capital to vote in an openly gay mayor in 2001 and France was the first country in the world, back in 1791, to decriminalize same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 and attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ identifying people are generally positive across the country.

Paris has had a thriving queer scene for years which revolves around Le Marais, a district just north of Notre-Dame, though the city is so open that it can be difficult to pin down its epicenter. Active queer scenes can be found in most major cities across the country including Bordeaux and Lyon.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Is France accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

France is a relatively accessible destination for travelers with disabilities, particularly for those visiting Paris. All buses and trams in the Paris metro area are equipped for wheelchairs and most, though not all, metro stations have been equipped to make traveling with a disability as hassle-free as possible. The city’s official visitor website has a section dedicated to   visiting Paris with a disability   in both French and English.

Elsewhere, as in much of Europe, travelers may find that the older city buildings and infrastructure in smaller towns may present them with some difficulty, depending on their disability. If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in France

France is a very liberal country and travelers should not feel compelled to dress particularly conservatively unless visiting a religious site. After all, Paris is the fashion capital of the world – go hard or go home. That being said, Intrepid encourages all travelers to respect the locals in the places we visit. If they wouldn’t wear something, we don’t suggest that you do. 

Remember that the weather in the mountains can change extremely quickly, even in summer, so your best bet is dress in layers. If you do plan on visiting the Alps or Pyrenees, be sure to take a raincoat, sturdy walking shoes and a wind breaker or warm jacket.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

France tours

Discovering the icons in Paris, soaking up the sun on the French Riviera, visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley—see every side of this France on one of our escorted tours.

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What travelers say about their trips to France

Travel tips for france trips.

While it's a relatively temperate country, France's weather ranges significantly from region to region. Many consider the best times to travel to France to be spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. In Paris for example, spring and fall temperatures are in the 50s, 60s, and 70s F, perfect for walking around sites like the Tuileries, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles. The comfortable weather paired with smaller crowds, more relaxed locals, and seasonal festivals and flavors make these in-between seasons particularly lovely times for a trip to France.

In the warmer summer months, parks, picnics, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals are especially lively. In winter, the weather gets colder and wetter (though there's not much snow in major cities like Paris), but there's still lots to do! You'll find festive holiday decorations, great museums, and more.

France is a diverse country, from the historic beaches in Normandy and Brittany on the northern coast, to the foodie-favored wine regions of Champagne and Burgundy, to the lavish châteaux of the Loire Valley. Plus, as you travel east, the influence of Switzerland and Germany can be felt in the food, architecture, and history in Alsace.

When picking which of our France guided tours is right for you, let your interests help drive your destination selection.

• Want to experience art, romance, and culture? Paris should be on your itinerary, so you can take in the icons like Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, and more.
• If you’re a foodie who counts food and wine as a top traveling priority, check out our guided tours that visit Burgundy, Lyon, or Bordeaux.
• History buffs, your must-visits include Normandy and Paris.
• For those who love to be outdoors soaking in the scenery, be sure to check out Provence in the south, where medieval towns and artistic cities are sandwiched between the mountains of the Alps and the sea breeze of the Mediterranean.

In France, eating is an art form. Meals are meant to savored—shared among friends, enjoyed with local wines, and made up of fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the cuisine ranges throughout the country, you’ll always find a focus on local, in-season ingredients. Here are a couple of things to know when sitting down for a meal during your trip to France.

• Breakfast, called le petit déjeuner, is generally light, like a croissant or bread with jam and coffee.
• Lunch, or le déjeuner, was traditionally a two-hour, several-course affair where people took time to relax and unwind with friends. In today’s society, something quicker and more casual—like soup, salad, or sandwiches at a cafe—is very commonplace.
• Dinner, or le diner, is served around eight or later and can be made up of several courses. Typically, it starts with the appetizer, or l ’entrée , followed by the main course, or l e plat principal , followed by a cheese course and dessert. And remember, be sure to ask for your check when you're done—it's considered rude for wait staff to bring it to your table unrequested. Bon appétit!

The French are famous for their style, so deciding what to pack for a trip to France requires some consideration. Our escorted tours to France incorporate a fair amount of walking as local guides take you around their hometowns, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

For the building blocks of your France vacation wardrobe, pack easy-to-layer pieces that can be mixed and matched in various ways—neutrals or a cohesive color palette helps a lot! Add in a versatile scarf—perfect for staying warm on flights and afternoon walks, as well as adding a pop of color to simple outfits. Beyond that, we’d recommend your camera, a notebook to jot down any fun facts or book recommendations your Tour Director might share, and a sense of adventure. Once you book one of our France guided tours, you can find a packing list for that specific trip in our easy Tour Companion App.

Need help narrowing down our France tours?

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France Tours and Trips 2024/2025

As a country of art, style, and culinary delights, France has consistently been on the list of the most visited countries in the world. People from all around the world visit France in their millions every year. Our French romantic holidays allow you to enjoy all the beauty and charm with your partner. If you prefer exclusive wine tasting, expensive cruises, and a five-star touring experience, then our France luxury tours are for you. For a more affordable holiday, you can check out our France budget tours . And if you want to explore the country at your own pace, our France private tours offer plenty of options. Our France-guided tours are a great option if you want to learn about the history of French cities and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. No matter how you choose to spend your French vacation, you can be sure that there is a tour available to help you discover the country's unparalleled beauty and candor.

• France Travel Guide
• Things to Do in France
• Best Time to Visit France

+300 Trips in France with 701 Reviews

• Starts Avignon, France
• Ends Chapelle Saint Gabriel, France

In Van Gogh's Footsteps

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus & Taxi
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• May 03 10+ seats left
• May 04 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Paris, France
• Ends Paris, France

Jewels of France including Normandy

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Beach , Art and architecture & Farm and plantation visits 'data-more-tripid='21274'>+3 more
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,575
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 158
• Total Price from: US$ 1,417
• May 25 Only 5 seats left
• Sep 21 Only 9 seats left

• Starts Menton, France
• Ends Menton, France

Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel, Villa & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus & Ferry
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,623
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 388
• Total Price from: US$ 2,235
• Jun 01 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 15 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Nice, France
• Ends Nice, France

Getaway in the French Riviera

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities Food tours & Countryside and village visits Food tours , Countryside and village visits & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='38021'>+1 more
• Transport Private Vehicle & Minibus
• Age Range 1-99 yrs

• Starts Chamonix, France
• Ends Chamonix, France

Mont Blanc Highlights

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure
• Accommodation Resort
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,773
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 418
• Total Price from: US$ 2,355
• May 18 Only 8 seats left
• May 25 Only 8 seats left

The Treasures of France including Normandy

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Wine tasting tours , Beach & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='20958'>+3 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,933
• Special Deal (11%): - US$ 312
• Total Price from: US$ 2,621
• May 11 Only 8 seats left
• May 18 10+ seats left

• Starts Les Bossons, France
• Ends Les Bossons, France

Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours Trekking and Hiking , Walking tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='7930'>+1 more
• Accommodation Camping, Resort, Hotel & Tent
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,298
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 328
• Total Price from: US$ 2,970
• Jun 15 Only 4 seats left
• Jun 22 Only 3 seats left

Paris & Normandy Highlights

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Sightseeing Tours Cultural, religious and historic sites , Sightseeing Tours & War sites 'data-more-tripid='6173'>+1 more
• Transport Private Vehicle, Bus & Train
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,399
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 510
• Total Price from: US$ 2,889
• May 05 Only 7 seats left
• May 12 Only 2 seats left

Short Break in Paris (port-to-port cruise)

• Tour Type Cruise Tour
• Activities Cruise
• Accommodation Ship Cabin
• Transport Cruise Ship & Coach
• Age Range 18-79 yrs
• Jul 14 10+ seats left
• Oct 29 10+ seats left

• Starts Bocognano, France
• Ends Bocognano, France

Mountains & Villages of Corsica

• Accommodation Hotel & Camping
• Transport Train & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,873
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 178
• Total Price from: US$ 1,695
• May 19 Only 2 seats left
• May 26 Only 4 seats left

Paris And Versailles

• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel & Yacht Cabin
• Transport Yacht, Boat, Coach, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 6-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,820
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 109
• Total Price from: US$ 1,711
• May 07 10+ seats left
• May 08 10+ seats left

Extraordinary Paris (port-to-port cruise)

• Dec 04 10+ seats left

Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours Trekking and Hiking , Walking tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='7935'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Resort
• Transport Private Vehicle & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,173
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 508
• Total Price from: US$ 4,665
• Jun 22 Only 4 seats left

• Ends Provence, France

Cycle Provence

• Activities Bicycle tours & Adventure
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 14-99 yrs
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France Tour Reviews

France - tour highlights and travel tips.

There are all kinds of markers for your holiday in France. A wine region, a river, an attraction, a cathedral, an outdoor adventure, urban wonders, just about anything could end up being the highlight of your itinerary. With most cities offering a peek into traditional Europe and all places boasting of fascinating natural beauty, it doesn’t get any better either. Irrespective of where your interests lie, a trip to France always includes arts and architecture. After all, some of the most famous museums, ancient Roman temples, renaissance-era wonders, artworks and landmarks can be found in the country. Considering that its star attraction, the Eiffel Tower, attracts more than 7 million visitors each year, you can understand why trips to this country are always memorable.

Travel Highlights

• Take in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower
• Eat some escargots
• Watch the sunrise from steps in front of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre
• Listen to the ringing bells at Notre Dame Cathedral
• Do a wine tasting tour in Burgundy and Bordeaux but areas like Champagne, Rhone Valley and Loire are equally spectacular.
• Try the mouth watering seafood of Britany and Michelin-stars of Provence to the black truffles of Dordogne
• Try the distinct cheeses of Burgundy
• Take a cruise down the Seine
• Visit the floating monastery of Mont Saint-Michel
• Stroll through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles

Travel Tips

• While many French people speak English, they prefer to speak French. The locals really appreciate when tourists make an effort to learn some basic words and phrases.
• Most French cities, including Paris , can be seen entirely by foot. Pack decent walking shoes and save money on public transit.
• The French are very polite and expect good manners. Avoid antisocial behaviour like shouting and chewing gum.
• Unless it’s on your bucket list, skip the Mona Lisa. While the Louvre is well worth a visit (and is free on the first Sunday of each month), this painting can be difficult to see as it is surprisingly small and often surrounded by big crowds snapping photos.
• Beware pickpockets and sneaky tricks to get your money. Don’t allow a street vendor to help you “try on” a bracelet, and do not pick up “gold” rings you find on the ground - these are common tricks.

France has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit France before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in France, do check out our France Travel Guide for more information.

Popular Tour Types in France

• France luxury tours: Splurge on one of our France luxury tours for an unforgettable holiday experience. Stay in a five-star hotel and enjoy the sightseeing as private chauffeurs whisk you around Paris's monuments in style and without having to wait in long lines. Visit ancient villages and walk in the footsteps of great artists like Monet and Van Gogh. While at it, enjoy the best wines from the vineyards of Bordeaux and scrumptious French cuisine.
• France private tours: Visit the Louvre, Palais Royal, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower on our private France tours . Then, visit Carcassonne's archeological museums and enjoy some exclusive wine tasting in Beaune. These tours are designed so that you can experience the magic of France at your own pace.
• France guided tours: Join other tourists from around the world while you discover France's hidden beauty. You will see the magnificent Chateau de Chenonceau and the picturesque Port of Honfleur, as well as soak up some rays on Omaha's landing beaches on our France-guided tours . These trips are the best way to learn about French heritage and culture from an expert guide.
• France budget tours: Our budget-friendly tours are the ideal choice for you if you are on a strict travel budget. On a cheap boat cruise, savor all the romance of Paris. As your tour guide regales you with the history of the landmarks, visit the fabled Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame cathedral. Once there, you can see where some of the most well-known artists in the world find their inspiration. Our budget tours to France unquestionably offer the best value for your money.
• France group tours:  On our group tours to France , you will explore some of the country's most stunning locations with like-minded travelers. Observe the ancient menhir while hiking through Corsica's mountains. Enjoy a day at the Mediterranean's sandy beaches and take in some of the best scenery France has to offer.
• France customized tours:  Our France customized tours allow you to choose the destinations and activities that tickle your fancy. Revel in the charm of Provence, where you can sip fine wine and enjoy mouthwatering French cuisine in a serene environment. Perhaps you are better off hiking the numerous trails in Corsica, where you can enjoy picturesque views of mountains. Whatever you want, our local tour guides can help you arrange it through our customized tours.

Acitivity-based France tours

• Adventure tours: If you are seeking outdoor excitement, our thrill-packed France adventure tours are the perfect option for you. Cycle along as you savor the lavender fragrance in the fields of Provence. Hike the challenging trails in Corsica, conquer the peaks of towering mountains, and take off-the-beaten paths to discover the hidden treasures of Dordogne.
• City sightseeing tours:  Our France city sightseeing tours allow you to do all the touristy activities that make a Paris trip memorable and much more. Enjoy all the highlights in Paris, including the Hall of Mirrors and the world-famous gardens in the majestic palace of Versailles. Then head to Nice and Cannes to marvel at the picturesque scenery and immaculately blue waters. Do not forget to make a stop in Marseille and experience true French culture and cuisine.
• Bicycle tours:  With our selection of France bicycle tours , you can take advantage of one of the world's best cycling destinations. These tours enable you to explore the best of modern France, from the lavender fields of Provence to the historical sites in the Dordogne valleys and villages to the mountain trails in Corsica.
• Cruise tours:  France is blessed with countless water bodies, and a cruise tour to France with top-class cabin accommodations is one of the best ways to explore the country’s highlights. Marvel at the picturesque ports in Seine valley and get awed by the fairytale-like landscape on the Moselle. You will also cruise through Provencal Rhone and the Camargue while stopping to travel in jeeps through the wild Camargue and experience the Avignon and the private apartments of Papal Palace.
• Honeymoon tours:  France is the country of romance for good reasons, and you can rest assured that you will thoroughly enjoy your honeymoon here. Our France honeymoon packages take you to the most romantic destinations in the country, with boat cruises through the romantic Rhine valley, cycling through the lavender fields of Provence, and enjoying fine dining and wine-tasting in the villages of Bordeaux.

Popular durations for France trip

France— Top destinations to visit

• Lose yourself in the beauty of Paris : Paris is known as the city of love, but that is not to say it is for lovers only. Whether you are alone or with a partner, you are guaranteed to enjoy every minute spent exploring the magnificent sounds and sights of this city. Visit the iconic tourist locations like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, then stop at the Louvre Museum to see Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa and other priceless French Impressionist pieces. Next, board a quick train from Paris to the Palace of Versailles to admire the splendor of the palace, its luxuriant gardens, bubbling fountains, and the stunning Hall of Mirrors.
• Cycle through the lavender fields in Provence: Provence represents the calm side of France, and the colorful village manages to feel untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. The lavender fields fill the air with a pleasant fragrance. Its dreamy landscape has inspired numerous famous paintings by renowned artists. A visit to Provence should take you to the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de Vence as well as Gordes, where you will enjoy spending time at resorts and basking in the Mediterranean sun. Also, do not forget to stop at the Palais de Papes in Avignon and the Roman Theater in Orange.
• Taste some delectable wine in Bordeaux: Take a trip to  Bordeaux , where you are treated to grandiose castles, vine-covered hills, blue rivers, and scenic tree-shaded trails. Visitors can enjoy the calm beauty of this city on cycling and group hiking tours. Bordeaux is also famous for being the top-wine producing city in France. Its exclusive wine-tasting experiences and delicious local cuisine are to die for. While there, take some time to stop at Saint-Emilion, a little village around Bordeaux that houses some renowned churches and monasteries.
• Take in the beautiful scenery in Strasbourg:  The elaborate cathedral, picturesque canals, and winding cobblestone streets of Strasbourg draw tourists looking for a getaway from big cities. On the Alsatian wine route, you can indulge in some delicious wine while learning more about the region's renowned culinary specialties. You can also take boat tours through Breisach on the calm waters of Strasbourg, taking in the gothic architecture and picture-perfect scenery along the way. Many visitors also fall in love with the half-timbered houses in the tiny Venice of Colmar. You must also see Eguisheim, arguably France's most stunning village, while touring Strasbourg .
• Walk in the shadow of Mont Blanc in Chamonix :  The magnificent mountain village of Chamonix promises an alpine ambiance, where you will revel in the chance to walk in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. The hiking routes offer peerless scenery, and there are a variety of small, friendly local hotels that give the feel of a home away from home. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the cable car ascent to the Montenvers cog railway or Aiguille du Midi. And if the weather permits, there is nothing better than skiing in the pure snow of the Alpine mountains.

Peak season and low season of France

• France in May
• France in June
• France in July
• France in April
• France in October
• France in November

Popular France trip travel guide

If you are planning a trip to France , you will want to know about the best time to visit France as we check out all the available France tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in France . Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in France, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in France. We generally recommend staying at least 7 days in France , but recommend 10 days in France or more, to get the most out of the trip to France.

Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, luxury tour, or perhaps or completely customized tour to France . If you are in doubt, check out all our France tours at the top of this page.

France is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our " France travel guide " which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to France.

Tours in France - Questions and Answers

France is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit France for most travelers is either from April through to June or from October to November. Highlights across the country see less footfall – and therefore shorter queues – during these periods compared to the high summer season between July and September. Temperatures are also more suitable for exploration and hiking during these months, averaging 16°C to 23°C. The winter season, lasting from December to March, is the coldest and the wettest period of the year, although this is the best time to undertake a skiing trip in the Alps or Pyrenees. Find more information here .

France is not the cheapest of European destinations to visit. A combination of high accommodation costs and an amazing range of attractions means budgets often get stretched. Traveling outside of the summer will give a better value for money. Paris is by far the most expensive city in the country. By comparison, food is relatively cheap in neighborhood cafes and restaurants, so you certainly do not have to go hungry! Expect to spend somewhere in the region of USD 210 per person, per day on both food and accommodation.

Travel insurance is an absolute must and needs to include a medical cover that can otherwise top hundreds of thousands of dollars in case of an accident.

The variety of things to do in France , from city sightseeing to riviera stays and vineyard visits, means that we recommend a vacation lasting at least ten days. This is a good amount of time to crisscross the country and tick off highlights without having to dash from place to place. However, if you can only spend one week in France , it is better to limit your trip to a region such as Normandy in the north or  Alsace on the western bank of the River Rhine. If you have more questions, read our travel guide on how many days to spend in France .

There is a stereotypical view of the French as people who refuse to speak English. However, most people in towns and cities – and particularly the younger generation – speak good levels of English. Despite this, it is always better to start your conversation with a few words in French and allow the other person to switch to English on hearing your accent. A phrasebook of the French language is therefore a useful addition to your packing list, and using it will massively enhance your understanding of the country and its culture.

France has an excellent transport infrastructure. High speed trains dart through a network centred around Paris and reach all destinations of significance within the country and outside, including the United Kingdom and Belgium via the Channel Tunnel. The downside is that you must pre-book tickets, and once seats are sold out there is no way of boarding a service. Driving through French roads is a much more relaxed affair than in other European countries since most drivers are considerate. The exception to this rule is Paris, where traffic jams are notorious and parking is often impossible to find. Destinations like Corisca, on the other hand, can be reached via regular ferries from Marseilles and Toulon.

It is considered very impolite to start speaking to anyone providing a service – such as a hotel receptionist, waiter or a shop assistant – without greeting them first. Bonjour (hello) is sufficient. If you are traveling with a group of people, you should greet each person individually on arriving and before departing. Table manners are particularly important, and you should take your time when eating and drinking. Being overly loud or brash is also a no-no. Drunkenness is not tolerated.

A lunchtime meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around USD 16 per person excluding alcohol. House wines can be purchased for just a couple of dollars per glass, while a draught beer can be had for around USD 6 per bottle. A three-course evening meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back by around USD 28 per person, with prices about a third higher in Paris and around popular spots such as restaurants in the main square of Nice.

In addition to visiting France’s world-famous sites, visitors can take advantage of an excellent range of signposted footpaths to discover the country, be it while going on a cross-country hiking trip through the long-distance GR7 or enjoying a gentle stroll in the French countryside. Another popular activity to indulge in during your stay in France is skiing. Along with popular destinations like Val d'Isère and Chamonix, Perpignan, located close to the Pyrenees, is also a great place to tackle snowy slopes on skis or snowboards. Along with all this, cuisine is also an important aspect of any tours to France. Make sure that you try local dishes – accompanied by the superb wines from nearby vineyards – wherever you visit in the country.

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Popular Destinations

• Avignon Tours
• Chamonix Tours
• Corsica Tours
• Dordogne Tours
• Mont Blanc Tours
• Paris Tours
• Provence Tours
• Southern France Tours
• Strasbourg Tours
• The Way of St. James Tours

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• Adventure tours
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• Bicycle tours
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• Cruise tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
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The Treasures of France including Normandy

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8 Day France Tour of D-Day Beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel and the Loire Valley

8 days, 1 country and 13 cities

Accommodation

7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

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Travel from Paris to the D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy and on to the beautiful Loire Valley on this in-depth France and Normandy tour. Imagine life as a French noble as you are welcomed to a 17th century château and learn about the battles that were fought here through the ages.

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8 days itinerary trip from Paris to Paris visiting 1 country and 13 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Mont-Saint-Michel and Châteaux of the Loire Valley with a Local Specialist and Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches

Discover Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Bayeux and the Loire Valley

Visit the Bayeux Tapestry, the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches, the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Châteaux of Amboise and Chenonceau and Chartres cathedral

View the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

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 and surprise extras

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 utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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2025 Tours  Announced!

Choose from four amazing tours and make 2025 your year to discover france.

Announcing our new tour for 2024!

"french winter christmas delights", let "french winter christmas delights" create lasting holiday memories with its blend of tradition, gastronomy, and the enchanting magic of the season., embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey where the magic of french christmas comes to life. explore the rhône region during lyon's festival of lights, traverse the snow-covered french alps,  embark on a scenic drive through switzerland's pristine landscapes. dive into the festive charm of alsace  and strolls through villages adorned in christmas splendour. conclude the adventure in paris, the "city of light.", jewels of the north 2024 - departing april, may, july, and september, "jewels of the north",  april's tour includes  anzac dawn service and the exclusive dedication ceremony of the enginners memorial bridge in 2024.

Explore the culinary heritage and delve into a historical journey that will offer an excellent overview of the jewels of the North of France! 

Journey through the Somme, Normandy, and Brittany, experiencing those iconic sights and landmarks you’ve always longed to see. Experience the breathtaking natural wonder of the famous Normandy seaside, Brittany's medieval half-timbered villages, the magical Mont St-Michel, the prestigious Saint-Malo and luxurious Deauville!   

Also on the journey is Monet's dreamy gardens at Giverny, Amiens Cathedral, the historical Bayeux Tapestry and many more hidden treasures that will bring history to life! 

During our tour in April, we will join the ANZAC dawn service at Somme. This is a special edition of"Jewels of the North" tour and will be a truly moving experience.

You will honour the memory of all WWI soldiers at the Villers-Bretonneux site of remembrance, an experience that promises poignant and precious memories that will remain etched in our minds. 

Four Departure dates for 2024

Tuesday 23 April – Wednesday 1 May [special ANZAC day tour and dedicated ceremony of the Engineers Memorial Bridge]

Tuesday 14 May – Wednesday 22 May

Tuesday 16 July – Wednesday 24 July

Tuesday 24 September – Wednesday 2 October

Our points of difference

Our company and tours are 100% French owned and designed.  As fortunate residents of both Australia and France we have  unique expertise on the two cultures, meaning we understand your travel needs and have forged long-st anding relationships with our professionals - French-English speaking guides, boutique hotels, and chauffeurs - ensuring a memorable and unique private experience specifically to your interest.

Voyage through the eyes of experts who call France home!

At FTS we believe that travelling shouldn't be a privilege but a necessity.  We want to cultivate more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world. That is why we have chosen to keep our expert-led groups extremely small and affordable for an intimate, unique, and real experience. We invite you to meet and connect with your hosts, like-minded travellers, and the other interesting characters you will no doubt encounter along the way.

Our small group tours

Our 8 to 16 day small group tour itineraries are deeply immersive and combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and enough down time to soak it all in. In your leisure time you can choose your own destinations and visits, based on our provided suggestions and the guidance of your private tour leader.  Follow your own path and create your unique travel experience at your own pace, not bound to a strict group Itinerary.

France Tours 2024 Departing April, May, July, September and October.

"a taste of france – live with the locals, like a local.", book now for 2024 to not miss out.

Enjoy a full slice of the good life in France.  Join us on a voyage through the riches of France and discover the cuisine, history and landscapes that make this beautiful country unique.

Choose and design your own private tour or join my popular small group tour package.

Champagne, Rosé, Red, white, we invite you to try them all! With moderation and the right balance of culture and tradition, your unique experience will be rich in emotions, enhancing your senses.

We’ll seek out some gastronomic gems and treasured vineyard areas. Each region has a unique terroir and different traditions for you to explore!

Get ready for a bubbly start, in the heart of Champagne, the place to be for real bubbles!

In Burgundy, you will live like a local strolling in the city famed for its mustard and rolling vineyard. Your two days in Dijon will be a marriage of gastronomy, wine, culture and education.

The famous bridge in the traditional Provençal town of  Avignon  with the very impressive Pope's Palace will be our base region for the next three days. Discover the Provence where is good to live! Can you hear the cigales?

We won’t miss the impressive Carcassonne citée on our way to the famous Bordeaux region where we will stay four nights. Sightseeing the largest Europe sand dune, cruising and eating seafood in Arcachon Bay, and trying renowned wine in Medoc,  will be some of your wonderful memories of your unforgettable twelve days of leisure around beautiful France.

France Travel Solutions is a French owned, Australia Based travel agency, specialising in escorted small group tour packages and bespoke tour itineraries for all the beautiful regions of France.

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Dennise from NZ Auckland  (Google review)

"This was the first time I had been to France. It was a bit daunting as I can't speak the local language, other than the very basics. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Maud. I learned so much about wine and the making of it and we visited some very interesting places. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in France and wine. In saying that I'm not a big drinker, so don't think it's just a wine tour its more than that, you will visit interesting places and see some great castles and villages along the way. Maud will also make a detour if people are happy to try something else. Some of the days were very long, but we were the first on this tour and there is some tweaking to do. Which Maud will do. I look forward to another trip again with Maud." best wishes Dennise

Helen Davies recommends France Travel Solutions. 20 July 2023 · (facebook review) From NSW Sydney

"La Belle Vie was a very well thought out tour. It covered all the regions that I really wanted to see in France. Learnt so much about champagne and wine making from people who are very passionate about their profession. Saw wonderful scenery with the chateaus and vineyards and lavender and sunflower fields that were in full bloom. Also got to taste some amazing food! The accommodation was always comfortable with a good bed and bathroom facilities. We safely covered 3,500 kms which was quite a lot of driving however I would not have been able to see everything I saw if I had not been on the tour. If you are thinking about a trip to France I would recommend France Travel Solutions."

Anoma from Brisbane, QLD (facebook post)

“I am immensely proud to have been the 1st batch Maud took on tour. Her hard work, dedication and passion will go a long way to success. She provides intimate small group experiences for the curious, intelligent, and engaged traveller who values enrichment over extravagance. We were blessed with having everything along the way. Big memories from small moments are what we experienced.”

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Refined culture and deep history

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

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Destination Must-Sees

This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light." Renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire, one can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.

Sitting on the French Riviera, north of Cannes, is a town that is an olfactory oasis. Set in the hills, Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world. The town’s fields of jasmine, lavender, and other fragrant flowers are harvested to create essential oils for perfume production. Perfumers (known as a nez, or nose) in Grasse can teach you how to recognize different scents and how top notes, mid notes and the lingering base of a fragrance come together to create a magical aroma.

At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Discover a place that is just as you imagined with opulent architecture, stunning coastal panoramas, chic boutiques and ritzy cars. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.

A perfectly preserved medieval enclave of Roman origins, Avignon is set in the heart of France's Provence region on the banks of the Rhone River. For 68 years in the 14th century, Avignon was the capital of Christianity, the seat of 10 Popes before the papacy was brought back to Rome in 1377. Avignon has always been a center for art and culture, a designation that continues with its annual Arts Festival, hosting numerous stage productions, film showings, exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts, mime performances, ballets, and more.

Destination Must-Dos

Small-town touring:

Take a break from the City of Light and get a taste of old world France when spending time in countryside villages that look like they are plucked from a storybook. With many unique villages, each region has its own special qualities for you to experience. Travel through hilltops, rocky coasts and remarkable views while learning about the locals and their lifestyles.

Omaha Beach:

This was one of the beach sectors assigned to the American landing forces during the invasion of June 6, 1944. It was here that the U.S. First Division fought the bloodiest engagement on D-Day. Go through the towns that make up the sector: St-Laurent, Colleville and Vierville. Set foot on the beach and reflect on that fateful day and cherish the present peace. The American Military Cemetery stands up on the bluff as a testament to the greatest sacrifice that these Americans have made in the name of freedom.

Dinner at Eiffel Tower:

Put yourself in a scene from a movie; the lights of Paris glitter beneath you as you dine inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.

Cabaret Theatre performance:

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic side of Parisian culture when taking your seat at a traditional cabaret show. Colorful, crazy, glamourous and intriguing are all used when describing the excitement that is Parisian cabarets. Enjoy your meal while being entertained with a show or play in this festive atmosphere.

Expert Advice

In many places in France, wine costs less than water. Stay hydrated of course but this is also an affordable chance to try many different varieties of the best wine in the world.

Dinner at the Paradis Latin requires business casual attire; shorts are not allowed. This is your chance to get into the spirit of this exciting night.

The French eat lunch between noon and 2:30p.m. and dinner between 8-11p.m. Many restaurants close after lunch and do not open again until dinner time.

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Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

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Our French River cruises and land-based France tours transport you to a European destination that lives life to the fullest with the cultural panache that defines all things Français... explore colorful Provence, the Loire Valley, ancient abbeys, cobblestoned villages, Bordeaux, Côte du Rhône wine regions, Paris and more.

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Welcome to France

Magnifique... a word that sums up the many cultural delights and panache of France... exploring Paris, the "City of Light" in the evening when it truly comes to life... the poignant memorials at Omaha Beach... a traditional picnic lunch in Gordes, dining as the locals do...and an infusion of ancient abbeys, Loire chateaux, and cobblestone villages that nourish your soul.

Land journeys, from parisian bistros and provençal farms to normandy beaches and loire valley châteaux, treasures await along the yellow roads in france..

Sip wines at private French vineyards with vintners who share secrets of the terroir... try locally produced cider and Calvados on Normandy farms... toast life in Paris, where brasseries, cathedrals and art-filled museums nourish your soul... and so much more. Join us in France on land journeys along the Yellow Roads to Paris, Provence, Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley.

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The rivers of France evoke a sense of place around every bend... join us along the Rhône, the Saône and the Seine...

The River Seine bridges images of life past and present in the iconic Parisian sites that line its banks; as it meanders from city to coast, it impresses with scenery immortalized by Monet, van Gogh and their contemporaries. Inland from the Saône in the north all the way south to Provence, the Rhône drinks in timeless landscapes ripe with secrets of the terroir. This and more awaits aboard Tauck's river cruises along the Rhône, Saône and Seine rivers in France.

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A quarter-century later, our first small ship cruise still sails the Mediterranean to or from the French Riviera...

Beginning or ending in Nice, our "Treasures of the Mediterranean" – Tauck's very first small ship cruise, still sailing a quarter-century later – takes you to explore Provence, Monte-Carlo, Elba, Corsica, Italy's Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Malta.

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From scavenger hunts in the louvre to a bicycle tour of versailles's gardens, family fun awaits in france....

Stroll into a painting by Claude Monet at Giverny... get hands-on experience with World War II equipment on Normandy's D-Day beaches... walk along the Pont du Gard... meet French cowboys on a ranch in la Camargue, where you'll dig into an authentic Provençal meal... and so much more on our Tauck Bridges trips and river cruises in France – including "Castles & Kings: London to Paris;" "Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise;" and "Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy."

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A Cultural Exploration of France

From Paris, the most romantic city in the world to the importance of gastronomy and fine wine, the delights of France are experienced on many levels, whether it be by land journey, river cruise or small ship.  In Provence... Lyon... Normandy... and along the Seine as you drink in the history, culture, architecture and much more.

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2023 rankings

Stage 1 | 06/29 Florence > Rimini

Stage 2 | 06/30 cesenatico > bologne, stage 3 | 07/01 plaisance > turin, stage 4 | 07/02 pinerolo > valloire, stage 5 | 07/03 saint-jean-de-maurienne > saint-vulbas, stage 6 | 07/04 mâcon > dijon, stage 7 | 07/05 nuits-saint-georges > gevrey-chambertin, stage 8 | 07/06 semur-en-auxois > colombey-les-deux-églises, stage 9 | 07/07 troyes > troyes, rest | 07/08 orléans, stage 10 | 07/09 orléans > saint-amand-montrond, stage 11 | 07/10 évaux-les-bains > le lioran, stage 12 | 07/11 aurillac > villeneuve-sur-lot, stage 13 | 07/12 agen > pau, stage 14 | 07/13 pau > saint-lary-soulan pla d'adet, stage 15 | 07/14 loudenvielle > plateau de beille, rest | 07/15 gruissan, stage 16 | 07/16 gruissan > nimes, stage 17 | 07/17 saint-paul-trois-châteaux > superdévoluy, stage 18 | 07/18 gap > barcelonnette, stage 19 | 07/19 embrun > isola 2000, stage 20 | 07/20 nice > col de la couillole, stage 21 | 07/21 monaco > nice, tour culture, grand départ florence émilie-romagne 2024, grand départ lille-nord de france 2025, 2024 tour de france finale in nice, riding into the future, all the news, official tour operators, history of tour de france, accessories.

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The Tour de France

Cycling Tourism Sporting Activities

• date From 29 June to 21 July 2024
• place France

Reading time: 0 min Published on 22 March 2024, updated on 22 April 2024

It's a much-anticipated summer event. Every summer, the Tour thrills the roads of France to the rhythm of a peloton led by the yellow jersey! The 2024 edition promises to be a historic one, with a start in Florence, Italy, and an unprecedented finish in Nice, on the Promenade des Anglais. See you on June 29!

For the first time in its history, the main start will take place in Florence, Italy. The riders will then criss-cross the southern Alps and the Occitan coastline before tackling the Pyrenees and then crossing Brittany along part of the Atlantic Coast .

The race promises to be a spectacular affair, with 3,586 kilometres to be covered in 21 stages. Riders will face a number of challenges along the way: more than 20 2nd, 1st or Hors Catégorie passes, 7 mountain stages and 4 high altitude finishes.

A grand finale... on the Côte d'Azur

Like every year, Paris will host a stage of the Tour de France, but it won't be the last or the least competitive. Quite the contrary, in fact... Just a few days before the opening ceremony of the Paris Games, the riders in the peloton will set off from the Château de Versailles on Bastille Day, 14 July, before parading through the streets of the capital in a 44km time trial that could well prove decisive in the battle for the yellow jersey.

After passing through the south of Burgundy , the Tour de France returned to its familiar route through the Alps before descending the Rhône Valley to Provence and the Côte d'Azur ...

For the first time in the history of the Tour de France, the 111th edition of the Grande Boucle will finish in Nice, on the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A dream finale on the Côte d'Azur on 21 July. Emotion, suspense, adrenalin and thrills will all be on offer!

Initiated in 1903, the Tour de France is a legendary cycling race of international renown. Created by Henri Desgrange, director of the newspaper l'Auto, a visionary who wanted to create a sporting event to enhance his medium's standing and increase sales.

The Tour de France has become a beloved tradition, held every year for over a hundred years (apart from during the two world wars ). Cyclists from all over the world come to fight to win the famous (and famously coveted) yellow jersey! The event is broadcast in no less than 190 countries and followed by millions of people around the world.

Four riders have won the Tour de France five times: Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. Last year, in 2023, it was Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard who won for the second time.

The women's Tour de France

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@letourfemmes)

Since 2022, the Grande Boucle has become a women's race again through the Tour de France Femmes, led by Marion Rousse, a former French road cycling champion and television consultant. On 12 August 2024, after the Paris Olympic Games, the top cyclists worldwide will start from Rotterdam in the Netherlands and cycle over a thousand kilometers.

Admire the inimitable beauty of the French countryside

The Tour is the ideal opportunity for spectators and supporters to admire the diversity and the beauty of French landscapes, from craggy coasts regions and charming coastlines, to soaring mountains, lush farms and its picturesque towns and villages. The Tour de France is more than just a tradition: it's a beautiful escape into the heart of France and its riches.

Le Tour, c'est aussi l'occasion pour les spectateurs et les supporters d'admirer la diversité et la beauté des paysages français, qu'il s'agisse des régions côtières, des montagnes et campagnes ou encore des villes et villages pittoresques... En 2024, une dizaine de nouveaux sites apercevront les coureurs pour la première fois dont Saint-Vulbas, Gevrey-Chambertin, Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, Évaux-les-Bains, Gruissan, Superdévoluy ou encore le col de la Couillole. Une échappée belle au cœur de la France !

Roland-Garros-turneringen, French Open

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The Rugby World Cup 2023

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The Route du Rhum

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From 25 to 30 September 2018

The Corsica Classic: an island regatta

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‘It’s not like I lost it’: Geraint Thomas on the Giro, crashes and a last Olympic hurrah

The British rider talks about doubling up in the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, and why cycling can do more in terms of safety

G eraint Thomas heads to the start of 2024’s first Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia, determined to avenge the bitter tears of a year ago when he lost the race to Primoz Roglic in a dramatic final time trial . “It was a tough and challenging moment, but for me it wasn’t like I had a bad day or did anything drastically wrong,” he says.

“Roglic had a flyer and he deserved to win it. It’s not like I lost it – he won it. It was hard. You lead the Giro for half the race and then you lose by 15 seconds on the final day: it’s a tough one. But then as [the psychologist] Steve Peters would always say: ‘Life’s not fair. Get on with it.’”

Thomas has decided to race in the Giro, which starts in Turin next Saturday, and the Tour de France this summer. “I wanted to go back to the Giro after last year and the Tour is the Tour. In the back of my mind, I’d always thought: ‘Sod it, why don’t I just try to do both …?’”

Also in the back of his mind is one final hurrah in the Olympic Games . “I’d love to do one more Olympics, but I don’t want to go and just get another tracksuit,” he says. “I want to be good enough to be in with a shout of a medal. I’ve got four tracksuits already – I don’t need another one.”

First, though, comes the Giro and the prospect of trying to derail the seemingly unstoppable Tadej Pogacar , the dominant force this spring. “Pogacar is the massive favourite, but stranger things have happened,” Thomas says. “It’s three weeks – it’s different to any other race. Anyone can have a bad day.”

So can the wily seasoned pro derail the Pogacar express? “Possibly,” he replies, “but I’m not one to play mind games. I’ll be doing my thing – try to stay consistent, good and strong all the way through. He’s a racer and he just loves winning. When he retires he’s going to be one of the greatest of all time.”

Speaking as he puts the final touches to his pre-Giro race preparation at the Tour of the Alps, the Welsh rider, like most of his peers, has race safety on his mind after a series of bad crashes sidelined big names such as Jonas Vingegaard – the Tour de France winner in the past two years – Wout van Aert, Remco Evenepoel and Roglic.

“Everyone’s talking about this now because big-name riders have crashed, but it’s been happening for years,” he says. “Racing’s got that danger element already, but I feel like it could do so much more to increase safety. There’s road furniture, traffic calming, kerbs sticking out, all that kind of stuff. That adds an element of danger as well. When you’re in it, if I thought about it, I’d be at the back [of the peloton]. You wouldn’t be racing, you couldn’t do it.”

Thomas’s words prove prophetic. Only 48 hours later during the Tour of the Alps, the Australian rider Chris Harper crashed on a fast descent and slewed head first into an unprotected lamp-post. Fortunately the 29-year-old escaped with only superficial wounds and a concussion. “Ninety per cent of the guys won’t know the roads [in this race],” Thomas says. “You’re going down these descents, flying down them. If this was a new sport, there’s no way it would be allowed.’”

Thomas fully supports the public statement made by the Ineos Grenadiers owner, Jim Ratcliffe, who in mid-April issued a public plea for a ramping up of cycling’s safety protocols. “Cyclists are always going to push things to the limit as they are elite sportsmen,” Ratcliffe said, before urging David Lappartient, the president of the world governing body, the UCI, to “ensure the safety of the sport”.

Lappartient’s recent comments, that “50% of the crashes” are down to what he called the “attitude” of the riders do not sit well with Thomas, even if he acknowledges that some riders take risks he wouldn’t. “I think Lappartient needs to focus more on the 50% he can affect,” Thomas says. “I agree with what he says, but it just doesn’t make sense to me even saying it. That means 50% is still down to him and organisers to do everything they can.”

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Ratcliffe, meanwhile, may have big plans for Manchester United but Thomas says that another Tour de France victory is also on his mind. “Jim really wants to win the Tour,” he says. “Fair play – that is the ultimate and that’s what we’re trying to do. It might take a couple of years, but I still believe that this team can get back there.”

Thomas, a longstanding Arsenal fan, said he and Ratcliffe exchanged messages after the billionaire’s majority acquisition of United became a reality. “When the deal went through, he messaged me on Christmas Eve and said: ‘United’s happening.’ I was like: ‘Ah sweet – I hope you come a strong second to Arsenal.’ He just replied: ‘Ouch.’”

Thomas’s old team principal Sir David Brailsford, although dedicating much of his time to Ratcliffe’s Manchester project, remains in contact. “I get the impression he still massively misses the team,” Thomas says. “It’s his baby really – he started it.

“He’s still really passionate about the sport. He gives me a ring every now and then. He’s still involved but just has a lot of other things going on. It is kind of strange when you see Dave on Sky Sports sat next to Sir Alex Ferguson. But he loves it. He loves a big challenge. He goes all in.”

• Geraint Thomas
• The Observer
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Favorites for the General Classification of the Giro d'Italia 2024 | Tadej Pogacar? These gentlemen also dream of the pink jersey

Is there a more beautiful jersey in cycling than the pink one? Tadej Pogacar must have thought the same thing, as after winning two yellow jerseys in the Tour de France, the Slovenian is finally making his debut in the Giro d'Italia this year. The top favorite? Absolutely. But in the Tour of Italy, it’s not always the favorite who wins. IDLProCycling.com lists the top ten contenders for the overall victory!

Please also read/coming soon on IDLProCycling.com:

- Preview of the Giro d'Italia

- Favorites for the points classification (purple jersey)

- Favorites for the mountain classification (blue jersey)

- Favorites for the youth classification (white jersey)

- Betting pool tips for the Giro d'Italia

Recent winners Giro d'Italia

2023 - Primoz Roglic

2022 - Jai Hindley

2021 - Egan Bernal

2020 - Tao Geoghegan Hart

2019 - Richard Carapaz

2018 - Chris Froome

2017 - Tom Dumoulin

2016 - Vincenzo Nibali

2015 - Alberto Contador

2014 - Nairo Quintana

Favorites for the General Classification of the Giro d'Italia 2024

To compile this list, (former) editors at IDLProCycling.com were asked for their top ten in response to the question: "Who is most likely to win the Giro d'Italia?" Each top ten was assigned points as follows: 12 points for first place, 10 for second place, and then 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point respectively. For each rider, the total points received were converted into a percentage of the maximum points possible. This percentage is indicated next to each rider. This helps give a clearer view of how the odds stack up according to IDLProCycling.com!

Antonio Tiberi/Juan Pedro López - Bahrain Victorious/Lidl-Trek: 17/108 points (15.7%)

We start off with a tie in the rankings. Antonio Tiberi appeared seven times on our lists, but often in the ninth or tenth spot. The 22-year-old Italian will chase a classification for the first time in a grand tour for Bahrain Victorious, and why would he not be able to surprise everyone? His third place in the Tour of the Alps was impressive. Top five is his goal, but with us, he just has to make do with narrowly making the top ten.

The same applies to Juan Pedro López, the winner of the Tour of the Alps and a former wearer of the pink jersey for several days. Representing Lidl-Trek, the 26-year-old Spaniard seems to have carte blanche to try again. His stage win in the Alps—where he dramatically dropped everyone—promises much. The problem for him are the time trial kilometers, so he must go on the offensive in his beloved mountains for a top ranking.

Damiano Caruso - Bahrain Victorious: 18/108 points (16.7%)

At number nine, we find Damiano Caruso, Tiberi's teammate at Bahrain Victorious and, of course, the runner-up of the 2021 Giro! That same year, he also won a stage in the Vuelta. However, the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023 didn't go as well for him.

Can he do it again at the age of 36? Or will it be more about chasing stage wins and supporting the new generation? His results in 2024 haven't been very spectacular, but neither were they before his second place in 2021. Caruso is tough, never count him out!

Luke Plapp - Jayco-AlUla: 18/108 points (16.7%)

Scoring the same as Caruso but placed a spot higher, Luke Plapp has caught the attention of several editors who believe he could be this Giro’s surprise package. One even placed him third! Why? Plapp finished sixth in Paris-Nice and seems to be climbing better than ever. Moreover, the Australian from Jayco-AlUla is an outstanding time trialist.

His switch from INEOS Grenadiers to Jayco is paying off, although he recently mentioned that the team's focus for the classification is on Eddie Dunbar. The Irishman isn't on our list, but Plapp is. He’s poised to surprise us. The Giro has often been a platform for riders to come into their own. Maybe this is the moment for the 23-year-old Plapp.

Daniel Felipe Martínez - BORA-hansgrohe: 39/108 points (36.1%)

Another man who, after a surprising departure from INEOS, has been tearing up the streets is Daniel Felipe Martinez. He beat Remco Evenepoel twice (!) in explosive finishes at the Tour of the Algarve. And let’s not forget his role as a domestique for the overall winner Egan Bernal in 2021, where he finished fifth in the Giro.

At BORA-hansgrohe, this year is all about the Tour de France. They are sending Primoz Roglic, Jai Hindley, and Aleksandr Vlasov to focus on it. This gives Martinez free rein to fully explore his potential as a GC contender. If he's really on point, he can compete with the best. He has, after all, also won the GC in the Dauphiné and the Tour of the Basque Country in his career.

Cian Uijtdebroeks - Visma | Lease a Bike: 46/108 points (42.6%)

At Visma | Lease a Bike, since December, they have had one goal: to make a splash in the Giro! Despite losing Wout van Aert and Wilco Kelderman to injuries, there remains more than enough quality to compete for stage wins every day. Olav Kooij, Jan Tratnik, Attila Valter... Impressive, to say the least.

One rider who consistently sneaks under the radar is Cian Uijtdebroeks. The young Belgian's switch from BORA to Visma last winter has been much discussed, and the Giro might shed light on whether this move was beneficial. Considering his eighth-place finish in a competitive Vuelta in 2023, he’s expected to perform even better in this Giro... We're eager to see what he does!

Thymen Arensman - INEOS Grenadiers: 54/108 points (50.0%)

Thymen Arensman is the first and only Dutchman on this list (most of our editors are Dutch), but he's no ordinary competitor. Born to race for the GC, Arensman might not typically finish in the top three of explosive finales, but he consistently secured a strong top ten spot in both the 2022 Vuelta and 2023 Giro.

Having finished sixth twice in a grand tour, he's aiming higher now. Let’s say at least top five. Geraint Thomas is the declared leader at INEOS Grenadiers, but the 24-year-old Arensman is a dangerous dark horse. After finishing fifth in the Algarve and sixth in the Tirreno, and with a year at INEOS under his belt, it's time for him to harvest the fruits of his labor.

Ben O'Connor - Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale: 61/108 points (56.5%)

We're slowly moving towards the podium, but according to our editorial team, it might just be out of reach for Ben O'Connor. Nonetheless, the Australian from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale is having an excellent season. There's no reason to believe he can't continue this form into the Giro.

The 28-year-old O'Connor is rock solid in the mountains and has improved significantly in time trials over the past few years. He won a stage in the 2020 Giro and followed up a year later with a stage win and an eighth-place finish in the final classification in the Tour de France. 2023 was marred by crashes and injuries, but in 2024, O'Connor has already impressed with a second-place finish in the UAE Tour and the Tour of the Alps, and fifth in the Tirreno.

Romain Bardet - Team dsm-firmenich PostNL: 68/108 points (63%)

Romain Bardet in the best form of his life? At Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he finished second with impressive form, after placing fifth at the Tour of the Alps. Watching a good Bardet race is a delight. And who knows what he might achieve in the GC if dsm-firmenich PostNL fully commits.

And why not? The time trials won't be easy for Bardet, but the Frenchman has greatly improved in this discipline and also has plenty of mountain stages and bonus sprints to compensate. After his second and third places in the Tour in '16 and '17, we'd love to see him on the podium again. However, it won't be handed to him on a silver platter!

Geraint Thomas - INEOS Grenadiers: 73/108 points (67.6%)

As previously noted, Geraint Thomas is the leader at INEOS Grenadiers, but it's always tough to fully gauge the Welshman. After his Tour de France victory in 2018, his career seemed to wane, but in recent years, he's rediscovered his top form. He finished third behind Pogacar and Vingegaard in the 2022 Tour and was the runner-up to Roglic in last year's Giro.

INEOS wants to race aggressively, whatever that may mean. Thomas on the attack? We've rarely seen that. He's mainly a model of consistency. Never really having a bad day, always finishing among the leaders. And in this way, we might see him on the podium again in Rome.

Tadej Pogacar - UAE-Team Emirates: 108/108 points (100%)

Whether any of the ten names mentioned can dream of overall victory will largely depend on one rider. Tadej Pogacar is the man to beat, the rider who stands out when everyone else is performing at their usual level. And this season, the Slovenian from UAE-Team Emirates is at his best...

He clinched a victory at Strade Bianche after an epic eighty-kilometer solo break, secured four (!) stage victories and the overall win in Catalonia, and topped it off with a win at Liège-Bastenaken-Liège following another bold solo effort from La Redoute. With a strong team backing him at UAE, if Pogacar stays healthy for three weeks, everything points to him dominating. However, the Giro still has to be raced, particularly with Pogacar also eyeing a win at the Tour de France this summer...

Nephew of French priest who served across Michigan during the Civil War embarks on memorial tour

The great-nephew of Belgian priest Charles Lemagie is embarking on a world tour, following in his ancestor's footprints during his time as a Confederate missionary between 1854 and 1882.

The French priest Father Charles Lamagie was sent to replace a priest in the Great Lakes Region serving with the Confederate forces under the Union flag, according to the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Chuch in New Orleans, Louisiana.

"Father Lemagie carried out the directions of Archbishop Odin for the recitation of prayers for peace, and conducted Forty Hours' Devotion, also for the same intention. Prayers were also said in 1863, for the success of the Confederate forces, as requested by President Jefferson Davis," according to Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church.

Bruno Lemagie, a surviving family member of Father Charles Lemagie, will begin his journey in France on Tuesday, traveling for two months to Belgium, Canada, and several locations in the Great Lakes region to Louisiana.

Lemagie's journey will be the fuel for his second book inspired by his family's history, following "Oublié de Dieu" published in 2018 .

In a news release on Friday, Lemagie said he will travel strictly by public transportation and seek housing with locals and in parishes, a "real adventure."

Once crossing the Atlantic, Lemagie makes stops across Michigan in Detroit, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, Marquette, and L'Anse before hitting Wisconsin cities Green Bay, Appleton, Holand Town, Maple Grove, New London, Manawa, and Waupaca.

During his time in Michigan Lemagie will visit the Dearborn Historical Museum, where Father Charles Lemagie officiated in 1859 for 13 months until January 1860.

"At the beginning of autumn, an unexpected event will call him to Dearborn. As he is the only pastor on this part of the coast and stationed not far from there," reads Oublié de Dieu. "Father Charles is in charge of the funeral service and succeeds him as director of the small community of Saint-John."

Dearborn Area History Group - Dearborn Historical Museum | My ancestor, Father Charles, a Belgian priest, officiated in Dearbon in 1859 | Facebook

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Russia arrests another suspect in the concert hall attack that killed 144.

`MOSCOW (AP) — A Moscow court has detained another suspect as an accomplice in the attack by gunmen on a suburban Moscow concert hall that killed 144 people in March, the Moscow City Courts Telegram channel said Saturday.

Dzhumokhon Kurbonov, a citizen of Tajikistan, is accused of providing the attackers with means of communication and financing. The judge at Moscow’s Basmanny District Court ruled that Kurbonov would be kept in custody until May 22 pending investigation and trial.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti said Kurbonov was reportedly detained on April 11 for 15 days on the administrative charge of petty hooliganism. Independent Russian media outlet Mediazona noted that this is a common practice used by Russian security forces to hold a person in custody while a criminal case is prepared against them.

Twelve defendants have been arrested in the case, including four who allegedly carried out the attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue, according to RIA Novosti.

Those four appeared in the same Moscow court at the end of March on terrorism charges and showed signs of severe beatings. One appeared to be barely conscious during the hearing. The court ordered that the men, all of whom were identified in the media as citizens of Tajikistan, also be held in custody until May 22.

A faction of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the massacre in which gunmen shot people who were waiting for a show by a popular rock band and then set the building on fire. But Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin have persistently claimed, without presenting evidence, that Ukraine and the West had a role in the attack.

Ukraine denies involvement and its officials claim that Moscow is pushing the allegation as a pretext to intensify its fighting in Ukraine .

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