Country Roads of France
From CAD $7,365 Was CAD $8,665
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Consider this your ‘Tour de France’ — a 16-day guided tour that embraces the best of the country, from fortified towns and fine wines. Drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco, stopping to step inside its cathedral, where Princess Grace has been laid to rest. In St Paul de Vence, play petanque, a bocce-like sport, then celebrate your new skills with a fine French aperitif. Travel to Carcassonne, a fortified city complete with ramparts and a medieval keep. Drive through the Valley of the Dordogne, then feast on a farm-to-table dinner paired with regional wine. In Paris, embrace the City of Light’s most beloved sites: marvel at the Eiffel Tower, gaze at Louvre's glorious facades, and be driven down the posh Champs Elysees to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
- Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
- Troyes: Journey through the Champagne region and stop for a tasting of renowned Champagne wine.
- Grenoble: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Grenoble.
- Cahors: See the Pont Valentré as you enjoy a tasting through the markets.
- La Roque-Gageac: Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
- Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
Insight Choice
- Monaco City: Admire the Italian Renaissance frescoes and State Apartments of the Prince's Palace.
- Monaco City: Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Admire grand aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas, and gain insight into the challenges of scientific research in Polar environments.
Insight Experiences
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.
Make Travel Matter
- Avignon: Supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, meet owners Jean-Benoît and Catherine at their organic olive mill, where sustainable farming promotes biodiversity. Explore the groves, learn about eco-friendly cultivation and taste exceptional oils of the highest quality.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dijon: Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
- Chamonix: Explore the city's charming streets set against a backdrop of the stunning French Alps.
- Annecy: Enjoy free time in the Little Venice area.
- Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Eze: Visit a perfumery to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.
- Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
- Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and why it became a refuge for artists.
- Aix-en-Provence: See the mansions of the Cours Mirabeau, a lively thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence.
- Pont du Gard: See the ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Gardon River, a true marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the Pont du Gard stands as a testament to Roman ingenuity.
- Avignon: Once the seat of papal power, Avignon is a city steeped in history and charm. View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe.
- Cite de Carcassone: Enjoy an orientation of this fortified town and see the fortress, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Albi: This is the birthplace of artist, Toulouse-Lautrec. Walk the town and marvel at the awe-inspiring cathedral.
- Montignac: These caves contain some of the oldest and finest prehistoric art in the world. For preservation reasons, they have been replicated in all their glory.
- Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19581
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 33.87A
Starts: Paris, France
Finishes: Paris, France
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,365 ($460 /day)
Itinerary
Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at a classic local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Accommodation: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals: Dinner
Journey through the vine-clad scenery of the Champagne region. Admire the green shoots in spring, full summer foliage or the russet autumnal hues, this is a glorious region throughout the year. Visit the city of Troyes and admire its medieval Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses while sipping a glass of champagne. On arrival in Dijon, an orientation by your Travel Director reveals the charming architecture and history of the city.
Accommodation: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.
Accommodation: Grand Dijon La Cloche
Meals: Breakfast
A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. You could take in panoramic views of the mountain peaks and valley below from the Chamonix cable car or explore this mountain resort. In the evening you may choose to try a pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a traditional table barbecue.
Accommodation: Alpina Eclectic Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Le Grand, BW Premier Collection
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue through Provence to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and with Insight Choice enter the Oceanographic Museum dedicated to the concept of the Mediterranean Science Commission or visit the Royal Palace of Monaco and see Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Nice
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.
Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
Marvel at the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring the storied streets of Avignon, home to the seat of the Pope and Christianity in the 14th century. Move on to a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a local olive estate, where you’ll stroll through scenic groves. Learn about sustainable olive oil production from tree to table and indulge in a tasting of artisanal oils where you’ll learn to differentiate the rich palette of aromas, colors and textures. Return to your hotel in Aix-en-Provence for a free evening to relax and unwind or explore the city’s vibrant cafes and boutiques.
Accommodation: Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travelers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi. This evening savor a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Saint Antoine, Albi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliffside above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims traveling through France on the Camino de Santiago to Spain. Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.
Accommodation: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with a morning drive into the Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine golden limestone houses. Relax this evening in the beautiful surroundings of the Dordogne region while you dine at the hotel.
Accommodation: Le Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Accommodation: Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe
Meals: Breakfast
During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the Luxor obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening with a delicious dinner of excellent French cuisine and wine to toast your journey through France.
Accommodation: Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Have traveled with Insight many times. I find better food choices and better hotels.knowledgable guides and great new buses with very good drivers. Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was wonderful on history, art, politics and food. And bus driver, Denis, took many country roads which showed us real country sides look like. May first was Labor Day and with stores closed I saved on shopping!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
5 Customer Experience *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very knowledgeable and made an effort to recover some clothing I left at the Mariott on day 1 but unfortunately the items were stolen by the hotel. He did his best on this manner. Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* had a fantastic attitude with a big smile and an excellent driver. My biggest gripe were the sick travelers in our group. They coughed, sneezed, etc. and infected most of the group. I believe the tour director should have been more strict in "highly recommending" they wear masks. He made one announcement at the beginning and then 10 days later made a second announcement to use masks and hand sanitizer but by then it was too late. I think 70% of our tour group got Covid/respiratory virus on this trip. People were selfish in not protecting their fellow passengers. It made us very uncomfortable and angry. Its something I have to consider whether I participate in future Insight tours Read less Trip Rating?? 5 Enjoyed the country roads driven by the coach driver. Maybe a few less villages and more free time. Would appreciate later starts in the morning too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
very good customer service Overall we loved the itinerary. We enjoyed seeing the countryside and areas of France that we would not see if we were travelling on our own. We participated in all of the optional excursions except for Moulin Rouge. In general, the excursions were fairly priced...except for Nice Old Town and Wonders of Aix. They were both very average walking tours that were not worth the cost. We would have skipped both if we had known how sub-par they would be. I did not at all enjoy the Nicoise dinner. Hotels in general were good....not exceptional. Loved the hotel in Nice and the great sea view. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a great tour guide and *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a wonderful driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Communication could be better. We did not get the welcome email and we accidentally found our guide in the foyer of the hotel who gave us important information that we needed. Itinerary is great although when you go to the garden on the side of the mountain people should be warned about the climb involved.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Terence Lawrence - Traveled, April 2025
We were well looked after. Great that everything is planned but with ample free time. The historical sites, the scenery. Really highlights what a beautiful country France is. So much more than Paris. Such diverse landscape so fertile. Well planned trip .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Denise Marks - Traveled, April 2025
This is my 4th trip with Insight. Every driver, tour guide and local guides are great. (And Love the fact I don't tote my luggage around) The bus is always immaculate and very comfortable. The hotel rooms are always. Beautiful vistas from the bus drive and the accommodations. You visit villages where a lot of other tour groups miss.. Strong emphasis on the painters of the Impressionist era!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
The accommodations were very nice and the guide did an excellent job of making everyone feel special. Excellent overview of the countries and spent time seeing special locations that gave us a real insight into.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2025
Michael K - Traveled, April 2025
This is our second country roads and to be followed next week by a third one. we do like the country roads pace and the pace of France was great am I can't think of any adjustment I would make. Elizabeth was a wonderful person and a very knowledgeable guide but she didn't pay much just attention to logistics and we were continually wondering about where do we eat, where a washroom was, where to change money, etc period I just don't think it's in her to do logistics. Otherwise great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Good and prompt service from travel corporation staff in Singapore. Easy pace, but long drive on someday. Beautiful countryside scenery. Enjoyed Chamonix and the magnificient view of the mountains from the hotel's restaurant. Tantalising french food. Wonderful and thoughtful tour director and driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
William Simpson - Traveled, September 2024
The service was very good to excellent. The tour was excellent, the bus driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was awesome and tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very personable and knowledgeable. The only suggestion I have was not enough tour time was allocated to Paris . I
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
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