France

Paris: 4 NightS

We explore many of the city’s famous features such as the iconic Eiffel Tower, and the relaxing Jardin du Luxembourg. We stay on the Left Bank so there is plenty of time and access to explore the Pantheon and to make the most of the River Seine for travelling. We do travel to the Right Bank to spend time in the Louvre, and to visit many of the city’s other attractions, like walking up the Champs Elysee! Using Paris as a base for some regional tours, we spend a day in Versailles discovering the fascinating and spectacular Palace de Versailles. The gardens, the paintings and the architecture are all of another era but remain as spectacular as they were when first established and we have discovered the best way to access as much as possible of the 2,000 acres (8 sq kilometeres). We will also be visiting Mont Saint Michel, a stunning monastery situated on a tidal island on the west coast of France.

Reims: 3 NightS

Reims is situated only 129 kilometres from Paris but feels like a world away. Renowned for many reasons, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage cathedral is where French kings were crowned for centuries. It features grand Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass. Built under the direction of four different architects, the church was started in about 1211 and mostly finished just 60 years later.

In addition to spiritual nourishment, Reims offers a more earthly delight — Champagne. Though many wine-growing regions in France produce sparkling wines, only the grapes from this region can be called Champagne. While the ancient Romans planted the first grapes here, Champagne was not “invented” until the late 17th century, and then it was by virtue of necessity — the local climate and chalky soil did not produce competitive still wines.

The city sits atop vast chalk tunnels and Roman cellars used by famous producers like Ruinart, Taittinger, and Veuve Cliquot for tastings and tours and of course we will be taking such a tour.

Bordeaux: 3 NightS

Bordeaux, hub of the famed wine-growing region, is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. It’s known for its 18th- to 19th-century mansions and notable art museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux. Public gardens line the curving river quays. The grand Place de la Bourse, centered on the Three Graces fountain, overlooks the Miroir d’Eau reflecting pool. We will be visiting Saint Emilion and Biarritz from Bordeaux.

Sarlat – La – Canéda: 3 NightS

Sarlat is a medieval town in southwest France’s Dordogne department. Its central Sainte-Marie Church, redesigned by architect Jean Nouvel, hosts an indoor food market, and a glass elevator in the bell tower offers city views. Sarlat Market sells local delicacies like foie gras and cheese. To the south, close to the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat, stands the bullet-shaped Lanterne des Morts tower.The town is a delight to walk in and it’s also close to the other beautiful parts of the Dordogne which we will explore.

Toulouse: 4 NightS

Toulouse is a southern France city located on the Garonne River, known for it’s terracotta architecture. It is a blend of Roman, Visigothic and Occitan heritage which makes it both interesting and beautiful. Founded by the Romans it was the centre of the Visigoth kingdom in the 5th century. It is located close to the Spanish border and is France’s fourth largest city.

While here we will visit both Carcassonne and Albi- east and west of Toulouse, for some spectacular sights nearby. Carcassonne is home to a walled city as well as being on the Canal du Midi. Albi has a spectacular cathedral as well as the Toulouse Lautrec museum and some stunning historical towns nearby, which we will also spend some time in.

Avignon: 4 NightS

For our 4 days/nights in Avignon, we explore the city which was home to the first Catholic popes. We visit the Cathedral des Papes where the history of the establishment of the heart of the Catholic Church is explained as well as the subsequent move to Italy. Some of you may remember the French song- Sur La Pont, D’Avignon? We get to walk on the bridge which the song is about. (La Pont is the Bridge in French). We then head to other stunning parts of Provence, a truly beautiful part of France, with small villages, waterways and bridges and, of course, local food to enjoy

Nice: 4 NightS

Then it’s off to Nice, famous for its beaches and coastline but full of historical significance, attractive to artists and perfume lovers alike. We have 4 nights here. We visit Monte Carlo and Monaco, to wander through wonderful historic and picturesque places as well as visiting villages in the mountains and Cannes (famous for its film festival)while enjoying fine dining and rustic cafes.

Paris: 4 NightS

We fly back to Paris to allow for a last farewell to this special city. We spend some time on the Seine visiting parts of Paris not usually visited by all but worth the time. We visit the historic Sacre Coeur and Montmartre, museums and gardens such as a visit to Monet’s home and gardens.

These all have significant histories and architecture to go with their contents. It’s a great way to farewell France as we prepare for the flight home to Sydney.