Villages of France

Day 1

Bonjour Paris!

Welcome to Paris. After settling in, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner – the perfect chance to get to know each other over classic French flavours. If you’re keen to see the city from a different angle, join an Optional Experience Seine river cruise and take in the sights of France’s capital.

Day 2

Discover Orléans

Follow the story of Joan of Arc and her role in the city’s siege as you explore Orléans at your own pace, visit the medieval centre or browse the local boutiques. In Bourges, join a guided walking tour and visit two of its most impressive landmarks – the UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and the 15th-century Palais Jacques Cœur. If you’re looking for something special this evening, you can choose an Optional Experience that includes a regional dinner and Nuits Lumière, where the city’s historic buildings are lit up in a spectacular open-air show.

Day 3

From Bourges to Beaune

Travel through the Burgundy countryside and pause for a Be My Guest experience, where you’ll be welcomed with regional dishes and local stories in a peaceful rural setting. In Beaune, your Travel Director will lead a walk through the historic town centre, known for its wine heritage and colourful architecture. Then visit the Hôtel-Dieu, a former hospital turned museum, and see one of Burgundy’s most recognisable buildings from the inside.

Day 4

Flavours of Dijon

Join your Travel Director in the mustard capital of France for an orientation of Dijon’s historic centre, where elegant streets, timber-framed buildings and local delicacies come together. On market day, visit Les Halles – the covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel – and see Burgundy’s food culture in full swing. Then Dive into Culture at the Moutarderie Fallot to learn how mustard is made and enjoy a tasting of unique flavours. Spend the afternoon as you please before returning to Beaune.

Day 5

Through the Countryside to Strasbourg

Visit La Citadelle de Besançon, a UNESCO-listed fortress designed by Vauban, with panoramic views and exhibitions that explore its military legacy. In Colmar, your Travel Director leads a walking orientation through canal-lined streets and colourful timber-framed houses. In Strasbourg, explore a city where you’ll see both French and German influences – from its open squares and historic centre to the architecture that reflects its blended past.

Day 6

Discover Strasbourg

Explore the city with a Local Specialist on a guided walk through the city’s historic centre. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, stroll through Petite France and see central landmarks like Place Kléber, each offering a glimpse into the city’s unique character, before your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. The afternoon is yours to explore further or relax. In the evening, join an Optional Experience to enjoy a regional dining experience featuring classic Alsatian dishes in a welcoming local setting.

Day 7

Journey to Wine Country

Travel to Metz, where you can take in the cathedral and explore the city’s historic centre. Continue into the Champagne region and arrive in Épernay for a tasting of the drink that made the region world-famous. In Hautvillers, stop to see the statue of Dom Pérignon, the monk whose name lives on through one of Champagne’s most prestigious labels. The day ends in Reims, where you’ll gather with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a final dinner, toasting to the journey through Paris, the French countryside and villages.

Day 8

Through Meaux to Paris

Visit a cheese dairy in Meaux and Dive into Culture as you learn how Brie de Meaux is made using traditional methods. Enjoy time to explore the local farmers’ market, where stalls are filled with fresh produce and regional specialities. Back in Paris, spend the afternoon your way, you might explore landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre, or join an Optional Experience to Fragonard Perfumery for a guided tour and fragrance workshop. In the evening, another Optional Experience invites you to enjoy dinner and a Parisian cabaret show: a lively night out filled with music, movement and classic French flair.

Day 9

Your Journey Comes to a Close

So, it’s “adieu Paris,” and farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers who’ve shared this journey through France.