Paris to Nice through Vineyards and Mountains

After breakfast, we’ll leisurely make our way to Reims – where we’ll revel in the opportunity to tour the city’s impressive Gothic cathedral. Then: we’ll continue to the picturesque Champagne region, where we’ll be treated to a delicious champagne tasting at a local vineyard. This evening we’ll explore the romantic town of Troyes at our leisure – admiring the quaint cobbled streets and half-timbered houses as we seek out some delicious French cuisine for dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Le Royal (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

On the agenda today: an orientation tour of Troyes with our expert Tour Leader. After taking the opportunity to visit the bustling market, this fairytale town is yours to discover. A patchwork of narrow lantern-lit lanes and rustic 16th-century buildings, every twist and turn reveals a new sight or story. And on the menu this evening? Whatever takes your fancy! There’s a plenitude of cosy cafes and intimate bistros to settle into for the night. Accommodation: Hotel Le Royal (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

This morning, we’ve an appointment to keep at La Cité du Vitrail. Here, on a guided tour, we’ll discover the heritage of stained glass – from antiquity until the present day – witnessing the impressive beauty at eye level. Afterwards, our path leads us to Chablis where we’ll swap fizz for the dry white wines of Chablis with an included tasting. This afternoon will bring us to Beaune – where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s famous Gothic architecture before we reconvene for a sumptuous dinner. Accommodation: Hôtel de la Paix (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today we’ll spend some more time in the beating heart of the Burgundy wine region with a visit to the Hospices de Beaune. Originally founded as a hospital for the poor by the Chancellor of Burgundy back in 1443, this unique building is now a museum – and an exceptional example of 15th-century French architecture. And then? The afternoon is yours for the taking! We recommend strolling the medieval ramparts for an alternative view of the town or visiting the local Burgundy wine museum. Accommodation: Hôtel de la Paix (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

After breakfast we’ll leave Beaune behind and set our sights on Chambéry – but first, we’ll stop off at a family owned vineyard for a delicious picnic filled with local produce. After taking in the marvellous views of the surrounding vineyards over lunch, we’ll be lucky enough to take a closer look around on a guided tour – with an included wine tasting session to boot. This evening will be ours to uncover the centuries-old history and exquisite local cuisine of Chambéry at our leisure. Accommodation: Hôtel des Princes (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

We’ll check off a tour highlight on day seven: the postcard-perfect alpine town of Annecy. Known for its Old Town, canals that rival those of Venice, the magnificent Lake Annecy, candy-coloured houses and cobbled streets – this lovely town is a must-visit while passing through southeastern France. Also on the cards today: a visit to a local fromagerie, where we’ll learn everything there is to know about the region’s cheese ripening process – a tradition that’s been passed down from generation to generation. After visiting the cheese cellars, we’ll have the chance to taste a sample or two. Back in Chambéry, we’ll have the evening free to seek out a local restaurant for dinner or relax at our hand-picked accommodation. Accommodation: Hôtel des Princes (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

We’ve got a sweet treat in store this morning at a local artisan biscuit shop. Enjoy an expert live baking demonstration and savour a selection of delectable goodies, including a homemade Chartreuse Baba topped with Chantilly cream. Yum! Later, we’ll wind our way to the hilltop citadel of Briançon – a picturesque retreat surrounded by the towering mountain ranges of the French Alps. Tonight, we’ll clink glasses over another delectable group dinner and enjoy some free time to relax in the fresh alpine air. Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today alpine slopes will give way to rugged hills and wildflower meadows as we travel to Sisteron – where we’ll stop to admire the extraordinary 12th-century Citadel. Continuing our journey through the charming French countryside, we’ll end our day in the historic commune of Gréoux-les-Bains. Later, we’ll round off the evening in style: with a farewell dinner to remember. Accommodation: Hôtel Villa Borghese (or similar)

• Meals
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  • Dinner

The last day of the tour will take us deeper into exquisite Provençal countryside as we press on to Entrevaux – one of the most beautiful villages in France. A picturesque medieval village along the River Var, we’ll enjoy some free time to stroll the fortified walkways to the ancient Citadel – where we’ll admire the panoramic views over the valley below. Then, it’s onwards to the elite resort and shining capital of the French Riviera: Nice. After all, there’s no better place to end our journey than alongside the clear waters of the Côte d’Azur!

• Meals
  • Breakfast