Tailor-made France tours 2024/2025

Alsace & Champagne

Alsace & Champagne holidays are made for travellers who enjoy the finer things in life. Savour the flavours as well as the sights along the undulating road of the Alsace Wine Route, dotted with medieval villages. Weave through Champagne’s hillsides, houses and cellars, protected by UNESCO’s World Heritage List. History fans can stand in awe of Reims Cathedral, the city that saw the coronation of France’s kings; walk the narrow streets of Strasbourg (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site); wander around the ‘Little Venice’ of Colmar; marvel at the museums in Mulhouse; or stroll through the old centre of Troyes. Nature enthusiasts will love the lakes, mountain passes and valleys of Vosges; the landscapes between the waters and greenery of the Orient Forest Regional Nature Park; and the magical migration of cranes around the Lac du Der. And for those who like the sound of it all? Well, staying a few extra days won’t hurt…

Aquitaine & South-West France

Aquitaine, an area once ruled by the Romans, is now a cluster of vibrant French departments bordered by quaint seaside towns and the Pyrenees Mountains. It would be worth the trip just for the exceptional cuisine, from the Sauternes wine in Saint-Émilion and the oysters in Arcachon Bay, to the fois gras in Landes and the ham in Bayonne. Even vegans will be spoiled for choice, seeing red in the cherry jams of Itsatsu and the peppers of Espelette, or black and white in the region’s finest truffles. But there’s more to Aquitaine & South-West France holidays than the food. Visit for the sea, lapping against the carved coast of Biarritz and rippling gently in Arcachon Bay. Find a surfer’s paradise on the infinite sandy beaches of the Silver Coast and a hiker's holy place among the Pyrenees Mountians which are scattered in walking trails in the summer and skiing slopes in the winter. See the red and white villages of the Basque Country, and inhale the sweet scent of resin in the Landes forest. Most of all you’ll remember the people; whether it’s at the rugby, the ferias (traditional festivals), or simply the smiling locals.

Bordeaux

For wine lovers, Bordeaux is the mothership. Sitting pretty as a picture in south-western France, this world-famous wine-growing region is filled with sunny vineyards, spectacular chateaux (built with the proceeds of the wine trade) and excellent restaurants with wine lists longer than your arm. Just for good measure, and making Bordeaux holidays an even more attractive option, the city of Bordeaux itself is also a very manageable gem.

Brittany

If a combination of cute coastal towns, beautiful beaches and romantic rolling countryside is your idea of the perfect summer getaway, then Brittany holidays are just the ticket. This hilly peninsula in north-western France is the perfect spot to slow down, unwind in nature and make time for simple pleasures, whether it's seriously good seafood fresh from the ocean, or tours around time-worn towns with expert local guides.

Burgundy

Synonymous with good living, the Burgundy region is home to some of the finest wines in the world, and top-quality cuisine to match. Take your seat at the table of La Côte Saint-Jacques in Joingny, or at William Frachot’s restaurant in Dijon, Burgundy’s capital, for an unforgettable dining experience. Visit the region’s world-renowned vineyards to sample its namesake Burgundy wine (as well as superb pinot noirs, Chardonnay, Chablis and Beaujolais). If you get tired of eating (highly unlikely), use the extra fuel to climb the natural prehistoric Rock of Solutre and stroll along the peaceful meanders of the Saone, the key tributary to the Rhone. Meanwhile, Burgundy’s bucolic countryside and rolling hills lend themselves to outdoor pursuits aplenty, including cycling, hiking and boating along the criss-cross network of canals.

Central France & Loire Valley

Deep in the heart of France, the Loire Valley is the epicentre of picturesque feudal palaces. Thanks to the river’s crucial role in transportation before the French Revolution, nobles, royals and aristocrats constructed their extravagant homes along its banks – and luckily for us, many are still there today. Discover the castles: Chambourd, grandiose and elegant, and the largest of them all, with its 440 rooms and 282 fireplaces; Chenonceaux, with its intricate arches overlooking the Cher tributary; and Azay-le-Rideau, a jewel standing tall on an island in the Indre River. Gaze at the wild lands of Sologne and the greenery of Brenne Regional Natural Park, where you can spot freshwater turtles, purple herons, and black-necked grebes. For more dramatic backdrops, explore the dormant volcanoes and lush slopes of Auvergne, or head to the verdant hillsides of Limousin and catch a glimpse of the region’s famed red cows. To cool off on your Central France & Loire Valley holidays, swap the swimming pool for the natural waters of La Roche-Posay. Stroll through the medieval streets of Chinon or Blois, and explore Bourges Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience central France through your taste buds, savouring the green lentils of Berry, the crottin (goat cheese) in Chavignol, and the sweet tarte Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron. Choose a charming château hotel on the river’s edge, and at the end of the day, you can sleep like a king yourself.

Corsica

The Greeks used to call the island of Corsica 'Kaliste', meaning ‘the most beautiful’ – and with good reason. Corsica is a place that can’t be tamed - the wildly diverse terrain ranges from idyllic crystal-clear beaches and lush nature reserves to jagged rock formations that make it the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean. You'll find smooth granite boulders that wouldn't look out of place in the Seychelles, turquoise lakes tucked into hollows among the peaks and sandy coves offering the perfect haven for undisturbed sun worshipping. But if you’d rather immerse yourself into this idiosyncratic island's history, Corsica holidays can also be jam-packed with culture. While nominally French, Corsica was formerly part of the Genoese empire, and remains a fusion of influences. Mingle with the smiling locals at a beachside bar and taste Corsican delicacies like wild boar, smooth local cheeses and pretty decent wines. Centuries on, it’s still just as easy to see why the Greeks were so impressed.

Dordogne

When it comes to utterly dreamy destinations that look like they're straight from the pages of a storybook, the sleepy French region of Dordogne (known as Perigord in France) fits the bill perfectly. Located inland from Bordeaux, the Dordogne region was home to the descendants of the original tribes of ancient Gaul, and Dordogne holidays encompass beautiful medieval villages, fairy-tale castles (1,001, if you believe the marketing spiel) and glorious rolling countryside where sunny bike rides and truffle foraging are the only orders of the day.

French Riviera

The French Riviera, located on France’s sunlit Mediterranean coast, has attracted the crème de la crème of A-list celebrities and royal guests for years. Here, the light, the smooth pebbles, the milky blue sea and the clear blue skies are all that’s needed to live the dolce vita. Italy is just a stone’s throw away, brought even closer by its historical ties that blend the best of both cultures together. Taste socca – a traditional flatbread made with chickpea flour – freshly cooked in the old streets of Nice. Visit the chapel of Cocteau in Villefranche-sur-Mer, after browsing the town’s quirky flea market overlooking the water. Breathe in exquisite scents in Grasse, the soul of the world’s perfume industry and walk in the green valleys and the inland mountain trails. On French Riviera holidays, getting your culture fix doesn’t have to mean leaving the glorious sunshine; admire the exhibition of the moment at the Maeght Foundation, where modern art spills out into its vibrant gardens. Listen to jazz within the open-air atmosphere of a Roman theatre. When the sun sets, spend the night at Hotel Martinez, an art deco ode to luxury on the beachfront of Cannes. Recharge your batteries the French way on the Cote d’Azur.

Hauts-de-France

In the past, the northernmost region of France has been undeservedly unsung. However, Hauts-de-France holidays have heaps to offer; from ancient castles and Gothic cathedrals to rolling countryside and more than 120 miles of wild, windswept coastline. An hour north of Paris by high-speed train, the region’s capital, Lille, also has direct rail links to London which makes the city’s ornate old town, creative culture and Flemish flavours easily accessible (and great for an eco-friendly break, sans air miles). Speaking of flavours, Hauts-de-France has been crowned European Region of Gastronomy for 2023, recognising the area’s rich culinary heritage and focus on farm-to-fork sustainability. And these gastronomic delights often come paired with a locally-brewed beer, enjoyed against a backdrop of dramatic scenery. Waiting just across the English Channel, Hauts-de-France might be ideally situated for a short break, but the longer you stay the more you might find to love.

Lyon

Lyon may be France’s second city, but it’s undoubtedly the first when it comes to food. With fantastic markets and restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to cosy bouchons (Lyonnais bistros), Lyon is the undisputed foodie capital of France. The food-focused experiences combine with vibrant culture and a prosperous university, while the city’s well-preserved Renaissance architecture reveals 2,000 years worth of fascinating history. Outside the city, cycle through the vineyards of Beaujolais and discover for yourself that while these wines are dismissed by many, the ten Beaujolais Cru Domaines are a serious step up from the Beaujolais of your imagination.

Normandy

Steeped in history, the rugged splendour of this region in north-western France has played a disproportionately important role in European history, from the Norman invasion of 1066 to the D-Day landings in 1944. The area's rich and sometimes brutal history has given us some of the most memorable and moving works of human creation, from the astounding medieval monastery of Mont St Michel to the incomparable Bayeux Tapestry and the endless rows of white crosses, standing in green fields; a solemn tribute to the fallen of WWII. This is a place filled with natural beauty and historic significance - it's also the home of Camembert, cider and calvados; so there really is something for everyone.

Paris

The landmarks of Paris are nothing short of iconic. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe are among the most recognisable silhouettes in the world. Stroll along the banks of the Seine to take in the unmissable sights and afterwards, experience the city the Parisian way. Treat yourself to a massage at Le Bristol, and indulge in brunch at Hôtel Lutetia, or a drink at Hôtel Particulier’s hidden bar in the backstreets of Montmartre. Marvel at endless art exhibitions and designer boutiques, and watch a beautiful sunset from a Parisian rooftop. If you want to experience the capital beyond the 20 arrondissements, Paris holidays can also be spent away from the centre to discover what lies beyond: to the west, the luxury of Versailles; to the south, the rocks and trees of Fontainebleau; to the east, the open-air cafes along the river Marne; to the north, the greenery of Vexin Regional Natural Park. Experience Paris and the Ile-de-France in your own way, ticking off its icons and discovering its secrets, as a couple, as a family, or with friends.

Provence & The Mediterranean Coast

From the mountains to the Mediterranean, the Provence region of southern France oozes charm. Stretching from the Hautes-Alpes, across to the Rhone Valley and down to the coast, there’s more to Provence holidays than its fragrant lavender fields. Sip an ice-cold drink in Marseille, breathing in the sea air drifting through the Vieux Port. Gaze out over the rooftops from the top of the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and explore the latest exhibition at the Mucem museum. Or, turn away from the big city, and stroll through the golden streets of Aix-en-Provence, birthplace and much-loved home of impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. See Arles through the eyes of Van Gogh and unwind for a few days in the tranquillity of Hôtel Particulier or in the creative atmosphere of Le Cloitre, both renovated by the Swiss philanthropist Maja Hoffmann. Take a trip to the Cite des Papes in Avignon, which fizzles with energy during its festival, before returning to the unrushed serenity of its day-to-day life. Nature lovers will be in their element, too. Meander through the Verdon Gorge and take a dip in the crystal blue creeks of Cassis. There’s something for everyone in Provence.

The Alps

There are few destinations as awe-inspiring as the French Alps. Standing tall on the borders between France, Italy and Switzerland, these snow-capped peaks are a picturesque backdrop to getaways all year round. The star, of course, is Mont Blanc, towering over the region at 15,781ft tall (and counting – the highest point in Europe has grown over 111ft in 15 years). Only the most hardened athletes can scale its summit, but with surroundings as beautiful as this, you won’t need to. Nature’s wonder is everywhere, from the Vanoise National Park and the shimmering Lake Annecy, to the Route des Grandes Alpes and the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix. The Alps holidays allow you to fill your lungs with fresh air, skiing, surfing or hiking off the beaten track, before relaxing in the natural mineral waters of Uriage and Aix-les-Bains. Replace the lost calories with some local raclette or tourtons – a speciality pastry stuffed with potato, fresh Alpine cheese and onion – and a glass of Savoy red, before sleeping under the stars.