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Provincial French Countryside

From $5,497
total price from Boston, New York
$4,895 air & land inclusive plus $602 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
15 days
Tour Membership
12-24 Guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Experience the beauty, allure, and hospi­tality of provincial France, at an easy pace and in a unique style. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, the journey ­features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy as we stay in charming rural inns and small country hotels. It’s a small group tour de force!

Tour Details

Provincial French Countryside

From $5,497

total price from Boston, New York
$4,895 air & land inclusive plus $602 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Experience the beauty, allure, and hospi­tality of provincial France, at an easy pace and in a unique style. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, the journey ­features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy as we stay in charming rural inns and small country hotels. It’s a small group tour de force!

Small Group Highlights

  • Medieval Carcassonne
  • Market town of Albi, including Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
  • Cliffside village of Rocamadour
  • Caves at Lascaux IV
  • Dordogne River cruise
  • Chateau at Chenonceau
  • Medieval Mont-St-Michel
  • Bayeux Tapestry
  • Tours of Normandy’s Landing Beaches and D-Day sights
  • American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach
  • Memorial Museum, Caen
  • Monet’s gardens at Giverny
  • Paris city tour

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Toulouse, France
Depart U.S. for Toulouse, France
2
Arrive Toulouse
D
D
Arrive Toulouse

After arriving in Toulouse in the Midi-Pyrénées today, our time is at leisure until we meet our tour director this evening for a welcome dinner and a ­briefing about the journey ahead.

After arriving in Toulouse in the Midi-Pyrénées today, our time is at leisure until we meet our tour director this evening for a welcome dinner and a ­briefing about the journey ahead.

3
Toulouse/Carcassonne
B
B
Toulouse/Carcassonne

Today we tour nearby Carcassonne, the quintessential medieval town with the longest city walls in Europe. Sitting atop a hill overlooking vast green plains that stretch all the way to the Pyrénées, Carcassonne boasts battlements and ramparts dating to the 1st-century Romans. We return to Toulouse mid-afternoon for time at leisure.

Today we tour nearby Carcassonne, the quintessential medieval town with the longest city walls in Europe. Sitting atop a hill overlooking vast green plains that stretch all the way to the Pyrénées, Carcassonne boasts battlements and ramparts dating to the 1st-century Romans. We return to Toulouse mid-afternoon for time at leisure.

4
Toulouse/Albi/Sarlat
B
D
B
D
Toulouse/Albi/Sarlat

We travel today to the historic market town of Albi in the Midi-Pyrénées. Hometown of Belle Époque artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi was built with rose-colored bricks that cast a warm glow over the medieval streets and ramparts. Our city tour here includes the medieval Cathedral and Palais de la Berbie, an ancient fortress now a museum of works by Toulouse-Lautrec. Leaving Albi, we travel to the rugged, unspoiled countryside of the Périgord region and the Dordogne Valley. We continue on to Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of France’s prettiest villages and one of Europe’s best preserved medieval gems, with more registered historic sites than anywhere else on the continent. We’re in the land of the truffle and foie gras, so bon appétit!

We travel today to the historic market town of Albi in the Midi-Pyrénées. Hometown of Belle Époque artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi was built with rose-colored bricks that cast a warm glow over the medieval streets and ramparts. Our city tour here includes the medieval Cathedral and Palais de la Berbie, an ancient fortress now a museum of works by Toulouse-Lautrec. Leaving Albi, we travel to the rugged, unspoiled countryside of the Périgord region and the Dordogne Valley. We continue on to Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of France’s prettiest villages and one of Europe’s best preserved medieval gems, with more registered historic sites than anywhere else on the continent. We’re in the land of the truffle and foie gras, so bon appétit!

5
Sarlat/Lascaux IV
B
L
B
L
Sarlat/Lascaux IV

This morning we tour the International Center for Cave Art at Lascaux IV, showcasing reproductions of the orig­inal pre-historic cave paintings found nearby. After lunch at a charming local inn, we spend the afternoon on a leisurely cruise along the Dordogne River, life-blood of this fertile region and redolent with history. As we pass cliff-top castles and fortified medieval towns, the historical region of Aquitaine comes to life – this is where beloved Eleanor of Aquitaine reigned in the 12th century. We return to Sarlat, where dinner tonight is on our own.

This morning we tour the International Center for Cave Art at Lascaux IV, showcasing reproductions of the orig­inal pre-historic cave paintings found nearby. After lunch at a charming local inn, we spend the afternoon on a leisurely cruise along the Dordogne River, life-blood of this fertile region and redolent with history. As we pass cliff-top castles and fortified medieval towns, the historical region of Aquitaine comes to life – this is where beloved Eleanor of Aquitaine reigned in the 12th century. We return to Sarlat, where dinner tonight is on our own.

6
Sarlat/Rocamadour
B
B
Sarlat/Rocamadour

This morning we take a brief walking tour then have time at leisure to visit some of Sarlat’s museums or art galleries – or simply to wander the atmospheric cobblestone streets. After lunch on our own we visit nearby Rocamadour, a revered pilgrimage site and medieval village whose three tiers cling almost impossibly to a sheer limestone cliff. We take a guided walking tour then enjoy some free time before we return to Sarlat mid-afternoon. Dinner tonight is on our own.

This morning we take a brief walking tour then have time at leisure to visit some of Sarlat’s museums or art galleries – or simply to wander the atmospheric cobblestone streets. After lunch on our own we visit nearby Rocamadour, a revered pilgrimage site and medieval village whose three tiers cling almost impossibly to a sheer limestone cliff. We take a guided walking tour then enjoy some free time before we return to Sarlat mid-afternoon. Dinner tonight is on our own.

7
Sarlat/Le Dorat/Saumur
B
L
B
L
Sarlat/Le Dorat/Saumur

This morning we depart for the Loire Valley, stopping in the small market town of Le Dorat for lunch at a local restaurant. From here we travel on to picturesque Saumur and our hotel, a converted 18th-century mansion on the banks of the Loire River.

This morning we depart for the Loire Valley, stopping in the small market town of Le Dorat for lunch at a local restaurant. From here we travel on to picturesque Saumur and our hotel, a converted 18th-century mansion on the banks of the Loire River.

8
Saumur
B
L
D
B
L
D
Saumur

Late this morning we visit a local winery where we enjoy a tour and a tasting, then we return to our hotel in the early afternoon and have time to enjoy this town of half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets as we wish. Options include exploring the town’s old quarter; visiting the Cavalry Museum; or tasting the renowned locally made sparkling wine at Maison du Vin. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Late this morning we visit a local winery where we enjoy a tour and a tasting, then we return to our hotel in the early afternoon and have time to enjoy this town of half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets as we wish. Options include exploring the town’s old quarter; visiting the Cavalry Museum; or tasting the renowned locally made sparkling wine at Maison du Vin. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

9
Saumur/Chenonceaux
B
D
B
D
Saumur/Chenonceaux

We’re in chateaux country, where England battled for control of France; where Joan of Arc triumphed; and where a great opu­lence reigned during the 16th century. Originally built as fortresses to keep intruders out, the Loire Valley’s grand chateaux now welcome visitors from around the world. We tour a most impressive one today: Chenonceau, the Renaissance masterpiece considered the most romantic chateau of all. We enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant.

We’re in chateaux country, where England battled for control of France; where Joan of Arc triumphed; and where a great opu­lence reigned during the 16th century. Originally built as fortresses to keep intruders out, the Loire Valley’s grand chateaux now welcome visitors from around the world. We tour a most impressive one today: Chenonceau, the Renaissance masterpiece considered the most romantic chateau of all. We enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant.

10
Saumur/Mont-St-Michel/Crépon
B
D
B
D
Saumur/Mont-St-Michel/Crépon

Traveling north this morning, we stop at Mont-St-Michel, Normandy’s famed Gothic abbey that sits atop a 264-foot-high rock formation at the edge of the sea and was constructed between 1017 and 1521 of granite hauled stone by stone from Brittany. After a guided tour and some free time for lunch and to explore on our own, we return to our hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, we dine together at our hotel.

Traveling north this morning, we stop at Mont-St-Michel, Normandy’s famed Gothic abbey that sits atop a 264-foot-high rock formation at the edge of the sea and was constructed between 1017 and 1521 of granite hauled stone by stone from Brittany. After a guided tour and some free time for lunch and to explore on our own, we return to our hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, we dine together at our hotel.

11
Crépon/Bayeux/Caen
B
D
B
D
Crépon/Bayeux/Caen

Miraculously spared during wartime bombing, medieval Bayeux is our first stop today. Here we visit the Tapestry Museum, home of the 1,000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the exploits of William the Conqueror. Later we visit Caen’s Memorial Museum devoted to “history for peace.” Time permitting, we may visit Arromanches late this afternoon.

Miraculously spared during wartime bombing, medieval Bayeux is our first stop today. Here we visit the Tapestry Museum, home of the 1,000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the exploits of William the Conqueror. Later we visit Caen’s Memorial Museum devoted to “history for peace.” Time permitting, we may visit Arromanches late this afternoon.

12
D-Day Landing Beaches
B
L
D
B
L
D
D-Day Landing Beaches

A poignant, inspiring day is ahead as we travel to the very places where Allied forces overcame overwhelming odds to alter the course of World War II. We visit Pointe du Hoc, where American Rangers scaled towering cliffs to establish a beachhead; Utah Beach; and Ste-Mère-Eglise, where the 82nd Airborne Division successfully parachuted on June 5, 1944. We end the day at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach in Colleville. It’s a particularly moving site; row upon endless row of white marble crosses and Stars of David honor the nearly 10,000 American troops who lie here.

A poignant, inspiring day is ahead as we travel to the very places where Allied forces overcame overwhelming odds to alter the course of World War II. We visit Pointe du Hoc, where American Rangers scaled towering cliffs to establish a beachhead; Utah Beach; and Ste-Mère-Eglise, where the 82nd Airborne Division successfully parachuted on June 5, 1944. We end the day at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach in Colleville. It’s a particularly moving site; row upon endless row of white marble crosses and Stars of David honor the nearly 10,000 American troops who lie here.

13
Crépon/Giverny/Paris
B
B
Crépon/Giverny/Paris

This morning we visit the village of Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Here we see the familiar lily pond and wisteria-covered Japanese footbridge of Monet’s paintings, as well as his home, now restored to its original design. Then we travel to Paris, reaching our hotel late afternoon. We are free for dinner on our own in this culinary capital.

This morning we visit the village of Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Here we see the familiar lily pond and wisteria-covered Japanese footbridge of Monet’s paintings, as well as his home, now restored to its original design. Then we travel to Paris, reaching our hotel late afternoon. We are free for dinner on our own in this culinary capital.

14
Paris
B
D
B
D
Paris

Today we get acquainted with one of the world’s great cities, seeing the highlights on this morning’s city tour, including a guided visit to the Musée Rodin. This afternoon is free for independent exploration, perhaps to visit another of the city’s fine museums, such as the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay; take a boat ride on the Seine, or to stroll the Champs Elysees. Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner to bid “adieu” to France.

Today we get acquainted with one of the world’s great cities, seeing the highlights on this morning’s city tour, including a guided visit to the Musée Rodin. This afternoon is free for independent exploration, perhaps to visit another of the city’s fine museums, such as the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay; take a boat ride on the Seine, or to stroll the Champs Elysees. Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner to bid “adieu” to France.

15
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

This morning we depart for the airport and our connecting flights to the U.S.

This morning we depart for the airport and our connecting flights to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 13 nights’ accommodations in Superior First Class, First Class, and unrated hotels
  • 25 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov
Toulouse 63 69 75 74 65 55
Paris 60 67 73 70 61 51

Average Temperature (°F )

  Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov
Toulouse 63 69 75 74 65 55
Paris 60 67 73 70 61 51

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Paris – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$495
+ $345 Single Supplement

Paris – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$495
+ $345 Single Supplement

Savor the City of Light on your own time, at your own pace.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • 2 nights’ accommodations at Hôtel Château Frontenac (Superior First Class)
  • 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
  • Transfer to airport

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Laurent Pesneaud

“‘Excellent’ does not begin to describe Laurent’s gift of sharing France’s culture and history. His gentle humor and generosity made this tour very special.”

Duane & Glenna Meneely
Albuquerque, NM

Caroline Buizza

“Caroline was the total package… She had great people skills and shared personal experiences that made the trip come to life.”

Courtney & Allan Astley
Richmond, TX

Christophe Léger

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Balwinder Probhakar de Bois-Juzan

“Balwinder was outstanding. She was so knowledgeable of every site we visited plus added a touch of humor to her stories. Couldn’t have asked for a better tour director.”

Harold & Elizabeth Shoemaker
Colorado Springs, CO

Catherine Chamoux

“Catherine was an excellent tour director – well informed, caring, helpful. She’s probably the best we have ever had!”

Martha & Paul Crump
Odessa, TX

Florence Hebert

“I cannot praise Ms. Hebert enough… We loved and trusted her and knew we were in the best hands whatever the place or situation. She was pure gold.”

Dr. Elizabeth Vukman
Charlottesville, VA

Valérie Leclercq-Gueye

"We could not choose a better tour guide than Valérie. She is easygoing [and] tried to accommodate everyone as much as possible. She did an outstanding job."

Michele & Emmanuel Milord
Silver Spring, MD

Fanny Poirier

“Fabulous Fanny! She showed boundless energy, excellent knowledge of the areas visited, plus the ability to tell a great story, helpfulness, and concern for our personal needs.”

Chris & Bonnie Conroy
Montclair, NJ

Sylvie Royer

“Sylvie was friendly, insightful, and extremely knowledgeable about each area. Very generous with her time and helpfulness. One of the best tour directors!”

Dolores Hagen
Alameda, CA

Thibault Heinkens

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Elsa Maréchal

“Elsa was wonderful! Very kind and caring about each of us…A very special lady!”

Janet & Gary Rosmarin
Jupiter, FL

Tour Directors

Fanny Poirier

“Fabulous Fanny! She showed boundless energy, excellent knowledge of the areas visited, plus the ability to tell a great story, helpfulness, and concern for our personal needs.”

Chris & Bonnie Conroy
Montclair, NJ

Valérie Leclercq-Gueye

"We could not choose a better tour guide than Valérie. She is easygoing [and] tried to accommodate everyone as much as possible. She did an outstanding job."

Michele & Emmanuel Milord
Silver Spring, MD

Christophe Léger

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Catherine Chamoux

“Catherine was an excellent tour director – well informed, caring, helpful. She’s probably the best we have ever had!”

Martha & Paul Crump
Odessa, TX

Caroline Buizza

“Caroline was the total package… She had great people skills and shared personal experiences that made the trip come to life.”

Courtney & Allan Astley
Richmond, TX

Florence Hebert

“I cannot praise Ms. Hebert enough… We loved and trusted her and knew we were in the best hands whatever the place or situation. She was pure gold.”

Dr. Elizabeth Vukman
Charlottesville, VA

Laurent Pesneaud

“‘Excellent’ does not begin to describe Laurent’s gift of sharing France’s culture and history. His gentle humor and generosity made this tour very special.”

Duane & Glenna Meneely
Albuquerque, NM

Balwinder Probhakar de Bois-Juzan

“Balwinder was outstanding. She was so knowledgeable of every site we visited plus added a touch of humor to her stories. Couldn’t have asked for a better tour director.”

Harold & Elizabeth Shoemaker
Colorado Springs, CO

Elsa Maréchal

“Elsa was wonderful! Very kind and caring about each of us…A very special lady!”

Janet & Gary Rosmarin
Jupiter, FL

Sylvie Royer

“Sylvie was friendly, insightful, and extremely knowledgeable about each area. Very generous with her time and helpfulness. One of the best tour directors!”

Dolores Hagen
Alameda, CA

Thibault Heinkens

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

This was a wonderful introduction to France. We fell in love with Normandy and enjoyed seeing so many sites and learning so much history.
Edward Gerber & Melinda Parker
Niceville, FL
[We visited] areas of France which are off the beaten path. The French countryside is so beautiful. It must be noted that having an excellent tour guide who is local was invaluable.
Lee & Deann Christianson
Bakersfield, CA
This was a wonderful introduction to France. We fell in love with Normandy and enjoyed seeing so many sites and learning so much history.
Edward Gerber & Melinda Parker
Niceville, FL
[We visited] areas of France which are off the beaten path. The French countryside is so beautiful. It must be noted that having an excellent tour guide who is local was invaluable.
Lee & Deann Christianson
Bakersfield, CA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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