Paris and the South of France

What’s that huge white arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées? It’s the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Your licensed local guide will elaborate on this and other Parisian landmarks. See some of the city’s most famous sites, including the ornate 19th-century Opera, the presidential residence, and the Place de la Concorde—where, at the centre, you’ll find the Obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in 1836. Spot chic locals (and plenty of tourists) strolling the Champs-Élysées. Look up at the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Visit Les Invalides (a refuge for war-wounded soldiers) and the École Militaire (Napoleon’s alma mater).

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.

Take France’s fastest train to the coastal city of Biarritz, once a whaling town and later a favourite bathing spot for international royalty, earning it the nickname “The Queen of Beaches and the Beach for Kings.” Today, Biarritz offers world-class surfing, sweeping views along the Basque coast, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.

Stroll through the cobbled streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, once a haven for Basque corsairs, where French and Spanish history intertwine: this is where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660. Then cross into San Sebastián, a jewel of the Spanish Basque coast, where golden beaches meet Belle Époque elegance and pintxos (Basque tapas) are a culinary art form.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a major pilgrimage site featuring the Grotto of Massabielle, several beautiful basilicas, and healing spring water, attracting millions of visitors for spiritual reflection and worship. Please note: The Bath House Experience is available only from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The turrets and ramparts of this medieval citadel look as if they were drawn by a story book illustrator. The oldest sections of the wall were built by the Romans in the 1st century, but most of Carcassonne's current character is from the 13th century. From the battlements you can see over green plains and hills all the way to the Pyrenées. Follow your Tour Director on an interactive adventure through this preserved city that will bring the portcullis and drawbridge, restored houses and watchtowers to life!

A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most stunning ancient monuments in Provence. Explore its arches and learn how this marvel carried water across the Gardon Valley for centuries.

Discover the beauty of Provence amid lavender fields, olive groves, and ochre-coloured villages. Explore Roman legacies at the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Nîmes amphitheatre, still used for performances today. Then travel into the Alpilles mountains to see the medieval fortress ruins of Baux-de-Provence, once a stronghold for surrounding villages.

Make a compelling sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cézanne, Monet, or another artist whose work highlights Provençal landscapes. Emphasize how the region’s unique light and scenery profoundly influenced their artistic vision.

Step into glamorous Monaco, a tiny principality on the French Riviera famed for its luxury, history, and royal connections. Visit the Prince’s Palace, home to Monaco’s ruling family, and see why this city-state became a playground for royalty and movie stars. Then travel to the medieval hilltop village of Èze to visit a traditional parfumerie, where expert perfumers have crafted scents since the 1700s.

The Côte d'Azur's largest city spills down the hillsides to pebble beaches that line the shore. Your Tour Director will show you around the narrow pedestrian streets and tiny squares of "Le Vieux Nice" (Old Town), which is sprinkled with old palaces and mansions. Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the water. Backed by Nice's grand hotels, the Promenade was built in the 19th century for the British who flocked here en masse.