France > BASTILLE TO LAVENDER 2023/24

BASTILLE TO LAVENDER, COLOURS OF FRANCE.

Flying into Paris Charles De Galle Airport on the 12th July with anticipation and the adrenaline working over time as you look forward to meeting your travelling companion/guide and the start of your unique holiday spanning the next three weeks.

Great to experience a holiday made for just you. Clearing the customs and after meeting and greeting we head for the first nights accommodation in central Paris, enabling you to rest after a long and arduous flight.  Spending time in Paris we comfortably visit the sights of Paris and enjoy road side viewing of the world renown Bastille Days parades. Following this we experience a once in a life time viewing of Eiffel Tower darken and exploding with fire works as the finally to Bastille day activities.

Driving through the champagne districts of France we cross the border into Belgium for three days, high up in the beautiful country side of the Ardennes forest where we seek out Castles, Canoeing and spend leisurely time under the sun umbrellas of local cafes. The relaxing pleasure of admiring the views and enjoying the wines provides a leisurely side to this great holiday package . Our trip then takes us out of Belgium and across parts of France to the medieval town of Troyes. Here we explore the old town center and take in the architecture and culinary delights of the region.

The following day we track across France to the regions capital and worlds Mustard center, the colourful town of Dijon where the morning market is a must, glass of Rose’  in the Place Franqois Rude, before the Cathedral, Wine Tasting and a very rural visit to the ‘Grave Yard of the Barges’.

Dijon in our wake its off to Lake Lac and a medieval town that is a picture to behold, here we stay for three nights set on the banks of the Lake, exploring the town, visit to Chamonix and a trip on one of the world famous paddle boat ferry’s across Lake Geneva. From this Swiss lake its an onward journey to the Provence region of France staying near Arle’s the festive center. From our base  we venture out daily to visit the Lavender fields in late July, Gordes, the Camague, St Remy, Avignon the coastal town of Cassis which is set on the Mediterranean Sea plus many other highly delightful locations.

This delightful twenty one day aw-inspiring trip ends at Marseilles airport where you are assisted through the airport, the good byes and a last farewell to the warm and hazy summer light of the Provence.

Fully inclusive of:
Pick up, Drop Off, Vehicle Travel, B & B accommodation for the duration of the agreed tour.

Enquire or book now to take advantage of these exciting personal trips.

Options and alterations:
Alterations and personalization of our driving tour is welcomed.

Day 1

Arrival in Paris, we drive to our accommodation and settle in after your long air flight across the Atlantic. There is time in the day to walk and enjoy the Louvre Gardens, cafes and local shops. We select a typical corner French cafe and have a well earn’t local meal while watching the people of the world walk by along the Seine river before retiring for the night.

Accommodation: – Paris

Day 2

The day spent in Paris, visiting and going up the Eiffel Tower, lunch on the banks of the Seine River followed by a climb and visit of the Arch de Triumph before retiring to find ones feet. We then travel to the quay and enjoy a leisurely night time meal on one of the glass topped river Seine restaurant barges and see Paris at night. There is an option to visit one of Paris’s premier Night Club shows or attend a musical performance in the Opera house of Paris.

Accommodation: – Paris

Day 3

Options abound on this final day in Paris, a visit to the Versailles Gardens with a summer lunch in the garden cafe will leave you in awe of the days of yesteryear. there is the Louvre and Notre Dame cathedral with its stories of the Hunch Back climbing the bell towers.

Early evening we make our way to a vantage spot on the Place de la Concorde to watch the sun meld away and the Tower alight with fireworks, a stroll back to the accommodation stopping after being drawn in by the yellow lights of a cafe for a coffee.

Accommodation: – Paris

Day 4

Leaving Paris behind we drive across the Eastern central belt of France through the renown Champagne region and the battlefields of 1918 via the city of Reim’s with its large Cathedral and  blue stain-glass windows. Onward to the town of Sedan famous for its gateway in WW2 for the Axis forces into France, we head deep into the Ardennes Forest and find the river Semois and our accommodation stop in Alle. The evening is spent exploring the small town and enjoying an evening drink at the swimming pools edge while watching the river sweep by and the sun meld away.

Accommodation: – Alle

 

Day 5

A short drive through the forest’s winding roads and we find ourselves in the valley town of Bouillon with its majestic Castle overlooking the valley and river below. Lunch on the boulevard and Castle visit before finding the hidden cafe’s which bussel with locals this time of year. The evening is spent with a mountain top meal and a relaxing drink back at base.

Accommodation: – Alle

Day 6

After breakfast its a short walk to arrange our kayaks, then we are taken up river to a launch site after which we spend the next few hours canoeing down the quite Semios river, stopping where necessary t take in the views and tranquility. After a late lunch its either time to explore the district a little more or just relax around the pool.

Accommodation: – Alle

Day 7

Leaving Belgium we drive across the French border heading West through many towns and country villages to the Medieval city of Troyes. The old city is a pleasure to wander through with its many cafes and Restaurants which we will enjoy through the afternoon and long light evening.

Accommodation: – Troyes

Day 8

Today we drive West to Dijon which is renown for its Mustard and Wines, we stay in the region for a couple of days visiting and exploring the delight capital town of the region with its roofs tiled in mulit coloured patterns. A good French crepe with a glass of Rose’ watching the activities around the double decker carrocell, makes a memorable picture. There is a large market in the town along with some quality shops and cafe’s. An evening meal of Beef Burgoyne which originates from the region should be a must on the evenings menu.

Accommodation: – Dijon

Day 9

A drive North today and we find ourselves in the small town where the movie La Chocolate was filmed, wandering through the streets we notice locations seen within the movie. We visit the ananaceed factory, see how its manufactured and taste the products which are sent around the world from this small village. We return to our base in Dijon after visiting a number of rural villages.

Accommodation: – Dijon

Day 10

Once again today we go rural across fields, though villages in the Cote’de Ore to the junction of the river Saone and the Canal de Bourgogne in St Jean de Losne. The local church is worth a visit as it is dedicated to the sailors and next door a ice cream of a rose’ just makes you feel that you are really in France. A short visit to the Barge center and a drive back to Dijon along the canal roads opens our eyes into the world of barging through Europe.

Accommodation: – Dijon

Day 11

Our journey takes us South through Dole a market town on the way to Champagnole and Lausanne on the banks of Swiss Lake Lac. We enjoy a visit and coffee on the waters edge before driving around the lake via Geneva and the 20 km onto our destination of Yvoire’s.

Accommodation: – Yvoire

Day 12

The medieval town set behind the old gated stone walls and on the banks of lake Geneva makes a picturess spot with its Castle and french gardens. The shops and restaurants cater for all as this is a major spot to visit along the southern coast of the Lake. We take a trip on one of the ‘wedding cake’ paddle boat steamers for an evening meal or afternoon tea before returning to watch the Port close of the night.

Accommodation: – Yvoire

Day 13

Being so close to the Alp’s we drive through Switzerland and onto Chamonix home of past Olympic winter games and Mont Blanc on the Italian/French border. This fine Alpine town with its unique railway station where ‘angled’ mountain trains regularly depart, views of the Glacier all add to the uniqueness of the holiday trip. We return to Yvoires and spend our last evening before setting off for the southern region of the French Provence.

Accommodation: – Yvoire

Day 14

Today we make our long drive South along side the Alps’s cutting through the Rhone valley so famous for both its wines and the Mistral winds. We arrive at our destination and enjoy a lazy minute on the front balcony of the hotel Jules Cesar watching the towns activities.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 15

A short drive finds us enjoying the hospitality and atmospheer of the small village of Maussane where we can sit under the giant Plain Trees enjoying our summer lunch. We travel over the Alpilles Mountains to St Remy on the Northern side. We visit the medieval mountain village of Le Baux, Vincent Van Gogh’s hospice and famous locations. The magical town of St Remy with its circular road and Bull chasing festivals. We return to our base for a well earn’t rest for our feet and a pleasant local meal in traditional suroundings.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 16

Well the town is alive! Arle’s Market day with it to be the largest and most visited market in France, we join in and wander and purchase fresh goods to make up our picnic lunch for the day. Finding we drive through the lavender fields, visiting Senanque Abbey where we see the products made from this colourful plant.

We spend time visiting the local sights and have our evening meal in the yellow Van Gogh cafe.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 17

We drive to the town of Uses which is a quaint town with shady trees and cafes surrounding a central well, shops and cafe’s abound making the town a must stop spot. From here we collect our kayak for a pleasant river ride through the county and to the impressive ‘Pont de Gard’ a famous triple deck Roman viaduct which we float beneath before mooring and being collected/returned to our car for our return to Arles.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 18

A good run through Salon and Aix on Provence to the small but lively coastal town of Cassis, set on the rocky escarpment abutting the Mediterranean Sea a little West of St Tropez. We spend the day in the region taking a ferry boat out along the coast and enjoy the cafes and restaurants with there sea fish delights. Returning to Arles via the French version of Venice where we stroll the narrow canal paths  and take in the unique beauty of the town.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 19

We visit the mountain top town of Gordes, set on a rocky cliff it offers pleasant cafe’s and a quality restaurant to travelers in the region. We visit the Ise of Sorgues and its canal markets that makes an interesting day followed by an evening meal overlooking the Roman Arena’s in all its glory.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 20

A short country drive from Arles we find the University Town of Avignon. Avignon the site of the Roman Catherlic church for a period of time. The Palais des Papes is yet another visit likewise the views over the Rhone river and the cafe’s opposite the Hotel De Ville. Fine shops, renowned half bridge and the city walls with their battlements make a day in Avignon a must.

Accommodation: – Arle

Day 21

After a holiday trip that has opened up borders and a real insight into central France time has come today to make our way to the Marseilles airport where we assist you in customs and boarding your return air flight home.

End.

 

• This map is indicative only.
• As per all tours, all details (hotels, locations and points of interest) can be customised to suit your individual taste.

• Subject to currency fluctuation.
• Subject to availability.
• Trips described on this site are not a quote or a set schedule, but a suggested trip that can be modified and await your confirmation.
• All driving travel is subject to road and traffic conditions. If unforeseen conditions, deviations may be necessary.
• Any nominated roads are shown as an indication only and not necessarily the roads travelled.
• Full Travel/Health/Baggage Insurance is to be taken out by each traveller.
• There are some accommodation locations that are most popular therefore the earliest confirmation of your intentions is recommeded.
• Double room accommodation; Single room options available.
• Free Day or Free time indicates that you have time to yourselves to explore, rest or sit around the pool.
• Lists of sightseeing opportunities are available.
• Non smoking trips
• Full disclosure of any medical conditions is imperative including next of kin details.
• Meal inclusions indicated are to a given value.
• Legend:
  • [B] Breakfast included
  • [L] Lunch included
  • [D] Dinner included