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La Grande France

Discover five of France’s seductive regions

From Paris to Nice, this itinerary showcases spectacular history, landscapes, foods and wines of France (plus Monaco!)

Embark on a captivating journey through five alluring regions of France, the graceful châteaux of the Loire Valley, the Dordogne, the land of the Cathars in the Languedoc Roussillon, to ancient Provence and the stunning Côte d’Azur. Wonderful experiences including the extraordinary Carrières de Lumières, the incredible caves of Gouffre de Padirac, wine tasting in the Loire Valley and Roquefort cheese tasting.

  • Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach

  • Welcome drink on Day 1 23 meals including breakfast daily (B) and 8 evening meals (D) A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners

  • Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 15 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)

  • Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Local guides as described in the itinerary

  • Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including Loire Valley wine tasting, Chateau Villandry gardens, Roquefort cheese tasting, Dordogne barge cruise and Calanques cruise ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described

Tour itinerary

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Hand Selected Experiences

These are just a few of the very special hand selected experiences that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.

Loire Valley

Wine Tasting

We visit a Wine Cave for a tasting of local Loire Valley wines.

Château Villandry

Magnificent Gardens

Visit Château Villandry to explore the magnificent terraced gardens, inspired by the classic gardens of the 16th and 18th century. Each of the 6 gardens is distinguished by a specific theme and design, and features include ponds, topiary and ornamental hedges. The extraordinary kitchen garden covers 12,500 square metres.

Amboise

Da Vinci’s Residence

In the charming riverside town of Amboise, on the banks of the River Loire, we visit Da Vinci’s residence – Château du Clos Lucé. It is here in the underground rooms that you have the opportunity to see forty machines designed by this amazing inventor.

Oradour-sur-Glane

Visit the ‘Ghost Village’

In June 1944 this village was destroyed and has been preserved as a memorial to this awful moment in history.

Dordogne

Sarlat & La Roc Gageac

Explore the medieval, architectural time capsule village of Sarlat with a local guide. Noted for its gourmet food, cheeses, pâté and foie gras, Sarlat is also famous for its beautifully preserved old town with its café filled squares and delightful cobblestoned alleyways. Later, in the nearby picturesque village of La Roc Gageac, we board a barge and drift slowly down the River Dordogne past medieval castles.

Carcassonne

Guided Walking Tour

Dating back to the 13th century, Carcassonne is a magnificent timepiece. We are joined by a local guide to explore the ramparts and maze of cobbled streets and watchtowers in the old town of Carcassonne. We include entrance to the medieval castle, with its gigantic double walled fortifications and 53 watchtowers.

Millau

La Couvertoirade, Millau Viaduct & Roquefort cheese

Explore the medieval village of La Couvertoirade, that was transformed into a dramatic fortified castle by the Knights Templar and voted as one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ (most beautiful villages of France). Cross the extraordinary Millau Viaduct across the mighty Tarn Gorge & visit the Viaduct Museum. In Roquefort, enjoy a guided tour down through the Caves and a tasting of this rich tasty cheese.

Avignon & Pont du Gard

'City of the Popes' & Ancient Roman Aqueduct

Explore the beautiful papal city of Avignon, the gateway to Provence. Once the home of Catholic popes, you are surrounded by impressive architecture and history. Walk across the spectacular Pont du Gard, an ancient roman aqueduct built in the first century AD.

Calanques Cruise

Along the Côte d’Azur

Discover the dramatic Calanques on a coastal cruise along the Côte d’Azur. These rugged inlets with steep cliffs tumbling into the crystal clear, azure waters are best viewed by boat.

Dates and Prices

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* Dates, prices, itineraries and hotels shown may be subject to change on specific departures. Please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.

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To register your early interest in our 2026 Europe and UK Spring tours, please complete our pre-registration form.  We will keep you informed as our tours are developed and released.

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Tour Suitability

Due to the nature of the niche places we visit on this tour, to explore all of the beautiful towns and sites a level of mobility is required.

  • From experience we know that since this tour is packed with so many top shelf experiences people find it more taxing than usual
  • The Gouffre de Padirac cave visit can be a little more challenging, and persons with mobility difficulties are advised to go down in the lift if they choose to participate in this activity. However, there are a further 70 steps down to the underground river level 103 metres below, which are metal "Eiffel-Tour" style. There are 3 sets of elevators to take you all the way back up. The gallery tour includes several sets of steps. Access to the Salle Du Grand Dome involves 150 steps going up and 150 steps going down, and is a one-way system so once you commence you cannot turn back. Those who have mobility difficulties may choose not to participate in this activity.

Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.

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