The France you know and imagined, plus places you never knew existed
Over twenty incredible days this utterly unique itinerary will immerse you into areas and regions of France sadly so ignored by others
You will explore grand royal châteaux, wander medieval villages lined with half-timbered houses and seemingly untouched by time, savour world‑class wines in ancient vineyards, and stand in places where history changed the course of nations. From Champagne country to the poignant battlefields of Verdun, from the colourful canals of Colmar to the dramatic cliffs of the Verdon Gorge, and finally to the shimmering Mediterranean shores of Nice -each day offers a new experience, paints a new story, and adds a new memory to treasure. With carefully selected hotels in exceptional locations, gourmet dining, breathtaking scenery, and a balance of included guided experiences and personal ‘My Time’, this journey invites you to simply relax, immerse yourself, and enjoy the splendour of France. All done the Albatross Way!
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Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
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Welcome drink on Day 1 31 meals including 19 breakfast (B), 1 lunches (L) and 11 evening meals (D) A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
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Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 19 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
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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
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Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including a prestigious Champagne tasting in Epernay, a spectacular falconry display at Kintzheim Castle, exploring the world’s largest car collection in Mulhouse, a scenic rail journey through the Jura Mountains, and discovering the extraordinary medieval charm of Pérouges. 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.
Verdun
Verdun stands as one of the most haunting and heroic battlefields in history.
For 302 days in 1916, French forces held the line against a relentless German assault, suffering immense losses yet embodying the defiant cry: “Ils ne passeront pas”—they shall not pass. Our visit begins at the vast Douaumont Ossuary, beside a cemetery of 16,142 graves and above the remains of 130,000 unidentified soldiers. We continue to the Trench of the Bayonets and the destroyed village of Fleury‑devant‑Douaumont, now peacefully reclaimed by nature. In Verdun’s underground Citadel, a gripping VR experience brings to life the soldiers’ world beneath the battlefield.Strasbourg location
Location is everything when it comes to elevating a city stay
In Strasbourg, the location of our 5-star hotel couldn’t be more exceptional. For two nights, you stay in the very heart of the city’s most enchanting area, the UNESCO‑listed district of La Petite France. Canals, half‑timbered houses and centuries of history surround you at every turn. From the hotel’s terrace bar, take in an uninterrupted view of the iconic Maison des Tanneurs - the most photographed building in Strasbourg. This isn’t just a place to sleep - it’s a front‑row seat to the soul of the city.Castles and Eagles
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and Kintzheim Castle superb falconry show
Today we explore two spectacular Alsatian castles perched high above rolling vineyards. First, ascend to the dramatic Château du Haut‑Koenigsbourg, towering 757 metres above the valley. Its soaring ramparts, sweeping views and richly restored medieval interiors create the perfect Gothic fairytale castle—complete with the atmosphere of a true Germanic knight’s fortress. Later, the excitement continues at Kintzheim Castle, where an extraordinary falconry show unfolds as we sit in its ancient ruins. Falcons, eagles, hawks and owls swoop close overhead and skim the courtyard in a breathtaking display of power and grace. An unforgettable, spine‑tingling experience!Colmar plus more
So much to see, so much beauty and we give you time!!!
With a leisurely stay in the heart of picturesque Colmar, we have a perfect base for exploring the authentic beauty of Alsace. Beyond the city’s charm, the region reveals itself along the famed Alsace Wine Road, where rolling vineyards and half‑timbered villages create a storybook landscape. We have allocated quality time to wander Ribeauvillé’s cobblestone streets, lined with colourful houses, and discover equally enchanting Riquewihr and characterful Éguisheim. In the hilltop village of Zellenberg, surrounded by fields of Reisling vineyards, we stop for a tasting at the historic Jean Becker estate, renowned for over 400 years of winemaking and pioneering organic practices.Ungersheim open-air museum
A fascinating time capsule - France’s largest open‑air museum
Step back in time as we make a special visit to the Ecomusée d’Alsace, France’s largest open‑air museum and one of its most enchanting. Wander through a beautifully recreated historic village where traditional houses, barns, farms, and workshops have been carefully relocated and rebuilt beam by beam. Explore the fortified Mulhouse tower, peaceful Renaissance and Medieval gardens, and charming cottages filled with period furnishings. With its wash house, oil mill, carpenters’ shop and more, this living museum feels like stepping into a vibrant, centuries‑old Alsatian community you will never want to leave.Cars Cars Cars
Explore the remarkable Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse
We have included a really special visit to the home of the world’s largest and most significant car collection. With more than 500 vehicles spanning over a century, the Cité de l’Automobile museum will captivate you even if you hate cars because they need cleaning! Highlights include its famous Bugatti collection and an extraordinary range of automobiles—from tiny early models to grand, sweeping “gangster” cars. Many designs are long forgotten, while others remain iconic, elegant, historic, and astonishingly valuable. An unforgettable and visually stunning experience.The Belfort Lion
A giant Lion designed to tell a story
Explore Belfort’s imposing hilltop citadel, culminating in a visit to the iconic Lion of Belfort. Sculpted from red sandstone by Bartholdi—creator of the Statue of Liberty—the monumental lion stands 22 metres long and 11 metres high. Designed to command the landscape, it remains a powerful symbol of Belfort’s resilience and history.Burgundy wine and dinner
Côte de Nuits, enjoy a wine tasting and terrace lunch in a vineyard
Burgundy at its best! On our drive between Dijon and Beaune we will follow the wine route through the prestigious Grand Crus vineyards of the Côte de Nuits. Here we will stop in a village to enjoy a talk and tasting of fine, local Burgundian Wines. As a finale, we will then settle into our terrace restaurant located amongst the surrounding vineyards, to enjoy a Burgundian dinner with wine. Delicious and delightful!The Swallow Train
Ride on a scenic train – the Ligne de Hirondelles
Ride the historic Ligne de Hirondelles, also known as the Swallow Train, a 123 km scenic railway winding through the Haut Jura National Park. One of France’s most challenging lines to build, it took 50 years to complete and moves at a gentle pace as it passes through 36 tunnels and over 18 viaducts. The journey reveals striking views of the Grandvaux Plateau, the Forêt de Chaux, the Arbois vineyards, and the Vallée de la Bienne before arriving in Saint‑Claude in time for lunch.Perouges
An extraordinary gem – a medieval time capsule walled town
Visit Pérouges - an absolute gem of a hilltop walled town. Officially listed as one of France's most beautiful and best-preserved villages (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France), Pérouges dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries and is an absolutely authentic, atmospheric cluster of stone houses. Surrounding the old stone square little streets and alleys are lined with vines climbing ancient walls and stone steps. We visit here in the afternoon because it is just beautiful.Avignon
'City of the Popes'
Explore the UNESCO listed, papal city of Avignon with a local guide. Once the home of Catholic popes, you are surrounded by impressive architecture and history. A highlight will be your tour inside the massive Papal Palace. Afterwards, 'My Time' to visit the Jardin (Garden) des Domes and take a stroll across the Saint-Bénézet Bridge. Otherwise known from the famous song as the Pont d’Avignon, this medieval bridge with just 4 arches remaining, juts out only part way across the Rhône River.Chateauneuf-du Pape
Wine Estate visit and tasting, and dinner in the hills above the Rhône
One evening during our stay in Avignon we venture to nearby Chateauneuf-du Pape, set on a hill like an island rising out of a sea of grapevines, to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner in one of the many wine estates in this renowned area of the Rhône wine region.Les Baux spectacle
The extraordinary Carrières de Lumières show
As well as visiting the imposing Pont du Gard – a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct – we journey to the crumbling castle and once deserted village of Les Baux. Underground, inside an abandoned stone quarry, we enjoy a stunning audio-visual art show – the Carrières de Lumières. What an experience as music surrounds you and classic works of art are projected as massive frescoes all around you, onto the walls and ceilings.Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The Village Beneath the Peaks
Dramatically perched beneath two massive rock pillars, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a fabulous town—so pretty! Wander its charming street maze, brimming with excellent shops and inviting cafés. This iconic Provençal gem offers perfect leisurely shopping and dining amid stunning architecture.Dates and Prices
* The itinerary and hotels featured are based on 2026 tour departures and may be subject to change. Any questions, please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.
Your Hotels
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.
- At the time of writing this, there are no activities or excursions which may be specifically or unusually physically challenging.
- Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more informatio
Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
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