France may not seem that big to some, after all you could fit it into Texas – technically at least. But the sheer diversity of France means that there is just so much to see and do that it’s impossible to do it all. Thankfully most of us have an idea of what we’d love to experience most – the rich history of France for instance. Or perhaps the culture – museums, art, chateaux and churches. Or may it’s gastronomy and wine, or authentic villages, Paris, Provence, the French Riviera, Bordeaux, Normandy… Or maybe all of these and more. But what if you’re not sure how to find out where to go to make the most of your visit. What if you want a handcrafted holiday…

Customised itineraries for France

Sometimes it can seem hard to know where to start when planning your dream trip. You go onto websites – and there are some brilliant websites that can help, like this one your on now. You ask friends and people you trust. You go on social media and ask there. “I’m going to Paris – what should I see? And where should I go after to get a different view of France? And what about the best chateaux in the Loire – how do I reach them? Where should I stay? Any fabulous restaurants I really shouldn’t miss? I’m travelling solo, I want to make sure that the hotel is in a good location… near a train station… I don’t want to drive – is it possible to visit all the places I want to go by public transport?” These and many more questions might pop up when you’re organising a trip that’s not with a group, or you don’t want to be guided. Well maybe a bit of a guided tour but not completely.

Tailor-made trips

Isabelle Williams at RNI Travel is the go-to authority for organising visits that tick the boxes you want, not just what’s available. She has a little black book of contacts that’s the envy of many in the travel industry. She creates bespoke itineraries for those who want to take a trip that is truly special  The places you want to go to, guided tours if you want that, hotels booked or recommendations, restaurants booked or recommendations. River cruises, bike tours, house and car rental, event tickets, entry to museums so you don’t have to queue, private wine tastings, customised experiences that aren’t in the guidebooks… it’s all taken care of.

Personalized tours

Born in France, Isabelle now lives in the US but her knowledge of her native country and neighbouring Belgium is second to none. You tell her your budget, when you want to go and where and she and her team will organise an itinerary for the trip you dream of with full service support including help with visas if they’re needed. More than just a holiday, a bespoke trip to France is an experience, with memories to last a lifetime.

Discover France at your pace, in your own way…

Find out more and book time with Isabelle to plan your dream trip: rnitravel.com

The post Tailor-made itineraries and private tours of France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Wandering cobbled streets, cruising on the Mediterranean or French rivers, discovering gorgeous little villages and historic towns and cities, visiting memorial sites, indulging in the gastronomic delights or learning to cook with a chef, visiting the markets, staying in a castle or a luxury farmhouse in the most beautiful locations. Check out our top picks for the very best tours of France in 2023 …

Best tours of France 2023

The best cruises of France

CroisiEurope are the largest cruise operator in France, and their tours are unbeatable. Sail the rivers, canals and Mediterranean Sea and discover the culture, gastronomy and cultural wealth of France. Enjoy all-inclusive life onboard with the finest food and wines and fabulous tours that take you to the heart of each destination. No stressing, no driving, no wondering how to fit in all the glorious must-see places or how to reach the off the beaten track gems, CroisiEurope’s cruises and excursions take you to the very best of France – in style. croisieurope.co.uk

Battlefieldtours and historical travel experiences

Sophie’s Great War Tours are tailor-made historical travel experiences. This family-run specialist tour operator creates exceptional WWI and WWII battlefields tours across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Travel at your pace and explore the destinations you really want to get to know, at a time to suit you. Sophie will research the history and background of soldier so that each battlefield tour is a personal historical experience. Her team can also include additional experiences to suit you such as chateau visits in the Loire, Champagne tastings in Champagne and a classic car tour in Provence. Every itinerary is created to be perfect – for you. Sophiesgreatwartours.com

Tours for those who love the authentic

Discover the real southern France – from captivating Carcassonne to magical Montpellier, or the best of Provence and the lavender fields, Normandy, Bordeaux and Dordogne.  On these luxury, small group tours you’ll get to be a temporary local and indulge in the best gastronomy, discover the beauty and culture of France… www.tripusafrance.com

Outstanding Rhone Valley Wine Tours

The Rhone Valley is the ultimate wine lovers destination. And there’s no better way to discover this beautiful area of Provence and its vineyards than with a three day tour with a local expert guide. This is a unique chance to experience the real Provence. You’ll meet local wine makers, visit the grand domaines and famous estates. And of course, to taste the very best wines and cuisine to match. rhonewineholidays.com

Fabulous Food Tours of Dordogne

Unique and utterly scrumptious gastronomic day tours of Dordogne. You’ll be transported by 2CV through the glorious Dordogne landscape to visit the most amazing foodie destinations and taste local specialities including truffles, caviar and wine. Visit castles, breath-takingly pretty villages, vineyards, churches, manors and mills. perigourmet.com

Year round themed and bespoke small group tours of Provence

Small group tours and customized travelling to give you memories to last a lifetime. Discover the best of Provence: Lavender tours, truffle, grape harvest, and bespoke tours as well as chauffeur services for day trips or a lot longer. Emily Durand’s Private Provence tours are unique, exclusive and truly fabulous. yourprivateprovence.com

Gascony, the Basque country, Provence and southern France

Nourish your soul and unleash your spirit of adventure in Gascony. You’ll experience the famous food, wine and Armagnac of the region. And you’ll discover where to find the best antique shops and flea markets, the most beautiful villages and magnificent chateaux. From one day to weeklong tours that are customised for you. There are also tours of Provence, southern France and the Basque country. frenchcountryadventures.com

Day trips and tour packages all over France, plus brilliant shore excursions

We’ve got one thing on our mind – taking a tour or enjoying a holiday in fabulous France. Ophorus Tours are a French family run business They have huge experience of running small group tours all over France as well as shore excursions. There is a wide choice of tours from fun and informative guided walking city tours to very carefully crafted multi regional packages, wine tasting, cycling and more. Their aim is to show you France as they believe it should be shown – authentic, colourful and friendly. www.ophorus.com

‘Real’ South of France Tours

Occitanie – formerly Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrenees – is to many the real south of France. Full of hidden gems and home to captivating Carcassonne, the vineyards of Minervois and Corbières regions where some of the very best wines are produced, the historic town of Narbonne and more. The Real South of France Tours 6 and 7 day small group tours take you to the heart of this area and reveal its innermost, delicious and fascinating secrets. Discover real France with ‘Real’ South of France Tours…realsouthoffrancetours.fr

Culture & cookery tours in Provence

Cooking classes with chefs in their homes where you’ll cook “authentic French dishes, no frou frou” says host Martine Bertin-Peterson. You’ll shop at the enchanting street markets with chefs and dine at the most scrumptious restaurants in beautiful towns of Provence on this fully escorted delicious and cultural trip of a lifetime. www.goutetvoyage.com

Super Stays in France

Gorgeous chalets, villas and apartments in the Alps and beyond

Thinking of spending some winter wonderland time in the snowy Alps? OVO Network’s exclusive, handpicked and frankly gorgeous chalets, villas and apartments in stunning locations turn a holiday into a dream. There’s not much that beats sitting in a hot tub or swimming in your private heated pool as soft snowflakes fall silently around you. The Alps are brilliant way to enjoy quality time with your family, friends and even your dog (pet friendly chalets await!). Year-round gorgeous views. Always lots to do in the midst of nature’s finest. ovonetwork.com

Stunning B&B near Bergerac, Chateau Masburel

With honey-toned stone walls and sage-green shutters, the 18th Chateau de Masburel wine domaine and B&B, has a timeless, unhurried feel to it. It’s a working winery producing award winning wines. Close to Bergerac, Saint-Emilion and ten minutes from the bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande on the banks of the River Dordogne in the Gironde. it’s the perfect base to explore the area and enjoy a relaxing break. Chateau-masburel.com

Cognac no. 22 – luxury farmhouse in Charente-Maritime

A 19th century traditional farmhouse with a luxurious pool is in a tranquil village surrounded by vineyards and fields of summer sunflowers. Close to the Charente River and also the market towns of Rouillac and Matha, this gorgeous holiday rental is ideally situated for trips to the historic towns of Cognac, St Jean d’Angely, Saintes and Angoulême and the Atlantic Coast beaches. Cognac-no22.com

Gorgeous gite in a wine making village in Burgundy

La Maison des Chaumes is a bright and charming gite in the charming winemaking village of Villers-la-Faye in the Côte de Nuits. It’s minutes away from Burgundy’s crown jewel – historic Beaune. And it’s just up the hill from the famed vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Aloxe-Corton. lamaisondeschaumes.com

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Maybe you’ve visited the Languedoc region before. Or maybe you’d like to visit more of the off the beaten track parts of the Languedoc in southern France. ‘Real’ South of France Tours “More Secrets” tour takes you deep into the heart of Occitainie. To its most beautiful seaside towns, enchanting villages and superlative vineyards. Visit captivating castles and caves, marvellous monuments and historic places that most visitors are unlikely to find without local knowledge. You’ll also be spoiled with the most fabulous gastronomy and wines. And a gorgeous chambre d’hôtes will be your home while you discover the authentic glory of what many call the ‘real’ south of France…

Discover the secrets of Occitanie

You’ll discover Collioure, one of the best kept secrets of coastal France. Its exquisite charm and beauty has long attracted artists – from Matisse to Picasso. Here, the light bounces off the walls and every hour of the day offers a new dazzling display. From the quays lapped by the turquoise Mediterranean sea to the top of the Citadel designed by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military engineer, and the streets of colourful houses,  this is one of the most enchanting seaside towns in France.

You’ll also visit beautiful Marseillan, home to the famous Noilly Prat Vermouth. Nothing like the similar sounding Marseille, this is a peaceful pretty port town that feels as if time has stood still. Nearby, the Étang de Thau is a string of lagoons and a protected eco-system, famous for the oysters that flourish in the salty water.

Mirepoix will cast its spell on you with its enchanting beauty. This small architectural jewel is brimming with pretty half-timbered houses. You’ll also visit Saint-Chinian on market day and stroll the cobbled streets of Elne, the ancient capital of Roussillon. And the riverside village of Roquebrun will really wow you.

The majestic and monumental 17th century Château de Pennautier near Carcassonne will take your breath away. Its pale beauty and gorgeous gardens were designed by Louis XIV’s favourite gardener Andre le Notre. Plus, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the chateau restaurant. The 15th century Fortress de Salses is also vast, but in a completely different style. It’s imposing presence marks the ancient border between France and Spain. And dive back further in time at the Cabrespine Cavern, the oldest cave open to the public in France and whose roof is higher than the Eiffel Tower.

Fabulous Food and Wine

With 260,000 hectares, including 36% of all organic plots of French vineyards, and combining 87 appellations – the vine shapes the nature of Occitanie. The sun-drenched Languedoc is the biggest wine producing region in the world and offers an incredible variety of flavours. Languedoc’s first cru was created around the hilltop village of La Livinière. It’s from here that the cru takes its name and it’s where vines were first cultivated by the Romans. You’ll enjoy a private vineyard tour and delicious tasting in the Minvervois where families from many generations grow a great variety of wines that are hardly known outside the area. The locals say they are so good, they keep them to themselves!

And you’ll visit the beautiful Abbey of St Hilaire. It was here that the monks produced the world’s first recorded sparkling wine in 1531. And, of course you’ll enjoy a tasting of the effervescent fizz. Plus you’ll enjoy a wine tasting evening with a wine expert who will teach you the secrets of the Languedoc wines.

Relax and enjoy the tour

All meals provided on the week-long tour include local wines. Restaurants have been hand-picked for their authentic menus and delicious dishes. They include restaurants the locals love and a renowned Michelin rated restaurant overlooking the Pond du Diable in the village of Olargues, officially one of the prettiest villages in France.

You’ll stay in an award-winning chambre d’hôtes ranked among the top 25 B&Bs in France. And you’ll be transported everywhere in comfort. No rushing about. No being herded from coach to coach. Everything is taken care of by your hosts Kay and Mark. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the stunning beauty revealed in this More Secrets of Languedoc tour II.

Find out more about ‘Real’ South of France’s Languedoc II More Secrets Tour

And if you’ve not visited the area before, we recommend the ‘Real’ South of France’s Languedoc 1 Best Kept Secrets Tour.

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Provence is one of the most beloved parts of France. And no wonder, from lavender fields to perched villages, historic town and glorious beaches – this is a region that has it all. And when it comes to visiting some of the most picturesque and spectacular sites and cities, enjoying wine tasting visits, Roman remains, medieval castles and the most captivating villages, Ophorus day and half day tours with local, English speaking guides are unmatched.

The most beautiful cities, sites and scenery of Provence

Ophorus Tours are a French family run business with huge experience of running small group tours in Provence. They offer a fantastic  choice of tours. From fun and informative guided walking city tours to carefully crafted packages, wine tasting, historic monuments and more. Their aim is to show you real France  – authentic, colourful and friendly. And when it comes to Provence, their half day, full day and 5 day packages are the best. They take in the most beautiful cities, sites and scenery. Tours that enable you to immerse yourself in the history, culture and gastronomy of Provence

Off the beaten track Provence

Sometimes you just can’t reach the areas that you long to see, the lavender fields for instance. There are no trains or buses to get you there. So, Ophorus offer a half day tour from Aix-en-Provence.

It’s the same with the stunning Roman Pont du Gard, and with many of the famous perched villages, like the famous wine-producing Chateauneuf du Pape.

Other times you just know that you’ll miss the best of what some of the most famous towns have to offer. Avignon with its Pope’s Palace, Arles which captivated Van Gogh, Marseille and Cassis, Saint-Remy and Aix-en-Provence. Ophorus’ local guides and their in-depth knowledge means that you’ll get a much deeper connection with a place, you can ask questions and make discoveries that can easily be missed without that insider expertise.

Provence tours for Shore Excursions

If you’re in port in southern France for a short while and want to make the most of your Provence shore excursion time, Ophorus have loads of tours to suit groups and small groups. They pick you up and drop you back at your cruise port. They organise transport and an English speaking guide. And even entry tickets to sites, or for wine tastings, walking tours and more so you don’t have waste time queuing or trying to find your way round. And tours can be customised to suit your interests and you see your dream destination the way you imagined.

Tours start from the major centres of Provence: Toulon, Marseille, Sanary-sur-Mer, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence

Find out more and book your Provence tour at Ophorus.com

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Join a truly wonderful, unique 9-day winter tour of Provence in early December. You’ll visit Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Marseille, Avignon, Arles and the most magical villages and twinkling Christmas markets. Enjoy cooking classes, wine tastings, a craft workshop, and a tastebud-ticking truffle tour. You’ll be transported everywhere, pampered and spoiled and have the holiday of a lifetime where you’ll make memories to cherish forever. It’s a wonderful way to end the year and be ready for the new one.

In December, the memory of summer crowds in Provence has long gone. Instead an air of festiveness takes over the towns and villages as the holiday season approaches. Christmas markets sparkle as crafts folk offer unique gifts and. Creches and santon displays pop up everywhere (little figurines of saints, religious figures and more), and at the markets, the stalls heave with tempting produce.

Winter wonderland December tour of Provence

This is a wonderful time to visit Provence and American Emily Durand of Your Private Provence has created a very special one off 9-day tour that takes in the very best of the area using the knowledge she’s built up after living here for many years. Wine tasting in Nice, wandering the gorgeous old town and a visit to the spectacular gardens and palace Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Discover the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence with its boutiques and museums and famous Cours Mirabeau. In Marseille out take a cookery lesson and discover the city’s charms – by tuk tuk! In Avignon you’ll be wowed by the glittering Christmas markets and festive atmosphere. Join a truffle hunt in the countryside, and of course tasting. And explore Arles, the colourful town that so inspired Van Gogh with its Roman remains and pretty cobbled streets.

You’ll visit the prettiest villages and go to authentic markets. Enjoy an extraordinary underground sound and light show and fabulous baroque musical concert. You even join a Christmas craft workshop. Wine tastings, oysters at a bar, olive oil tasting…and more.

You’ll truly get to experience Provence at Christmas – delicious, dazzling and delightful.

Relax and recharge your batteries

And though you’ll get to see and experience so much, it’s never rushed. This is a small group tour that’s relaxed and unhurried. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you’re transported to the best of Provence.

You’ll be based in Nice for the first part of the tour. Then in stunning Aix-en-Provence for 3 nights, and captivating Saint-Remy-de-Provence for 4 nights. Emily has chosen restaurants from her little black book of Provence’s crème de la crème. Lunch at the gorgeous 18^th century Hotel Caumont in Aix, where it feels as if the sublime décor hasn’t changed in 250  years. And charming cosy restaurants that are perfect for winter visits.

This is such a special way to end the year, you’ll make magical memories and be ready for the new year.

Contact Emily at Your Private Provence to join this wonderful December tour of Provence: yourprivateprovence.com/contact

Website: yourprivateprovence.com

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Winter is one of the best times to visit France – the museums are uncrowded (and warm!), and there’s still plenty going on. And the holiday season is an ideal time to take a tour in style. So, if you’re dreaming of visiting France here are some of our top tour recommendations for winter, Christmas and New Year visits…

CroisiEurope – the best for Christmas & New Year cruises

The largest cruise operator in France, CroisiEurope’s cruises are unbeatable and their Christmas tours are legendary. Visit the famous Christmas markets of Alsace, Strasbourg, AKA the Capital of Christmas with its many festive markets and beautifully decorated streets and stores. Visit picturesque villages, take in a show, follow the wine route and be captivated by Colmar. It doesn’t get more magical than this.

CroisiEurope’s Christmas and New Year cruises also weave their magic in the Loire Valley and the Seine Valley. How about Paris to Honfleur? Enchanting any time of the year but never more so than at Christmas. Or the south of France from Lyon to Provence – including festive Avignon. And even beautiful Bordeaux.

Enjoy all-inclusive life onboard with the finest food and wines and fabulous tours that take you to the heart of each destination. No stressing. No driving. And no wondering how to fit in all the glorious must-see places or how to reach the off the beaten track gems. CroisiEurope’s cruises and excursions take you to the very best of France – in style. croisieurope.co.uk

Winter Holiday Tour in Provence

Planning for an end of the year seasonal treat? Join Your Private Provence’s festive Tour of Provence. It’s a small group tour that features VIP wine tours, culture, spa treat, cooking lesson, lovely markets and parades. You’ll visit beautifully decorated towns and villages including the beautifully decorated towns of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence.Seasonally sublime. And restaurants are chosen for their cosy winter atmosphere

And in the new year join a truffle tour when the “black diamonds” are at their best on a gourmet experience winter escape.

Alsace Christmas day and half day tours

Family run Ophorus Tours are one of the most renowned and popular tour companies in France. They have a huge range of half and full day trips including Christmas market tours in Alsace in Strasbourg, the pretty villages and Colmar. They pick you up, drop you off and have the best English speaking guides in the business. Ophorus.com

Battlefield tours and historical travel experiences

Sophie’s Great War Tours are tailor-made historical travel experiences. This family-run specialist tour operator creates exceptional WWI and WWII battlefields tours across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Travel at your pace and explore the destinations you really want to get to know, at a time to suit you. Sophie will research the history and background of soldier so that each battlefield tour is a personal historical experience. Her team can also include additional experiences to suit you such as chateau visits in the Loire, Champagne tastings in Champagne and a classic car tour in Provence. Every itinerary is created to be perfect – for you. sophiesgreatwartours.com

The post The best winter tours of France appeared first on The Good Life France.

To many, Languedoc-Roussillon (Occtanie) is the ‘real’ south of France. It’s a land of many different landscapes including glorious beaches, snow-peaked mountains, castles, picturesque villages, vineyards and fields full of sunflowers. It’s a land that is unspoiled and authentic, beautiful and historic. And it’s an area that is famous not just for its magnificent scenery – but for its exquisite wines, delectable gastronomy and welcoming folk.

Take a tour of the real south of France

Kay and Mark Williams of the ‘Real’ South of France Tours company are based in the glorious Minervois region, an area of outstanding natural beauty that’s famous for its wines. Their tours take in the very best of Languedoc-Roussillon – the most beautiful sights, monuments and towns and the most delicious restaurants.

Guests stay at their award winning chambres d’hôtes, voted in the top 25 B&B’s in France for its charm, luxury rooms and outstanding location in the picturesque village of Olonzac near the historic Canal du Midi.

Kay (who is from New Zealand) and Mark from the UK, fell head over heels for the area. They’ve spent years exploring its many treasures. Now they share their expertise, their knowledge of the secrets, culture, history and most charming parts of the region through their 7-day discovery tours.

“There’s no rushing about on our tours.” says Kay. “It’s a small group tour of 4-6 people. There’s no wondering where to book lunch or dinner. We want you to relax. To take your time to immerse yourself in the culture. Relish the wonderful laidback atmosphere of this truly special and unspoiled part of the south of France. But though you’ll never feel rushed on and off of coaches, or in and out of buildings, you’ll get to see a lot as we share with you the very best of the region…”

What you’ll see

No visit to the area will be complete without exploring one of the pin-up medieval castles of France – fairy tale pretty Carcassonne. With its pointy turrets and UNESCO-listed walled city it is a must-see. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s pale walls contrast with a pearly blue sky to create a magical moment that takes your breath away the first time you see it. And every time after.

Going back even further in time, in the town of Narbonne, you’ll spot Roman remains including the Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in the region which linked Italy and Spain. You’ll take a boat ride on the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi. And in the town of Gruissan on the edge of the Mediterranean coast, prepare to be amazed by the stunning pink sea of the salt pans. It’s the colour of local rosé wine! Salt has been harvested here since Roman times – and the delicate flakes really do taste different to your ordinary table salt! And you’ll visit magnificent ancient abbeys, majestic caves and some of the prettiest and most enchanting villages in France.

Delicious gastronomy and memorable wines

This is a tour that will please the most ardent foodie. And all the marvellous exploring certainly gives you a hearty appetite. Languedoc-Rousillon is renowned for its cuisine – succulent oysters and seafood, cheeses and of course the famous cassoulet a robust stew. The tour includes colourful and vibrant market visits, including an indoor market voted favourite of the French in 2022. There’s an olive orchard tour and fabulous wine tastings. You’ll enjoy a cooking lesson with a chef in the foothills of the majestic Black Mountains – an inspirational setting for your gourmet experience. All meals are included from gourmet picnics to renowned restaurants where you’ll get a true taste of France. And all wines are included too, including vineyard tastings.

This really is a most extraordinary tour where you’ll feel a connection to the area, get to know it’s secrets, uncover its hidden beauty and discover the exceptional sites with your welcoming hosts.

Find out more at: realsouthoffrancetours.fr

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We’ve got one thing on our mind – taking a tour or a holiday in fabulous France. Wandering cobbled streets, cruising on the Mediterranean or French rivers, discovering gorgeous little villages and historic towns and cities, visiting memorial sites, indulging in the gastronomic delights or learning to cook with a chef, visiting the markets, staying in a castle or a luxury farmhouse in the most beautiful locations…

Check out our favourite tours and stays for 2022…

The best cruises of France

CroisiEurope is the number one cruise company in Europe though they also operate worldwide. In France they offer superb river, canal, Mediterranean, regional and themed cruises. As you’d expect from a French company, their food and wine is the best – and it’s inclusive, so once you’re on board, all you have to do is relax, be pampered, and enjoy the breath-taking scenery and fabulous excursions. croisieurope.co.uk

Battlefield tours and memorial tourism

Sophie’s Great War Tours is a family-run specialist tour operator, creating exceptional WW1 & WW2 battlefield tours across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their guides are experts in history and hospitality, delivering truly unforgettable immersive historical travel experiences. Every tour is bespoke and tailored to your needs. Sophiesgreatwartours.com

Tours for those who love the authentic

Discover the real southern France – from captivating Carcassonne to magical Montpellier, or the best of Provence and the lavender fields, Normandy, Bordeaux and Dordogne.  On these luxury, small group tours you’ll get to be a temporary local and indulge in the best gastronomy, discover the beauty and culture of France… www.tripusafrance.com

Outstanding Rhone Valley Wine Tours

The Rhone Valley is the ultimate wine lovers destination. And there’s no better way to discover this beautiful area of Provence and its vineyards than with a three day tour with a local expert guide. This is a unique chance to experience the real Provence. You’ll meet local wine makers, visit the grand domaines and famous estates. And of course, to taste the very best wines and cuisine to match. rhonewineholidays.com

Fabulous Food Tours of Dordogne

Unique and utterly scrumptious gastronomic day tours of Dordogne. You’ll be transported by 2CV through the glorious Dordogne landscape to visit the most amazing foodie destinations and taste local specialities including truffles, caviar and wine. Visit castles, breath-takingly pretty villages, vineyards, churches, manors and mills. perigourmet.com

Year round themed and bespoke small group tours of Provence

Small group tours and customized travelling to give you memories to last a lifetime. Discover the best of Provence: Lavender tours, truffle, grape harvest, and bespoke tours as well as chauffeur services for day trips or a lot longer. Emily Durand’s Private Provence tours are unique, exclusive and truly fabulous. yourprivateprovence.com

Gascony, the Basque country, Provence and southern France

Nourish your soul and unleash your spirit of adventure in Gascony. You’ll experience the famous food, wine and Armagnac of the region and discover where to find the best antique shops and flea markets, the most beautiful villages and magnificent chateaux. From one day to weeklong tours that are customised for you. There are also tours of Provence, southern France and the Basque country. frenchcountryadventures.com

Day trips and tour packages all over France, plus brilliant shore excursions

Ophorus Tours are a French family run business with huge experience of running small group tours all over France as well as shore excursions. There is a huge choice of tours from fun and informative guided walking city tours to very carefully crafted multi regional packages, wine tasting, cycling and more. Their aim is to show you France as they believe it should be shown – authentic, colourful and friendly. www.ophorus.com

Stunning B&B near Bergerac, Chateau Masburel

With honey-toned stone walls and sage-green shutters, the 18th Chateau de Masburel wine domaine and B&B, has a timeless, unhurried feel to it. It’s a working winery producing award winning wines. Close to Bergerac, Saint-Emilion and ten minutes from the bastide town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande on the banks of the River Dordogne in the Gironde. it’s the perfect base to explore the area and enjoy a relaxing break. Chateau-masburel.com

Culture & cookery tours in Provence

Cooking classes with chefs in their homes where you’ll cook “authentic French dishes, no frou frou” says host Martine Bertin-Peterson. You’ll shop at the enchanting street markets with chefs and dine at the most scrumptious restaurants in beautiful towns of Provence on this fully escorted delicious and cultural trip of a lifetime. www.goutetvoyage.com

Cognac no. 22 – luxury farmhouse in Charente-Maritime

A 19th century traditional farmhouse with a luxurious pool is in a tranquil village surrounded by vineyards and fields of summer sunflowers. Close to the Charente River and also the market towns of Rouillac and Matha, this gorgeous holiday rental is ideally situated for trips to the historic towns of Cognac, St Jean d’Angely, Saintes and Angoulême and the Atlantic Coast beaches. Cognac-no22.com

The post The very best Tours de France 2022 appeared first on The Good Life France.

Join a 12-day women-only tour of sun-kissed southern France. Discover the Côte d’Azur, Provence, Camargue and Occitanie. Visit historic cities, enchanting villages and glorious coastal resorts. You’ll stay in luxury hotels, savor exquisite gastronomy and the finest wines, you’ll even have a chance to take part in a vineyard harvest. This is a feel good tour of the very best of southern France, one where you’ll make friends and memories to cherish…

Fabulous, unique tour of southern France

This unique tour is based on the best-selling novels of Canadian author Patricia Sands and the popular travel blog posts of American Deborah Bine, AKA the Barefoot Blogger. They will share with you the most fascinating places in the south of France. It’s so special it’s called the “Memories You Promised Yourself Trip” and there’s nothing else quite like it. The knowledge and passion that Patricia and Deborah have for this beautiful part of France bring joie de vivre to each day.

Discover colorful Nice with its world famous Cours Saleya food and flower market, and the perched village of Eze. Explore elegant Antibes and vibrant Villefranche-sur-Mer. Gorgeous Grasse, the capital of French perfume and oh so pretty Saint-Paul-de-Vence are also on your itinerary. And of course Aix-en-Provence, the sun-drenched city loved by Cezanne and all who visit fall head over heels for.

Roman ruins, artists, markets and more

You’ll also visit Arles with its magnificent Roman remains. And you’ll walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, including a stop at the Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole. It’s here that Van Gogh lived and painted some of his most famous works. Discover captivating Aigues-Mortes a historic, incredibly preserved 13^th century walled town. Explore the Camargue, famous for its pink flamingos, wild white horses and rose-colored salt marshes.

Enjoy wonderful French markets including at Saint-Remy de Provence and the largest indoor market in the region at beautiful Sète. Visit art galleries including Frank Gehry’s incredible new Luma Foundation. And the spectacular Carrières de Lumières in the picturesque village of les Baux de Provence. Wander gorgeous gardens including the glorious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St. Jean Cap Ferrat. You’ll visit the famous Roman Pont du Gard and the lovely town of Uzès with its maze of cobbled streets and beautiful flower market. This is a tour that takes in the very best of southern France.

Be pampered

You’ll dine at fabulous restaurants, hand-picked and loved by the locals, chosen for their authenticity and charm. Visit an olive mill, enjoy wine tastings. You’ll even have a chance to join in the vendange – the harvest of the precious grapes at the end of summer.

You’ll see the best of France in style. You only have one change of hotels. Accommodation is in luxury hotels in Nice for the first part of your tour and Arles for the second half. Nothing is rushed, this small group tour is all about relaxing. There’s time to shop, to wander and soak up the atmosphere or relax in the hotel pool. With everything taken care of, all you need to do is enjoy a wonderful time, have fun and make memories that will last forever.

For more details and to join this fabulous fall tour head to : absolutelysouthernfrance.com

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This magnificent tour starts and ends in Bordeaux city. It takes you to the magical vineyards and captivating little villages of this sunny part of France. You’ll also visit wonderful Dordogne with its castles and ancient towns. A visit to the sunny south, this exclusive Bordeaux and Dordogne tour is all about great food and wine, the most wonderful sites and getting to know France like a local…

Wine, culture and fabulous food in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is often called France’s greatest city. Quite simply, it has everything that makes you fall head over heels in love with France. Great wine – surrounded by some of the world’s best vineyards. Great restaurants – it has become serious competition for Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France. UNESCO listed architecture, wonderful markets, museums galore, wall to wall sunshine, fabulous shopping, historic buildings. In short, it’s not far from the perfect French city. In fact Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain called it “the very essence of elegance” the last time she visited.

You’ll stay in a gorgeous hotel in a fantastic location for 3 nights. Take a guided tour to see the city’s most beautiful sites, and indulge at the best restaurants including dinner on a boat. Visits include the Cite du Vin wine museum and the Bassin de Lumières immersive light show. Plus there’s time to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city

Vineyards and Saint-Emilion

You’ll visit the famous Saint-Emilion wine producing area. In this enchanting little hilltop village, officially one of the prettiest villages of France, you’ll dine at a Michelin starred restaurant. History, beauty fine wines and fabulous food – guaranteed to uplift your soul.

You’ll also get to explore the local vineyards. Here you’ll learn the winemaking secrets of the most famous wine region in the world. Of course you also taste some exquisite wines. You’ll watch a master chef at work in the kitchen of a chateau as he prepares your lunch which you’ll enjoy with a tasting of magnificent local wines. And it really doesn’t get much better than that…

The delights of Dordogne

Okay – we said it doesn’t get much better… Except when the next part of the tour takes you to Dordogne which neighbours Bordeaux.

Here you’ll visit the wonderfully pretty medieval town of Sarlat. You’ll go to Beynac castle, once home to Richard the Lionheart, King of England. Seen from a hot air balloon (which is an option) it is breath-taking. Highlights include exploring the beautiful fairy-tale chateau where Josephine Baker, the famous American entertainer and activist, once lived. Rocamadour is also on your itinerary, a pilgrimage site build on the side of a cliff, one of those places you have to see to believe, it is simply stunning.

Visit a truffle farm and enjoy a tasting. Be wowed by the incredible La Roque Gageac, one of France’s most beautiful villages. And the mysterious Gouffre de Paridrac, a sink hole in a spectacular cave system. And talking of caves, you’ll also get to see the replica Lascaux Caves, filled with prehistoric paintings that are an astonishing 15,000 years old.

You’ll stay for 3 nights in a 400 year old castle in a private park with a heated pool in the land known as the “Valley of 1001 castles.”

Guided tours

You will have a main local expert guide plus specialist guides at specific sites who will show you the “French Life” and share intricate details of each location’s history. Every guide is passionate about welcoming visitors to France and sharing their cultural knowledge. Every guest gets their personal attention and is treated like a VIP! All you have to do is relax, enjoy the tour, with everything taken care of.

And the team at TripUSAFance will even help with booking your flights and planning your trip.

Book your place on this superb, exclusive, small group tour at: tripusafrance.com/bordeaux-dordogne-tour

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