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Paris to Bordeaux: History, culture & wine

France in 12 Days, 10 Nights in Destination

From

$6,579

$4,599

/person

-30%

Isabelle, Travel Expert

Isabelle
Travel crafter

Embark on a journey from the iconic city of Paris, through the Renaissance-era Loire Valley and history-filled Normandy, to Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital. The perfect combination of history and gastronomy!

Trip Highlights

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    Bordeaux
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Caen
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    Loire Valley
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Mont Saint-Michel
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Normandy
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Paris
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    Tours

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until May 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $700

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+61 02 8823 5094

Itinerary

Begin your adventure in the fashion capital of Paris, filled with history and culture. Discover the chateaux and castles of the Loire Valley stopping at wineries to indulge in tastings. Learn about the poignant history of Normandy before taking a high-speed train south towards Bordeaux. Learn more about the strong tradition of wine production in the region–and taste some for yourself!

1st Day: Australia - Night on board

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Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris*. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Paris

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Touch down in the City of Light and self-transfer* to your hotel. Paris, the capital of France, is well-known for its stylish streets, romantic architecture and captivating cultural sights. Depending on your flight schedule, spend the remainder of the day exploring this vibrant city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paris.

*Airport transfer in Paris is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Paris Brancion or similar
tripadvisor rating

618 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Paris

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Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most emblematic sights and monuments on a sightseeing bus tour. Marvel at the Place Vendôme Square, Place de l'Opéra, the Pantheon, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.

End your tour in the bustling city center and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Why not grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés or check out the stores in this shoppers haven. Overnight stay in Paris.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Paris Brancion or similar
tripadvisor rating

618 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Paris Sightseeing Tour

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Paris - Chambord - Tours

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After breakfast, meet your guide and depart Paris by coach towards the Renaissance-era Loire Valley. First stop is a visit to the Chambord Estate*, one of the most emblematic examples of Renaissance castle architecture in France. Enjoy free time to stroll at your own pace through the heart of the castle and its gardens.

Take a break for lunch before continuing to a dreamy wine tasting in the beautiful limestone Caves de Vouvray, where you'll discover local sparkling wines. Following the visit, transfer to the historic city of Tours and check-in at the hotel before a free evening. Overnight stay in Tours.

*Entrance to the estate included, with the possibility to purchase an audio-guide on arrival.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Styles Tours Centre or similar
tripadvisor rating

768 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to the Chambord Chateaux & Estate

Moderate

See more
included
Wine tasting and guided tour of Cave de Vouvray

Light

See more

5th Day: Tours - Chenonceau - Tours

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the magnificent Castle of Chenonceau*. The two-story gallery stands upon an arched bridge across the Cher River, giving the impression that the castle is floating on water.

Known as "The Ladies’ Castle", the Château's Renaissance French Gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for garden lovers from all over the world.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château of Amboise, an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. The palace was built above the river, with landscaped gardens stretching from the earth to the sky, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire. Overnight stay in Tours.

*Entrance to the castle included, with the possibility to purchase an audio-guide on arrival.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Styles Tours Centre or similar
tripadvisor rating

768 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to the Castle of Chenonceau

Light

See more
included
Castle of Amboise

Moderate

See more

6th Day: Tours - Mont Saint Michel - Caen

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark from Tours on a journey towards the illustrious Mont Saint Michel*, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, find the bustling Place des Navettes, where the charming Passeurs shuttles await to transfer you to the mount.

Enshrined to St-Michel since 708, this sacred site hosts the majestic Benedictine Abbey**, a testament to the wonders of medieval architecture spanning from the XI-XVI centuries. Wander through the labyrinthine village nestled at the foot of towering fortifications.

As the day unfolds, set your sights on the Normandy Beach area, and head to Caen to check in at your hotel. Overnight in Caen.

*Please bear in mind that the transfer from Tours to Mont St Michel takes approximately 3 hours.

**Entrance to the Abbey included, with the possibility to purchase an audio-guide on arrival.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
ACE HOTEL or similar
tripadvisor rating

231 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Mont Saint-Michel & Benedictine Abbey

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Caen - Day Beaches Tour - Caen

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head on a poignant journey through history as you discover the monumental landmarks of World War II. Traverse the hallowed grounds of Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the Colleville-Sur-Mer Cemetery.

Next, immerse yourself in the serenity of a tranquil afternoon as you explore at your own pace. Nestled near the English Channel, Caen beckons with its rich tapestry of medieval architecture, inviting you to wander through streets steeped in history and discover the legacy of William the Conqueror. Overnight stay in Caen.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
ACE HOTEL or similar
tripadvisor rating

231 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Normandy WW-II Landing Beaches

Moderate

See more

8th Day: Caen - Honfleur - Paris

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, learn more about the gastronomy this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer.

After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break (not included). This small city and harbor dates back to the Viking invasion in the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris*. Overnight stay in Paris.

*Please bear in mind that the transfer from Caen to Paris takes approximately 3 hours.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ibis Paris Brancion or similar
tripadvisor rating

618 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Village Fromager and Cheese Tasting

Light

See more

9th Day: Paris - Bordeaux

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, make your way to the train station independently. Step aboard the high-speed train, your destination Bordeaux, the World Capital of Wine. Feel the rush of excitement as you hurtle towards this illustrious destination, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see and every sip tells a story.

Arrive and check in to your hotel*. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not explore Bordeaux's ancient streets at your own pace. Lose yourself in the charm of the old town, where history oozes from the cobblestone alleyways, and enjoy a glass or two of world-renowned wine. Overnight stay in Bordeaux.

 

*You can book the optional transfer from Bordaux train station in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Golden Tulip Bordeaux Eu... or similar
tripadvisor rating

284 Reviews

See our full selection

10th Day: Bordeaux

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a guided walking tour of Bordeaux! Begin by meeting your guide at the pre-arranged starting point*. Prepare to be transported through time as your knowledgeable guide takes you on a tour of the city center

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the UNESCO World Heritage old town, a tapestry woven with threads of 18th-century elegance. Each step unveils a new chapter, each corner a revelation waiting to be uncovered.

As the guided tour concludes, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Why not roam the town's enchanting streets, check out its renowned wine bars or take a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River waterfront. Overnight stay in Bordeaux.

*Please note: arrive at the meeting point before the indicated departure time to avoid delays.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Golden Tulip Bordeaux Eu... or similar
tripadvisor rating

284 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Guided walking tour of Bordeaux

Moderate

See more

11th Day: Bordeaux

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Why not relax, take in the last few days, enjoy the charming region or do a spot of souvenir shopping. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend an optional half-day winery excursion with tasting* along the Bordeaux wine roads. Overnight stay in Bordeaux.

*Optional half-day winery excursion with tasting: head to the indicated meeting point to head on to Entre-deux-Mers, where two family-owned properties open their cellars to reveal the essence of their craft. Taste two wines at each estate and enjoy the opportunity to purchase your favorites at affordable prices.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Golden Tulip Bordeaux Eu... or similar
tripadvisor rating

284 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Half-day tour of Bordeaux wine country

Light

See more

12th Day: Bordeaux - Australia

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Breakfast* at the hotel. Self-transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Australia**. Arrive in Australia and end of your trip***.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.

***Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in Australia the next day or two days later.

Select a day to go to next step

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Categories Available:

charm

From $4,599

Selected

  • Accommodation in charm category hotels.
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superior

From $5,299

  • Accommodation in superior category hotels.

Accommodation: 10 Nights

Included activities

Included

Paris Sightseeing Tour

Included activity for day 3 in Paris

Discover some of the most iconic and memorable places of Paris and admire the beauty of this incredible and romantic city. See Place Vendôme Square, marvel at the Paris Opera House and head to the Latin Quarter to see the impressive Pantheon.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit to the Chambord Chateaux & Estate

Included activity for day 4

Visit the incredible Chambord Castle & Estate, one of the most emblematic chateaux in France and the finest example of French-Renaissance architecture!

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Wine tasting and guided tour of Cave de Vouvray

Included activity for day 4 in Tours

Follow our guide through the 3 km of tunnels dug into the local limestone beneath a vineyard, discovering 4 types of the Vouvray sparking wine made here.

Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Visit to the Castle of Chenonceau

Included activity for day 5 in Tours

Known as the 'Ladies Castle', this two-story castle perched on a bridge over the River Cher. Constructed in 1513, the castle is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, restored and saved it.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information

Show more

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Half-day tour of Bordeaux wine country

Suggested activity for day 11 in Bordeaux

Set off to discover the longstanding tradition of winemaking in Bordeaux. Visit a family-run vineyard to learn more about local practices before moving on to a tasting of two spectacular varieties.

Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information

The price includes

  • Departures from main australian airports.
  • International flights: Australia - Paris, Bordeaux - Australia.*
    more information
  • 2nd class High speed train ticket Paris – Bordeaux.
  • 10 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels**.
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 10 Breakfasts.
  • Entrance to the most famous Loire valley castles: Chambord, Chenonceau & Amboise and to Mont-St-Michel Abbey.
    See itinerary
  • Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Sightseeing tour of Paris and guided tour of Normandy World War II landing beaches & walking guided tour of Bordeaux.
  • English speaking tour leader from day 4 to day 8.
  • Cheese factory experience with tasting & Wine tasting in the Caves de Vouvray.

Not included

Tax, meals, drinks and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

Tips are not included. Although tipping is not mandatory, we highly recommend an average of between 2 and 5€ per person per day for the guide as well as for the driver. Keep in mind that tipping is an important part of French culture and customary in this line of work.

*Airport transfers are not included. You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.

**Important: accommodation tax in France must be paid directly to the hotel (this amount can range from 5€ to 11€ approximately per person per night and it depends on the selected category).

Meeting points: the included tours will depart from designated meeting points. The location of the meeting points will be included in your trip details. Transfers to the meeting points are not included.

  • Entry requirements

    France requires that all foreigners have a minimum term of validity left on their passport or visa, depending on their nationality. Please check your official state department/foreign office website for more information.

  • Visa

    No visa is required.

  • Currency

    Euro.

  • Language

    French.

  • Electricity

    230 V. Adapter not required.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Australia.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 01:00.

  • Other useful information

    Taxis do not have a particular colour, however you can spot them at the station or in the street by their luminous lettering on the roof of the car.

  • Tourist Office website

    http://ee.france.fr/

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +61 288 235 094 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.