When to go
April, June, September, & November
Price
From £2,995 pp Including Flights
Flight time
2hrs 16mins
Introduction
Embark on a journey to discover the hidden gems of France’s Ancien Régime before its transformation by the revolution of 1789. Travel by train from the UK and uncover centuries of royal art and architecture. An array of majestic castles, palaces, and old-world towns await beyond the traditional tourist hotspots such as Versailles and the Louvre.
Get a unique window into a fascinating period as you visit places that inspired some of history’s most iconic figures, like Leonardo Da Vinci’s home in Amboise and Compiegne’s grand château. Soak up the beauty, culture, and history that France has to offer on this unique tour.
At a Glance
Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Guide price
From £2,995pp (including rail)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Paris - Reims - St Germain - Sevres - Loire Valley - Fontainbleau - Vaux-le-Vicomte - Compiegne - Paris
Tour Type
Fully escorted tour with an experienced local guide and an expert lecturer
Tour Theme
Arts & Culture
Activity Level
A reasonable degree of fitness is recommended due to extensive walks and uneven terrain
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Trianon Rive Gauche
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
N/A
Start/Finish
Paris - Paris
Extensions
Highlights
Visit the Porcelain Factory at Sevres
The Porcelain Factory at Sevres is a must-see for all art and history lovers. Located in the heart of Paris, this factory has been producing exquisite porcelain since 1740. Here, visitors can learn about the history of porcelain production and explore the museum’s collection of over 10,000 pieces. The factory also offers guided tours that provide an opportunity to observe the craftsmanship involved in creating these fine works of art.
Indulge in Champagne at Reims
Reims is one of France’s most famous cities for producing champagne. Home to some of the world’s best champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, visitors can take part in guided tours through these historic cellars and taste some of the finest champagnes. Afterward, visit one of the many local restaurants or cafes to enjoy a glass or two with your meal.
Discover Leonardo da Vinci's Home and Tomb in Amboise
Located in the Loire Valley, Amboise is home to Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years from 1516 until he died in 1519. This small mansion was once used as his living workshop and now serves as a museum dedicated to his life’s work, with interactive displays showcasing his inventions and artwork throughout its rooms.
Explore the Chateau and Forest of Compiegne
The Château de Compiègne was a royal residence built for Louis XV and the fourth castle to have been constructed on the grounds, with the first dating to the sixth century. It was later restored by Napoleon. The Château offers a chance to experience the grandeur of French history. Inside, you can explore the historic apartments from the 18th century, First and Second Empire periods. There is also a museum dedicated to Second Empire art and architecture. You can also take in the beauty of the surrounding forest with its many trails and paths.
Sample Itinerary
Revel in the Historical Beauty of Ancien France: A Sample Itinerary
Take a journey through time and explore the beauty and grandeur of Ancien-era France. From the Château de Saint Germaine en Laye to the historic streets of Paris, this sample itinerary will take you on an incredible journey filled with rich culture, art, and history. Immerse yourself in the past as you walk through these picturesque locations and discover what it was like to live in the era before the French Revolution.
Day 1: Travel to Paris by Train
Start your journey with a train ride from the UK to Paris, and take in the beautiful views as you travel. Once you arrive in Paris, transfer to your local accommodation for a six-night stay at Trianon Rive Gauche. After settling in, take some time to explore the city and soak up the culture.
Discover the Palais Royal, home to the royal family before the revolution, the Place de la Concorde, where Louis XVI was executed in 1793, and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral that has stood since 1163. In the evening, attend a welcome lecture and dinner.
(Rail Travel Included | Railway Station Transfer | D)
Day 2: Reims
Today you will visit Reims, a city with a long and rich history. Start your day by exploring the iconic Reims Cathedral, which has been the site of coronations for French monarchs since 1027. The cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. After admiring the cathedral’s beauty, take some time to explore the nearby Archbishop’s Palace of Tau. This palace was founded in the late 4th century and served as the residence of archbishops for centuries.
Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch before indulging in a champagne-tasting session. Reims is home to some of France’s most renowned champagne producers, so expect to sample some exquisite bubbly.
(B)
Day 3: St Germain | Sevres
Start your day with a visit to the Chateau of Saint Germain en Laye, a royal residence where James II, the last king of the Stuart line, spent the rest of his days after being exiled from England following the Glorious Revolution. The chateau is renowned for its beautiful gardens and grand architecture. You’ll also get to explore where the Château de Saint-Cloud once stood before being destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.
Next is a visit to the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, once one of France’s most renowned producers of fine porcelain and the leading supplier of the French royal court. Here you can admire some of their exquisite creations and learn about their centuries-old craftsmanship techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of France’s finest artworks and understand how they were made.
(B)
Day 4: Loire Valley
Today, explore the Loire Valley and its many wonders. Start your day with a visit to the Château de Chambord, an impressive renaissance-era castle that is said to have been inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci himself. With its grand double helix staircase and 440 rooms, it’s no wonder this chateau is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
After lunch, head over to the Royal Chateau of Amboise. This 15th-century chateau was a favored residence of Charles VIII and now stands as one of the top chateaux to visit in the area. While there, take a moment to pay your respects at Leonardo Da Vinci’s tomb in the gardens overlooking the Loire River. Finally, end your day with a visit to Da Vinci’s home at Château du Clos Lucé, his residence in France from 1516-1519.
(B, L)
Day 5: Fontainebleau | Vaux-le-Vicomte
Today, visit two of the most impressive chateaux in France. First, you’ll explore Château Fontainebleau, one of Louis XIV’s favorite royal residences. This magnificent palace was built in the 12th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture and lavish interiors. You’ll be able to admire the grandiose Hall of Mirrors and the breathtaking gardens.
Enjoy some lunch, then make your way to Vaux-le-Vicomte, another impressive chateau considered one of the main inspirations for the Palace of Versailles despite never being a royal residence. Built in 1661 by Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finances for Louis XIV, this chateau features exquisite gardens and grand architecture.
(B)
Day 6: Compiegne
Today, you will visit the Château and Forest of Compiegne. The Château was one of the last royal residences to be built before the French Revolution in 1789 and was a favorite of Louis XV. Take some time to explore the chateau and admire its beautiful interiors, including its grand library, which houses thousands of books from across Europe.
Next, enjoy lunch with some local cuisine before venturing into the adjacent forest. It was once used as a royal hunting ground and more recently became well-known as the site where Germany signed an armistice in 1918, officially bringing World War I to an end. After exploring this historical place, return to Paris for a fantastic farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Departure
On your final day in France, you will have a free morning to explore more of Paris before departure. Enjoy some last-minute shopping or stroll through this beautiful city’s picturesque streets. In the afternoon, transfer to the Gare du Nord for your train trip back home and fondly look back at all you have experienced in France on this fantastic tour.
(Rail Travel Included | Railway Station Transfer | B)
