French Rendez-vous
French Rendez-vous
French Rendez-vous
11 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Nice, France
Visiting: Paris, Nantes, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Marseille, Nice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RD-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "French Rendez-vous" tour and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of France. Begin your journey in Paris with guided sightseeing of iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and a dinner cruise on the Seine. Explore the historic streets of Nantes, taste exquisite cognac in Cognac, and wander through the charming neighborhoods of Bordeaux. Discover the medieval allure of Carcassonne, admire Roman architecture in Nimes, and savor the flavors of Provence with an olive oil tasting. Conclude your adventure in the vibrant cities of Marseille and Nice, enjoying guided tours, local delicacies, and a farewell dinner. This small-group tour offers an intimate and enriching experience of France's most captivating destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Paris,France
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
PARIS J’adore Paris PARIS Free time this morning followed by guided sightseeing that features some of the major landmarks. This evening, enjoy [LF] a dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES What better way to complete your visit to Paris than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship, while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appetit!
Day 3: Paris,Nantes
Location: Nantes
Accommodation Name: Oceania Hotel de France
Meals Included: Breakfast
PARIS–NANTES Voyages Extraordinaires NANTES Guided walking tour includes sights of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Ile Feydeau, Place Royale and Passage Pommeraye. (B)239 mi / 385 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Situated on the Loire river, the once busy port of Nantes influenced the young Jules Verne, who was born and raised there, to become attracted to the sea and travel. His books about voyage and exploration are translated all over the world, and has led him to often be regarded as the “Father of sci-fi”. In Nantes he is said to be one of the inspirations for “Les Machines de l’Ile” project that includes a “Marine Worlds Carousel” and a 12 meter high, mechanical “Great Elephant” that walks around the exhibition area carrying passengers.
Day 4: Nantes,Cognac,Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons
Meals Included: Breakfast
NANTES–COGNAC–BORDEAUX Local Spirit COGNAC [LF] Guided visit of the Chateau Royale du Cognac and cognac tasting.BORDEAUX Free-time this evening. (B) 242 mi / 390 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES The Dutch started to distill French wines into brandy in the 16th century as a means of preserving their much-treasured purchases for the journey back home. During your visit of the Chateau Royale discover the history of its inhabitants and the origins of Cognac. Then raise your glass to discover why it is worth all the effort.
Day 5: Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons
Meals Included: Breakfast
BORDEAUX Beyond the vineyards BORDEAUX Guided walking tour to discover historic neighbourhoods such as Quinconces and Saint Pierre. Stop at a local patisserie to try a traditional canele pastry. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The name Bordeaux means “water’s edge” and originates from the city’s position on the banks of the River Garonne. This location has helped to bring it fame and fortune through time, assisting the favourable climate and quality vines to produce around 960 million bottles of wine a year. However, it is not just a global capital of wine, Bordeaux is also known as a City of Art and History. In France only Paris has more protected buildings. George-Eugène Haussmann used Bordeaux as an example to follow when Emperor Napoleon III asked him to transform Paris into a modern city.
Day 6: Bordeaux,Carcassonne
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation Name: Hotel du Roi & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BORDEAUX–CARCASSONNE Medieval Battle Sites CARCASSONNE Take an orientation walk by the ancient battlements and enjoy free time to explore this delightful medieval town. (B,D) 211 mi / 340 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Visit the ancient city of Carcassonne and see its pre-Roman settlement complete with medieval castle and dramatic defensive walls, called the finest remains of medieval fortifications in Europe by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Stunning!
Day 7: Carcassonne,Nimes,Le Baux De Provence,Marseille
Location: Marseille
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Marseille
Meals Included: Breakfast
CARCASSONNE–NIMES–LE BAUX DE PROVENCE–MARSEILLE Roman Influences NIMES Enjoy an orientation walk to admire the Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carrée, an ancient Roman Temple.LE BAUX DE PROVENCE Olive Oil mill visit with olive oil tasting.MARSEILLES Free time this evening. (B) 217 mi / 350 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL TASTES One of the Mediterranean’s most appreciated and treasured products, olive oil, often referred to as “green gold”, dates back thousands of years to ancient civilisations such as the Romans. The olive oil produced at the mill in Le Baux de Provence has a real local taste, being produced solely from the olives harvested in the surrounding area.
Day 8: Marseilles
Location: Marseille
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Marseille
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MARSEILLES Musical Marches MARSEILLE Guided sightseeing features a walk in the city’s oldest district – Le Panier, with a visit to the Cathedral La Major, the old port and a scenic drive along the panoramic waterfront road. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the old port area. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS This bustling seaport city is a melting pot of cultures. Founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, and continuously inhabited since then, it is the oldest city in France. The city’s population actively supported the French Revolution, and when 500 volunteers marched on Paris to defend the Revolutionary Government, the song they sung en-route became known as “La Marseillaise,” it was later adopted as the French National Anthem.
Day 9: Marseille,Aix-En-Provence,Nice
Location: Marseille
Accommodation Name: NH Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
MARSEILLE–AIX-EN-PROVENCE–NICE Beautiful Boulevards AIX-EN-PROVENCE Orientation walk of the city features the elegant Cours Mirabeau and free time to explore further.NICE Evening at leisure. (B)149 mi / 240 kmENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Take advantage of an optional excursion to the Principality of Monaco. Wine and dine in Monte Carlo the glamorous millionaires’ playground. See the Royal Palace and Cathedral as you discover the Old Town. Try your luck at the famous Grand Casino or sit in a local café and watch the world go by.
Day 10: Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Apollinaire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
NICE La belle NICE Follow your local guide for a walking tour through the old town, characterised by narrow cobbled streets, charming squares, and Baroque churches. Free time in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT One of Nice’s most iconic symbols is “Le Chaise Bleu,” the blue chairs that are dotted along the Promenade des Anglais, one of France’s most famous boulevards. They provide inspiration for local artists, a source of relaxation for the locals and taking a photo sat on one is considered “a must do” for visitors - so take a seat and admire the stunning views of the bay.
Day 11: Nice
Location: Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Welcome Drink
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink on the first day.
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Guided Sightseeing in Paris
Enjoy guided sightseeing in Paris featuring the Arc de Triomphe, les Champs-Elysées, and a visit to the Courtyard of Les Invalides.
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Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city.
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Guided Walking Tour in Nantes
Guided walking tour in Nantes includes sights of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Ile Feydeau, Place Royale, and Passage Pommeraye.
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Guided Visit and Cognac Tasting
Guided visit of the Chateau Royale du Cognac and cognac tasting in Cognac.
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Guided Walking Tour in Bordeaux
Guided walking tour in Bordeaux to discover historic neighborhoods such as Quinconces and Saint Pierre, with a stop at a local patisserie to try a traditional canele pastry.
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Orientation Walk in Carcassonne
Take an orientation walk by the ancient battlements and enjoy free time to explore the medieval town of Carcassonne.
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Orientation Walk in Nimes
Enjoy an orientation walk in Nimes to admire the Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carrée, an ancient Roman Temple.
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Olive Oil Mill Visit and Tasting
Visit an olive oil mill in Le Baux De Provence and enjoy an olive oil tasting.
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Guided Sightseeing in Marseille
Guided sightseeing in Marseille features a walk in the city’s oldest district – Le Panier, with a visit to the Cathedral La Major, the old port, and a scenic drive along the panoramic waterfront road.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from France are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Bordeaux (Port of the Moon)|Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne|Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera|Paris Banks of the Seine
Accommodation
Paris: AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot, Nantes: Oceania Hotel de France, Bordeaux: Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons, Carcassonne: Hotel du Roi & Spa, Marseille: NH Collection Marseille, Nice: NH Nice, Nice: Apollinaire.
Notes
For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.Please note that the Cognac tasting is only available to guests who are 18 years or over.
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided sightseeing tours, walking tours, and orientation walks in various cities. The distances covered range from 149 miles (240 km) to 242 miles (390 km).
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What types of accommodations are provided during the tour?
The accommodations include stays at AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot in Paris, Oceania Hotel de France in Nantes, Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons in Bordeaux, Hotel du Roi & Spa in Carcassonne, NH Collection Marseille in Marseille, NH Nice in Nice, and Apollinaire in Nice.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from France are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are gratuities included in the tour package?
No, gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes various meals such as breakfast on most days, a dinner cruise on the Seine in Paris, lunch at a local restaurant in the old port area of Marseille, and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Nice.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as guided sightseeing in Paris, a dinner cruise on the Seine, guided walking tours in Nantes and Bordeaux, a guided visit and cognac tasting in Cognac, orientation walks in Carcassonne and Nimes, an olive oil mill visit and tasting in Le Baux De Provence, and guided sightseeing in Marseille and Nice.
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Is there free time included in the itinerary?
Yes, there is free time included in the itinerary, such as free time to explore Carcassonne, free time in Bordeaux, and free time in the afternoon in Nice.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Bordeaux (Port of the Moon), the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, Nice (Winter Resort Town of the Riviera), and the Paris Banks of the Seine.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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