Grand Tour of France – Picturebook Treasures

Grand Tour of France – Picturebook Treasures

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Grand Tour of France – Picturebook Treasures

12 Days Starting in Rouen, France and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Rouen, Chinon, Loire Valley, Azay-le-Rideau, Oradour-sur-Glane, Dordogne, Rocamadour, Carcassonne, Béziers, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Lyon, Ardèche, Paris

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

fra

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Oh-la-la! This expression most certainly sums up this ‘grand’ tour of classic French treasures. Whether its romantic cities, picturesque coastlines, charming villages or breath-taking countryside you’re looking for in a coach holiday, it’s all here in one itinerary. Explore the beautiful Loire Valley, with visits to Tours, Blois and Amboise. Learn about the country’s past with a visit to the Remembrance village of Oradour-sur-Glane, and then explore the delights of the Dordgone, including the cliff-side town of Rocamadour. With visits also included to some of France’s most stunning villages, as well as the medieval city of Carcassonne and the cosmopolitan capital city of Paris, you’ll have a fantastic French adventure on this coach holiday!

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful Loire Valley, with visits to Tours, Blois and Amboise

  • Learn about the country’s past with a visit to the Remembrance village of Oradour-sur-Glane

  • Explore the delights of the Dordgone, including the cliff-side town of Rocamadour

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Rouen Area

Location: Rouen

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star, city-style hotels

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the Rouen area for an overnight stay.

Day 2 : Tours & Azay-Le-Rideau

Location: Chinon, Loire Valley, Azay-le-Rideau

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We travel to Tours in the Loire Valley where we enjoy a little time at leisure in Tours centre, before continuing to the pretty village of Azay-le-Rideau with its small but incredibly beautiful château. (Please note: entrance costs for châteaux or places of interest are at additional cost). After time at leisure in Azay le Rideau, we continue to our hotel in Chinon, a smart ‘bourgeois’ town, where we stay for two nights

Day 3 : Loire Valley

Location: Loire Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s full-day included excursion takes us through the countryside to visit some of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful villages. We travel first to the picturesque town of Blois, then continue to Amboise on the banks of the Loire River. Amboise is famous for its château, and the Clos Lucé manor house, the place where Leonardo da Vinci lived and ultimately died. We end the day at the village of Chenonceaux, home to the Château de Chenonceau built over the river Cher. The château has extensive parks and gardens created by its many mistresses. (Please note that entrance costs for châteaux or places of interest are at additional cost).

Day 4 : Oradour-Sur-Glane

Location: Oradour-sur-Glane, Dordogne, Rocamadour

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 2-star Hotel du Lion d'Or

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

En-route to Rocamadour, we visit the memorial village of Oradour-sur-Glane. Scene of a terrible massacre on 10th June 1944 by the German SS, the village has been frozen in time ever since. We then continue our journey to the Dordogne region, and the village of Rocamadour where we stay for two nights.

Day 5 : Rocamadour

Location: Rocamadour

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 2-star Hotel du Lion d'Or

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour, where Saint Amadour was reputed to have lived as a hermit. The village is perched high on a limestone cliff in the heart of the Dordogne, and here you'll find many small chapels, including the Chapelle de Notre Dame with its famous Black Madonna, a 12th century carved wooden depiction of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus.

Day 6 : Carcassonne

Location: Carcassonne

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we begin the journey to Carcassonne, famous for the defences of the medieval city. The city exists in two parts – the more modern ‘Bastide St Louis’, which contains the Cathedral of St. Michel, and the walled 'Cité Medieval', whose fortifications were built over many centuries and featured in the religious wars between the Cathars and Albigenses. This afternoon we enjoy time at leisure for exploration before we continue to our hotel in the Carcassonne area for an overnight stay.

Day 7 : Béziers

Location: Béziers, Aix-en-Provence

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Novotel Beaumanoir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel to the hill-top town of Béziers, where the Canal du Midi crosses the river by means of an aqueduct. After time to discover the town’s rich history, we continue our journey to Aix-en-Provence, where we stay for three nights.

Day 8 : Cassis

Location: Cassis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Novotel Beaumanoir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our included excursion takes us to the lovely seaside resort of Cassis, with its picturesque fishing port and town square. You will have time to relax, take in the pretty harbour, and perhaps enjoy a drink in one of the nearby cafés.

Day 9 : Free Time Or Gorges Du Verdon

Location: Aix-en-Provence

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Novotel Beaumanoir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy free time in Aix-en-Provence, or why not join us for a full-day optional excursion to one of the most impressive natural sights in Europe, the magnificent Gorges du Verdon, with its dramatic scenery and vast chasms. Our day begins with a visit to Moustiers Ste Marie, a pretty hillside village known for its decorative ceramics and its history. Legend has it that the knight Bozon de Blacas was held captive by the Saracens in the 10th century and pledged to hang a star above his village if he could ever return home safely. The star that shines above Moustiers today is only fifty years old but was painted gold following an unfortunate fall over ten years ago. Worn thin by the wind, the iron had snapped sending the star crashing into the ravine below. One month later, the star was once again hung above the village.

We continue to La Palud sur Verdon, where we have time for lunch before a scenic drive around the famous ‘Route des Crêtes’, which offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints of the canyon. The Verdon National Park is spread over two French departments, encompasses 43 towns, and has an area estimated at nearly 178,000 hectares. Rich in flora and fauna, and an area of spectacular natural beauty, the Gorges du Verdon is one of Provence’s greatest attractions.

Day 10 : Ardèche

Location: Lyon, Ardèche

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star, city-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we explore the wild, rugged, yet intensely beautiful scenery of the Ardèche, seeing quaint villages clinging to the hillsides. We travel to the spectacular Ardèche gorge taking the scenic route through the gorge, from St. Martin d’Ardèche to Vallon Pont d’Arc, stopping at one of the viewpoints to admire the pretty vistas. We have a little time at leisure in Vallon Pont d’Arc before we travel on to the Lyon/Macon area for an overnight stay.

Day 11 : Travel To Paris Area

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star, city-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have an early departure this morning as we travel north to the Paris area where we have an overnight stay.

Day 12 : Return Home

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Additional Services

    Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach

What's Not Included

Accommodation

In the Loire Valley, you will stay for two nights in a minimum 3-star hotel, followed by a two-night stay at the 2-star Hotel du Lion d'Or in Rocamadour. You will then spend one night at a 3-star hotel in the Carcassonne area, and three nights at the 3-star Novotel Beaumanoir, in Aix-en-Provence.
Overnight stays in Lyon/Macon and Paris/Rouen areas will be in minimum 3-star, city-style hotels.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • What type of coach will be used?

    You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    On Leger Coach Holidays, your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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