Crossing France
Duration
8 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Costa Azul
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Costa Azul; Sainte Maxime; Saint-Tropez; Marseille, Provenza Alpes Costa Azul; Arles; Avignon; Lyon, Ródano Alpes; Tournus; Savigny Castles; Beaune, Burgundy; Dijon, Burgundy; Abbey Of Fontenay; Semur-En-Auxois; Vezelay; Paris
Video Gallery
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Total distance covered: 230 km.
Scenery: Today we’ll visit the Côte d´Azur and the Mediterranean in France.
08:30 a.m. - Nice. We will drive to the center of Nice, the capital of the Côte d´Azur, for a visit, either by coach or on foot, taking in its famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, and other points of interest.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Nice. We’ll travel through the spectacular landscapes of Provence, with its aromas of olive trees, cork oaks, and pines.
11:30 a.m. - Sainte-Maxime. Arrival at this charming coastal town where you can wander through its narrow streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture, which features a blend of Art Deco, Provence, and modern styles. Be sure to visit the 16th-century Square Tower in the center.
12:30 p.m. (approx.) – Departure from Sainte-Maxime. From the port, we’ll take a tourist boat to enjoy the magnificent views of the gulf until we reach the beautiful city of Saint-Tropez. The boarding time may vary slightly depending on the season.
01:00 p.m. - Saint-Tropez. Arrival at one of the gems of tourism, a coastal city that has hosted countless famous people yet still maintains its traditional charm. In its old fishing port, we’ll see some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. There will be time for a walk and lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Saint-Tropez.
05:15 p.m. - Marseille. Arrival in the second-largest city in France after Paris, a port city in Provence known for its contrasts. Here, you can stroll through its nostalgic and timeworn uptown, along the grand nineteenth-century avenues, or by the beaches. We recommend visiting the vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port).
Scenery: Today we’ll visit the Côte d´Azur and the Mediterranean in France.
08:30 a.m. - Nice. We will drive to the center of Nice, the capital of the Côte d´Azur, for a visit, either by coach or on foot, taking in its famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, and other points of interest.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Nice. We’ll travel through the spectacular landscapes of Provence, with its aromas of olive trees, cork oaks, and pines.
11:30 a.m. - Sainte-Maxime. Arrival at this charming coastal town where you can wander through its narrow streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture, which features a blend of Art Deco, Provence, and modern styles. Be sure to visit the 16th-century Square Tower in the center.
12:30 p.m. (approx.) – Departure from Sainte-Maxime. From the port, we’ll take a tourist boat to enjoy the magnificent views of the gulf until we reach the beautiful city of Saint-Tropez. The boarding time may vary slightly depending on the season.
01:00 p.m. - Saint-Tropez. Arrival at one of the gems of tourism, a coastal city that has hosted countless famous people yet still maintains its traditional charm. In its old fishing port, we’ll see some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. There will be time for a walk and lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Saint-Tropez.
05:15 p.m. - Marseille. Arrival in the second-largest city in France after Paris, a port city in Provence known for its contrasts. Here, you can stroll through its nostalgic and timeworn uptown, along the grand nineteenth-century avenues, or by the beaches. We recommend visiting the vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port).
Total distance covered: 380 km.
Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history—today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marseille.
09:15 a.m. - Arles. We´ll stop to visit this World Heritage city, showcasing its Roman and medieval legacy. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Arles.
11:00 a.m. - Les Baux. We’ll explore this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Carrières de Lumières.
01:00 p.m. - Avignon. Time for lunch and a walk in this small walled city in Provence on the banks of the Rhône. It was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome until 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palais des Papes reveals its past.
03:30 p.m. - Avignon. We’ll head towards the interior of France.
06:15 p.m. - Lyon. Arrival in the third-largest city in France, proud of its remarkable historical past. We’ll walk through the Lyon Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site, and include a funicular ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an immense basilica offering a great view over the city.
Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will instead transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history—today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marseille.
09:15 a.m. - Arles. We´ll stop to visit this World Heritage city, showcasing its Roman and medieval legacy. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Arles.
11:00 a.m. - Les Baux. We’ll explore this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Carrières de Lumières.
01:00 p.m. - Avignon. Time for lunch and a walk in this small walled city in Provence on the banks of the Rhône. It was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome until 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palais des Papes reveals its past.
03:30 p.m. - Avignon. We’ll head towards the interior of France.
06:15 p.m. - Lyon. Arrival in the third-largest city in France, proud of its remarkable historical past. We’ll walk through the Lyon Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site, and include a funicular ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an immense basilica offering a great view over the city.
Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will instead transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Total distance covered: 220 km.
Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and head towards Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Tournus. Time to stroll through this pleasant small town with picturesque alleys, an immense stone gate, and a large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Tournus.
11:45 a.m. - Beaune. We’ll stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
03:00 p.m. - Savigny Castle. In the heart of this wine region, we will visit Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century and home to extraordinary museums featuring motorcycles, race cars, airplanes, and helicopters.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Savigny Castle.
05:30 p.m. - Dijon. Arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and a vibrant atmosphere. Once the capital of a powerful duchy in the late Middle Ages, Dijon preserves a rich architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings, with the Palace of the Dukes standing out as a highlight.
Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and head towards Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Tournus. Time to stroll through this pleasant small town with picturesque alleys, an immense stone gate, and a large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Tournus.
11:45 a.m. - Beaune. We’ll stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
03:00 p.m. - Savigny Castle. In the heart of this wine region, we will visit Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century and home to extraordinary museums featuring motorcycles, race cars, airplanes, and helicopters.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Savigny Castle.
05:30 p.m. - Dijon. Arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and a vibrant atmosphere. Once the capital of a powerful duchy in the late Middle Ages, Dijon preserves a rich architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings, with the Palace of the Dukes standing out as a highlight.
Total distance covered: 387 km.
Scenery: Small villages in the Dordogne with relaxing hill and vineyard landscapes.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Dijon. We’ll continue touring Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Fontenay Abbey. Admission is included to visit this abbey, a masterpiece of the Cistercian order and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Fontenay Abbey.
11:30 a.m. - Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll stop to explore this charming medieval town with narrow streets, palaces, and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive ancient walls that will transport you back in time.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll continue along the interior of Burgundy.
01:30 p.m. - Vézelay. Time for lunch and a stroll in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Vézelay.
07:00 p.m. - Paris.
Scenery: Small villages in the Dordogne with relaxing hill and vineyard landscapes.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Dijon. We’ll continue touring Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Fontenay Abbey. Admission is included to visit this abbey, a masterpiece of the Cistercian order and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Fontenay Abbey.
11:30 a.m. - Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll stop to explore this charming medieval town with narrow streets, palaces, and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive ancient walls that will transport you back in time.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll continue along the interior of Burgundy.
01:30 p.m. - Vézelay. Time for lunch and a stroll in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Vézelay.
07:00 p.m. - Paris.
Total distance covered: 80 km.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre. We’ll take a cable car (included) up to this bohemian artists’ district, where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.
At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.
Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre. We’ll take a cable car (included) up to this bohemian artists’ district, where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.
At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.
Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges. This journey lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. Afterward, you’ll have some free time.
Note: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.
Note: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
AUD 1,877