Historical Tours & Trips in France
4.5 stars on(8,455 reviews)- Choose from 250+ France tours
- 650+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Historical France tour packages
Compiled by
SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Paris to the Historic D-Day Beaches
- French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
- Fall Festival: History, Wine, and Heritage on Rivers in Southwestern France
- Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance & History Cruise 2026
- Paris, Normandy and the Loire
- Burgundy & Alsace: Vineyards, Villages & Heritage
- Northern France Express - 6 days
- Fall Festival: Local History and Traditions on the Rhône River
- Fall Festival: Local History and Traditions on the Rhône River - RHONE PRINCESS (5 destinations)
- Revisit France's Past, its Royal Sites, and Medieval Cities during a Historic Cruise on the Petite Seine (port-to-port cruise)
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Giverny, Bayeux, St Mere Eglise, Omaha Beach, Mont Saint-Michel, Beuvron-en-Auge, Deauville, Honfleur Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
- NZ$8,924
French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Floating down the Rhone was a delightful, beautiful holiday. Comfortable cabin with awesome big window.”
Randall, traveled in October
Heritage flourishes from Roman Arles' amphitheater to medieval Pérouges' cobblestone streets. Cézanne's Aix-en-Provence, Van Gogh's artistic haunts, and Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval await, with cruising on MS Camargue II.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux, Tain-l’Hermitage, Le Pouzin, Avignon, Arles, Martigues, Aix-En-ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$3,215
MS Cyrano de Bergerac takes you to King Francis I's birthplace in Cognac and Saint-Émilion's medieval architecture. Bordeaux's 18th-century landmarks like Palais de la Bourse and centuries-old wine estates in Médoc showcase French grandeur.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bordeaux, Royan, Cognac, Libourne Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$2,063
Rouen's Gothic Cathedral, Napoleon's Château de Malmaison, and the medieval Palais-Royal in Paris showcase French history. Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise residence and WWII sites including Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc paint a rich historical canvas. The route includes Monet's Giverny gardens and opulent Bizy Castle.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Vernon, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,974+$384 upfront costs
Paris, Normandy and the Loire
75 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were clean and comfortable. Tour was very organized.”
French heritage unfolds at Rouen's Gothic cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry museum, and Omaha Beach's American Cemetery. Medieval St. Malo's ramparts and Rennes' timber-framed houses reveal their stories through expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Rennes, AmboiseSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Cosmos From $2,989
3% Off- NZ$2,889You save $100
Duration 7 days Destinations Dijon, Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, Semur-en-Auxois, Chateauneuf, Strasbourg, Eguisheim, Riquewihr Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
3% Off- NZ$4,241
Duration 6 days Destinations Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Caen, Saint-Malo, Angers, Chenonceaux, Chambord Age Range 6 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $6,385
15% Off- NZ$5,427You save $958
The Gothic Papal Palace of Avignon and 12th-century Château de Grignan stand as testaments to France's heritage. Traditional truffle hunting methods and historic wine-making practices come alive while cruising through the ancient Rhône Valley aboard MS Van Gogh.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lyon, Avignon, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$1,391
France's medieval legacy unfolds at Avignon's Papal Palace and 12th-century Château de Grignan. The MS Rhône Princess's onboard historian presents 2,500 years of Rhône Valley culture during scenic waterway passages.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lyon, Avignon, Viviers, Grignan Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$1,391
MS Deborah sails through history to Louis XIV's Palace of Fontainebleau and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Medieval Provins' UNESCO heritage and Sens Cathedral showcase architectural brilliance, while Barbizon reveals pre-Impressionist artistic legacy.
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Melun, Moret-sur-Loing, Montereau-Fault-Yonne, Sens Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$5,709
What people love about Historical Tours in France
- French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
Sometimes it was difficult to understand the announcements and the daily trips were difficult for the English-speaking translation. There was much explanation in French and not very much explained in English except for one guide. The guides attempted but the amount of information was not anywhere the same amount. Some of the trips were a lot of bus ride and not as interesting as indicated. I assumed that the tour would include more art. I enjoyed having the small number on board. The bus trips included too large of a group for some of the locations.
- Paris, Normandy and the Loire
I traveled with my Dad and we both liked our tour! Every stop on our itinerary was perfectly timed, even if we felt a bit rushed at times, in hindsight extra time wouldn’t have been that beneficial and less time wouldn’t have been enough.
- Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Classic)
We love insight. Laura and every insight guide we have had have been exceptional. This trip great. Bouvet ladubay wine's amazing. St Michel amazing..paris amazing.
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in France
What are the must-see historical highlights on a French historical tour?
A comprehensive French historical journey spans from the grand Palace of Versailles to the stone ramparts of Carcassonne and the sobering D-Day beaches of Normandy. The ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct stands as a testament to Roman engineering while Loire Valley châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau showcase French Renaissance architecture. Hotels such as the Novotel Paris Est Bagnolet serve as convenient bases for exploring these landmarks. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour included all the major historical highlights and our guide's knowledge of French history made each site come alive." Beyond the well-known monuments visitors can discover hidden gems like the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église.
When is the best time of year to take a Historical tour in France?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring French historical sites with fewer tourists and moderate temperatures. Peak summer months bring crowds to major attractions like Versailles and Mont Saint-Michel with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F). The Loire Valley châteaux gardens show their best colors in spring while autumn provides clear days for exploring medieval towns like Strasbourg and Avignon. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We went in September and it was perfect - not too hot for walking tours and the historical sites weren't overcrowded. The lighting was beautiful for photography of the medieval architecture."
What type of accommodation can I expect on Historical tours?
Accommodations range from authentic heritage properties to well-located modern hotels. The 4-star Château de Rochecotte in the Loire Valley once home to Prince Tallyrand offers a genuine château experience. City stays include contemporary properties like the Renaissance La Défense in Paris while coastal regions feature hotels like L'Hôtel du Golf in Normandy positioned near historical sites. Each property is selected based on its historical connection or access to major attractions.
What unique historical experiences can I expect on a France history tour?
Tours delve deep into French heritage through hands-on experiences from wandering medieval Dordogne villages to visiting Leonardo da Vinci's final residence at Château du Clos Lucé. Overnight stays at properties like Château de la Bourdaisière connect visitors to Loire Valley history. Special access to Mont Saint-Michel's ancient abbeys and exclusive site visits enhance the experience. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Walking through the actual D-Day landing sites with our knowledgeable guide brought history to life in a way no book could." Many itineraries include private visits outside regular hours.
What's included in meals during historical tours?
Daily breakfasts at hotels like the Novotel Paris Est form the foundation of meal plans along with select group dinners showcasing regional specialties. Special dining experiences might include medieval feasts in Carcassonne or tastings in historic wine cellars. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The included meals were excellent especially the traditional dinner in a 15th-century restaurant in Sarlat." Free time at lunch allows for personal exploration of local historical eateries.
What type of historical insights can I expect from the guides?
Tour guides provide context spanning from prehistoric cave art at Lascaux to Roman ruins in Arles medieval religious history at Mont Saint-Michel and Renaissance culture in Loire Valley châteaux. During stays at properties like the Campanile Limoges Centre guides often present evening talks on regional history. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide in Avignon brought the Papal Palace's history to life with incredible stories about the seven popes who lived there. Her knowledge of medieval French history made every stone seem to tell a story."