What unique cultural experiences can I discover in France and where's the best place to find them?

You'll find amazing authentic experiences all through France's different regions. The Loire Valley's got these incredible wine tastings at historic estates - Château Coutet's especially wonderful, it's this St Emilion Grand Cru vineyard that's been run by the same family since 1604 and autumn harvest time is just magical there. If you're into something really special try truffle hunting with trained dogs in Sarlat you can do winter truffles December through March or summer ones May to August. Over in Arcachon the morning markets are fantastic for seeing traditional oyster farming where you can taste fresh catches right from the fishermen and learn about techniques that've been passed down through generations.

What are France's best natural areas outside the cities and how do I get to them?

France has these amazing protected landscapes you can visit all year round. The Camargue wetlands are incredible in spring or fall with pink flamingos and wild white horses roaming around - you can grab guided tours from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. If you're after something dramatic the Gorges de l'Ardèche is perfect for scenic drives and kayaking especially in early summer when the Gardon River's just right for water activities. Near Chamonix there's the Tour du Mont Blanc trail it's world-class hiking from mid-June to mid-September and there's this really convenient cable car from Chamonix that makes high-altitude sections doable for different fitness levels.

What are some hidden routes for exploring France that travelers love?

The Canal du Midi's this amazing UNESCO-protected cycling route through Languedoc with historic locks and these incredible 17th century engineering features. You'll pass through medieval villages and family vineyards like Château l'Amiral where seven generations have been making Minervois wines. Then there's the Rhône Valley cycling routes under the alpine foothills they take you past Châteauneuf du Pape's prestigious vineyards and through Gordes this stunning 8th-century village that's just been named France's most beautiful. These routes really let you experience local life and seasonal harvests without all the tourist crowds.

Which places in France are culturally significant but still quiet and uncrowded?

You've got to check out Noyers-sur-Serein it's this beautiful medieval town with amazing 15th-century architecture and weekly markets selling local specialties. Fontenay Abbey's incredible too - perfect example of Cistercian architecture and it's so peaceful early in the morning. Vézelay's basilica is really special it's UNESCO-listed and starts the Way of St. James pilgrimage the evening vespers there are just magical. And don't miss Carcassonne especially at sunset after the crowds leave the views of those lit-up medieval walls are just incredible.

What local dishes should I try in France and where can I find the real deal?

France's regional cuisine is just amazing you've got to try it all. In Bordeaux look for Cannelé with its perfect caramelized crust the traditional patisseries in the old town make the best ones. Down in Sarlat the family restaurants serve incredible duck confit and foie gras especially during truffle season November through March. Toulouse is all about traditional Cassoulet every restaurant's got their own special recipe passed down through the family. And in Brittany's medieval Dinan you'll find these amazing authentic buckwheat crêpes in historic crêperies using recipes that haven't changed for centuries.

France Tours & Trips

691 Results691 Result

View Map
In-depth Cultural
Best of France Tour
4.6 (66 traveler reviews)
"Outstanding experience! Admired the countryside, especially Loire Valley, St. Michel. Everything went smoothly."
Marcos, traveled in June
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy Beach, Caen, Saint-Malo,Mont Saint-Michel,Angers,Chenonceaux,Chambord+4 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Eskapas
3% Off
From $4,661
NZ$4,521per person
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Paris and Versailles
4.6 (66 traveler reviews)
"A great spread of breakfast included. Public Transport on the hotel avenue and a short distance from Luxembourg for Metro and other buses."
Alina, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Ile de FranceNorthern France+1 more
Operated in
English,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Eskapas
10% Off
From $3,720
NZ$3,348per person
View tour
View Map
Bicycle
Dordogne Valleys and Villages Cycling
4.5 (1 traveler review)
"The gps app was easy to use and kept us on track. The dinners were very good with a preponderance of duck and foie gras."
Jill, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Souillac, Sarlat-La-Caneda, Domme, La Roque Gageac,Meyrals,Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil,St Leon sur Vezere,Auriac-du-Perigord,Montignac,Saint Amand de Coly,Salignac Eyvigues+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern FranceAquitaine & Midi Pyrenees+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From
NZ$2,575per person
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Vouvray, Amboise, Saumur, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Loire ValleyPays de la LoireNorthern France+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
6% Off
From $5,277
NZ$4,950per person
View tour
View Map
Explorer
7 Day France- Paris And Nice by Train including Monaco And Versailles
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"An UNBELIEVABLE TOUR everything went smoothly and the people who were answering my texts and calls were the Nicest people to deal with."
Salvatore, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Paris, Nice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
5% Off
From $2,984
NZ$2,835per person
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
French Dream
4.2 (18 traveler reviews)
"The Dordogne region of France is so breathtakingly gorgeous that it seems to make everything else fade into the background."
Sharlise, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Paris, Blois, Tours, Villandry, Amboise, Chenonceaux,Chambord,Limoges,Sarlat-La-Caneda,Beynac,Rocamadour,Padirac,Saint-Emilion,Bordeaux+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
5% Off
From
NZ$2,140per person
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Romantic France
2.8 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Paris, Tours, Bordeaux, Lourdes, Carcassonne, Marseille,Arles,Avignon,Lyon,Tournus,Beaune,Dijon,Vezelay+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
5% Off
From
NZ$2,875per person
View tour
Looking for tours beyond just France?
Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including France.
View Map
Explorer
5 Day Paris, Versailles and Disneyland
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Ile de FranceNorthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
5% Off
From $4,051
NZ$3,848per person
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Classic)
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"Bouvet ladubay wine's amazing. St Michel amazing..paris amazing."
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Normandy Beach,Omaha Beach,Arromanches-les-Bains,Bayeux,Mont Saint-Michel,Saint-Malo,Cancale,Villandry,Angers,Saumur,Azay-le-Rideau,Chartres+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
5% Off
From
NZ$5,775per person
View tour
View Map
Active
Journeys: Paris & Normandy Highlights National Geographic Journeys
4.9 (7 traveler reviews)
"Bayeux was more French than Paris to me. Loved the town and the excursions to the D-Day Camp Omaha beach, American cemetery."
Mary, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Giverny, Honfleur, Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel, Rouen
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
NormandyNorthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures
25% Off
From $4,919
NZ$3,689per person
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Paris Explorer
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"The tour was fantastic. The experience was amazing."
Deborah, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Normandy Beach, Versailles, Giverny
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $6,050
NZ$5,445per person
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Paris, Normandy and the Loire
4.9 (75 traveler reviews)
"The tour was well organised. Our guide was engaging and informative."
Katrina, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Bayeux,Mont Saint-Michel,Saint-Malo,Rennes,Amboise,Blois,Chartres+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
3% Off
From $2,989
NZ$2,889per person
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Bicycle
Cycle Provence
4.7 (25 traveler reviews)
"The Provence landscape is a highlight. His sharing of the familiarity and history was excellent."
Erica, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Marseille, Carpentras, Gordes, Cavaillon,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence+1 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
3% Off
From
NZ$3,220per person
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Paris, Normandy, & Châteaux Country
5.0 (256 traveler reviews)
"The tour was excellent."
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Deauville, Beuvron-en-Auge, Caen,Omaha Beach,Bayeux,Mont Saint-Michel,Angers+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
NormandyNorthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
10% Off
From $4,999
NZ$4,499per person
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Jewels of Southwest France
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Bordeaux, Arcachon, Biarritz, Bayonne, Lourdes, Pau,Carcassonne,Albi,Sarlat-La-Caneda,Lascaux,Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Southern FranceAquitaine & Midi Pyrenees+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Back-Roads Touring
10% Off
From
NZ$6,789per person
View tour