This is a classic French holiday covering the essence of the country: its charming capital Paris, Champagne and the Loire Valley. Paris has a well deserved reputation for being the most romantic city in the world. Around each cobbled corner, you may discover a famous landmark, museum, tiny café, glistening patisserie or quaint boutique. A first time visitor should not miss the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Montmarte, Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, but these are also places you can return to time and time again.

If you enjoy a glass of bubbly, use Reims as a base to explore the Champagne region. It is worth spending one or two nights here to take it all in. The Loire Valley is where you will find some of France’s most famous châteaux. You may explore the châteaux by boat or bicycle, but our favourite way to explore is on a guided tour in a 1950’s Citroën Traction. Château de Chambord, the former hunting lodge of King Francis I, is the largest chateau in the Loire Valley, but there are plenty more awaiting your discovery.

Recommended length: 8 nights

Paris — Reims — Tours