This tour incorporates some of the most exquisite villages, stunning scenery, colourful country markets, and mouth-watering food and wine that France has to offer!
5 nights in the beautiful little French village of Grignan in a gorgeous little boutique hotel – unpack, relax and enjoy fabulous French food and wine, go truffle hunting, visit fantastic markets and villages, and the magnificent walled city of Avignon;
3 nights in Annecy, one of the most beautiful villages in France, right on the edge of the French Alps overlooking Lake Annecy – visiting Mont Blanc and Chamonix;
And finally, one of our favourite barge cruises – 6 nights on board “Panache”, taking in the most beautiful landscapes, towns and villages of picture-postcard Alsace.
Along the way we discover cultural, history and gastronomic highlights that will leave you with indelible memories. A truly unique and unforgettable French holiday!
Saturday 30th August 2025 – Arrive at our gorgeous boutique hotel in the Drome region
Today we begin our holiday with a trip on the TGV fast train to Valence in the Drôme region. The Drôme is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and boasts a captivating array of tiny ancient villages, mouth-watering restaurants and scenic mountain backdrops, fabulous little markets and some exceptional wineries. We are staying in the exceptionally picturesque village of Grignan, in a beautiful boutique hotel, the Clair de la Plume, with a charming garden terrace and renowned restaurant.
Sunday 31st August – Grignan
We begin the day today with a visit to the village castle, the Château de Grignan, which towers over the village and is full of history and interesting artifacts. After discovering the chateau and village, we’ll continue on to a nearby truffle farm where we learn about how truffles are produced and how to find them! Then time for a lovely long lunch at a nearby restaurant. Breakfast & Lunch included.
Monday 1st September – Avignon
.Today we’ll discover the magnificent walled city of Avignon, home of the Papal court in the 14th century after the Popes moved from Rome to this then-little known French city! We enjoy an leisurely but fascinating walking tour which encompasses the Palais des Papes, once home of the Popes; the Pont d’Avignon, made famous in the French nursery rhyme; and the Place de l’Horloge, the charming square full of cafes nestled in the shade of the plane trees, overlooked by the nineteenth century Town Hall and Avignon Theatre.
Near Grignan is the ancient village of Saint Paul Trois Chateaux, where we dine tonight in a unique setting in a tiny former chapel. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Tuesday 2nd September – Vaison-la-Romaine
Vaison-La-Romaine is widely renowned as one of the most beautiful and historically fascinating villages in France. On the left bank on top of a rocky spur is the Haute-Ville, originating in the 13th century. In medieval times the villagers settled in the heights at the foot of the castle to protect themselves from robbers and invasion. Today the castle is in ruins, but Haute-Ville is a picturesque spot to visit. There are little shady squares, ancient doorways, and narrow cobbled streets dotted with superb fountains or lined by the facades of 16th and 18th century mansions.
The city, exceptionally interesting from an archaeological point of view, is surrounded by the river Ouveze. On the right bank are two different quarters: the site of the ancient Roman colony and the modern town. Archaeological digs have revealed immense, luxurious, and elaborate Gallo Roman homes. Today is market day in Vaison so the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing wander, lunch at your leisure and then we will do a fascinating historic walk with a local guide. Breakfast included.
Wednesday 3rd September – Cheateauneuf-du-Pape wines and the Enclave des Papes
Two of the most fascinating periods in the history of France, are closely entwined with this region – the association of the Knights Templar and the residency of the Catholic Popes in the Middle Ages. Today we drive through the region known as the “Enclave des Papes” – the Popes liked the wine produced here so much that they established acres of vineyards and villages which today retain their medieval charm and scenic outlook – and the wine is still fabulous! This region is overlooked by majestic Mont Ventoux, one of the “scourges” of the Tour de France. Our first stop will be at the stunning Roman town of Orange, home of the most intact Roman Theatre outside Italy, which has stood in this spot since 1 AD and still hosts concerts and events to this day. You will be astounded by this incredible site!
Then a very special “Vins Terroirs” experience at a beautiful winery estate near one of the most famous wine-making villages in France, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We’ll have a leisurely walk through the vineyards before stopping at a specially selected site where we will indulge in a guided wine tasting, elevated by a thoughtfully paired light lunch of Provençal specialties. And to finish off a memorable day, we have time to wander through the charming village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where you can stop and have a tasting at any of the many wine boutiques! Breakfast & Lunch included.
Thursday 4th September – Annecy & The Alps
Today we continue on to the stunning little Alpine/lakeside town of Annecy. A beautiful drive as we get closer to the French Alps, and we will stop for lunch along the way.
Annecy is considered one of the “hidden gems”– a tiny French version of Venice or Amsterdam, with narrow streets that are lined with stone arcades cluster around riverlets and are connected by footbridges and waterside walkways. Flowers are everywhere, in boxes hanging from latticed windows, growing in old stone urns. On Tuesdays and Fridays much of the old town becomes an outdoor street market that is noted for its array of local cheeses. The lake, with its fringe of villages and castles encircled by Alpine crags, still retains much of that pristine tranquillity that captivated Rousseau and so many others. Because the lake – 10 miles long and up to 2 miles wide – is fed largely by underground sources, its surface is unusually still.
We are staying in a charming Palace hotel just outside the old town, with views of the lake. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Friday 5th September – Annecy Market & Lake Annecy cruise
This morning we explore Annecy and visit the fascinating historic chateau that overlooks the town. It is one of Annecy’s market days today, spreading throughout the old town. This afternoon plenty of free time to stroll through the old quarters of Annecy, or window-shop under the arcades or along the quays lining the canals. You may wish to hire a bike and ride along the shores of the lake – it’s a superb ride!
This evening we are going to take an evening boat cruise on Lake Annecy, including dinner and drinks. The cruise passes beautiful villages and ancient chateaux perched on the shores of the lake – with the Alps looking in the background. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Saturday 6th September – Chamonix & Mont Blanc
Today we will drive one of the most picturesque circuits in the Alpine region – along the stunning Tarentaise Valley connecting Albertville, Bourg Ste Maurice, and finishing at Chamonix, where we will take a chairlift up to magnificent Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. For those who don’t like heights, the village is a delight to wander around!
This evening we will dine at a superb restaurant in the medieval village of Talloires. This is a 100-year-old inn and restaurant with 2 Michelin stars that offers outstanding cuisine overlooking the lake. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Sunday 7th September – Transfer To Our Luxury Hotel Barge!
This morning we will leave Annecy to continue on to the final part of our holiday, a fabulous barge cruise on board the beautiful “Panache” in the Alsace region. This is a long-ish 5 hour drive, but we will stop for lunch, rest breaks, and even drive through part of Switzerland on the way! On arrival at the barge mooring point, we will be met with a Champagne welcome and meet our Captain and crew. Our idyllic cruise this week includes some of the best cuisine and wine you will experience in France, provided by our private on-board chef! The large cabins and spacious flower filled deck area, complete with Jacuzzi, provide a perfect, relaxing environment from which to enjoy picturesque Alsace. Breakfast & dinner included.
Monday 8th September – Strasbourg
Our day starts with a morning cruise past the Gran Ried wetlands to arrive at the historic city of Strasbourg. Later, we enjoy a tour of the beautiful ‘capital city of Europe’ including a visit to the stunning 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and soaring spire. We visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Tuesday 9th September – Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
After breakfast, our cruise takes us past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and on to our picturesque mooring at Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. This afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive on the Route des Vins d’Alsace, and a private tasting at the long-established family winery, Domaine Lissner. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Wednesday 10th September – Saverne
This morning, we cruise further along the canal to the enchanting town of Saverne. After lunch we take a walking tour of the town and drive up to Château Haut-Barr to enjoy the wonderful views. Dinner on board. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Thursday 11th September – Lutzelbourg and La Petite Pierre
This morning, perhaps after a visit to Saverne’s market, we enjoy a cruise to our mooring in the picture postcard village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle. In the afternoon, we visit the mountaintop town of La Petite Pierre, then tour the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Nearby Wingen-sur-Moder is also the World War Two battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian ‘Flammekueche’ prepared by your chef. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Friday 12th September – Arzviller Boat Lift, Sarrebourg & Niderviller
First thing this morning we ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes – this is an exciting and unique experience! We then enjoy a candlelit lunch cruising through the two Arzviller tunnels to our final mooring at Niderviller. After lunch on board, we set off on a tour of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Saturday 13th September
This morning we say goodbye to our wonderful crew and disembark the barge. You may wish to return to Paris by train… or you may wish to spend an extra couple of days in beautiful Strasbourg! Frankfurt is also not far away for international flights. Breakfast included.
TOUR PRICE:
Twin/double share: €11,650 euros per person
(Price for the barge cruise alone: €7150 per person)
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Meals as per itinerary (all include wine), breakfasts throughout the tour, transport including 1st class train travel Paris to Valence, transport in private air conditioned small coach, 8 nights’ accommodation in charming four star hotels in Grignan and Annecy, tastings, all entries and excursions; and an all-inclusive barge cruise on board luxury hotel barge “Panache” (all gourmet meals, drinks including wine and mixed drinks, excursions, entries and tastings are included in the cruise cost). If you would like to see Panache in detail, please follow this link: https://frenchbarging.com.au/barges/panache-alsace-itinerary/*Please note that the barge itinerary is subject to change – it may be in the reverse direction.
Deposits and Cancellation Terms and Conditions
Deposit for this tour is €1920 euros or $3200 AUD per person, due to the large deposit required when we charter a barge for the exclusive use of our group. An intermediate payment of €1500 per person will be due on 30th January, 2025, and we will send an invoice in Australian dollars a week prior, reflecting the current exchange rate at that time.Final balance is due 120 days prior to departure and we will send a final invoice in Australian dollars a week prior, reflecting the current exchange rate at that time.
The initial deposit is non-refundable – we advise immediate arrangement of comprehensive travel insurance – please let us know if you would like us to arrange this for you. The exception to this would be if we can replace you on the tour, in which case we will refund the deposit in full.