Grand Tour of France with London (478E)

17 Day Tour from Paris to London

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You’ve seen photos of the Eiffel Tower—now is your time to see it in person. You’ve studied and read about D-Day’s Normandy Beaches—now’s your chance to visit them. You’ve heard about France’s famous wines—now’s your chance to see the wine-growing region in Bordeaux. All of this and much more are included on this France tour that starts and ends in Paris.

History buffs are sure to be amazed by the many historic towns and attractions on this tour. Immerse yourself in ancient Roman history with a stop at Pont Du Gard bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1st Century. Visit the amphitheater in Arles, the city with the most Roman remains outside of Rome. Go back in time to the Middle Ages with a visit to the clifftop town of Rocamadour. Walk by the ancient battlements in the beautifully preserved, medieval town of Carcassonne; and visit Beaune’s Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, built in 1443 after the Hundred Years' War left many of the town's population destitute. On the “route Napoleon”, follow in the footsteps of Napoleon, when he returned from Elba. Coming to recent history, see Normandy’s landing beaches, where Operation Neptune was launched on June 6 1944.

Art history fans will enjoy a visit to Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of painter Cézanne, and a stroll around the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés. In Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, visit a perfume workshop. Spend time in the Châteaux Country, home to spectacular castles since the 11th century. Discover the Dordogne, one of France’s most picturesque regions, with its charming villages and attractive castles. Of course, no France tour is complete without visiting the French Riviera, and you’ll plenty of time to explore this beautiful area on the Mediterranean Sea.

Complete your vacation with three nights in London. Travel by Eurostar train from Paris to London. Enjoy an included city sightseeing with Local Guide of the UK capital city and make sure to take advantage of your Local Host wealth of information to make the most of your stay.

Small-Group Discovery Dates Available

Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Headsets throughout the tour.

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
Grand Tour of France with London map

 Photo Highlights

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

  • Arles (Roman and Romanesque Monuments)
  • Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge (See Only)
  • Mont Saint Michel and its Bay
  • Paris Banks of the Seine
  • The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle)

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE

Check into your hotel and spend free time strolling around Paris. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 2 PARIS–ROUEN–HONFLEUR–CAEN

Drive first to the historical capital city of Normandy, Rouen—one of the most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Walk through its center, rich in Gothic architecture. Next, visit lovely Honfleur, known for its picturesque port and houses with slate-covered facades. Continue to Caen.
Today’s Distance: 211 mi/ 340 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 3 CAEN–NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES–BAYEUX–MONT ST. MICHEL

Time to see Caen before visiting the legendary beaches where Allied troops landed more than 75 years ago. Experience the most moving sites at Arromanches, St. Laurent, and the American Cemetery at Omaha. Next, journey to Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry depicting William the Conqueror’s epic battle in 1066 (entrance fee extra). Then, on to the unique beauty of Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessed via a causeway.
Today’s Distance: 162 mi/ 260 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 MONT ST. MICHEL–ANGERS–CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY

Time to enjoy a visit of Mont St. Michel before departing for Angers to visit its cathedral. Then, travel along the banks of the Loire River to reach the enchanting Chateaux Country. This evening, join an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY

Spend the day at leisure or take an optional excursion to see some of the most spectacular castles of the Loire, steeped in the history of noblemen and kings since the 11th century. Gothic spires, medieval turrets, great fortresses, and beautiful châteaux make for splendid panoramas.

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 6 CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY–LA ROCHELLE–BORDEAUX

This morning spend some time in the picturesque town of La Rochelle, situated on the Atlantic coast, then enjoy a scenic drive through the Bordeaux wine region. Stop for a wine tasting session at one of the celebrated cellars. Next, enjoy an orientation walk of the city center of Bordeaux.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 BORDEAUX–DORDOGNE–ROCAMADOUR–TOULOUSE

Discover one of France’s most scenic regions, the Dordogne. Stop in the dramatically located medieval town of Rocamadour, perched high upon a cliff. Continue southwards to Toulouse.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 8 TOULOUSE–CARCASSONNE–PONT DU GARD–AVIGNON

Travel to Carcassonne for a walk in this well-preserved medieval town. Then, make a picture stop at the famous Pont du Gard before reaching Avignon.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 AVIGNON–ARLES–AIX-EN-PROVENCE–FRENCH RIVIERA

Visit Arles, known all over the world for the paintings of Van Gogh. Admire the famous Roman amphitheater, then continue to Aix-en-Provence with its main street, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees in the French tradition. See the 17th-century palace, houses, and fountains. Finally, head to the French Riviera on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Today’s Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 FRENCH RIVIERA

Take time to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera at your own leisure. Tonight, maybe join the optional Monte Carlo by Night excursion to see the Principality of Monaco.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 FRENCH RIVIERA–GRASSE–LYON AREA

First to Grasse to visit a traditional Perfume workshop. See more of Provence and follow one of France’s great panoramic routes, which Napoleon took on his return from his exile in Elba in 1815. From Grenoble, join the expressway to the Lyon area.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 12 LYON AREA–BEAUNE–PARIS

Travel through the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy to medieval Beaune, the region’s wine capital since Roman times. Visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu. Return to the French capital of Paris.
Today’s Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13 PARIS

Discover the glorious ville lumières (City of Lights) with its many boulevards and monumental buildings. On your included sightseeing tour, a local expert will guide you through Parisian history, tradition, and modern living. Optional excursions are also available to complete your experience.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 14 PARIS–LONDON, ENGLAND

Travel by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class) to London. Your Local Host is available to help you make the most of your stay.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 15 LONDON

Morning guided sightseeing includes all the famous landmarks.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 16 LONDON

Your Local Host will have many suggestions for your day at leisure.

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 17 LONDON

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast Breakfast


Transportation:

Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, high-speed Eurostar train Paris-London

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

CLARA CRAWFORD

Escorting tours for more than 5 years

“It would delight me to show you France - the most visited country in the world. This is a place of enormous variety in its history, natural beauty, and the magic of Paris! Add to this the fantastic food, wonderful wines, and musical language and you'll truly fall in love with the country and its people!”

Tour Director - CLARA CRAWFORD

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Chateaux Country
French Riviera
Paris
London

Chateaux Country

Dinner in the Loire Valley

Dinner in the Loire Valley

Enjoy a delicious dinner of regional specialties at a quaint local restaurant in France's renowned Loire Valley.

Price Range: $

Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Spend a day in France's legendary Châteaux Country, visiting two of the Loire Valley's most enchanting palaces, Amboise and Chenonceau, and touring a local wine cellar.

Price Range: $$

French Riviera

Delightful Dinner on the French Riviera

Delightful Dinner on the French Riviera

Enjoy a memorable meal on the French Riviera during this exceptional dinner outing in Nice.

Price Range: $

French Riviera with Saint-Paul de Vence

French Riviera with Saint-Paul de Vence

Discover the wonders of the French Riviera on this exciting half-day excursion to Saint-Paul de Vence.

Price Range: $

Monte Carlo by Night with Dinner

Monte Carlo by Night with Dinner

Drive along the exquisite French Riviera to dazzling Monte Carlo for a delicious French dinner, drinks with the jet set at a famous café, and free time to gamble or explore as you like!

Price Range: $$

Paris

City of Light Orientation and Dinner

City of Light Orientation and Dinner

Enjoy a memorable 4-course dinner with wine and a nighttime orientation drive around the glimmering City of Light-the perfect way to experience Paris!

Price Range: $$

Seine River Cruise and Montmartre Discovery

Seine River Cruise and Montmartre Discovery

Get a whole new perspective of the City of Light on this exciting half-day excursion featuring a Seine River cruise and time to explore the stunning hilltop artist district of Montmartre.

Price Range: $

Versailles, Palace of the Sun King

Versailles, Palace of the Sun King

Spend part of your day like a French aristocrat, strolling through the halls and gardens of Louis XIV's opulent Palace of Versailles.

Price Range: $$

London

A Taste of London

A Taste of London

A traditional dining experience followed by a nighttime cruise along the Thames River, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights.

Price Range: $$

Tower of London and Crown Jewels

Tower of London and Crown Jewels

From the opulent Crown Jewels to the uniformed Beefeaters and infamous ravens, this fascinating excursion introduces you to the Tower of London, one of the country's most famous castle fortresses.

Price Range: $$

Jack The Ripper, Haunted London Tour

Jack The Ripper, Haunted London Tour

This evening excursion takes you through the dark side of London, where you hear about the murderous activities of the infamous Jack the Ripper and other notorious, dark characters.

Price Range: $

Stonehenge Direct

Stonehenge Direct

Stonehenge is the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Come and unlock its secrets.

Price Range: $$

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

A thousand years of royal history await at Windsor Castle on this fascinating peek behind the scenes at the Queen's favorite castle.

Price Range: $$

Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover, Greenwich & Thames River Cruise

Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover, Greenwich & Thames River Cruise

Visit Leeds Castle, for a private tour, then drive to Dover and see the famous white cliffs. Stop in the famous ancient city of Canterbury and see its magnificent cathedral. After a stroll through Greenwich enjoy a cruise on the River Thames back to London.

Price Range: $$

Lunch in the Cotswolds

Lunch in the Cotswolds

A fully guided day in the Cotswolds includes lunch, and takes in some of the most beautiful English villages.

Price Range: $$

England in One Day

England in One Day

From mysterious Stonehenge and the Roman ruins of Bath to the picturesque Cotswolds and Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, this guided full-day excursion is a fantastic introduction to many of England's most beloved sites.

Price Range: $$

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle

Visit stunning Highclere Castle where the Downton Abbey TV series was filmed. Soak up the atmosphere of Oxford and hear about life in the famous university town.

Price Range: $$$



The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).

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