France Itineraries

Follow the scenic side roads of French countryside to charming little villages and historical treasures. On this itinerary you'll discover two enchanting regions of France: Burgundy, a land of history, a center of Romanesque art and of fine wine and cuisine, and Alsace with half-timbered houses, feudal castles and rich traditions and culture from a variety of influences.

You will travel at a relaxed pace, ensuring that you will be able to enjoy your holiday without stress.

Come and discover what fairy tales are made of!

Itinerary

Day 1: Paris-Pontigny

Start from Paris International Airport or another location in Paris. Visit the Abbey of Pontigny, the second daughter of Citeaux, in the valley of the River Serein. The Abbey church is the largest Cistercian church surviving in France today.
Overnight in Pontigny area.

2: Pontigny-Flavigny-sur-Ozerain-Marsannay-la-Cote-Meursault

Visit the picturesque village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, known for its aniseed candy and where the movie Chocolat was filmed. Stop in the village of Marsannay-la-Cote, the only village in the region that produces rose wine. Drive through the Hautes-Cotes, a chain of rolling hills full of vineyards, and enjoy some wine tasting along the way.
4 nights in Meursault-Beaune area.

3: Meursault-Autun-Meursault

Visit the archeaological areas around Meursault. See a life-sized reconstitution of the fortification techniques used by Julius Caesar in laying siege to Alesia and visit the interior of a Gallo-Roman villa. Discover the historical town of Autun with a number of interesting sites such as a Roman theatre, school that was once attended by Napoleon, Temple de Janus and Porte St-Andre.
2nd night in Meursault-Beaune area.

4: Meursault-Brancion-La Chapelle sous Brancion-Meursault

Visit the medieval village of Brancion on a hill overlooking the Grosne valley and its Romanesque church of St-Peter. In front of the church you will have the best panoramic views of the Burgundy countryside. See a traditional Lavoir, a communal washhouse where women went to do their household laundry, in La Chapelle sous Brancion.
3rd night in Meursault-Beaune area.

5: Meursault-Tournus-Plottes-Solutre-Meursault

Visit the town of Tournus, see the famous St Philibert Abbey and visit the historical hospital Hotel-Dieu. Stop by in the neighboring village of Plottes where an American B26 bomber crashed in 1945. See the magnificent limestone outcrop of Roche de Solutre.
4th night in Meursault-Beaune area.

6: Meursault-Thann-Munster

Visit Thann, southern gateway of the route du vin of Alsace, and discover the gothic splendor of St-Thiebaut collegiate church. Make a pleasant walk in the delightful scenery of the Route des Cretes.
3 nights in Munster area.

7: Munster-Colmar-Munster

Visit the museum of Augusto Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, in Colmar, and discover the charming old town. Make a visit to the Regional Natural reserve of the Ballons des Vosges, host of enthralling exposures and projections about the history, the landscapes and the life in the Vosges Massif.
2nd night in Munster area.

8: Munster-Riquewihr-Orschwiller-Munster

Visit the picturesque historical village of Riquewihr. Step into the past by entering the ancient castle Chateau du Haut-Koeningsburg in Orschwiller. You also have the possibility to visit the Garden of butterflies in Hunawihr (July-August only).
3rd night in Munster area.

9: Munster-Ottrott-Andlau

Visit Ottrott, a village in flower by the foot of Mont St-Odile. On top the mythical Mont St-Odile, on the grounds of the patron saint of Alsace, you will find the Chapelle de la Croix, the mysterious Pagan Wall and a terrace with a panoramic view over the Alsatian plain and black forest. Continue your encounter with history by visiting the Chateau du Haut-Andlau, or alternatively make a visit to the charming town of Obernai.
2 nights in Ottrott area.

10: Ottrott-Marlenheim-Ottrott

Visit Marlenheim, a beautiful village with renaissance houses and where the route du vin begins. There is a 19th century castle of neo-classic style. Make a walk on the banks of the river Mossig, where you can still find mills. Go up the Marlenberg for panoramic views. Discover the former quarries of sandstone and limestone.
2nd night in Ottrott area.

11: Ottrott-Pfaffenhoffen/Bouxwiller-Verdun

Jewish communities have been living in Alsace since the time of the Roman Empire. Today, over 200 sites tell about their eventful history. Visit a synagogue in Pfaffenhoffen or the Museum of Judaism in an old synagogue in Bouxwiller. In Verdun, discover the battlefields of WW1 at Champ de Bataille.
Overnight in Verdun area.

12: Verdun-Paris

Visit the Citadelle, former army strong point with 7 km of underground galleries designed by Vauban in the 1600s and completed in 1838. Take a 30 minute train itinerary that explains some of the causes of WW1. Return to Paris, Paris international Airport or another location in Paris.