France Scenic Self-Drive Getaway: Castles, Forts & Vineyards - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Drive to Rouen & Visit the Joan of Arc Museum

Welcome to Paris! When you arrive at the airport, you'll pick up your rental car and take the two-hour drive northwest to Rouen. Upon arrival, settle in at your hotel and then explore the city. Your first stop will be at the Historial Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc Museum), located in Rouen's historical center, not far from the Cathedral.

In a spectacular public space, this representation aims to help people discover the saga and incredible destiny of Joan of Arc and to highlight the myths constructed throughout the centuries concerning this prominent figure. Follow an interactive journey of technology and innovation laced with emotion. Learn how history and individuals have taken on, remembered, interpreted, and sometimes used this universal character.

Day 2: Drive to Bayeux, Guided Walking Tour of Old Bayeux

This morning, head west to the coast of Normandy, where you'll stop at Bayeux. You'll meet your guide in the center of town for a walking tour of the city. Admire the medieval architecture of Notre-Dame and the lace and porcelain that made the richness of Bayeux. Located next to the Bayeux Cathedral, the Museum of Art and History Baron Gerard (MAHB) will take you on a journey through the history of European art.

Day 3: Day Trip to Juno Beach & Canadian Sector Guided Tour

Bayeux is the perfect base for visiting Normandy's D-Day beaches. Today, drive to Juno Beach for a visit and learn all about the pivotal part it played in the Allied landings. On June 6th, 1944, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Armoured Brigade landed at Juno as part of "Operation Overlord" and saw heavy fighting. As the beach covers about 9 miles (14 km) and four villages, it deserves at least two stops at Courseulles and Bernières. Your guide will show you monuments dedicated to the soldiers and share exciting stories. You can also stop at the Juno Beach Center, the only Canadian museum in Normandy.

The Canadian Cemetery is located only a few miles away and is an authentic tribute to those who died for France's freedom. Quite heartbreaking, too, is a visit to the Ardenne Abbey, outside of Caen, where Nazi soldiers executed Canadian prisoners. After the tour, you'll return to Bayeux.

Day 4: Drive to Saint-Malo via Mont Saint-Michel 

Today you'll drive southwest to discover Mont Saint-Michel, a granite island in the middle of a massive bay influenced by Europe's strongest tides. Legend has it that Archangel Saint Michael ordered the construction of an abbey here in 708. The abbey has evolved through time into a multistoried, awe-inspiring edifice. Upon entering, the tour takes you through the cloister, refectory, and other rooms before moving into the heart of the abbey. After your visit, wander the narrow circular streets which lead to the ramparts for stunning views. Before you leave, enjoy lunch in one of the quaint local restaurants.

Next, you'll continue west, hugging the coast until you reach the walls of Saint-Malo, constructed as early as the 12th century. A visit to the ramparts is essential in Saint-Malo, with magnificent views of the sea and the city just below. Next, visit the buildings it houses, such as the Town Hall, the Museum of History of Saint-Malo in the Grand Tower, and the Museum of Ethnography Saint-Malo in the General Tower. Afterward, go into the city to explore and find your hotel. Following a long day, have a hearty Breton crepe in one of the countless creperies in town.

Day 5: Explore the Emerald Coast, Saint-Malo & Cancale Walking Tours

Following the Emerald Coast from Saint-Malo to Cancale gives you an authentic taste of Brittany. Start in Saint-Malo with a private walking tour in the Intramuros (the historical center) and discover its rich history of pirates and shipowners, among other famous characters and adventures. Enjoy beautiful panoramas over the bay from the ramparts before driving east, hugging the coastline. It's only a 30-minute drive to Cancale so take the time to stop along the way and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 6: Drive to Amboise via Château de Villandry 

Leave Saint-Malo this morning and go to your first stop, Château de Villandry. During this self-guided tour, you'll explore Villandry's gorgeous formal gardens, a beautiful and delicately-manicured landscape masterpiece. The ornamental Kitchen Garden, the Maze, and the Classical Water Garden must not be missed. Head next to the Loire Valley, where you'll find Amboise, which sits on the banks of the Loire River and will delight you with its picturesque architecture and authenticity. Nestled on the left bank, Amboise retains traces of its royal past.

Day 7: Bike Tour of Amboise & Visit to Vouvray

Day 8: Châteaux de Chambord & Chenonceau

Day 9: Visit Château Royal d'Amboise

Day 11: Day Excursion in the Dordogne Valley

Go day-tripping today and dive into the medieval atmosphere of the Dordogne Valley and its picturesque villages. Your private driver-guide will pick you up in the morning at your accommodation in Sarlat-la-Canéda. During your excursion, you'll have many options available to visit. Stroll through the narrow streets of La Roque-Gageac and visit its 14th-century church, known for its bell tower, Perigord-style lauze roof, and exotic garden. Sail on a traditional gabarre (barge) on the Dordogne River, and visit the medieval war museum of Castelnaud Castle.

Day 12: Private Half-Day Tour to Rocamadour

Day 13: Drive to Carcassonne, Self Guided Visit

Make the three-hour drive south to the fortified city of Carcassonne, which looks like something out of a children's storybook when seen from afar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. Once you've checked in to your hotel and had lunch, spend the afternoon exploring this well-preserved, reconstructed defense fortress. You'll be transported back to the Middle Ages, when the city's defenses were used to keep its occupants safe from attack.

Day 14: Day Excursion to Toulouse

Day 15: Drive to Saint- Rémy-de-Provence

It's time to leave Carcasonne and drive three hours south to Provence. Between Avignon and Arles, within the majestic setting of the Alpilles, lies Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Once you've checked in at your hotel, explore the winding streets of the historic center, with its shaded boulevards, squares adorned with old fountains, cafés, terraces, and restaurants, all invitations to enjoy the Provençal way of life.

If you're up for it, visit the archaeological site of Glanum and the ancient monuments, such as the Triumphal Arch and the Jules Mausoleum, exceptional legacies of Late Antiquity. The town, which witnessed the birth of Nostradamus, was and still is a source of inspiration for many artists. Seduced by the setting and the town's atmosphere, many have chosen to live here, and numerous studios and art galleries thrive in the town center.

Day 16: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting Tour

You'll get to tour another world-renowned wine-growing region in France today! This time, you'll visit the southern Rhône Valley, particularly a sun-drenched Provence appellation called Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This region makes red and white wines with up to 13 different grapes and is primarily known for its bold Grenache-based blends.

Make the short drive to Avignon, and meet your local guide, who will lead you on the scenic drive through the Rhône's vineyards to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Learn about the wines, grape varieties, and terroir before sampling some of the finest wines from the region at two different wine estates. Play with your five senses during this winery tour and tasting. You'll explore the small village and, from the ruins of the Pope's summer residence, enjoy a panoramic view over the Rhône river valley and the vineyards. You'll return to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence late afternoon.

Day 17: Drive to Lyon, Self-Guided City Tour 

Day 18: Food Tour in Lyon Old Town, Optional Activities

Start your day with a guided walk through Old Lyon. You will learn about the local heritage as your guide will take you through the famous medieval-covered passageways. You cannot visit Lyon without talking about food, so the tour will be punctuated with several tastings of local specialties. It's the perfect occasion to speak about Lyonnaise gastronomy and discover its traditional recipes and gourmet secrets, like the famous Paul Bocuse Covered Market, where one can find high-quality ingredients and products. Afterward, visit one of the many bouchons (traditional restaurants) for an authentic lunch.

If you're thirsty for more, the southern part of Beaujolais is only a few miles north of Lyon. Known worldwide for its famous Beaujolais Nouveau, it is also the "Land of the Golden Stones" because the village's limestone buildings turn a beautiful ocher color as the sun sets. You could do a bit of wine tasting or visit Oingt, a 12th-century village classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Discover the charms of its medieval monuments, then return to Lyon.

Day 19: Drive to Beaune, Côtes de Nuit Wine Tour

It's a two-hour drive north to Beaune, where thousands of red and white wines are stored in over 62 miles (100 km) of tunnels and wine cellars underneath the city. The town is concentrated around the magnificent Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded in the 15th century. Once you are within the walls, there are many cobbled and pedestrian streets to explore at your leisure. The famous Hospice is one of the highlights of seeing Beaune. Although the exterior of the building is purposely austere, upon entering the courtyard, you'll be fascinated by the dazzling colored roofs. 

Day 20: Wine Tasting in Burgundy, Drive to Paris

This is the last full day of your tour, so explore the region as you wish. Drive through Bourgogne (Burgundy), which offers some of France's most gorgeous countryside with rolling green hills dotted with mustard fields and medieval villages. Visit the region's towns, such as the capital, Dijon. This city has maintained a glorious architectural heritage that goes back to the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, and  Gallo-Roman and Celtic antiquity.

Day 21: Depart Paris

After breakfast, make your way to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, drop off your vehicle and catch your flight to your final destination. Bon voyage!

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