Discover the essence of France, peeling back layers of history and delving into local culture as you make your way through beautiful scenery from the Dordogne to the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris, visiting six World Heritage sites along the way.

Starting at: $6,997 * Price includes special offer * Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
 Mont St. Michel, Normandy
Mont St. Michel, Normandy
 Chenonceau, one of the most romantic chateaux in the Loire Valley
Chenonceau, one of the most romantic chateaux in the Loire Valley
 The medieval city and castle of Carcassonne
The medieval city and castle of Carcassonne
 Medieval town square of Sarlat
Medieval town square of Sarlat
 River boats or <i>gabare</i> on the Dordogne River. Credit: France Tourism Bureau
River boats or gabare on the Dordogne River. Credit: France Tourism Bureau
 The medieval village of Rocamadour, a World Heritage site
The medieval village of Rocamadour, a World Heritage site
 The castle and town of Saumur in the Loire Valley
The castle and town of Saumur in the Loire Valley
 The chateau of Chenonceau, Loire Valley
The chateau of Chenonceau, Loire Valley
 Mont St. Michel, Normandy
Mont St. Michel, Normandy
 Travelers outside a megalith in Saumur. Credit: Catherine Chamoux
Travelers outside a megalith in Saumur. Credit: Catherine Chamoux
 World War II cemetery near Omaha Beach, Normandy
World War II cemetery near Omaha Beach, Normandy
 German gun emplacements at Pointe du Hoc. Credit: Atout France/R-Cast
German gun emplacements at Pointe du Hoc. Credit: Atout France/R-Cast
 Memorial sculpture, Omaha Beach
Memorial sculpture, Omaha Beach
 Section of the famous Bayeux Tapestry
Section of the famous Bayeux Tapestry
 Monet's gardens at Giverny
Monet's gardens at Giverny
 The Louvre's entrance, designed by I.M. Pei
The Louvre's entrance, designed by I.M. Pei
 Panorama of Paris
Panorama of Paris

France Through the Ages

15 days from $6,997 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees

Discover the essence of France, peeling back layers of history and delving into local culture as you make your way through beautiful scenery from the Dordogne to the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris, visiting six World Heritage sites along the way.

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

brochure

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

"France through the Ages" was a feast for the body, mind, and soul!

- David B.

Even though each of us has traveled to France on several occasions, taking "the road less traveled" on Smithsonian's "France through the Ages" tour was thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening. This was our first Smithsonian tour but assuredly will not be our last. 

- Marie L.

This tour offered me a glorious buffet of France. Each day we got to sample new things and they were all wonderful. With my appetite fully whetted, I want to return and see more. 

- Sharon S.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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ACCOMMODATIONS

*Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Crowne Plaza Toulouse

Toulouse, France

Well located in the heart of Toulouse's 'Ville Rose' on Capitole Square, and one of Europe's prettiest, the 162-room Crowne Plaza offers a restaurant, cocktail lounge, a health club with an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, and hair salon. Your room is equipped with private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, in-room safe, mini-bar, Internet access, TV, and phone.



Au Grand Hotel de Sarlat

Sarlat-en-PĂ©rigord, France

Au Grand Hotel de Sarlat sits just north of Sarlat’s medieval city center, only five minutes’ walking distance from this well-preserved 14th-century town. Boasting lovely manicured gardens and an outdoor heated swimming pool, the hotel also features a bar (with a public piano), fitness center, spa, sauna, laundry and dry cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms are split among two separate buildings: our rooms in the Pavillon de Selves have private bath with hair dryer, TV, and phone.



Hotel Anne d'Anjou

Saumur, France

Overlooking the Loire River, the 18th-century Hotel Anne d'Anjou stands with its original wood, glass, and freestone moldings that date to the Louis XVI, Restoration, and Empire periods. Minutes from the town's center, the 45-room hotel has a restaurant and bar, Internet access, lounge, and garden. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone.



Manoir de Mathan

Normandy , France

Located in a rural setting along the outskirts of Crépon, this hotel was previously a stately 17th-century home.  Situated around a common courtyard, the hotel consists of three buildings, each with exposed beams, antique furniture, and stone staircases that preserve the French style of antiquity.  Each of the 21 rooms includes a private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, TV, and phone.  Because of the unique nature of this hotel, room sizes and décor vary.  There are no elevators.



Hotel Chateau Frontenac

Paris, France

Ideally located between the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Georges-V, close to entertainment, restaurants, and shops, the 104-room Hotel Chateau Frontenac offers a bar and breakfast room and Internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.



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