Wander the French countryside during this guided 10-day self-drive itinerary from the quaint town of Chablis to the breathtaking wilderness flanking Sarlat, Dordogne. Find refuge in charming accommodations pinned in picturesque off-the-beaten-path wine regions as well as immaculate volcanic landscapes veiling France’s outlying pastures. Explore the flavors of France and the country’s rich heritage as you make your way down south towards Bordeaux.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Chablis - The Bucolic Pastures from Paris to Chablis
You will spot your name on a sign held by your driver as you arrive in Paris and check through the immigration desk at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. From Paris, you will drive through the French countryside to the quaint, off-the-beaten-path town of Chablis. Boasting exceptional Burgundy wine tourism in and around quintessential French châteaux, Chablis will introduce you to the picturesque French scenes of medieval castles rising above landscaped lawns that fold across pastures reaching for the horizon.
What's Included:
Day 2
Chablis - French Wine Tasting In and Around Chablis
Day 3
Cluny - An Introduction Into Archetypal French Heritage
Day 4
Lyon - French Flavors in the Beaujolais Countryside
Day 5
Lyon - Breathtaking Hiking Trails Weaving through the Beaujolais
Day 6
Auvergne - Across the Volcanic Massif Central to Auvergne
Day 7
Auvergne - Wandering the Illustrious Forests of Auvergne
Day 8
Sarlat - Quiet Moments in an Authentic Old Town
Day 9
Sarlat - History of the Vézère and Grotte de Font-de-Gaume
Day 10
Sarlat - Beautiful Spectacles En Route to Bordeaux
Trip Highlights
- Pedal across Chablis’ surrounding wine country to exemplary estates hemmed amongst the gorgeous viridian vineyards that cascade large portions of the French countryside
- Admire ancient French architecture as you tour the Cistercian monastery, Abbaye de Fontenay, as well as the immaculate medieval fortress town of Semur-en-Auxois
- Uncover the history of truffle foraging during a guided tour alongside a truffle expert and his trusted canine companion
- Cherish scenes of the Beaujolais’ breathtaking natural highlights as you ascend to the peak of the Rock of Solutré and explore cobbled villages en route to Mont Brouilly
- Explore the Beaujolais hinterlands and delve into the heritage stories shrouding the region’s charming villages during strolls and biking tours in and around the countryside
- Cross the unknown lands of the Massif Central’s volcanic region to the sparkling waters of the Lac du Pêcher and discover the pleasures of the postcard-perfect forested landscape
- Wander the cobbled alleys weaving through Sarlat Old Town and tuck into authentic French cuisine at local eateries peppering the architecturally sound district
- Paddle the azure waters of the Vézère river to the stunning Grotte de Font-de-Gaume caves, where you will uncover Magdalenian period cave paintings and engravings
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of this Travel Agency
4.63 stars based on 150 reviews.
Our trip to Provence was fabulous. The three cities, Lyon, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, gave us a real sense of the region. The food, wine, and tours were all magnificent. The hotels were lovely and centrally located.
The five days in Avignon gave us a sense of the city and history. All the guides were excellent and well informed. Our entire trip was well organized and the travel app which outlined our trip was “perfect." We were especially thankful for the drivers who were always on time.
We highly recommend our Zicasso travel expert and our travel company. We have never been disappointed with Zicasso.
Reviewed By Janice R.
This was our second experience with Zicasso and we really enjoyed the experience. They recommended a local trip planner and it was an excellent choice. We planned our trip well in advance and, from day one, the communications with him were great. The recommendations about villages and towns to see on our days of leisure were amazing and unforgettable. Every hotel was perfectly located.
Reviewed By Carole C.
Zicasso's travel company was very attentive. They listened to our requests and then developed an itinerary that worked well. We had three revisions to the schedule and all the drivers, tour guides, excursions, trains, air travel, and hotels were exactly as we requested.
Reviewed By Dave R.
Overall, the trip was everything we asked for. Zicasso's travel company did a great job of arranging activities and accommodations.
Reviewed By Christopher I.
Zicasso's travel agent was great! Everything went smoothly. The recommendation on the hotel was terrific. The guides were knowledgeable.
Reviewed By Anne T.
Zicasso's travel specialists got what we were looking for. The tour operators and drivers were all top-notch and I think we got just what we wanted out of the trip.
Reviewed By Karen M.