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Provincial French Countryside

Provincial French Countryside

Trip Dates
September 3-17, 2025
Trip Tags
Europe
September
Land Program
Fall
Activity Level
Countries Visited
France
Body

Experience the beauty, allure, and hospitality of provincial France at an easy pace and in a unique style in a small group limited to 24 travelers. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, this 15-day journey features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy. With the first two nights in Toulouse, set out to discover the rich history of Carcassonne – the quintessential medieval town boasting Europe’s longest city walls, and Albi with its Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. During a three-night stay in Sarlat, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval gems, see Lascaux IV’s reproductions of pre-historic cave paintings, take a leisurely Dordogne River cruise, and explore the charming cliffside village of Rocamadour. Saumur offers a picturesque base for the following three-night discovery of the Loire Valley, including a winery visit and a tour of Chenonceau, an impressive Renaissance château. Traveling north to Normandy for a three-night stay, visit the renowned Mont-St-Michel Gothic abbey. In Bayeux, see the 1,000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry, then visit Caen’s Memorial Museum devoted to “history for peace.” A poignant day’s touring follows at Normandy’s evocative D-Day Landing Beaches and the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Walk through Monet’s famed gardens in Giverny and see the familiar lily pond and Japanese footbridge of his paintings. The final destination is enchanting Paris for a balance of free time, seeing city highlights, and visiting the Rodin Museum. Savor more time in the “City of Light” with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Price
From $6,597
Tour Operator
Odysseys Unlimited

Traveling Owls

The Rice Alumni Traveling Owls program serves as a catalyst for lifelong learning and strengthens bonds between Rice University alumni and friends. With a commitment to education, engagement, exploration and excellence, the Traveling Owls program is designed to create exciting intellectual itineraries unlike any other travel opportunities, while sustaining enthusiasm for knowledge and building relationships among fellow Owls.