France Through the Ages

15 days from $6,997 Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees Apr. 24–May 8, May 22–June 5, Sept. 11–25, Oct. 2–16, 2023 & Apr. 22–May 6, May 17–31, Sept. 9–23, Sept. 30–Oct. 14, 2024

Immerse yourself in many facets of France—from cuisine and history to architecture and geology—on a journey to five distinct regions. Explore the ramparts of Carcassonne and Albi, and delve into prehistory among the cliffside villages and caves of the Dordogne region. Then venture to the Loire Valley to encounter the sumptuous Renaissance châteaux built by kings and nobility. Trace centuries of history in Normandy, visiting the medieval abbey of Mont St. Michel as well as the poignant World War II sites along the coast. Enjoy an inside perspective on the delightful cities of Paris and Toulouse on guided tours, and experience the hospitality and gastronomy of provincial France.

Highlights Include

Southern Treasures: Stay in the historic heart of Toulouse, and explore the fortified town of Carcassonne, surrounded by some of the longest medieval city walls in Europe. Venture to the market town of Albi, birthplace of artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. Dordogne River Valley: See world-renowned prehistoric cave art at the International Center for Cave Art at Lascaux IV and visit the cliffside pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Tour medieval Sarlat and cruise the Dordogne River past dramatic karst formations and cliff-top castles. Enjoy a private, guided tour of the Château de Milandes, once the home of American entertainer Josephine Baker. Loire Valley: From your base at an 18th-century manor in Saumur, discover a romantic landscape dotted with historic châteaux. Tour the Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance masterpiece that spans the River Cher; the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years; and the World Heritage site of Fontevraud Abbey. Normandy: Ascend cobblestone streets to the fortified abbey of Mont St. Michel, and see the renowned Bayeux Tapestry. Then gain insight into the extraordinary events of D-Day while visiting Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Pointe du Hoc, the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, and Le Mémorial museum in Caen. Along the Seine: Stroll through Monet’s gardens at Giverny, the artist’s country estate, and end your journey in Paris with a highlights tour. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Christopher Brennan (Apr. 24) and Cassandra Potts Hannahs (Sept. 11)–historians. Stephen Clancy (May 22)–art historian.

Mont St. Michel

Village in Dordogne