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

Discover the essence of France—its rich history, culture, and scenic beauty—on this popular tour, featuring many World Heritage sites. From the medieval villages of the Dordogne to the D-Day beaches of Normandy, appreciate much of what France offers in one amazing experience. During your journey, enjoy accommodations that range from a stately 17th-century rural estate to an 18th-century mansion on the banks of the Loire River.

Highlights Include

Southern Treasures: Explore the fortified town of Carcassonne, featuring the longest medieval city walls in Europe. Stroll through the market town of Albi and see works by Toulouse-Lautrec in the city museum. In the breathtaking Dordogne region, known for its rugged countryside and delightful villages, tour the International Center for Cave Art at Lascaux IV, visit charming Sarlat and the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, and view cliffside castles during a leisurely cruise along the Dordogne River. Loire River Valley: Discover this legendary landscape of spectacular châteaux. During two days in this lovely region, you’ll take in the romantic Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance masterpiece that spans the River Cher; the Château Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years; and the World Heritage site of Fontevraud Abbey, the original burial site of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their son Richard the Lionheart. Normandy: Gain insight into the extraordinary events of D-Day and commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II’s Operation Overlord. Visits feature a variety of sites, including Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Ste-Mère-Église, the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, and the Caen Memorial Museum. You’ll also make an excursion to Mont St. Michel and ascend cobblestone streets to the pilgrimage site of Normandy’s famed medieval abbey. Plus, stop in Bayeux to see the city’s highlight—the Tapestry Museum, home to the 1,000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the exploits of William the Conqueror. Along the Seine: Stroll through Monet’s gardens at Giverny, which inspired many of his masterpieces, then conclude in Paris with a highlights tour. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Stephen Clancy (May)–art historian. Cassandra Potts Hannahs (Sept.)–historian with expertise in France and Great Britain.

Mont St. Michel

Village in Dordogne