To date, tours in the provinces of France are offered by many travel agencies. However, we can recommend that you make your own itinerary. Not always ready-made travel programs include what will be of interest to you. Therefore, we recommend that you travel around France by car with your family. To organize a trip, you will need a map of France with provinces and our portal. We will try to tell you about everything interesting that is in this country. Stay with us, it will be interesting further.
In modern France, there is no official subdivision into French provinces. The political and administrative structure of France implies the division of the country into departments. However, the historical provinces of France are still actively used not only by historians and archaeologists in their research, but also by ordinary citizens of this country. If you ask how you get to Champagne, then you will be explained quickly and simply. Tourist tours in the provinces of France are also particularly popular. After all, most of them are built on an educational principle. During such a trip, you can not only learn the history of the country, but also get acquainted with the ancient customs and traditions of France.
The historical provinces of France included 39 territories. The most famous of them are Normandy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Provence, Burgundy, Ile-de-France, Corsica, Nice, Alsace. This territorial arrangement of France remained until March 4, 1790. During the French Revolution, it was decided to abandon the French provinces and go to the subdivision of the country with the help of departments. Thus, the role of the centers of the provinces of France was belittled and the power of Paris was elevated.
The modern structure of France includes 96 departments with a population in each of them from 500 thousand to 1,000,000 people.
Which French provinces are the most attractive to visit
It is not possible to answer this question unambiguously. All French provinces are quite attractive for tourists. It all depends on what purpose you are visiting. this country. For example, if you are interested in the history of Napoleon Bonaparte, then you should start your journey from the island of Corsica. The historical province of France has the same name. Here you can study in detail the entire biography of Napoleon and his life path. In Corsica, all possibilities are presented for this.
Provence and Champagne are more suitable for a culinary journey. Here you will find the most exquisite French cuisine, world-famous wines and amazingly tender French cheese. All this will be flavored with the aroma of Provence herbs and dressed in a romantic Provencal style.
For lovers of active sea recreation you can advise to visit the French province of Nice. In the Atlantic, its prototype is Brittany and Aquitaine. These historical provinces of France today provide maximum comfort for tourists during the summer months of the year.
For lovers of history, we can recommend the French province of Normandy. You can add Burgundy, Bordeaux to it. Well, you can’t miss the central province, on the territory of which Paris is located today. For lovers of skiing sports, we recommend the Alpine provinces and the Pyrenees.
Southern provinces of France
All southern provinces of France are classified as tourist resorts and agricultural entities. Here you can combine pleasant stay on the Mediterranean Sea and excellent French cuisine. According to statistics, most tourists prefer to visit the southern provinces of France.
This includes Nice, Corsica, Provence, Toulouse, Avignon. The tourist and service infrastructure is developed here. Organized daily for guests a large number of familiarization and educational tours of the castles, architectural monuments and historical places.
Northern provinces of France
The northern provinces of France are better known to us as ski resorts and places of major historical battles. We recommend you visit Lorraine. This northern province of France is known for many military battles. There are a large number of historical memorials and monuments. Experienced guides will help you understand the history of modern France and feel the freedom-loving spirit of this people.
The northern provinces of France, Savoy and Dauphine, are areas of the French Alps. There are world-famous ski resorts here. It is best to plan a visit to these lands during the winter months of the year.
KMP Group - tour operator in France with over 27 years of experience in this popular tourism destination.
We offer you a wide range of tours in this wonderful country which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. Today, France is the most visited country in the world by tourists. The number of tourists coming here is more than 86 million people a year. Rich history, special atmosphere and refined French style are the main reasons for such popularity.
Besides, France is a country of high fashion, exclusive cuisine and winemaking. Having once visited Paris, Nice, Marseille, Lyon or Bordeaux, you will certainly want to come back here at least once again.
Location and climate: The northern and western regions of France are occupied by low mountains and plains, in the southeast the snowy Alps rise, the center, east and southwest of the country are occupied by mountains. Geographic location France allows tourists to visit regions that are completely different in terms of climatic and cultural characteristics. One thing is the southern Mediterranean regions - Cote d'Azur, Provence and Occitania, and quite another - Norman, Brittany and the central regions of the country. And all this is very difficult to see in one tour of France! Each region is so distinctive and gives so many new emotions and impressions that any traveler wants to stay here longer. We will help you choose among this variety exactly those tours that will be most interesting to you.
Climate of France also varies significantly across regions. IN central regions– marine, temperate and mild enough, which allows you to comfortably travel around the country almost all year round. Southern regions mediterranean sea are located in the subtropical zone. IN eastern regions France has a continental climate. In January average temperature: 1-8°C, July average temperature: 17-24°C;
The most favorable time to visit Paris is May and September-October, Riviera - September. Mountainous areas have their own microclimate inherent in regions of altitudinal zonation. The best months to visit Corsica are May to June and September to October.
Capital: Paris
Time: Time in France is 2 hours behind Moscow time
Currency: The national currency is Euro
Official language: The main language of communication is French, but throughout France it is possible to communicate in English language. In addition, German is spoken in Alsace, and various provinces have their own dialects of French.
The tour operator in France KMP Group offers not only sightseeing, but also wine, wedding tours, with visits to ancient castle hotels, relaxation on the beaches of the Cote d'Azur and much more.
Popular resorts
France is one of the first countries dreamed of as a travel destination. Vacation in France is magnificent palaces, and museums where the originals of the greatest works of art are kept, and streets that are described in the works of the classics, and with which the most important events of European and world history are connected. These are the most prestigious ski resorts, and first-class seaside resorts on the Cote d'Azur, where the most influential people in the world rest. Holidays in France are a combination of modern French luxury, the charm of small cozy restaurants with gourmet cuisine and a modest French province.
When buying tours to France, most tourists first of all go to Paris. Walk along the streets of Montmartre, try real French coffee, sit and savor the wine, praised by many connoisseurs. On the numerous stairs and bridges of Paris, you will definitely meet lovers - believe me, it is impossible not to fall in love here. There are more than 200 museums here, including the Louvre, the Picasso and Rodin museums and the Paris Wine Museum. The heart of Paris is Notre Dame Cathedral, from which distances to other cities are measured.
When planning a trip to France, be sure to plan a visit to Disneyland Paris - a world of exciting adventures that will delight your children. All the attractions of this legendary Disneyland cannot be bypassed in a whole day.
You can also opt for Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse or Lido cabaret. Or admire the views of the capital of France from eiffel tower, and after - to dine in the famous restaurant "Altitude 95" ("58 Tour Eiffel"), from the windows of which a beautiful panorama of the Seine and Trocadero opens.
Tours to France are in great demand among tourists, most tourist routes invariably pass through this country. We have developed for you the most interesting routes and excursions to all significant sights of Paris and other regions. Choose the most suitable tour for you and call - we will be happy to help you visit the most alluring and romantic country in the world!
Among all lovers and connoisseurs of quality rest, one of the most popular destinations are tours to France. This multifaceted country is incredibly attractive both for beginners in terms of foreign holidays and for sophisticated travelers.
France fully satisfies the curiosity of connoisseurs of sights, replenishes the wardrobes of stylish fashionistas, and tempts gourmets with the splendor of its cuisine. Noisy cities, picturesque provinces and luxurious beaches - no one can resist such beauty and diversity!
So different and always beautiful
The starting point for most tours of France was and still is Paris. But having paid due attention to the capital with its brilliant gloss, be sure to visit other big cities countries. By visiting the cities of Normandy - Rouen and Deauville, Etretat and San Malo, you will get a complete impression of the culture, history and modernity of France.
You can enjoy the mild climate of the southern regions, watch the life of movie stars on the coast of Nice, Cannes, Marseille and Monaco. Tours to France, including visits to these cities, will appeal to connoisseurs of beauty and harmony. After all, here for every lover beach holiday hotels open their doors for every taste and budget.
French provinces - witnesses of centuries of history
Traveling through various provinces with their unique sights will allow you to plunge into the depths of the fascinating history of these places. And the tour operator in France WAND will help you with this.
Normandy, Brittany, Alsace and Lorraine, Corsica ... - all of them are known to us from books and films. With WAND you will be able to see with your own eyes the beauty of these provinces of France and, as if by a time machine, be transported into the distant past. You can trace almost all milestones of European palace architecture by visiting the Castles of the Loire Valley.
intoxicating atmosphere
Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Cognac - the "fragrant" names of these regions and cities give rise to the mind of a sophisticated connoisseur of memories of the best French wines, famous brands of champagne and cognac. With the leading tour operator WAND, everyone has the opportunity to touch the mystery of the production of real wines and cognac, which have no analogues in any country in the world.
Cozy cafe on the streets with wicker furniture
Warm, hospitable and generous Provence, warmed by the southern sun, appears before tourists. Lovely provincial towns are home to numerous gastronomic masterpieces that attract travelers from all over the world. Juicy fruits, real French cheeses, delicious seafood, fragrant Provence herbs - this unforgettable cocktail will impress any gourmet.
Buying a ticket to France and not visiting Provence is just a crime for lovers gastronomic tours who know a lot about really good food.
Better than mountains can only be the mountains of France
fertile nature awarded this hospitable country not only with a magnificent coastline, but also with one of the most picturesque mountain ranges. french alps can offer holidays for every taste.
Modern comfortable hotels ski resorts France: Courchevel, Chamonix, Meribel, Les Menuires will become perfect place to celebrate the New Year.
First 2 weeks of September 2008.
Tour operator "DSBV"
Nice-Avignon-Pont du Gard-Nimes-Carcassonne-Bordeaux-Cognac-Angoulême-Saint Emilion-Arcachon-Sarlet-la Caneda-Rocamadour-Toulouse-Arles-Marseille + holiday in Nice
The trip was simply wonderful, very interesting and informative, although very difficult. Moreover, the flight was to Genoa (Italy), and then by bus to Nice. The tour was just for endurance, because in the intense heat (it was more than +30) almost every day I had to walk almost 10 km with my legs, and even through the mountains, steps, abbeys. We must pay tribute, all the hotels along the route we had from "3+" to "4 stars" with "buffet" breakfasts, i.e. with a hot buffet, which is very cool and a rarity for a tour of France. I liked Nice, however, the dominance of Russian speech, you feel like in Sochi, and I went to speak French. From Mount Chateau opens an incomparable panoramic view: Bay of Angels, Promenade des Anglais, palaces, parks, shops, restaurants. Bright sun, blue sky, turquoise sea. And all this is poetically called the Cote d'Azur! But personally, I would never choose Nice for a beach holiday. Beach - large pebbles, very, very prickly legs. And the equipped beach is no different: only a sunbed - 20 euros, a soft mattress - 5 euros, an umbrella - 5 euros, and entry into the water is just as stupid. I had to buy special slippers for swimming.
Then we move to Avignon, famous for its bridge over the river Rhone, papal palace and Notre Dame de Home Cathedral. The Rhone is wonderfully beautiful, its banks are simply buried in lush vegetation, and emerald waters rush in a stormy stream. In one of the restaurants in the center of Avignon, a waiter approaches us, a purely Russian boy from Samara, whose mother married a Frenchman. Now he is French. We taste amazingly tasty fish and drink everything with rose wine. Mmm... What a delight! From Avignon we are taken to a wine tasting at Chateau Laurent Charles Brott. This used to be castles, and now the chateau is a manor with outbuildings and endless vineyards. The tasting is conducted by the young owner himself and even with a guided tour. Of course, we buy 3-4 bottles of wine at a price of 20 to 50 euros each, remembering that a suitcase on the way back should weigh no more than 20 kg. From Avignon we move to a place called "Pont du Gard" (literally, "bridge over the river Gard"). Here, too, Roman legionnaires left their legacy. A chic, several tiered, aqueduct, which was built not by slaves, but by the Romans themselves with a good technical education. And a quiet village nearby. In the river you can directly see how the fish are teeming, and herons are decorously standing along the banks. If I were an artist, I would draw this landscape right away! Then we go to the city of Nimes. He's not small at all. On his coat of arms are crocodiles. Residents are still at war with the La Coste company, which allegedly stole their crocodiles. The city is decorated with huge arenas, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, by the way, bullfights are still held here, but bulls are not killed. There are a lot of beautiful squares and fountains, from the most ancient to super stylish and modern. Everyone is allowed into the city hall, the doors simply do not close there. The canal itself is beautiful along which we are walking. We go into the "Garden of Fountains", admire the temple of Diana, no one knows in what century it was erected. It's hot, strong sun, no less than +33, and it's already September. But the photos will be great.
Then we move to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. As the French say sité, i.e. his central part, fenced with fortress walls with loopholes. Its construction dates back to the 15th century. I was there with my husband 6 years ago, we went by car to Carcassonne from Spain. Nothing changed. Everything is just as beautiful, there are several museums: schools, ghosts and the Inquisition (the latter, by the way, is very interesting). And now about the town itself. It is located on very convenient routes, so everyone wanted to "get their hands on" it. He was besieged very often. And according to legend, during a long siege, Madame Carcasse began to throw out pigs from the fortress walls. By this, she wanted to show the besiegers that the besieged inhabitants still had a lot of provisions. The siege was lifted... Since then, the city has been called Carcassonne, and a bas-relief of Madame Carcasse has been imprinted on the Narbonne Gate. By the way, it was here that the film "Robin Hood" was filmed with the participation of Kevin Costner. Wonderful little town. But we lived outside the walls of the site, already in a simple city, however, also very old. Our hotel was called "Terminu". Simple 3 stars +, the only hotel of this level, all the rest were normal European "fours". I did not like the hotel, the reception - well, the poured out station in the design plan, but the hotel had a pool and a jacuzzi. The rooms are tiny, between the sink and the bathroom directly to the toilet itself, I made my way sideways and exhaled the air!!!
After Carcassonne we move to Bordeaux. Surprisingly, but hiking trails Very little passes through this city. However, I didn't really like him. Big industrial city, very modern. And through it flows a wide and very dirty river Garona. True, it is not dirty from industrial waste, like our Moscow River, but from clay banks. I only liked the long embankment with a fountain, all in flowers, but I should have called it that way "Customs Embankment"! We live in Bordeaux for 3 whole days, going on excursions and returning to it. Here we have a very decent 4-star hotel of the Novotel chain. The room is large, spacious, with a luxurious bathroom and a separate toilet. Which one then good restaurant in this hotel, one might say, right with gourmet delights! We drink wine a little bit, but at breakfast, before lunch, at lunch, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinner. We don't even get drunk. The wines are incredible!
Next, we move to the city of Cognac, which stands on the most beautiful river Charente. Marvelous beautiful bridge, all entwined with flowers. I can't resist taking pictures. The castle itself (chateau) belonged for many years to Baron Otar, who specialized in the production of cognac. Here the cognac is real, but everywhere in other places - only brandy. And several centuries ago, the chateau belonged to Francis I himself. An unusual man was at that time. Tall, healthy, oblique fathom in the shoulders and bent the horseshoes with his hands. But he really loved the female sex, that's why he died prematurely. He had a mistress, Belle Froniere, and her husband could not forgive her for being the favorite of the king. He "rewarded" his wife with syphilis, she - the king. The sad result - all three died prematurely ... But Francis did not forget about his wife, who bore him 7 children. We go to the chateau. The tour in Russian is conducted by a simple Ukrainian girl, who has been living and working there for a long time, in a simple long dress stylized as a peasant woman. But we see mannequins in medieval clothes. Ba! Yes, this is Francis the First himself with Claudine of France and his retinue. I can't resist taking pictures! And then we are led through the vaulted halls and down to the cellars, they show us the vaults, they tell us about the distillation system. And... finally, tasting. They pour little, little, and only 2 varieties. Of course, we also buy everything for Otar cognac, the price is from 20 to 240 euros per bottle, depending on the V.S.O.P. or X.O.
Then we move to Angouleme. Medieval town, the old part of the city is again high, high on the mountain. Oh, I'm crawling up! My poor legs are already buzzing with fatigue! A beautiful old Cathedral of St. Andrew, a modern theatre, parks, squares, quite tiny and narrow streets. It seems that the city is sleeping, there are almost no tourists. But further, very beautiful and old castle, now it is the city hall of Angouleme, around a stunned square with bright flowers and right there a monument to Margaret of Angouleme, the most educated woman of her time, by the way, the sister of Francis the First. In our free time, we sit right in a restaurant near the "Hotel de Ville" (city hall) and, drinking aromatic coffee, we meditate, i.e. We are transported to the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Then we move to Saint Emilion. It is because of him that we chose this tour. Here - the best vineyards in France, it is here, and not in Bordeaux. For information: in restaurants in Moscow, a bottle of high-quality collection wine from the Saint-Emilion region costs from 5 to 10 thousand rubles apiece. The town is also very old, high on the mountain is a cathedral, and on its chapel there is a clock with such a melodic chime that you involuntarily hear it, and the spire of the chapel soars high into the sky. wine stores apparently invisible. And they offer free tastings. I buy a single bottle, but ... for 155 euros. Oh, and my husband will kick me out of the house for SUCH a present!!! Next we drive to the city of Arcachon, which is famous for its sandy beaches and oyster plantations. The beaches are indeed sandy, though not equipped. But there are plenty of seafood restaurants. Well, how to deny yourself this? This is how our purely sightseeing tour also develops into a gastronomic one. We order a huge plate of seafood, only 24 euros, and more wine! The city has a huge dune, its height is 115 meters, the impression that you are in the desert. But the town is very nice, a real resort and all around pines!
I really liked the city of Sarlat-la-Caneda (completely old), and we also got to the festive Saturday fair, where local farmers bring their products: excellent cheeses, smoked meats, fish, seafood and foie gros (goose liver pate). The province of Perigo is famous for this particular product. I really, really liked it here. Very old houses, but modern, seething pace of life! Then there was tiny Arles, where Van Gogh lived and worked. Further, our path lies in the city of Rocamadour. On sheer cliff, high, high is the abbey of Rocamadour. When I heard that we were going there now, I almost fainted. "Legs again?!" - I involuntarily burst out a phrase directed to the guide. Everything turned out to be easier, we were brought to the very top by bus, and from there, gradually down, along the serpentine paths, we went down to the very town. The abbey is very old, it belongs to the 11th century, but everything is very beautiful, measured and calm.
And then Toulouse. Very Big city. A mixture of antiquity and modernity, an abundance of squares, parks and fountains. And a lot of Muslims, blacks and homeless people. While we were relaxing in the hotel "Merkur" in the very center of the city, it was in Toulouse that they tried to rob our bus at night. They planted a window near the driver's seat and got inside, but they stole a little, some sweets and cookies, apparently, some teenagers climbed in. But the province of Languedoc has always been considered very, very rich. Remember Geoffrey de Peyrac, Count of Toulouse, who was richer than the king himself, from Anne and Serge Gallon's "Angelica, Marquise of the Angels"? Apparently, Toulouse is not so rich now...
And then Marseille with his famous islands(Castle of If and Frioul). We ate the famous bouillabaisse soup in Marseille. A plate for 38 euros, but nothing special, a fish soup made from pureed lentils with fish, however, cooked according to a special, secret and lengthy recipe. But most of all I did not like that French in Marseille is the second language, the first is Arabic. A lot of Muslim population. Charles de Gaulle should not have let them into France in such numbers. And, finally, the most famous cathedral "Notre Dame de la Garde", on the top of which rises the golden Mother of God, stretching out her arms to the sea and guarding the peace of the people of Marseille. We ourselves, on a pleasure boat, go first to the island of If (remember the Count of Monte Cristo?), And then to the island of Friul. All this is very close to Marseille. Honestly, I thought I would see drunk sailors in Marseilles embracing whores. It's a huge port. But I didn't see anything like that. And then again to Nice, to our 4-star hotel "Exceleur".
From Nice we went to the Principality of Monaco, beautiful and respectable. Solid Rolls-Royces, Lambarghinis and Porsches. The wonderful gardens of Albert the First and the princely palace itself. Everyone is allowed to enter it now. And then in Monte Carlo, which is part of the city of Monaco. We also visited the famous casino. An entrance personalized ticket is issued only with a passport and it costs 10 euros. They don't let you take pictures, which is a pity. Just a chic palace with stucco and huge crystal chandeliers. Yes... I can't be a lady. And although, by Moscow standards, everything is in order with my money, but it was there that I strongly felt and understood HOW I am a beggar! And how far I am from this world. However, it didn't upset me. I didn’t play in the casino, I just don’t know how, I “cheered” for our men! And now, in general, a little about the French: they eat a huge amount of bread and croissants, while remaining not just slender, but dry as a roach. In Nice, there are a lot of expensive branded clothing stores, a friend bought a blouse for 270 euros for her student daughter in the Sonya Rykiel branded store on Paradis Street. Don't go to this street. The most expensive stores, the prices in which are incredibly "off scale". The sizes of fashion clothes are mainly from 1 to 3 sizes, i.e. from 40th to 46th. And on the pedestrian Massena Street there are the best restaurants. We especially liked the restaurant "Le Mirador", the seafood and marinated mussels served right in the shells are very good there! In general, I really liked the measured way of life of the French. They never rush anywhere at all, they enjoy and taste life according to full program. Everyone is obsessed with their body. In the mornings, be sure to jog, bike or rollerblade, and then fragrant coffee with a pile of croissants and a morning newspaper. They actively fight against smoking, they don’t even give ashtrays in restaurants, but put them on the street, on open verandas. And they smoke a lot! The voucher cost for 15 days nearly 2 thousand euros (price for August 2008), I squandered there even more than 2.5 thousand euros. All in all, more than 4.5 thousand euros. But she remained unspeakably pleased. I plunged into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, breathed in the real aroma of France, talked with the French from the bottom of my heart, learned a lot of new things, and got a little swim and sunbathed. Yes, the tour was very difficult, but since I survived, it means that it is available to everyone. I highly recommend this tour to lovers and deep connoisseurs of France.
We offer excursion tours to France in 2020. Here you will find weekly tours to Paris with departure from Moscow and other cities for a week or a weekend. We also offer a variety of excursions in and around Paris. But our main difference is that we specialize in sightseeing tours in the provinces of France.
Here you will find weekly sightseeing tours "Visit to Paris" and the author's tour "Paris - Normandy - Brittany" (on Saturdays and Sundays), the author's tour "Exclusive journey through Normandy - Brittany" (several times a year), a wonderful excursion tour " Paris - Champagne - Burgundy - Alsace" (held once a month), as well as the author's tour "Colors of Provence" and others interesting tours in the South of France.
In our tours you are waiting for the Provinces of France: Normandy, Brittany, Provence, Cote d'Azur, Languedoc-Roussillon, Aquitaine, Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace.
Our tours in France are designed for tourists from different cities. In each tour, in the "Transport" section, there is information on flights and transfers.
In the South of France we offer a tour "Colors of Provence"- a region that we know and love well, there is a wonderful exclusive program "Journey through Southern provinces France" for 8 days and his older brother "Great trip to the Southern provinces of France + Colors of Provence" for 12 days. It's really big Adventure, full of impressions, but not exhausting, despite the duration and abundance of visited cities and attractions. All tours, of course, can be combined with an extension of stay in Nice or holidays in other resort towns French Riviera.
Perhaps it is worth mentioning another program "Spain - France - Catalonia". It is good to combine it with a holiday on the Spanish Costa Brava.
Programs are carried out on our comfortable buses with experienced drivers and guides. Our own transport allows us not only to provide a high class of service, but also to guarantee all the declared dates of the tours. We wish you bright impressions from your travels in France.
