Paris, Rocamadour, and Provence

Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and visit Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.

The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a former medieval fortress and entered through I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Inside, discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, along with vast collections of Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and works spanning seven departments. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.

In the Loire Valley, medieval fortresses evolved into Renaissance showpieces along the riverbanks. Visit Azay-le-Rideau, a fairy-tale castle whose limestone turrets and slate spires rise from an island in the Indre River. Continue to Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the Cher with arches and gardens. Designed and expanded under Catherine de Medici, its stone gallery reflects the elegance of the French court.

Embark on a culinary adventure in the heart of the Loire Valley. Begin by learning about French produce and agricultural traditions, then put your knowledge to work in a hands-on workshop and cooking class. Enjoy the three-course meal you prepare, guided by professional chefs.

Explore the Dordogne Valley and uncover the mystery of Lascaux, a detailed replica of the original cave. Experience Ice Age art over 17,000 years old, with vivid animal paintings that appear to leap from the walls, created with natural pigments and remarkable skill.

Medieval Carcasonne looks like a fairytale city from the past -- its turreted citadel, crenelated city walls, and Gothic arched city gates bring you back to the 13th century. Extensive restorations in the 1800s brought the formerly crumbling city back to life, and its hilltop perch provides views over the surrounding green plains and hills all the way to the Pyrenees.

Venture to the medieval walled town of Carcassonne, famous for its medieval citadel and imposing watchtowers.

Explore the medieval ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence, a hilltop fortress in the Alpilles mountains that once guarded the valleys and villages below, offering sweeping views of Provence.

Make a compelling sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cézanne, Monet, or another artist whose work highlights Provençal landscapes. Emphasize how the region’s unique light and scenery profoundly influenced their artistic vision.

A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most stunning ancient monuments in Provence. Explore its arches and learn how this marvel carried water across the Gardon Valley for centuries.

Walk the ancient streets of Nîmes, once the Roman colony of Nemausus. See the Maison Carrée, a perfectly preserved temple from 12 BCE, and climb the Tour Magne, a relic of the city’s walls. Step inside the Arènes de Nîmes, one of the world’s best-preserved amphitheaters, where 24,000 once roared. Later, take part in a fencing class inspired by Roman combat and explore the art of ancient writing in a calligraphy workshop.