Albatross Tours
Albatross Tours

France

Forever an epicentre of romance and refinement, France is a stunning country full of world-class art, iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery that should be on every European tour itinerary. Whether you’re craving Parisian romance or everyday life in the more rural regions, Albatross Tours has a French tour package that will delight you.

For the passionate foodies, our tours have been crafted to show you the best in French cuisine. Discover farmers’ marketplace stalls, traditional patisseries, and gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants – there’s an opportunity to get a taste of France in every region.

Europe & UK Summer

Smaller group size
up to 28

La Grande France

16 Wonderful Days
  • Start: Paris
  • Ends: Nice
  • Countries: France

Explore the dramatic Calanques on a coastal cruise along the Côte d’Azur.

Smaller group size
no more than 28

An Alpine Adventure

16 Breathtaking Days
  • Start: Zurich
  • Ends: Milan
  • Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland

Ride in panoramic carriages on the amazing Glacier Express passing over chasms and through the mighty Alps

Smaller group size
up to 28 

Northern Spain & the Pyrenees

17 Superb Days
  • Start: Madrid
  • Ends: Barcelona
  • Countries: Spain, France

Stay 3 nights in Spain’s culinary capital of San Sebastián.

Smaller group sizes
up to 28

Sardinia & Corsica, the Lands of Myths and Legends

15 Fascinating Days
  • Start: Cagliari
  • Ends: Bastia
  • Countries: Sardinia, France, Italy

Prepare to be awestruck by the stunning cliff-top town of Bonifacio.

Festive Tours

Small group size, no more than 28

An Alpine Christmas Adventure

17 Astonishing Days
  • Start: Milan
  • Ends: Munich
  • Countries: France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy

Enjoy staying in world-class Alpine resorts and ride on the famous Glacier Express

Touring France by Coach

France is one of the world’s most celebrated countries for tourism – and anyone who has holidayed here can testify as to why that is. While a self-guided French vacation is sure to be full of fun and fantastic experiences, the stress of organising your own adventure can see you returning home feeling like you haven’t had a break at all. For a getaway in this beautiful country that will actually leave you refreshed and fulfilled, you can’t go past our curated tours of France.

With longer city stays, smaller tour groups, and our more intimate approach, Albatross Tours will enable you to experience France as it was meant to be – at leisure and in detail. With more time and less fellow travellers, you can truly immerse yourself in all the culture, cuisine, history and scenery France has to offer.

Even when you’re not exploring the amazing sites planned out in our comprehensive itinerary, the expert advice of our Tour Managers will allow you to discover the very best spots in every city, town and village. Travelling with Albatross Tours also saves you from awkward situations caused by the language barrier; you can enjoy every minute of the adventure, even if you don’t speak a word of French.

Your time with us is also sure to involve forming friendships with the other people who join us on the tour. Our customers regularly find themselves creating bonds with each other and staying in touch long after their shared travel experiences.


When to Visit France

Generally, France’s best weather can be enjoyed from May to September – just before, during, and after the country’s summer. With that said, the climate varies significantly between different regions; don’t be surprised if temperatures rise and fall noticeably as you progress through your French tour.

To couple the country’s nicest weather conditions with more manageable tourist numbers, try to avoid visiting in July – the peak of the peak season.

There are a couple of specific occasions that warrant a trip to France outside of these popular months. For example, those interested in the history of Australia’s involvement on the Western Front in World War I (WWI) would get the most satisfaction from a tour around ANZAC Day, in April. Meanwhile, anyone who has dreamt of bringing in the New Year with a festive Parisian celebration will enjoy the option of a December tour.

French Culture

Things to Know Before You Go


Here are some important details that you should know before you go:

  • Language – You may have heard the rumours: not many people in France speak English and may turn their nose up at a lack of French proficiency. It will pay to become well-versed in the national language which is spoken by a vast majority of locals.
  • Money – France is a member of the European Union (EU), so the currency you’ll use during any of our France tours is the euro (€). When paying for items in cash, expect to see 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2 coins, as well as €5, €10, €50, €100, €200 and €500 banknotes. Be aware that some stores will not accept payments using notes larger than the €50. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. There are plenty of ATMs in all French cities and towns where you will be able to withdraw some euros.
  • Time zone and daylight – The French summer runs from June to September and the longest days can last 16 hours. December marks the middle of winter when daylight lasts roughly 8.5 hours from 8:30am to 5pm. France falls in Central European Time (GMT+2), placing it one hour ahead of London and nine hours behind Sydney.
  • Electricity – France uses a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. This is transmitted using two types of plugs – Type C and E, which can be identified by their use of two round pins.