Selected stays across France
Carefully selected accommodation in Paris, Normandy, the Loire Valley, Lyon, Avignon, Nîmes, the Camargue and Marseille, chosen according to the group’s preferred comfort level, location and programme requirements.
Faith, History & Heritage
Sacred France: Paris to Provence
14 days · 13 nightsParis · Chartres · Mont-Saint-Michel · Lyon · Avignon · Carcassonne · Nîmes · Arles · Marseille
Travel from Paris through Normandy, the Rhône Valley and Provence, discovering the Christian, Roman and medieval heritage that shaped France across centuries.
The character of the journey
A journey through the sacred places, ancient cities and enduring traditions that shaped Christian France.
From the early Christian foundations of Paris to the monasteries, cathedrals and historic cities of southern France, this journey reveals the country through faith, history and architecture. Explore Gothic masterpieces, Roman settlements, medieval fortresses and places associated with some of France’s most important spiritual traditions.
Expert-led visits connect Paris, Normandy, Lyon, the Rhône Valley, Provence and the Mediterranean coast in a thoughtfully coordinated journey designed for faith-based groups, educational communities and culturally curious travellers.
Journey at a glance
- Duration
- 14 days / 13 nights
- Route
- Paris to Marseille through Normandy, Lyon and Provence
- Travel style
- Guided faith, history and heritage journey
- Best suited to
- Church groups, educational communities and cultural travellers
- Pace
- Comprehensive, with regular travel between regions
- Customisation
- Programme length, accommodation, visits and group services can be adapted
Your next step
Begin with this journey.
Journey highlights
Moments that shape the story.
- 01
The early Christian, Roman and medieval heritage of Paris
- 02
Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and selected collections within the Louvre
- 03
The stained glass, sculpture and sacred architecture of Chartres Cathedral
- 04
The monastic heritage and dramatic setting of Mont-Saint-Michel
- 05
Roman history and the legacy of the early Christian martyrs in Lyon
- 06
The ancient monuments of Vienne and Orange
- 07
The Palace of the Popes and medieval heritage of Avignon
- 08
The fortified city and basilica of Carcassonne
- 09
Roman Nîmes, Arles and the cultural landscapes of the Camargue
- 10
Mediterranean Christian traditions from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Marseille
Day by day
The journey unfolds.
A suggested rhythm for the journey. The final sequence can be refined around dates, interests and pace.
Day 1Arrival in Paris
Arrival assistance, hotel check-in and a welcome gathering introduce the historical and spiritual themes of the journey.
Day 2The Christian Foundations of Paris
Discover the Panthéon, the Latin Quarter and archaeological remains near Notre-Dame, tracing the development of Paris from its Roman origins to early Christian France.
Day 3Sacred and Medieval Paris
Explore Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and selected medieval and early Christian works within the Louvre before experiencing the historic city from the Seine.
Day 4Chartres and Normandy
Travel to Chartres to discover its celebrated Gothic cathedral, stained glass and historic labyrinth before continuing into Normandy.
Day 5Mont-Saint-Michel
Visit the remarkable abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and explore its centuries of monastic history before continuing south toward the Loire Valley.
Day 6Journey to Lyon
Travel across France to Lyon and begin discovering the city’s Roman origins and its importance in the development of early Christianity.
Day 7Roman and Christian Lyon
Explore Lyon’s ancient amphitheatre, places associated with the early Christian martyrs, Fourvière Hill and the historic Cathedral of Saint-Jean.
Day 8Vienne, Orange and Avignon
Journey through the Rhône Valley, exploring the Roman heritage of Vienne and Orange before continuing to Avignon.
Day 9Papal Avignon and Pont du Gard
Visit the Palace of the Popes, explore the medieval centre of Avignon and discover the monumental Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Day 10Carcassonne and Nîmes
Explore the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne and the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus before continuing to Nîmes.
Day 11Nîmes, Arles and the Camargue
Discover the Roman monuments of Nîmes and Arles, together with the Romanesque Church of Saint-Trophime, before travelling into the Camargue.
Day 12Mediterranean Christian Traditions
Visit the church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and continue to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, traditionally associated with Saint Mary Magdalene, before reaching Marseille.
Day 13Marseille
Explore Marseille’s cathedral, the Abbey of Saint-Victor, the historic port, Le Panier and the city’s rich Mediterranean cultural heritage.
Day 14Departure from Marseille
Private transfer for onward travel.
Shape the next chapter
Make the suggested route your own.
Accommodation
Where you'll stay.
The practical details
Clear from the beginning.
What’s included
- Thirteen nights’ selected accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Selected dinners
- Private ground transportation according to the programme
- Tour management and licensed local guides
- Entrance reservations for scheduled monuments, museums and sites
- Audio headsets for guided visits where appropriate
- Scheduled Seine river experience
- Local city taxes
What’s not included
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches unless specified in the confirmed proposal
- Meals and drinks not specifically included
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides, restaurant staff and other service providers
- Travel and medical insurance
- Services not listed in the confirmed proposal
Tailor-made travel
Inspired by this journey, but looking for something different?
The route, duration, accommodation, pace and private services can all be shaped around the way you want to travel.
Continue exploring
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Ready to make this journey yours?
Choose this starting point or ask us to reshape it around your own dates, interests and preferred pace.