From now until the end of November is French Season in South Africa where we indulge our inner Francophile ways by celebrate all things French such as crepes and croissants, champagne and the Champs-Élysées.
There are more than 100 projects, performances and initiatives are planned showcasing the links between South Africa and the French, including Trafalgar's fabulous holidays to France.
France is the world's leading tourist destination with 80 million travellers visiting each year. And every year about 110 000 South Africans are part of this global group who visit France. To celebrate all things French Trafalgar has a holiday that is filled with joie de vivre and will have you whispering sweet nothings to your love one with a distinctly French accent.
The 13-day Highlights of France Trafalgar Cost Saver trip takes in memorable highlights such as Monaco, Lyon, Avignon, Beaune, Nice, Cannes, Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Carcasson, Lourdes, Biarritz, Bordeaux, St Emilion, Cognac, the Loire Valley, Mont St Michel, Normandy, Honfleur, Rouen and the beautiful City of Lights - Paris.
Arrive in Paris and be taken on a journey to the south coast and more. Find examples of France's Roman history and walk through walled medieval towns. Explore the renowned wine and brandy regions of Bordeaux, Cognac and Normandy, take pictures of fairytale palaces and castles and laze on Cote d'Azur.
Welcome to Paris. After a welcome meeting with your Travel Director, there is time to relax and explore this beautiful city. Consider an evening tour to Montmartre, an area full of charm and character. After a good nights' rest leave Paris for the start of your journey. Visit medieval Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Arrive later in Lyon, a dynamic cultural city with an orientation tour on arrival.
Then continue to the tiny Principality of Monaco on the coast. Finally drive to the city of Nice.
Enjoy a scenic drive south to Avignon to view the Palace of the Popes and St. Bénezet Bridge, capital of the glamorous French Riviera where you get to enjoy a free day in Nice.
Relax and experience the Côte d'Azur's sophisticated atmosphere. Perhaps laze on the beach and sip cocktails in a shady terraced bar, shop for the latest fashions or visit the colourful Flower Market in the old town.
View the Film Festival Centre in Cannes. Admire the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct to the north of Nîmes. In Nîmes, view the Roman Arena, Maison Carré and city gardens.
Drive to Carcassonne for an orientation of this walled medieval town. Ascend into the spectacular snow-capped Pyrénées to the pilgrimage site of Lourdes, to view the basilica on top of St. Bernadette's Grotto. This evening there is an opportunity to join a procession by torchlight to the basilica with the pilgrims - a magical and moving experience.
Drive westwards from Lourdes to the Atlantic coast. In the glamorous resort of Biarritz explore the chic boutiques and watch the surfers perform their stunts. Traverse the rolling countryside of Les Landes to classical Bordeaux and visit the hilltop town of St. Emilion during your included excursion. Don't miss the chance to sample splendid Graves wines at a wine cellar in this picturesque village.
Cross the vineyards of Bordeaux to Cognac to visit a brandy distillery. Continue past the strange buildings of Futuroscope, the amusement and science theme park at Poitiers, to Tours in the Loire Valley.
In the Loire Valley your Local Guide will take you on a fascinating visit to Chenonceau, a fairytale château built across the River Cher, home to priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture. Your journey continues through verdant countryside. View the imposing castle at Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci died and is buried, and view the splendid Château de Chambord.
Then head north via Le Mans, home of the famous 24-hour car race, through the fortified town of Fougères. Visit Mont St. Michel and view the abbey. Tour the historic D-Day landing beaches and the American cemetery at Omaha Beach. Arrive later at your Normandy hotel in Deauville, the elegant resort renowned for its racecourse, harbour and international film festival.
Explore the picturesque harbour at Honfleur on the Normandy coast, a summer haunt of the Impressionist painters. Drive through cheese and cider country to Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and view the impressive cathedral. Your day ends in the glittering capital, Paris.
Experience a wonderful sightseeing tour with your Local Guide, featuring views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. Spend the rest of your day as you choose. Perhaps visit the Pompidou centre, view the numerous art treasures in the Louvre Museum or simply relax at a pavement café and watch the world go by. This evening, why not finish your journey with a spectacular cabaret show, for which Paris is famous. The Moulin Rouge is calling.
Say au revoir to Paris and newfound friends at the end of a memorable holiday in France.
Priced from R17 450 per person sharing this magical trip of France includes breakfast daily, five dinners, accommodation, travel by luxury air-conditioned coach, airport transfers (at specified times) and more. There are departures from 7 April through to 18 October and if this packaged is booked before 27 December 2012 travellers can take advantage of the early payment discount. Pay a R5000 per person deposit within one week of booking and save up to R1783 per person. This price excludes flights but these can be arranged.
For more information on Trafalgar, please contact your local ASATA travel agent or visit www.trafalgartours.co.za. You can also follow us on Twitter at @TrafalgarSA and Facebook.