The Best Historical Organized Tours in France
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries through destinations such as Provence, Loire Valley, and Paris
Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure through time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture of France. In order to find the absolute best historical tours to France, we've carefully analyzed each tour based on key criteria such as price, comfort, guest ratings, service, and activities to ensure an unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of art and architecture, or a curious traveler seeking new experiences, these top-rated organized tours, holiday packages, and tour packages provide the perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Great for museums & attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches, France is a terrific destination. So, let's find that perfect tour for your next trip below.
The Best Historical Tours through France
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does France appeal to history enthusiasts?
France captivates history enthusiasts with its wealth of historical sites, spanning from ancient times through more recent history. Paris, Versailles, and Mont-Saint-Michel offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Paris is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. These regional destinations provide a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure in an affordable package. Plus, the fun and easy itineraries make for a stress-free adventure while creating lasting memories.
How much do historical tours in France cost?
The average daily price of Historical Tours in France is $287 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Historical Tours in France here.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
Which Tour Companies Offer Historical Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer historical tours in France. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Contiki
Contiki is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. Younger travelers looking for adventures love this company. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as island hopping, snorkelling, wine tasting, surfing, camping, whale watching, diving, rock climbing, white water rafting, and jet boat rides.
Collette
Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
G Adventures
G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.
See All Tours from G Adventures
Historical Destinations in France
Wondering where historical tours visit in France? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Paris
Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.
Calais
Many people overlook this part of France for the more popular southern regions, but those who do visit can enjoy sandy beaches and nice wine and cheese. UK visitors often arrive by ferry and enjoy some shopping as they pass through.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a the heart of France's winegrowing district. It's also a port city that's filled with a lot of history and architecture. The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards and the city has many great restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine and local wine.
Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence that has been turned into a public museum showcasing the decadent lives of the historic French royalty. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it's easily accessible as a day trip from Paris. It has become an iconic symbol of France's grandeur and opulence, renowned for its breathtaking architecture, sumptuous interiors, and sprawling gardens. This magnificent palace was originally built by King Louis XIII in the 17th century but was transformed into a lavish royal residence by his successor, King Louis XIV. With its magnificent Hall of Mirrors, ornate apartments, and impressive galleries showcasing artistic masterpieces, Versailles epitomizes the pinnacle of French Baroque architecture and interior design. The palace's extensive gardens, meticulously landscaped in the French formal style, feature fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured lawns, providing a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and elegant photos. Today, the Palace of Versailles is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of France's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at its splendor and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the French monarchy.
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Other popular destinations for historical tours through France include Saint-Malo, Arromanches-les-Bains, Bayeux, Meaux, and Amboise.
Historical Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.
Organized Tours
- Learn detailed stories and context from expert guides.
- Visit significant landmarks efficiently.
- Access exclusive areas not open to the public.
- Guides bring history to life with engaging narratives.
- Save time on researching destinations.
- Enjoy a curated itinerary of top historical sites.
- Guides answer questions for deeper understanding.
- Group tours can provide a social learning experience.
- Avoid logistical challenges like tickets or reservations.
- Guides help connect the dots between events and eras.
- Less flexibility in the itinerary.
- Group size might impact the experience.
Independent Travel
- Full control over your itinerary and pace.
- Focus on sites that interest you most.
- Flexibility to spend more time at certain locations.
- Explore at unconventional hours to avoid crowds.
- Customize your trip around niche historical themes.
- Requires time-consuming research to plan.
- Risk of missing key details without a guide.
- May overlook important or lesser-known sites.
- Difficult to understand the full historical context.
- Navigation and logistics can be more complex.
- No expert to answer questions during your visit.
- Potential for long waits without pre-booking tickets.
- Self-guided tours may lack the interactive element.
Which is cheaper?
Is independent travel less expensive than booking guided historical tours? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
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Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Strasbourg, The Best 3-Day Tours from Paris, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lyon, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nice, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bordeaux, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Avignon, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Strasbourg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Marseille, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Arles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Blois, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dijon, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chamonix, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bastia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tours, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Arles, The Best 10-Day Tours from Nice, The Best 10-Day Tours from Lyon, The Best 10-Day Tours from Marseille, The Best 10-Day Tours from Chalon sur Saone, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Nice, The Best 2-Week Tours from Arles, The Best 2-Week Tours from Marseille, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Chamonix for more package tour options.
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