Traveling in style and comfort in the South, South-western, Western and Alpine regions of France since 2000!

 

Best of France Travels specializes in exclusive, small group tours across France’s most captivating regions. Tours are personally led by owner Shannan Carter, who brings France’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture to life. Every detail is thoughtfully managed, so guests can simply relax and fully enjoy the experience. 

Explore historic sites, savor local cuisine, wander lively markets, and take in breathtaking scenery—from the Mediterranean coast to medieval villages. With a relaxed pace and visits to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, you’ll avoid crowds and experience the best each region offers. All accommodations, transportation, and logistics are arranged for your ease. Travel with a small group of like-minded adults on a journey designed for comfort, discovery, and fun.

 

France is our Specialty!

villa with mts carol

Our Tours

 

Our exclusive small group tours to France are a minimum of nine nights

 

Contact Us to Book a Tour or Request Information for our October 2025 tour or for our 2026 tours

 

 2026 Tour Registration Coming Soon!
Registration details for our upcoming tours will be available shortly. To receive updates and be added to our mailing list, please contact us.

Occitanie - The Heart of Southern France

Occitanie is a region rich in charm, history, and culture—tucked away in the sun-drenched south of France. Stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees, it offers a diverse and authentic experience that remains delightfully under the radar.

Explore the lively port town of Sète, with its canals, seafood, and Mediterranean charm, and visit Toulouse, known for its distinctive pink brick buildings and strong aerospace heritage. Wander through medieval towns like Carcassonne and Albi, discover quiet villages full of character, and enjoy the friendly southern French hospitality.

Occitanie is also known for its vibrant markets, Roman heritage, and exceptional local cuisine and wines, particularly from the famous Languedoc region.

Our Occitanie – The Heart of Southern France tour is designed to introduce you to the region’s unique culture and history, with a focus on its authentic towns, local food, and wines. Take your time to explore and truly experience the essence of southern France.

Tour Info

Magnificent French Alps

Experience the Best of France on a 10-day journey through the Magnificent French Alps! Annecy will be your charming base, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration in one of the most beautiful towns in the world.

On this unforgettable tour, you’ll visit the stunning town of Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. Explore the medieval village of Yvoire, known for its flower-filled streets and lakeside charm. In Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, you’ll indulge in exquisite regional cuisine and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.

Throughout the journey, discover quaint villages, explore historic castles, and savor regional specialties. Relax on a peaceful cruise across Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in Europe, while enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, serene lakeside resorts, and traditional mountain chalets.

 

Tour Info

Provence & The Riviera

Join us for 10 days of luxurious travel through Provence and the Riviera, where you’ll experience the best of this beautiful region, avoiding the summer crowds.

Discover the stunning landscapes of Les Alpilles, known for its rolling hills, olive groves, and ancient Roman ruins at Glanum. In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, explore lively markets and enjoy a private cooking class to prepare traditional French dishes with local ingredients.

Visit the vibrant Vieux Nice, with its colorful streets and charming atmosphere, and explore Eze, a hilltop village offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Marvel at the grandeur of the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as we briefly cross into the Occitanie region.

Enjoy a wine tasting experience in one of Provence’s renowned wine regions, where you’ll sample local wines paired with regional specialties. Throughout your journey, savor delicious food, fine wines, and the authentic charm of Provence.

Tour Info

Secrets of Brittany

Join Best of France Travels on a captivating journey through southern, central, and northern Brittany. Begin in the dynamic city of Nantes, celebrated for its industrial heritage, creative spirit, and the whimsical Les Machines de l’Île. From there, travel through dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, and towns rich with art and history.

Discover cultural gems like Quimper, Locronan, and Pont-Aven, the riverside village that inspired artists such as Paul Gauguin and Claude Monet with its light, color, and charm. Marvel at the ancient stone alignments of Carnac, and in the north, stroll the cobbled medieval streets of Dinan and explore the historic port towns of Saint-Malo and Roscoff. Visit elegant Josselin Castle, a striking fortress with Renaissance interiors, still privately owned and beautifully preserved. The journey also includes a stop at the iconic Mont Saint Michel, just across the border in Normandy.

Along the way, enjoy regional specialties—fresh seafood, traditional crêpes, crisp cider, and Brittany’s beloved salted caramel—as you uncover France’s Most Beautiful Villages and the enduring charm of this unforgettable region.

Tour Info

Exclusive program October 2026 – Josephine Baker, an American Spy in France

Join Best of France Travels and the International Spy Museum for an exclusive tour of American icon Josephine Baker’s France. Baker traveled to France in 1925 with a musical revue and quickly became a star. The toast of Paris–she was soon headlining a show at the famed Folies Bergere. She was known throughout the 1920s and 30s for her dazzling lifestyle–her pet cheetah had a diamond collar–fabulous fashion, popular songs and films, and a penchant for flying. She found freedom from racism in France, and when France declared war on Germany in 1939, Baker was keen to support her adopted country. Baker became a spy for France. She went on to do dangerous work for the French Resistance and to raise money to back the Free French government in exile. After the war, Baker continued performing and striving for equality–she was the only woman speaker at the March on Washington in 1968. 

 

On this tour you’ll be introduced to Baker’s incredible life by Agent Josephine best-selling author Damien Lewis, explore the neighborhoods and clubs where she performed, and discover her work in the shadows with former CIA chief of disguise Jonna Mendez, also a best-selling author.  Lewis will join the tour kick-off in Paris, while Mendez will participate in the full tour which continues through France to include Limoges and the Matyred Village Oradour-sur-Glane, and Baker’s Chateau des Milandes in the Dordogne.  Experts from the Museum’s staff Mira Cohen and Amanda Ohlke will provide additional context regarding Baker’s role in US History and as a formidable collector of intelligence.

Why Choose Best of France Travels for Your Exclusive Small Group Tour?

France Is Our Specialty!

Since 2000, we’ve specialized in curated small-group tours through the enchanting regions of France. Designed especially for our friends and guests who want to truly connect with French culture, our tours offer an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary.

Every activity, restaurant, and accommodation is thoughtfully selected to create an unforgettable journey—full of culture, fun, comfort, and relaxation. We take care of every detail so you can fully unwind and enjoy.

This isn’t just a tour — it’s a VACATION HOLIDAY in France!

We are Different

We want you to feel at home in France and we do not believe in making our guests rush from place to place.  Our small group luxury tours are organized  to provide you a “home base”  for visiting France: We keep hotel changes to a minimum during your 10 days!  You will have the freedom to focus on your interests as well as plenty of time for relaxation. Our hotels are perfectly located only a few minutes walk from historic town centers.  We believe that it is important to make the most of every minute when traveling.  Our tours are planned carefully to ensure that you have the best experiences when you travel with the Best of France!

Ten Nights and Nine Glorious Days!

All the necessities are taken care of for the entire duration of your guided tour.  Each day includes organized activities and visits to the most beautiful villages in France! Explore open air markets, Roman ruins, Medieval walled cities, Gothic cathedrals, and hill towns. Discover the beauty of the surrounding landscapes of mountains, the Mediterranean sea, and fields of lavender, poppies or sunflowers. Visit quaint fishing villages and exotic gardens,  explore antique markets, taste regional specialties, sip the local wines, and relax on the beach.

Choose the Best!

Best of France Travels is an owner-operated small group luxury tour company. The owner, Shannan Carter, personally accompanies every tour and truly loves sharing the beauty, history,  and culture of France with all of her customers! Since 2000, Best of France Travels has offered a lot more for less! We  visit lots of out of the way places that are virtually undiscovered by the average tourist. We have developed relationships with locals who are experts in wine, gastronomy, history, and know the secrets of the region.  We offer only a few tours each year to ensure relaxed and personalized service prior to and during every tour. We invite you to contact us with any questions you have about our tours and look forward to meeting you.

Our Travelers' Appreciation

Lesley K.

“The market in Vannes was a high point for me as was Carnac ( so glad I bought that cookie tin of the Breton woman hanging wash between the stones) and the boat trip in the gulf with the island stop. The Belon oysters and lunch at Jacky was really great…I still dream about the fish soup! Quimper was a fabulous stop I loved the pottery and the town too. Point Aven   I just loved it all.” Read More

Susan G.

“Best trip ever! I loved everything we did, every place we went, every place I slept in, ate at, gawked at, walked around and up, and shopped.  When I told you I’d been in hundreds of Italian hill towns but had never seen one as beautiful as Roussillon, I meant it!  And that art cave show in Les Baux will stay with me forever.” Read More

Randy L.

“Your tour through Provence was simply outstanding in every way.  I love the way you mix our activities with plenty of free time to relax and explore on our own.  Our hotel in St. Remy was so beautiful and peaceful.  Their fabulous breakfast really set us up for a great day.  I also loved the option of eating breakfast outside in the beautiful gardens.  I learned so much at the archeological site.  And our tour guide was so charming and knowledgeable.  The magnificent views from the hill towns took my breath away.” Read More