France

France is a country that needs no introduction—its fabulous cities, breathtaking countryside, rich history and world-class food and wine have cemented it as a European must-see. There’s so much to see and do that deciding on an itinerary will be the hardest part of your trip!

Explore the medieval castles and historic villages of Dordogne; and head to the Loire Valley to tour majestic chateaux, gardens and vineyards on foot or by bike.

Visit WWII landing sites and sample local cheese, cider and calvados in Normandy; and indulge in gourmet food and wine as you ramble or ride along canals and through vineyards in Burgundy.

Circumnavigate the spectacular Mont Blanc and hike its gentler lower stages, passing alpine meadows and charming villages; or trek the high passes of the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, a challenging trail steeped in mountaineering legend.

Discover the endless vineyards, fairytale villages and unique German-infused culture of Alsace; and explore the rugged island wilderness of Corsica on the iconic GR20, Europe's most challenging long distance walking trail.

Head to the Pyrenees to follow the famous French Way of Saint James; trace Dali's footsteps along the Mediterranean coast; or pass castles, chateaux and postcard-perfect villages and you cycle along the Avenue Verte from Paris to London.

With everything from gentle walks and exciting family holidays to challenging mountaineering expeditions, our broad program of unique walking, cycling and trekking adventures is designed to get you deep into the heart of France, regardless of your interests or fitness level.

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France highlights

 

Why travel with us

Explore an unrivalled range of active trips in France

From the heights of Mont Blanc to the French Riviera, the coast of Normandy to the GR20 on Corsica - no one offers more walking and cycling trips in France.

Designing Mont Blanc walks for everyone

Self guided or small group; with the family on a relaxed ramble or with friend to circumnavigate the massif; our walking options cater to more fitness levels than anyone else in the Mont Blanc region.

Making France affordable

Our active trips in France are designed to be affordable providing you with all the necessary ingredients for a successful journey at a price that will leave more in your pocket.

Discover France at your own pace

On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.

Enjoy flexibility and choices

Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.

Travel with experienced mountain guides

Our guided walks in the mountain regions of France are led by bilingual, experienced professionals who know the region well. Every guide is first-aid trained and carry appropriate communication devices with them in case of an emergency.

Responsible travel

 

Reducing waste

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travellers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single use plastics. In the mountains of the Pyrenees and Mont Blanc our local partners reduce the amount of packaging taken on tour and ensure all waste is carried out from refuges that do not have road access to help dispose of it properly.

Supporting local

In the regions that we travel through tourism is the main source of income for many local people. We support them by only working with local family run accommodations and suppliers so that your money actually assists the community that hosts you.

Mont Blanc mules

Our mules only work for 3-4 months per year. We have liaised with vets, farriers and other specialists to ensure we look after them correctly. During trips they are well fed in the abundant pastures and all of our guides are trained to ensure their well being. They spend their winters away from the mountains in a better climate where there is good food for them.

Paddock to plate

The paddock to plate concept is one we encourage by choosing to work with accommodations that source produce from local farms. This provides you with fresher meals and ensures your money directly assists local economies.

Accommodation

Refuges or gite hostels

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although private gite rooms still use shared bathrooms.

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge win invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.

Barges

Think of it as your floating hotel, where each day you experience a different sunrise and sunset location and you unpack only once. Berths range from two lower or bunk bed style but can be upgraded to larger berths with double beds. The bar and dining area is always a popular hangout at the end of each day's activity. The crew includes an onboard cook.

Chateau hotels

Set on large grounds, these large French country houses or castles are often family run and named after the local wine. The building and rooms are often decorated to match the history of the building, complimenting the local food and wine experiences.

Leaders in the field

Pierre Schmid

Pierre is a high altitude mountain guide and co-founder of our partner company in Chamonix. An accomplished alpinist in his own right, Pierre regularly ventures into the Himalayas and Alaska, and has summitted Cho Oyu (8201m) in Tibet. Whilst at home in Chamonix, Pierre, coordinates and guides many of our Mont Blanc ascents.

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Videos

Mont Blanc Guided Walk with UTracks

Essential information

Currency

Euro

USD and GBP are easily changed

ATM's are widely available except in mountain regions.

Credit Cards are widely accepted

International Dialing Code

+33

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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World Expeditions Travel Group

  World Expeditions hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) no. 4491 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate.
© Copyright 2017 by World Expeditions Group Pty Ltd
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