Trafalgar has officially launched its inaugural Villages of France departure, signalling a strategic shift toward deeper immersion and a “slow travel” philosophy within the French countryside.
*All details correct at time of publish (29 April 2026)
The first group of guests set off on 11 April 2026, embarking on a route specifically designed to bypass traditional highways in favour of the authentic character found in France’s lesser-known locales.
The nine-day itinerary focuses on the “road less travelled”, prioritising storytelling and community connection over high-volume tourism hubs. This new direction is underscored by the introduction of exclusive experiences that highlight regional heritage and social responsibility.
Redefining the Guest Connection
A centrepiece of the journey is the brand-new Be My Guest Experience at the Château de Vieux Chambord. Hosted by the Devaulx de Chambord family, the visit emphasises personal connection through:
- Authentic Culinary Craft: A traditional meal featuring locally sourced beef, prepared days in advance and barbecued on-site to provide a sensory, relaxed dining atmosphere
- Curated Ambience: Historic spaces within the château were transformed with spring floral arrangements, reflecting the pride and attention to detail inherent in French hospitality
As the journey progresses through the storybook villages of Beaune, Colmar, and Ribeauvillé, the itinerary leverages local expertise to provide historical context.
In Strasbourg, guests participate in an in-depth exploration of the city’s cathedral led by Local Specialist Thierry, who provides professional insight into the region’s unique architecture and Franco-Germanic character.
Purposeful Travel Integration
In alignment with Trafalgar’s commitment to sustainable tourism, the itinerary features a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERTM Experience in Strasbourg. Guests visit Café Joyeux, an enterprise dedicated to inclusive employment within the hospitality sector.
- Impactful Interaction: Guests engage with a diverse team of professionals, fostering cross-cultural understanding and supporting the growth of inclusive workplace environments
- Community Support: The experience is designed to challenge perceptions while providing tangible support to the local social enterprise
The itinerary continues through the Champagne region and the town of Meaux – renowned for its Brie cheese – where guests engage with local farmers’ markets before concluding the circuit in Paris.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the launch, Kelly Jackson, MD and SVP Sales EMEA for TTC Tour Brands said:
“This launch of Villages of France really stands out as more than just a new itinerary; it feels like a clear step forward in how we’re thinking about travel. The focus on slower journeys, meaningful connections, and the road less travelled brings the experience to life in a much more authentic way.
“What I particularly love is how intentionally it’s been built, from the Be My Guest experience at Château de Vieux Chambord to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTERTM visit at Café Joyeux. It’s these moments, rooted in real people and communities, that turn a great trip into something genuinely memorable.
“It’s a great reminder that when travel is designed with care, purpose, and respect for local culture, it doesn’t just show you a destination, it stays with you long after you’ve returned home.”
The Villages of France itinerary is from GB£2,350pp. For more information on upcoming departure dates, travel agents are encouraged to visit: https://www.trafalgar.com/tours/villages-of-france or call 0800 206 1469 (UK) / 1800 98 98 98 (Ireland).
