Absorb the splendor and romance of France this spring or fall, when Frommer's considers "the best time to visit Paris," on this 4-star escorted trip for $1299 per person, including taxes.

Saving $650 per person on competing packages, this experience ushers travelers to the darlings of the French Riviera, film capital Cannes and its beachfront sister, Nice. Sample a French vineyard's fine wine in Provence and stroll through the City of Lights, Paris.

This deal from Virgin Vacations and Rendez-vous en France includes:

• Six nights in 4-star hotels from start to finish
• English-speaking tour guide throughout
• Eight meals: Six breakfasts, two dinners with wine
• All transfers and transportation, including high-speed rail

Depart: April 11, 25; May 9, 23; June 13; Aug. 1; Sept. 5, 19; Oct. 3, 17

Or, for the same price, travelers can opt for a seven-night Paris, Normandy and the Loire Valley trip, which features excursions to Omaha beach, site of the 1944 Allied invasion, as well as the island city of Mont St. Michel.

Guests can easily add airfare from all major U.S. gateways. Independent multi-city packages are also available. See Virgin Vacations' site for details.