Overview
Whether you're standing on Monet’s peaceful bridge at Giverny or on the solemn sands of Omaha Beach, France seems to bring history vividly to life. From the mystery of Mont Saint-Michel to the history of Saint-Malo, monuments of World Wars and the scenes of artistic masterpieces, France beckons you to both honor the past and celebrate each new day while you enjoy the region’s delectable food and wine throughout your journey. Journey Pace: Active

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day. January to December

9 days from $9995.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Paris, France

Welcome to France! You are met upon arrival in Paris taken to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 2

Paris

Your full day of city sightseeing includes the highlights of this historic and artistic ‘City of Lights.’ View I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre, an unsurpassed art museum, and national monument of France, the majestic Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Travel along the famed Champs Élysée to see the Arc de Triomphe, proudly proclaiming its position as the center of Paris, and the infamous Bastille, symbol of French freedom and liberty. Visit the Concorde, the Eglise de St. Madeleine, the Opera and many more.

In the afternoon, explore the historic and enchanting Montmartre district with its white-domed Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Visit the Ile de la Cité, an island in the center of the Seine, and considered to hold the heart of Paris. (B)

Day 3

Paris to Bayeux via Giverny & Honfleur

This morning you will depart with your guide to Normandy which has some of the most picturesque villages of France. You’ll first stop in Giverny, the village where Claude Monet founded the Impressionist school and lived for 43 years. Enjoy a tour of his house and garden, charmed by the unique light of the Seine Valley.

Enjoy a lunch at Moulin de la Fourges and then continue your drive to Honfleur for a short stop to discover its colorful houses on the port. In the afternoon, you will head to the elegant seaside resort of Deauville and Trouville for some leisure time walking through the historical streets before heading to Bayeux for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4

Normandy Sightseeing

This morning embark on a full day tour, providing you with a comprehensive view of D-Day, June 6th 1944, with views along the beaches of Normandy. Begin in Omaha Beach, a significant place in the war before heading to the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer that honors the 10,000 Americans. Gaze at the perfect alignment of the graves on the magnificently maintained emerald green lawn in remembrance of those who fought yet provides an unforgettable feeling of peace and serenity.

Experience an authentic lunch at Chateau de Sully, then discover Pointe du Hoc, a clifftop location situated between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, high above the untouchable sea. Finish today at the Caen War Memorial for more historical observances. (B, L)

Day 5

Bayeux to Rennes via Mont Saint Michel

Today you will discover the Mont Saint-Michel considered as the Wonder of the Western World, but dating back to the 8th century. Beyond the beauty of its architecture and the wealth of its history, the mystery of the place relies on the rhythm of the tides, the sunset, the sound of black-headed gulls, and the sand drawings.

Spend the afternoon in the walled port city of Saint-Malo, founded in the 16th century. Walked through the streets with a stop at the Chateau and spend some time at the grand aquarium. Discover this corsair city through the streets and monuments that shall remind you of its legendary history. After some time at leisure you will head to Rennes for a relaxing evening. (B)

Day 6

Rennes to Loire Valley

This morning depart for the Loire Valley, showcasing the finest examples of France’s Renaissance architecture. Discover outstanding cultural landscapes of great beauty, with historical towns and villages, architectural monuments, chateaux and fine wines. Known as the Garden of France, it truly defines France’s architectural heritage. This evening is yours at leisure to create your own history. (B)

Day 7

Loire Castle Excursion

Embark on a discovery of the majestic Loire Valley on a full day private tour. Begin by visiting the castle of Blois. Built like an amphitheater on the right bank of the Loire, dominated by the silhouettes of the castle, the Cathedral, the Basilique and the spires of St. Nicolas, Blois is a representative city molded by the Renaissance and the synthesis of the architecture of the castles of the Loire. Become amazed by the Manoir du Clos Lucé, a very interesting building which was once a vacation house of the kings of France, and later, the last home of Leonardo DaVinci.

Spend lunch relaxing and enjoying a meal at ASSA in Bois. Finish the day in Chenonceau, known as the ladies’ castle, as it was built by the contribution of important women, Catherine de Médicis being one of them. You will also visit around the castle of Amboise, which offers one of the most remarkable panoramic views of the Valley, and is considered the nest of the French renaissance. (B, L)

Day 8

Loire Valley to Chambord & Paris

After a morning at leisure, you will depart for the impressive castle of Chambord, the largest one and the most majestic of the Loire Valley, designed by Leonardo DaVinci. The castle is one of the largest and loveliest Renaissance buildings in the Valley of the Loire. Between medieval and renaissance architectural forms, the castle was built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. You will enjoy lunch at La Maison d’à Côté, a famous Michelin starred restaurant before heading back to Paris for the night. (B, L)

Day 9

Depart Paris

This morning you will be transferred to the Paris airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)

Accommodations

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Paris

Situated between the Louvre and Opera, the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is an essential Parisian address, a refined haven in the heart of Paris. It is also steps away from the Comedie Francaise theater, rue Saint-Honore, and the Tuileries Gardens. An ultra-refined neighborhood where architecture, culture, and gastronomy blend with the most exclusive boutiques. Pierre-Yves Rochon's decor, spa, restaurant, staff trained in the tradition of luxury French hotels, and the unique location in Paris make the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal the new address for Parisian chic.

Hotel Villa Lara, Bayeux

Just opposite the Bayeux Cathedral, discover the Villa Lara. Our four-star boutique hotel, designed by Michel Homsy, is located in the heart of the historic center. The hotel is just steps away from the famous Bayeux Tapestry and very close to the sea and D-Day landing beaches. Our rooms offer comfort, harmony, and a view of the 11th century cathedral, beautifully illuminated at night. Refined decoration, discreet luxury, cozy atmosphere, handsome fabrics - all combining French elegance and upscale-hotel conveniences.

Hotel Le Bathazar, Rennes

The Balthazar Hotel & Spa features 53 elegant guest rooms, ranging from Classic to Deluxe, as well as 3 suites with spacious private terraces overlooking the city’s rooftops. All our rooms are full of character blending authentic furnishings, quality bed linen with a genuinely home feel, the latest technology, as well as spacious bathrooms with luxurious Nuxe toiletries. Attention has been paid to every last detail to make your stay with us truly relaxing and comfortable.

Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Onzain

A hunting lodge, built in 1860, on the wine trail through the castles of the Loire. This historic residence, with walls clad in pepper vine, nestles in an unspoiled setting amidst ponds teeming with birdlife and offers the ideal peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Wake up to a bright new day from the cozy comfort of one of its guestrooms. Two-star Chef Rémy Giraud serves local Loire cuisine with a modern twist. On the menu: Loire shad, parsley mousse, Monsieur Marpault’s asparagus and “mariguette” strawberries and hibiscus. It also offers a wide selection of excellent wines, including the finest Loire, Vouvray, Montlouis and Touraine whites.