The Best of Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley

12 Days

Chateau de Chambord, royal medieval french castle and reflection. Loire Valley, France, Europe. Unesco heritage site.

Etretat, la Manneporte natural rock arch wonder, cliff and beach. Long exposure photography. Normandy, France, Europe

The Best of Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley

France abounds in cultural and historical heritage. Simply put – there is so much to see! For that reason, it’s best to tackle a few regions one has always dreamed of visiting. This itinerary will show your group the very best of Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley. They will begin the journey in “the City of Light,” as the energetic, cosmopolitan capital city of Paris is affectionately called. This is the city of fashion, Napoleon’s tomb and 3rd century Roman baths.

From Paris, your group will continue north to Normandy, where you will experience its medieval past and traditional cuisine – as well as pay respect to the soldiers who bravely fought in the WWII’s Normandy Invasion. Afterwards, guests will travel to the out-of-this-world castles of the Loire Valley Region. While it is a comprehensive itinerary that will keep them on your sightseeing toes, there will also be downtime to relax, shop and explore independently.

Highlights

Take a Walking Tour of Medieval Rouen, Where Joan of Arc Was Martyred
Explore Honfleur, the Inspiration for Many Impressionist Painters
View the Famous Tapestry of Bayeux About William the Conqueror
Full-Day Tour Commemorating the Fallen Soldiers of the D-Day Invasion

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 4

3 Nights

Paris

Paris, the enigmatic and iconic City of Light, exudes timeless charm along the romantic banks of the Seine River. Its streets are adorned with quaint cafés, elegant tree-lined avenues, and bustling riverside promenades, creating an enchanting atmosphere that has inspired poets, artists, and lovers for centuries. Paris is not merely a city but a cultural epicenter that has spearheaded revolutions in art, fashion, gastronomy, and cinema, shaping the world's cultural landscape. Among Paris's treasures are its world-renowned museums, including the Louvre, home to masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People." Strolling through the Louvre's hallowed halls is a journey through centuries of artistic brilliance, offering a glimpse into humanity's creative spirit. In Paris, every corner tells a story and one can savor the simple pleasure of a coffee at a quintessential Parisian café while watching the world go by. Artists sketching the majestic Arc de Triomphe or fashionistas strolling down the illustrious Champs-Élysées add to the city's vibrant tapestry of life. In the words of Voltaire, Paris truly embodies "the best of all possible worlds," offering a harmonious blend of history, romance, and modernity. Whether wandering through the charming streets of Montmartre, admiring the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral, or immersing oneself in the bohemian ambiance of the Latin Quarter, every moment in Paris is imbued with a sense of magic and wonder. With its rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty, Paris remains an irresistible destination for travelers seeking to experience the essence of French art de vivre.

Included activities

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Welcome Paris, France's fashionable, dynamic – and very historic capital city! Upon arrival, the local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you on a panoramic city tour of Paris by private coach en route to the hotel. Your group will see the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, and the Notre Dame on the way. Guests will travel along the River Seine, which is a highlight in itself, and also go past the Hotel Invalides, and the Louvre museum. During the tour, your group will also ascend the Montparnasse Tower to appreciate the spectacular view of Paris. The tour will finish at the hotel and guests will have time to freshen up before their Parisian welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant. (Please note that admission tickets to Montparnasse Tower will be included.)

Day 2: Paris

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will meet its local guide in the lobby for a guided tour of the Latin Quarter, where they will enjoy lunch on their own and then embark on a sightseeing journey through the vibrant neighborhood. Later, they will be escorted back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Guided Tour of the Latin Quarter

On this tour, your group will be dropped off at the Latin Quarter in a private coach. Accompanied by their guide, guests will enjoy a 90-minute walking tour of the historic heart of Paris. Here, in the 5th arrondissement, this Parisian neighborhood was buzzing with life during the Roman times, on through the Middle Ages, and right up to the present. Guests will see the Boulevard St-Michel, the Sorbonne, and the Caveau de la Huchette jazz club, among others. Once the walking tour is finished, the group will be dropped back at the hotel.

Day 3: Paris

After breakfast in the hotel, travel to the Palace of Versailles for a half-day excursion. The afternoon is free for guests to explore Paris as they wish. Guests will reconvene at the hotel in the early evening for a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine. After embarking at the base of the Eiffel Tower, they will see the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite, and the city's beautiful bridges. After the cruise, your group will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner.

Half-Day Tour of Versailles

This morning, your group will experience the grandeur of Versailles on a short, guided tour. Constructed primarily in the 17th century, this magnificent royal palace of Versailles was home to Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV, the Sun King. On this tour, your group will explore the majestic chateau, including the Grands Appartements, the Chapel, and the Hall of Mirrors with its 357 shimmering mirrors. Outside, guests will find meticulously landscaped gardens with its beautiful fountains and sculptures. Afterward, guests will be escorted back to Paris in the private coach.

Day 4 - 5

1 Night

Rouen

Rouen is set on the banks of the Seine River, in the Normandy region of northern France. Renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, it is famously home to the Notre-Dame de Rouen cathedral, which features in numerous paintings by Claude Monet. Rouen has an eclectic mix of architectural styles, including half-timbered houses and Renaissance buildings, which speaks to its long settlement history. The city played a key role in the Hundred Years' War and is also the site where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in the 15th century. Modern-day Rouen boasts a variety of art and cultural centers, chief among which are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Historial Jeanne d'Arc. Visitors can spend time strolling along its charming streets and visiting bustling markets, apart from sampling specialty dishes such as Tarte Tatin, Pommeau or sweet apple aperitif, and local cheeses such as Camembert.

Included activities

Day 4: Arrival in Rouen

This morning, your group will check out and travel northwest by private coach. The first stop will be in the city of Giverny, to visit the spectacular home and gardens of Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. His renowned Water Lilies series was based on the home's beautiful gardens. After the visit, your group will continue traveling northwest to the very historic city of Rouen. Upon arrival at the hotel, group members will store their baggage with the reception staff and enjoy some free time for lunch. Afterwards, they will have a guided walking tour of Rouen, which is the historic capital of Normandy. It was one Europe's most booming cities during the Middle Ages. During the tour, guest will go inside one of Rouen's most important monuments, the city's Notre Dame Cathedral, which inspired Claude Monet in his painting series. The walking tour will finish back at the hotel, and guests will have the evening at leisure to enjoy Rouen.

Day 5 - 8

3 Nights

Caen

Caen in northwestern France, serves as the capital of the Calvados department. Set by the Orne River in Normandy, it is about nine miles inland from the English Channel. Thanks to its location, this city played a major part in medieval history, especially during the time of William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Several significant medieval landmarks can be seen throughout the city, such as the Château de Caen, one of the largest medieval fortifications in Europe, and two impressive abbeys: the Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames. While Caen was heavily impacted during the Battle of Normandy in World War II, it has since been rebuilt and revitalized, offering a wonderful ambience with charming shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

Included activities

Day 5: Arrival in Caen

This morning, your group will check out and travel west by private coach. Today's comprehensive tour will feature sights connected to the American troops who bravely fought in the Allied invasion of Normandy exactly 70 years ago. Guests will visit Pointe du Hoc, the Utah Beach Museum, as well as Sainte Mere Eglise. After touring Omaha Beach, they will honor fallen soldiers in the American Cemetery & Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer before arriving to Caen this evening. At Caen, guests will check in and enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 6: Caen

This morning, your group will meet a local guide in the lobby for an exciting "William the Conqueror" tour by private coach. The tour will take them back in time to the 11th century, to the time of one of history's most influential characters: William the Conqueror, the first of the Norman Kings of England. Guests will visit his birthplace at Falaise Castle, and see Bayeux's famous tapestry, which illustrates events leading up to his conquest of England. The tour also includes a visit inside the Abbey of Saint-Etienne, where William was buried. It is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Normandy. The tour will finish back at the hotel in Caen, and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 7: Caen

After breakfast in the hotel, guests will meet a local guide and start their engines for "Norman Food & Drink Day." Your group will visit the beautiful countryside of Le Pays d'Auge, which will highlight gastronomic specialties of Normandy. This region is famous for its apple production and dairy farming; particularly famous are its cheeses such as Camembert. They will enjoy a tasting with local Norman cheeses, breads and cider, another well-known product from this region. After the tasting, participants will travel to Honfleur to have a brief tour of this charming port village. Afterwards, your group will continue down the coastal road to the seaside resort village of Deauville for shopping and free time before returning to Caen and spending the evening at leisure.

Day 8 - 10

2 Nights

Pontorson

Pontorson is located in the Manche department of Normandy, in northwest France, just six miles from the famous Mont Saint-Michel. The town has a mix of historical architecture, including the Notre-Dame de la Paix church, which was built under the orders of William the Conqueror. Surrounded by marshlands and polders, Pontorson is wonderfully scenic with a temperate oceanic climate. Visitors can indulge in numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling around the region. It also hosts a lively weekly market every Wednesday, where fresh local produce and goods are sold.

Included activities

Day 8: Arrival in Pontorson

After an early breakfast in the hotel, your group will check out and travel south to the breathtaking island of Mont-St-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey that graces this tidal island, guests will continue to the beautiful, medieval walled town of Fougeres. They can enjoy free time for lunch at the town, shopping and wandering on their own before traveling to the hotel in nearby Pontorson. Upon arrival at the hotel, your group will check in and enjoy time to relax and freshen up before tonight's group dinner. (Please note that it might become necessary to take a shuttle bus to access Mont-St-Michel. Also there are many steps to climb, so please wear comfortable shoes).

Day 10 - 12

2 Nights

Tours

Located in the verdant Loire Valley of France and well-connected to Paris by train, Tours serves as a central hub for visiting the region's famous châteaux, including Château de Chenonceau and Château d'Amboise. The city itself has a beautiful medieval quarter with charming cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. The Cathédrale Saint-Gatien is one of the main highlights in the city, with its gothic architecture and colorful stained glass windows. Nearby, Place Plumereau is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine. Tours has a several beautiful parks and gardens, such as Prébendes d'Oé Garden, offering lush green spaces for rest and relaxation.

Included activities

Day 9: Arrival in Tours

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will check out and travel southeast to the beautiful lands of the Loire River Valley. The next few days will be spent visiting the fairy-tale castles and charming small towns that define this beautiful region. In order to reach the Loire Valley, this morning will be spent relaxing, snoozing and reading on the bus until the lovely town of Breze. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy some time to stretch their legs and to have some lunch on their own, before having a guided tour of the magnificent Chateau de Breze. Afterwards, your group will re-board the bus and travel to their hotel in the lovely town of Tours. En route there will be a photo stop at the Chateau d'Usse, which is often referred to as the "Sleeping Beauty Castle." Upon arrival to the hotel in Tours, guests will check in and enjoy some time to freshen up before tonight's group dinner in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 10: Tours

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will board the private coach and head out for a relaxing day touring two of the best Loire Valley castles: the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Chenonceau. Both of these historic castles are true masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. Your group will have a guided tour in each of the castles, and in between visits the bus driver will make a stop for everyone to have a relaxing lunch. The tour will finish back up at the hotel in Tours, and the remainder of the day is free to explore Tours.

Day 12 - 13

1 Night

Paris CDG Airport

The region surrounding Paris's busy Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is characterized by a mix of commercial, transportation, and residential zones, just 14 miles northeast of central Paris. Roissypôle, a significant complex near the airport, includes office buildings, hotels, shopping areas, and transportation hubs. Aéroville, a shopping center located nearby, is great for last minute purchases, and food and dining options. The RER B line offer an easy commute to central Paris from this area.

Included activities

Day 11: Arrival at Paris CDG Airport

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will check out and travel by private bus to beautiful town of Bloise, home to the Chateau de Blois. This Renaissance edifice was in fact a royal palace to many of France's kings during the Renaissance. They will enjoy a guided tour of the castle, and then take some time to visit the town of Bloise. Afterwards, your group will proceed to the town of Chartres, best known for its famous Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a masterpiece of French, Gothic architecture. Its stained-glass is truly unmatched anywhere else in the world. Guests will embark on a guided tour inside the cathedral, and then take some time to visits the surrounding gardens. Afterwards, they will continue north to the hotel near Charles de Gaulle Airport. Since most US-bound flights generally depart CDG Airport very early in the morning, we suggest staying overnight near the airport. It will make for a more relaxing morning on the departure day. After check-in and time to freshen up, your group will have a final dinner together in France, at the hotel's restaurant.

Day 12: Paris CDG Airport

After breakfast, your group will catch the hotel's shuttle to the nearby Charles de Gaulle Airport and board their flight back home.

Inclusions

Includes

Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Accommodations: Paris (3 nights) - Caen (3 nights) - Pontorson (1 nights) - Tours (2 nights) - Rouen (1 night) - Paris CDG Airport (1 night)
Meals: Daily breakfast, and lunch and dinner as specified
Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
English speaking assistants and guides
Admission tickets as specified in the itinerary

Not Included

Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism charges
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance