On this multi-day tour, guests will explore historic cities and landmarks in northern and central France. Setting off from Paris in a comfortable motorcoach, participants will drive northwest to the Normandy region. The first stop is at Rouen, the capital of Normandy, set by the Seine River. Guests will enjoy walking along the medieval, cobblestoned streets of Vieux, the pedestrian-friendly old town area of the city. They will view the half-timbered houses and Gothic churches that lend this town its beautiful old-world charm and then travel to Honfleur past the newly built Normandy bridge. Located at the estuary of the Seine where it enters the English Channel, Honfleur is the birthplace of Eugene Boudin, who mentored renowned Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Guests can buy themselves lunch at one of the quaint restaurants in town. Later, the tour will continue to the D-day beaches of Normandy, which played a pivotal role in ensuring Allied victory in World War II. Guests will view the American landing beaches of Omaha and Utah-the site for numerous heroic acts of bravery and sacrifice. At the American Cemetery of Saint-Laurent at Colleville, guests can pay homage to the fallen soldiers. They will also see the remains of an artificial harbor built by the Allies at Arromanches and then check into their accommodation for the night in Caen. The next day, guests will travel to the picturesque port town of Saint-Malo in Brittany. Walking along the granite ramparts in the old town area, they will learn about the town’s history as a privateer stronghold from their guide. They will also visit the 12th-century Saint-Malo Cathedral which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. Participants could then grab a bite to eat before heading to the UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel. As they approach Mont-Saint-Michel, guests will witness breathtaking views of the rocky islet and its impressive Gothic abbey with the ocean as a backdrop. The ancient Benedictine abbey built by the Duke of Normandy in the 11th century was dedicated to the archangel Saint Michael and was a famous pilgrimage destination and cultural center. Guests will have time to stroll along the steep and narrow alleys and see the bay from various vantage points. They can also visit the small village before journeying to the medieval settlement of Angers where they will spend the night. On the third and last day of the tour, guests will travel to the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley to explore the splendid chateaus in the region. They will begin with a guided visit to the flamboyant Chateau de Langeais, a 15th-century Gothic-style castle with a drawbridge. This well-preserved medieval edifice has hosted the royal wedding of Charles VII and Anne of Brittany, an event that is immortalized in a life-size wax figure tableau within the sprawling interiors. After a short tour, guests will sit down for a sumptuous farewell lunch at the medieval Chateau de Chenonceau on the river Cher. Later in the afternoon, they will enjoy a guided tour inside the chateau to view the exquisite collection of tapestries, paintings, and furniture. There will also be a guided tour of Chateau de Chambord, an excellent example of French Renaissance architecture surrounded by picturesque gardens. Afterwards, they will be driven back to Paris.

Duration:
3 days

Start Time:
7:15am

Inclusions:
Transportation to/from Paris and sights as listed in the description. This is subject to change depending on the day of tour.

Exclusions:
Transportation to and from hotel, any meals not specified in the itinerary, any extras visited during free time, gratuities, and single room supplement (to be paid locally).

Meeting point:
Hotel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, 18 Avenue De Suffren, 22 Rue Jean Rey Entree au, 75015 Paris.

Ending point:
Hotel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, 18 Avenue De Suffren, 22 Rue Jean Rey Entree au, 75015 Paris.

Not Suitable For:

Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and strollers

Important Information:
– This tour is available on Thursdays, from April – October.

– This tour is provided on a reserved basis prior to departure.

– Lunch stops include free time to give guests the chance to sample local culinary specialties and shop for souvenirs.

– Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.