Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley

From the City of Light to Infamous Cemeteries: See France on an 8-Day Guided Tour

$2,808

 

Tour Description

Enjoy the sights and sounds of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II — and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. You’ll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the elegant avenue of the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Paris, France: Begin your journey in the iconic city of Paris. Explore the world-renowned landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Experience the romantic atmosphere of the "City of Light" with its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant culture.

Giverny, France: Visit the charming village of Giverny, home to the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Tour Monet’s house and stunning gardens, which inspired some of his most iconic works.

Normandy, France: Step back in time as you explore the historic beaches of Normandy, the site of the D-Day landings during World War II. Visit the poignant American Cemetery and Memorial at Omaha Beach and gain insight into the events that shaped history.

 
  • Day 1 | Welcome to Paris

    After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and worldfamous landmarks are yours to explore. Meet your Travel Director

    and fellow guests at the hotel before enjoying a Welcome Dinner

    at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made

    recipes.

    Meals: Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Seine Cruise and Illuminations - The City of Light really lives up to its name when the city's monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up

    in all of their glory. First, a specially-designed sightseeing boat takes us for an unforgettable cruise along the Seine and beneath famous

    bridges to appreciate the Left and Right Banks and the Île de la Cité and St Louis. Then, we'll enjoy an illuminations tour, when the rubies

    and diamonds of the Champs Élysées and the Eiel Tower are at their magnicent best.

    Adult: 47.00 EUR

    Day 2 | Rouen, Honeur and Deauville

    Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its

    ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject

    of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the

    narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market

    Square. Here, a superb modern church memorialises the burning

    of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming

    shing town of Honeur and wander along the harbour or stroll

    through the colourful streets. Close by, meet a farming family

    who grow apples to produce local juice, cider and calvados of

    Normandy. Sample the local produce paired with Normandy

    cheese. Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic

    seaside resort of Deauville.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Deauville at Night - This evening, with our Local Expert, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the famous Deauville boardwalk, lined with the

    names of Hollywood stars. We'll pass by Coco Chanel's very rst boutique, opened in 1913, before having a three-course dinner in the

    charming and animated port of Trouville.

    Adult: 79.00 EUR

    Day 3 | Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings

    Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the

    Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert,

    spend a few reective moments at the American Military

    Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach.

    Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day

    Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the articial

    port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

    and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy

    becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a

    delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal

    ingredients and delicious wines.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville

    Day 4 | Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo

    Journey through bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of

    Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island,

    the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind

    the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – its singular

    street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the

    Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance

    Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local

    Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs.

    Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city,

    home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your

    leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls,

    oering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night,

    the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint

    bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an

    optional experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its

    oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other

    Breton specialties.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Breton Evening - A short drive along the Emerald Coast road of Brittany takes us to the famous shing village of Cancale, known

    throughout France for its oyster beds on the Bay of Mont St. Michel. On the menu in our delightful and rustic sea front bistro are a

    selection of sea foods and other Breton specialties.

    Adult: 80.00 EUR

    Day 5 | Villandry Experience

    Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated

    Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner

    will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines.

    Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the

    glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

    Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and

    kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery

    cabbages and purple basil is grown organically to re-generate the

    local ecosystem.

    This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local

    sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious

    Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring

    the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned

    home.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

    Hotel: Relais Des Landes

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Dinner in Loire - Good company, good wine and delicious local specialities are the hallmarks of a great evening out in the Loire. Enjoy

    dinner in a traditional family-owned and operated gastronomic restaurant.

    Adult: 78.00 EUR

    Day 6 | Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley

    Journey to the family-owned Château de Cheverny inhabited by

    the same family for over six centuries. Arrive through the forest

    and park lands with your Local Expert who will show you the

    château's decor and aristocratic costumes of the family through

    the centuries. Listen out for the hounds and nd out about the

    connection with Tintin while you are there. Return to your superb

    château for relaxation and free time.

    Hotel: Relais Des Landes

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Visit the Château and Gardens of Chenonceau - You are introduced to the splendour and luxury of French court life with a visit to

    Château de Chenonceau. Set on elegant arches spanning the River Cher, it is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in existence.

    A Local Expert will recount tales of King Henri II's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, as you tour the home she loved, but from which she was

    driven by the vengeful Queen, Catherine de Medici. One of the jewels of the French Renaissance, admire the rich decor, stroll beneath

    the trees of the Broad Walk and the formal gardens where roses and clipped lavender are laid out in typical French style.

    Adult: 46.00 EUR

    Day 7 | La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light

    Travelling through the vast wheat elds of the the Beauce region,

    Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by

    August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of

    this architectural delight.

    From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director

    introduces you to the fabulous sights of Paris, including the vast

    Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Travel up

    the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark,

    the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments,

    buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory.

    For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the

    chance to experience a world-famous cabaret show.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner - Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the

    original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning lm of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and

    entertainers and over 1000 costumes!

    Adult: 205.00 EUR

    Day 8 | Au Revoir Paris

    Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French

    countryside as you transfer to the airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations

    Superior dining in top rated restaurants

    Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am

    24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver

    ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom*

    Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences

    Local discovery led by Local Experts

    All porterage, gratuities and tips

  • Booking and Payments

    • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

    • Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

    Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellation by Client:

    • More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

    • 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

    • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

    • Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

    • Changes to Itinerary

    • Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

    • Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

    Travel Insurance

    • Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

    • Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

    Health and Safety

    • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

    • Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

    Liability

    • Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

    • Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

    Visas and Documentation

    • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

    • Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

    Conduct

    • Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

    • Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

    Complaints

    • Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

    • Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

    By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

 

Travellers photos