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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.