Best of France: Paris, Normandy & The Loire Valley

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Paris

   Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

   Welcome to Paris! We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The journey time to the city center is about one hour.

   

   Welcome to the City of Light

   When in Paris, seizing every opportunity to witness the city in the evening is a must. The illuminated skyline, showcasing iconic landmarks and monuments, paints a mesmerizing picture of the City of Light that shouldn't be missed. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a sparkling spectacle, with city highlights casting their radiant glow over the Seine River. Whether you're strolling along its banks or cruising on an all-glass-top boat, the magic of Parisian evenings is an experience to savor.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour and 15 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Paris

   

   Introduction to Paris Private Tour

   This tour is the perfect introduction to Paris, an overview of the city to help you find your bearings and feel confident enough to explore Paris further on your own. In the company of your knowledgeable guide, get ready to marvel at the French capital's most iconic landmarks along the Seine.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Getting to Know Paris, One Museum at a Time

   With a plethora of superb art collections, some of the world's most recognizable masterpieces, and several museums where rich history and impressive architecture reign, it's no wonder that Paris is often called the City of Art. From the most-visited museum in the world, the Louvre, to museums dedicated to famous artists like Picasso and Rodin, to collections showcasing the life and work of fashion icons, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Paris has it all. Apart from the precious exhibits, it often happens that the museum buildings themselves are sights to behold for their architecture alone. The Beaux-Arts railway station that houses the exquisite Musée d'Orsay and the high-tech structure of Centre Pompidou are only two of the French capital's architectural wonders. You'll find more details of the many museums you could visit in your Guest Page, once your trip is booked.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Paris

   

   Versailles Half-Day Small Group Tour of the Palace and Gardens

   Skip the lines and step into the Golden Age of France with a guided half-day visit to the Palace of Versailles. Discover the opulence of the royal palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and the King and Queen’s State Apartments, symbols of 17th-century French art and power. End your visit strolling through the spectacular gardens, famous for their fountains, sculptures, and perfectly manicured design.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Paris By Night

   Whether inspired by Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris or not, your trip to Paris would never be complete without a night out in the glittering City of Light. From sipping on exquisite wine at a low-key bar to dancing the night away in a trendy club, Paris nightlife has it all. One of the things not to miss in Paris at night is a cabaret show. A tradition that dates back to the late 19th century, cabaret shows are an integral part of Parisian culture, and you can enjoy them in places like Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris. For a more down-to-earth experience among locals, head to the neighborhood of Bastille, which turns into the liveliest party scene when the night falls in Paris.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Bayeux by Train / Arrival in Bayeux

   

   Today you will head to Bayeux. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Paris and take you to the train station where you will board the 2h45m train to Bayeux. We have included standard class train tickets in your package but and upgrade to higher class is possible for an extra fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Bayeux by Private Transfer with 2 hours stop in Honfleur

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Because of its geographical location, Bayeux has always been part of France's coastal defense. Progressively, it became an important city in Normandy, the northwestern-most of the eighteen regions of France. Bayeux is linked to two famous cross-Channel invasions. The Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 is depicted on the famous tapestry that has been kept in Bayeux for so many centuries and now bears the town's name. Later on, during the WWII Normandy Landings that took place in June 1944, Bayeux was the first city to be liberated from the German army. These two significant historical events make lesser-known Bayeux a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

   When you arrive at the train station in Bayeux, a driver will be there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Bayeux

   

   American D-Day Small Group Full-Day Tour

   Embark on a journey into one of the most critical WWII moments, the 1944 D-Day, when the Normandy landings took place. Follow your knowledgeable guide as they walk you through history on the sandy beaches of Normandy, like Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, where men and women sacrificed themselves for the sake of peace and freedom.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Bayeux

   

   A Trip To Dreamy Mont-Saint-Michel

   For your second day in Bayeaux, we recommend taking a day trip to one of the most fascinating places to visit in France: Mont-Saint-Michel. Built atop a rock in the middle of a scenic bay that witnesses the highest and most impressive tides in continental Europe, the dramatic medieval abbey seems to be hovering over the water, creating a spectacle to remember for life.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 8 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Traveling to Amboise by Private Transfer / Arrival in Amboise

   

   A driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Bayeux and take you directly to Amboise. The journey lasts about three hours.

   Amboise, located in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France, spreads on both banks of the Loire River. The city is the perfect starting point to discover the beauties and treasures of the Loire Valley. It is the site of the Château d'Amboise, a late Gothic castle with Renaissance elements, a splendor of white stones overlooking the banks of the Loire River, and the gorgeous surrounding countryside. It is one of several castles in the breathtakingly beautiful Loire Valley where kings, princes, and great lords have challenged architectural imagination for centuries.

   Our driver will take you to your accommodation in Amboise.

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Amboise

   

   Eastern Touraine Small Group Wine Tour

   Get ready to enjoy a day delving into the secrets of wine-making in the heart of the Loire Valley. During this full-day trip, you will visit two different vineyards, sample exquisite wines and pair them with superb French cheese before indulging in a traditional meal at a local cheese shop.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Paris by Train / Arrival in Paris

   

   You're leaving Amboise behind today and heading to Paris. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and second class tickets. There are a few train departures to Paris daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Paris by Private Transfer with 2 hours stop in Chateau Chambord

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

   Welcome to the City of Light! A driver will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to your accommodation.

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    It's time to leave France behind. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.