If Europe were a collection of art and culture, France would be its premier exhibit. The museums of Paris display masterworks of Western Civilization that inspire Parisians and visitors from around the globe. The shores of Normandy evoke a deep and humble connection to the contemporary world. Medieval castles in the Loire Valley represent exuberant nobility in their extraordinary architecture and gardens. Half-timbered villages reflect images from storybooks that come to life. Your custom tailored France tour immerses you in the splendor of France, a country brimming with inherent treasures and known for its expressive culture.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the elaborate and extravagant palaces scattered across the French countryside, including the unforgettable Palace of Versailles
  • Visit the beaches of Normandy for an immersion into the contemporary history of World War II that shaped the modern World
  • Spend time wandering along the twisting alleyways and rising landscape of Mont-St-Michel off the Breton coast
  • Witness the exceptional Bayeux Tapestry that captures the history of the Norman Invasion of England
  • Stroll through Monte’s Gardens at Giverny to experience the moment where the tangible plants meet the colorful representation of the artist’s work
  • Indulge in the history of Paris on a private guided tour of the city’s ancient roots and indelible architecture
  • Discover the tremendous artwork throughout Paris, displayed in the countless museums and gardens
  • Relish enchanting medieval towns peppering the landscape, each providing insight into the unique heritage and culture of France’s different regions

TRIP AT A GLANCE

(Day 1): Paris – Arrive in the Majestic City of Paris and Enjoy an Orientation Walk

(Day 2): Paris – Half-Day Tour of Paris’s Layered History and Museum Visit

(Day 3): Paris – Relish the Favored Neighborhoods of Paris and the Louvre Museum

(Day 4): Paris – Venture to the Palace of Versailles for a Vibrant Tour of the Grounds

(Day 5): Bourges – Visit the Unique Chateau du Guédelon and the Town of Bourges

(Day 6): Chambord – Tour the Lavish Chateau Chambord in the Loire Valley

(Day 7): Amboise – Explore Elegant Chateau Chenonceau and the Town of Amboise

(Day 8): Mont-St-Michel – Enjoy the Traditional Beauty of Breton and Incredible Landscape of Mont-St-Michel

(Day 9): Normandy – Mourning Tour of Mont-St-Michel and Visit to Bayeux

(Day 10): Normandy – Guided Tour of the Beaches and Monuments of Normandy

(Day 11): Paris – Indulge in Monet’s Stunning Gardens at Giverny en route to Paris

(Day 12): Paris – Depart for Home

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Your 12-day France tour intertwines art and culture, ancient history and the contemporary past for an unforgettable experience. Your France vacation begins with your arrival in Paris, the City of Lights. Your private transfer escorts you to your hotel located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a brief tour to get acquainted with the impressive streets where the iconic images of the city come to life. The next morning, your guide leads you through the fabulous history of the Ile de la Cité. Experience the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank and the remarkable churches on the Seine River. In the afternoon, visit one of the celebrated museums of Paris.

Follow your guide through the maze-like galleries of the Louvre. Come face-to-face with priceless artwork and ancient artifacts. In the afternoon, you stroll through the Musée Orangerie to view Monet’s Water Lilies. Discover the extraordinary architecture, lavish décor, and sensational gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Then, your private transfer takes you out of Paris to the Chateau de Guedelon, a castle in the process of construction using only 13th-century techniques. After your visit to the castle, you arrive in the sensational town of Bourges. Venture into the Loire Valley to explore the opulent grounds of the Chateau Chambord.

You next travel to the Chateau Chenonceau, constructed over the River Cher. Continue to the charming riverside town of Amboise for a brief tour of the chateau where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. Venture to the region of Brittany where the connection to ancient Celtic tribes remains strong. Visit traditional Breton villages along the way to Mont-St-Michel. In the morning, your guide leads you on a fabulous tour of the dramatic landscape of the island of Mont-St-Michel. You continue to the shores of Normandy to see the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry.

Traverse the D-Day Beaches of Normandy for a unique perspective into the first official battle America participated in during World War II. Afterward, make your way to the southern border of Normandy to visit the enchanting town of Giverny. Wander through Monet’s marvelous gardens and immerse yourself in the image of the painter’s inspiration. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Paris and escorts you to Charles de Gaulle International Airport for your flight home.

ACTIVITIES

  • Architecture / Cultural Activities / Local Food / Market / Bazaar / Food & Wine / Gourmet Dining / Shopping / Small Towns / Villages / Walking Tours / Gardens / Nature

THEMES

  • Leisure / Wellness & Retreat / Relaxation

FEATURES

  • Leisure / Spectacular Scenery