Paris, Loire Valley & Normandy
Sidewalk cafes, pebbly beaches and elegant chateaux
Everyone knows Paris, but what about Normandy and the Loire Valley? On this vacation, see the City of Lights plus two historically and culturally rich regions in France that will take your breath away.
In Paris, enjoy a croissant and an espresso at a cafe as you watch the city pass by. Duck into art museums, stroll through parks and gardens, or hop from one chic boutique to another. In Normandy and the Loire Valley, life is at a slower pace than Paris, but that doesn't mean there isn't much to see. From pebbly beaches to elegant chateaux, these regions in France are sure to tickle your fancy!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Paris (CDG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 6 nights in Paris at the Hotel Square Louvois or similar
- Paris Hop-On/Hop-Off Pass (24-hour)
- Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
- Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace
- Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
- Visit the masterpieces at the Louvre after dark: On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum is open until 9:45 p.m.
- Learn about the history of Normandy and its importance during WWII with a guided day tour.
- Explore extravagant chateaux in the Loire Valley, where many kings and queens once called home.
- See Marie Antoinette's farmhouse among other breathtaking sites at Versailles.
- The art of the flâneur - a casual wanderer - is well and alive in Paris. Sit at a cafe and watch the city go by.
See France's romantic and historic past on this six night adventure! You'll be based out of Paris, where you can indulge in French pastries and macarons to your heart's content, see the most famous painting in the world, and watch the sunset cast a golden glow on this enchanting city.
Included in this trip are four diverse tours. Delight in a hop-on/hop-off buss pass in Paris, then leave the city for a guided tour of the pebbly beaches of Normandy, one of the most important sites during WWII.
On your next tour, visit the famous palace at Versailles with a skip-the-line guided tour of the Royal Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Explore the gardens at your leisure!
Lastly, head south of Paris to the Loire Valley, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of three extravagant chateaux. Go back in time and experience what life was like as French royalty!
Please note: depending on availability, tours may be scheduled on different days than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Paris (CDG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 6 nights in Paris at the Hotel Square Louvois or similar
- Paris Hop-On/Hop-Off Pass (24-hour)
- Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
- Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace
- Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles
- Breakfast daily
- Visit the masterpieces at the Louvre after dark: On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum is open until 9:45 p.m.
- Learn about the history of Normandy and its importance during WWII with a guided day tour.
- Explore extravagant chateaux in the Loire Valley, where many kings and queens once called home.
- See Marie Antoinette's farmhouse among other breathtaking sites at Versailles.
- The art of the flâneur - a casual wanderer - is well and alive in Paris. Sit at a cafe and watch the city go by.
See France's romantic and historic past on this six night adventure! You'll be based out of Paris, where you can indulge in French pastries and macarons to your heart's content, see the most famous painting in the world, and watch the sunset cast a golden glow on this enchanting city.
Included in this trip are four diverse tours. Delight in a hop-on/hop-off buss pass in Paris, then leave the city for a guided tour of the pebbly beaches of Normandy, one of the most important sites during WWII.
On your next tour, visit the famous palace at Versailles with a skip-the-line guided tour of the Royal Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Explore the gardens at your leisure!
Lastly, head south of Paris to the Loire Valley, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of three extravagant chateaux. Go back in time and experience what life was like as French royalty!
Please note: depending on availability, tours may be scheduled on different days than mentioned in the itinerary.
Day 1. Welcome to Paris!
Arrive at Paris' Charles De Gaulles Airport and be transferred to your Paris hotel. Activate your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and begin exploring the City of Light! You can take an entire loop for a unique perspective of the city, then start hopping off as you please.
Ascend the steps of the Eiffel Tower and look down upon the city below, head to the Arc de Triomphe and stare in awe at its grandeur, then hop off at Pont Neuf and take a walk across this iconic and historic bridge.
Transfer from Paris airport (CDG) to hotel!
Hotel Square Louvois Paris
The Hotel Square Louvois enjoys a very central home, in the heart of Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. Its location in Louvois Square was a focal point of high society and French culture dating back to the early 19th century, and today the same spirit of art and history reigns, in the new Hotel Square Louvoisa. Its elegant style with Art Deco details have made it a number one destination in Parisian chic, where contemporary design and 19th century Haussmannian influences are combined with great refinement, and French classicism contrasts with noble modern materials.
With the influence of bygone charm, the warm and cozy guestrooms convey all the authenticity of the past. The decoration highlights the influences of yesteryear, together with the comfort of today, for a stay where French-style charm plays the leading role. Far from the urban hubbub, the hotel’s Wellness Area with fitness center and herbal tea room is dedicated to peace and relaxation for an interlude outside of time. Under the natural stone vaults, the indoor swimming pool has a hydromassage bench for total relaxation.
Between 4 and 6 p.m., the hotel provides a delicious French-style afternoon tea for its guests. For a "just like home" experience, enjoy a welcome break with a snack made up of sweet creations.
Hotel le M
Located on the famous Rive Gauche, Hotel le M - formerly Abba Montparnasse - is a luxury 4-star boutique hotel in the 14th arrondissement. Walk to Gare Montparnasse, Tour Montparnasse, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens. You are also located in the heart of the rue de la Gaîté, known as “the street with seven theaters” and offering a wide variety of shows and restaurants.
Hotel Le M's modern and elegant style will charm you with its warm ambiance. The hotel’s 61 quiet and comfortable rooms are decorated in warm tones and feature modern décor, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Choose one of the many books in the hotel’s library and sit comfortably at the bar to read or relax while you enjoy a beverage and a snack. The wellness center offers a fitness area with access to a patio, a massage room, and shower. The hotel’s reception area is open 24 hours to assist with theater tickets, taxis, and restaurant reservations during your visit to Paris.
Hotel Le Littre
Tucked away on a quiet street of the same name, Hotel Le Littre radiates peace and tranquility to all its guests. Situated between Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hotel Le Littre is away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still conveniently located for all your Paris escapades. When night falls, you have Paris theaters nearby and popular Left Bank brasseries. Each of the 90 elegant rooms will make you feel right at home, with lots of natural light and large modern bathrooms. After long days of sightseeing, enjoy a drink at the cozy bar, the winter garden or in your room.
Hotel Opera Cadet
Wake up in the fresh, sunny atmosphere of The Opera Cadet Hotel. Start your morning off by enjoying a pleasant breakfast in the garden, then plan your day of Parisian adventure in the bright sun-room, or take a stroll through the Grand Boulevards neighborhood. This hotel puts you just steps away from the Opera Garnier and the Grands Magasins, which many consider the heart of Paris. If you're feeling adventurous, hop on the metro at the Cadet station, located practically right outside of the hotel. In just a few minutes, you'll be able to see everything Paris has to offer - from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower.
When you're ready to escape the noise of the city, relax in your cozy, soundproof room that is well-equipped with amenities such as complimentary WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, and an array of bath products. Open the windows to views of the courtyard garden or the charming rue Cadet. Put a sweater on and head outside for a tranquil evening drink in the garden, or take a walk to one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Paris L'Open Tour Hop-on/Hop-off Bus
Let an open-top double-decker bus whisk you through Paris on the L'Open Tour. With access to 4 different bus itineraries for a full day, experience 50 beautiful stops as you hop on and hop off the routes at your own pace. Make Paris the exploration you were looking for, be it historical, fashionalble, and/or romantic, but always fun. Listening to interesting audioguided commentaries as you move through the city as well, suitable for all.
Buses depart every 10-15 minutes between 9:30am and 7:00pm from April through October, and every 25-30 minutes between 9:30am and 6:00pm from November to March. Your pass is valid for 24 hours, from the time you activate it and start your tour. The four itineraries included are:
*GREEN LINE: Paris Grand Tour (2 hours with no stops)
*ORANGE LINE: Montparnasse Saint-Germain Tour (1 hour with no stops)
*YELLOW LINE: Montmartre/Grands Boulevards Tour (1.2 hours with no stops)
*BLUE LINE: Bastille/Bercy Tour (1 hour with no stops)
Day 2. Paris
Continue utilizing your hop-on/hop-off bus pass! Say hello to the gargoyles at Notre Dame Cathedral, or lose track of time in the breathtaking Luxembourg Gardens.
Once you've explored all the nooks and crannies of the gardens, head to the nearby Latin Quarter, an area with a history rooted in rebellion and social uprisings. You can visit the Parisian Pantheon, explore a museum house in ancient Roman Baths, or take advantage of the area's vibrant restaurant selection and nightlife!Day 3. Paris
Today, spend an entire day following the footsteps of WWII and the Allied invasion with your Normandy and D-Day Beaches tour!
Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
Depart Paris and embark on a full-day excursion to the D-Day Beaches in Normandy! An official guide will bring these historic in the company of an official guide, who will bring these historic sites to life. Relax on the luxury air-conditioned coach as you make your way through the Normandy countryside, admiring its beautiful landscape along the way.
You'll arrive at the Caen Memorial Museum, also known as the Peace Museum, where you'll follow the path of WWII, in particular the Battle of Normandy and the advance of the Allied forces across France. You will have the chance to see everyday objects from life under occupation - from maps to models of military vehicles, and even film screenings that recreate the emotions of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
The next leg of your tour takes you to some of the most iconic landmarks that played a part in the landings. See the Pointe du Hoc, one of the key German fortified sites along the Normandy coast. Then pay a visit to the famous American Cemetery at Saint Laurent, located just above Omaha Beach, near the town of Colleville-sur-Mer. This 170-acre site is home to 9,387 white marble headstones, lined up perfectly across the grass, a memorial, a chapel, and the Garden of the Missing.
Following this visit, you will stop at Arromanches, a historic town known for its artificial port, which was built to assist the Normandy landings. On D-Day, the harbor saw the unloading of almost 10,000 tons of equipment. You can still make out the floating reinforced concrete "Phoenix" constructions in the water.
Includes:
- Full day excursion to Normandy from Paris by luxury air-conditioned coach
- An experienced guide who’ll tell you everything you need to know about the day the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches in 1944
- Visit on your own the Caen Memorial Museum, dedicated to the D-Day landings and the Second World War
- Lunch at the Caen Memorial Museum
- Explore the Pointe du Hoc, the American Rangers' landing site
- Visit the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, with free time to walk on the famous Omaha Beach
- Stop at Arromanches
Day 4. Paris
Spend the first part of your day discovering the splendors of the Palace of Versailles, from the iconic gardens to the many works of art and furniture, created by the greatest craftsmen of the day.
Return to Paris in the early evening, and prepare to experience Paris' one-of-a-kind nightlife! Take a romantic stroll along the river, enjoy some music, or perhaps even stumble upon a speakeasy!
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens (Half-Day Morning Tour)
The Palace of Versailles was the residence of French Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI and their courts from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. With commentary from your guide played through individual headsets, discover the splendor of the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of royal power. Its sumptuous decoration, Baroque architecture, many works of art, and furniture were all created by the greatest craftsmen of the day.
Then enjoy the beauty of the French gardens of Versailles at your own pace. Set off for the Palace of Versailles from the meeting point in Central Paris at 8:45am. Take advantage of the 45-minute journey by luxury air-conditioned coach to listen to your guide's introduction to the palace's history.
Stretching for more than 721,000 square feet, the Palace of Versailles has over 700 rooms. Follow your guide straight to the front of the line to tour the palace's most beautiful rooms: the King's Grand Apartments, the Queen's Grand Apartments, including the Coronation Room and the Queen's Bedroom, once occupied by Marie Antoinette, and the majestic "Hall of Mirrors."
Spend time exploring the Gardens of Versailles and admire the 386 works of art (including more than 200 statues), fountains, ponds, flower beds, and woodland.
Day 5. Paris
Spend today soaking up the highlights of the Louvre! Fall in love with the Venus de Milo, sneak a peek at Botticelli's Venus, then follow the iconic gaze of the Mona Lisa.
After a day spent surrounded by some of the world's most famous masterpieces, consider winding down with a leisurely cruise along the river Siene, or perhaps treat yourself to a wine and cheese tasting, sampling the local sips and nibbles France is known for!
Day 6. Paris
Spend an entire day exploring France's most breathtaking chateaux on your guided tour today.
In the evening, head to the Eiffel Tower to experience this landmark one more time as it becomes illuminated in the evening - the perfect way to spend your last evening in Paris!
Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles
Spend the day in the heart of the Loire
Valley. Explore the majestic Chateau de
Chambord, built with help from Leonardo da Vinci, and the fairytale-like
Chateau de Chenonceau, former home of many female aristocrats (including
Catherine Medici!) with your official tour guide.
Experience what life was like during
the Renaissance period in these stunning properties that once accommodated the
courts of the Kings of France. Relax on a luxury air-conditioned coach as you
take in the beautiful French countryside as you make your way from chateau to
chateau.
*Please note: During summer months, on Mondays and Saturdays
the tour visits Chateau d'Amboise instead of Chateau de Chambord.
Day 7. Depart France
Say au revoir to France as you are transferred from the hotel to the airport in time for your departure flight home.
Transfer from hotel to Paris airport (CDG)!
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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