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12-Day Paris, Normandy & Loire Valley

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Overview

On this 12-day trip, you'll experience the unmissable Paris highlights, Normandy and the Loire Valley.

You'll start your French adventure with the highlights of Paris combined with many cultural and local experiences. Discover charming neighbourhoods with expert guides who will take you to many hidden gems.

You'll then reach Normandy to visit the former WWII battlefields and the famous Mont Saint-Michel Abbey. You'll finish your stay in the Loire Valley to immerse yourself into the French gastronomic heritage.

On this trip, you will discover secret gardens, private mansions and Renaissance castles on foot, by bike or even in the air onboard a hot air balloon!
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Paris

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Arrive in Paris

Today, you'll be picked up by your chauffeur from the airport and will receive a personal welcome at your four-star boutique hotel. The rest of the day will then be spent as free time exploring your hotel's district, St Germain des Prés. You could, for example, discover the gorgeous Luxembourg Garden, only two minutes away from your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Madame4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Paris

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Paris-Charles De Gaulle to Hotel La Villa Madame

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

Day 2

Stroll in the Marais & Cheese Tasting by the Canal

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Stroll in the Marais & Cheese Tasting by the Canal

Today after breakfast, you'll meet your local guide for a private walking tour in the Marais. Your guide will take you through the lively and trendy streets; starting from the Saint-Paul Saint-Louis church, the oldest Jesuit art heirloom in Paris, to the Place des Vosges. After lunch, you'll continue the day with a cheese and wine experience with a ‘Cheese master’. You will discover the secrets of cheese maturing in an exceptional 17th-century vaulted cellar.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Madame4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Le Marais Tour and Cheese Tasting

    Le Marais

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

Day 3

Walking Tour in Montmartre & Breathtaking Views from the Iron Lady

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Walking Tour in Montmartre & Breathtaking Views from the Iron Lady

This morning after breakfast, you'll meet your local guide for a two-hour private walking tour in the most artistic area of Paris: Montmartre. In the early 20th century, Montmartre attracted many famous artists like Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas and more. Your guide will be able to tell you many fun and historical facts along the way. After lunch, you'll meet the 'Iron Lady'. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be able to recognise many famous monuments.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Madame4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Montmartre

    Eiffel Tower

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

Day 4

Private Masterpieces Tour at Le Louvre

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Private Masterpieces Tour at Le Louvre

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to one of the best Paris highlights, the Le Louvre Museum. Reach the lively Rue de Rivoli where stands the Parisian museum with its famous pyramid. You'll travel through time with your guide in the world’s most visited museum filled with over 7,000 pieces of art across the many rooms and once was home to French heads of state until 1870. The rest of the day will then be free to spend as you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Madame4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Louvre Museum

    Paris

    Catacombs of ParisOptional Activity

    Notre-Dame de ParisOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

Day 5

Typical French Baking Class & Free Afternoon

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Typical French Baking Class & Free Afternoon

This morning, your chauffeur will drop you off in front of a typical French bakery where you will meet a professional baker. You'll learn how to create and bake the traditional French baguette and puff pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat but also master sourdough. At the end of the class, you’ll even be able to leave with your own baguette. The afternoon will be free to relax, go shopping or explore the city further.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Madame4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Typical French Baking Class

    Champs ElyseesOptional Activity

    Musée d'OrsayOptional Activity

    Ile de la CiteOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Paris

Day 6

Travel to Normandy

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Travel to Normandy

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the train station to take the train to Normandy. The train journey will take around two and a half hours. Once settled in your charming B&B, you can take some time to discover on your own the lovely town of Bayeux and visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry. In the evening, you can enjoy homecooked food at the guesthouse or a local restaurant.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bed & Breakfast Le Petit Matin

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Bayeux

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel La Villa Madame to Train station

    Train from Train station to Bayeux

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

    Bayeux

Day 7

D-Day Sights

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D-Day Sights

After breakfast, you'll head out for a full-day, small-group tour of the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy. Your local guide will help you to understand the details of Operation Overlord. At every stop, your guide will explain the situation and the strategy on both sides. You’ll be able to visit the German Cemetery, St Mère church, Utah beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery and you'll have some free time to walk around at each site.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bed & Breakfast Le Petit Matin

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    D-Day Sights

    La Cambe German War Cemetery

    Sainte-Mere-Eglise

    Utah Beach

    Pointe du Hoc

    Omaha Beach

    Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bayeux

    Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

    La Cambe

    Sainte-Mère-Église

    Cricqueville-en-Bessin

    France

    Colleville-sur-Mer

Day 8

Mont Saint-Michel Day Tour

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Mont Saint-Michel Day Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a full-day, small-group tour to Mont Saint-Michel. Here, you'll discover this granitic island in the middle of a huge bay which used to be used as a prison. After climbing the steps, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. After visiting this magical place, your guide will take you through the narrow-cobbled streets around the village and explain the history of this unique place.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bed & Breakfast Le Petit Matin

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mont Saint-Michel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel

    Private Driver from Mont Saint-Michel to Bayeux

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bayeux

    Mont Saint-Michel

Day 9

Train to the Loire Valley

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Train to the Loire Valley

After breakfast, your chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the train station. From here, you'll take the train to the Loire Valley with 1st class seats. Once you have arrived in Amboise at your charming four-star boutique hotel, you'll take some time to discover on your own the town of Amboise and its Royal Castle. You can also visit the Clos Luce where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Au Charme Rabelaisien Amboise4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Amboise

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Bed and Breakfast Le Petit Matin to Bayeux

    Train from Bayeux to Loire Valley

    Private Driver from Loire Valley to Au Charme Rabelaisien Amboise

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Bayeux

    Amboise

Day 10

Organic Wine Tasting, Lunch in the Vineyards & Bike Tour

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Organic Wine Tasting, Lunch in the Vineyards & Bike Tour

After breakfast, your local wine specialist will pick you up at your hotel for an organic wine tasting and lunch in the vineyards. You'll learn about the winemaking processes and taste many wines. You will be able to try the best local produce for lunch (rillettes, smoked fishes from the Loire River and local goat cheeses). After a delicious lunch, you'll head out on a bike ride along the Loire River to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Loire-Valley.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Au Charme Rabelaisien Amboise4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Organic Wine Tasting, Lunch in the Vineyards & Bike Ride

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Amboise

    Morand

Day 11

Castles & Wine in the Loire Valley

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Castles & Wine in the Loire Valley

This morning, you'll meet your driver-guide in Amboise for a tour to Chenonceau and Chambord. You'll start the day with Chenonceau Castle, one of the most exquisite chateaus in the Loire Valley. After lunch in Ambiose tasting wine and local produce, you'll visit Chambord Castle, a unique monument by its architecture and proportions. In the evening, you may want to take a ride on a hot air balloon at sunset to say goodbye to France while admiring the Loire countryside from above.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Au Charme Rabelaisien Amboise4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Private Tour: Castles and Wine in the Loire Valley

    Château de Chenonceau

    Château de Chambord

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Amboise

    Chenonceaux

    Chambord

Day 12

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Today is the final day of your tour through the Paris highlights, Normandy and Loire Valley. After breakfast, your chauffeur will take you directly from your hotel in Amboise to CDG airport for you to catch your departing flight.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Amboise to Paris-Charles De Gaulle

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Amboise

Included in Price

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 18 activities
  • 11 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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