Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Small Groups, 8 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Paris
Duration
8 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the picturesque landscapes and historic cities of France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and gastronomic indulgence. From the grand boulevards of the capital city to the charming seaside resorts of Normandy, the medieval architecture of Bayeux to the stunning gardens of Loire Valley, every day brings a new adventure. Sample local delicacies, visit iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this beautiful country. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or simply a curious traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

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Included

2 Dinner with Wine (DW)

7 Breakfast (B)

1 Dinner (D)

Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.

Saumur: Learn about local grape varieties and regional wine-making traditions as you sample wines of the Loire Valley.

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7 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels

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Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in the heart of the Old Town.

Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Loire Valley: Discover the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry. In the scenic Loire Valley, explore France’s finest formal gardens. Now a hub for sustainability preserving the estate's biological diversity, learn all about the a sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages, and purple basil, all grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Their aim is to preserve a remarkable garden, maintained with meticulous care, while incorporating maintenance work into a balanced ecosystem. They have partnered with a local university to bring biodiversity back into the gardens. Villandry Gardens advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land.

Rouen: See the cathedral, the Great Clock, the Old Market square and Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

Honfleur: See this charming fishing town.

Omaha Beach: Follow the route of the Rangers, visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial.

Omaha Beach: With a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent.

Mont-Saint-Michel: Savour your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel. Cross the causeway for a guided tour with your Local Expert through the maze of halls and vaults of the abbey.

Saint-Malo: Your Local Expert guides you through the streets of the walled city to arrive at the cathedral. Later enjoy the chance to walk along the fortifications and explore the cities nightlife at your leisure.

Angers: See the imposing château.

Azay-le-Rideau: During your visit to Château de Cheverny, your Local Expert will show you the château's decor and aristocratic costumes of the family through the centuries. Inhabited by the same family for more than 6 centuries, the castle, its gardens and its connection to Tintin will provide an unforgettable experience.

Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Angers - city in FranceAngers
Photo of Aerial view of Saint Malo,France.Saint-Malo
Cheverny
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
photo of Port of Deauville and city skyline in a sunny summer day, Normandy, France.Deauville
Villandry
Chartres - city in FranceChartres
Saumur
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Bayeux
Rouen - city in FranceRouen
Honfleur

Map

Attractions

photo of Arboretum Gaston Allard in Angers, France.Arboretum Gaston Allard
Normandy Victory Museum - Musée de la bataille des haies, Saint-Pellerin, Carentan-les-Marais, Saint-Lô, Manche, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceNormandy Victory Museum - Musée de la bataille des haies
Musée de NormandieMusée de Normandie
photo of Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees at morning in Paris, France.place de la Concorde
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Saint-Louis Roman Catholic Cathedral of Versailles - France .Versailles cathedral
Château du RivauChâteau du Rivau
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
The high gothic Cathedral, of our Lady, in Chartres. Inaugurated in the Year 1260. View from the South.Notre-Dame de Chartres
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
Photo of beautiful panoramic view of famous Le Mont Saint-Michel tidal island with blue sky, northern France.Mont Saint-Michel

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris

  • Paris - Arrival day
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Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights. After checking in to your hotel, take the opportunity to explore the city's grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks at your leisure. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy cuisine inspired by fresh, home-made recipes.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: From Paris to Deauville via Rouen and Honfleur

  • Rouen
  • Honfleur
  • Deauville
  • Paris
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  • Évreux Cathedral
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Follow the River Seine to Rouen, the capital of Normandy, where you'll admire the ancient Rouen Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic style. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square, where a modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur, and sample local apple products and Normandy cheese at a nearby farm. End the day in the chic seaside resort of Deauville, where you'll check in to your luxurious hotel.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Normandy and its History

  • Deauville
  • Bayeux
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  • Normandy Victory Museum - Musée de la bataille des haies
  • Musée de Normandie
  • Bayeux Cathedral
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Today, you'll follow the route of the Rangers to the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Choose between a visit to the D-Day Museum in Arromanches, where you can see remnants of the artificial port, or the Bayeux Cathedral, a jewel of Norman Medieval architecture. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner featuring creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and delicious wines.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: From Bayeux to Saint-Malo via Mont Saint-Michel

  • Le Mont-Saint-Michel
  • Saint-Malo
  • Bayeux
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  • Mont Saint-Michel
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Journey through bocage country to the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. Explore this unique island town with its shops, cafes, and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will guide you through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring the town's medieval streets filled with quaint bars and restaurants.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: From Saint-Malo to Villandry via Angers and Saumur

  • Villandry
  • Angers
  • Saumur
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  • Arboretum Gaston Allard
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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. Visit the glorious sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry, a jewel of the Loire. Admire the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens, grown organically to regenerate the local ecosystem. Continue to your very own castle hotel, where you can admire its extensive gardens and potager.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Visit to Château de Cheverny

  • Villandry
  • Cheverny
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  • Château du Rivau
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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 find out about the connection with Tintin while you are there. Return to your superb château for relaxation and free time.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: From Cheverny to Paris via Chartres

  • Chartres
  • Paris
  • Cheverny
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  • place de la Concorde
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Notre-Dame de Chartres
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Travel through the vast wheat fields of the Beauce region to Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France'. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight. Return to Paris, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the fabulous sights of the city, including the vast Place de la Concorde and Napoléon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, marvel at the illuminated monuments, buildings, and bridges. For a touch of excitement and glamour, consider experiencing a world-famous cabaret show.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell and Departure

  • Paris - Departure day
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Today, bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France as you transfer to the airport for your departure. We hope you've enjoyed this unforgettable exploration of France's history, culture, and cuisine, and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure.

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