NORMANDY BRITTANY&LOIRE VALLEY

Your itinerary

9 Days ~ France

Tour Pace

This is an evenly paced tour with three, two-night stays in Mont St Michel, Loire Valley and Paris, plus one overnight stay in seaside Trouville. Travelling days have interesting stops en route with great photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – SAT – UK - PARIS

After your scheduled flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport complimentary transfers to you Insight tour hotel await at 9.00 $ 12.30 hours.. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this fabulous city, with its grand boulevards and world famous landmarks. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink, followed by a sparkling illuminations tour of the capital – the perfect introduction to Paris. Hotel: Paris Rive Gauche.

DAY 2 – SUN – PARIS – TROUVILLE

Leave the capital to explore the north-western region of France. Begin by driving into the ancient Duchy of Normandy and stop in the historic capital of Rouen to visit the cathedral, so wonderfully painted by Monet. See where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, then settle into your hotel in Trouville, a charming seaside resort called the 21st arrondissement or suburb of Paris. There is time on arrival to relax and stroll through the town. Hotel: Le Beach. (BB)

DAY 3 – MON – TROUVILLE – PONTORSON

There are poignant reminders of the Second World War as you drive along some of the beaches of the D-day landings, including Sword, Juno and Gold. Then it’s on to Arromanches to visit the Invasion Landings’ Museum and see the remnants of the artificial port, Mulberry B, which remain in the bay. Continue on to Omaha Beach to visit the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Afterwards, follow the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan and visit the bunkers and the Rangers’ Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue southwards to your hotel near Mont St Michel. Hotel: Montgomery. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – TUE – MONT ST MICHEL & ST MALO EXCURSION

A locally guided tour of Mont St Michel takes you to the hill-top abbey surrounded by sea. The first structure, a simple oratory, was built here in the 8th century by the Bishop of Avranches, and was subsequently expanded and enhanced over the centuries with the addition of Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The abbey’s increasing fame attracted pilgrims and visitors and, by medieval times, a ‘ville basse’ had developed, with shops, eating places and guest houses. Enjoy an insight into the distinctive Breton lifestyle as you head for the Emerald Coast and the magnificent fortified port of St Malo, where Jacques Cartier is buried. Take time to walk along the ramparts and explore before returning to your hotel. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – WED – PONTORSON – LOIRE VALLEY

Drive south to Brittany and follow the valley of the Loire, passing the mighty moated castle at Angers. Cross the Loire at Saumur, where you can sample some of the local wine. Drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé en route to the beautiful Château de Rochecotte, once the home of Talleyrand, and yours for the next two nights. Enjoy a Highlight dinner with wine at the hotel. Hotel: Chateau de Rochecotte. (BB,HD)

DAY 6 – THU – CHâTEAU COUNTRY EXCURSION

Stop at the castle of Azay le Rideau, once the home of a King’s minister, and still surrounded by its moat. Visit the apartments and take time to wander in the town. Then it’s on to the privately owned château of Villandry, sometimes called the ‘jewel of the Loire’, to visit the apartments and the beautifully restored Renaissance gardens. Don’t miss the water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden – a stunning display of plants, fruits and vegetables designed in the 16th century. From here return to your own chateau. (BB)

DAY 7 – FRI – LOIRE VALLEY – PARIS

On a drive through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce,see the impressive cathedral at Chartres looming on the horizon. Stop to marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window inside this famous cathedral, built on a sacred site. Return to ‘the city of light’, Paris, for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, there is time to explore at your own pace: relax in a Parisian café, window-shop in the elegant boutiques or visit Montmartre, with its street artists and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica nearby. As night falls, consider indulging in the excitement and glamour of a French cabaret, complete with can-can. Hotel: Sofitel Bercy. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING

A Parisian guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights: see the 13th century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame; drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. See the Parisian landmarks from a different perspective on a relaxing cruise onthe River Seine. The tour concludes with a visit to the gilded Église du Dôme to see Napoleon’s tomb. The afternoon is at leisure: perhaps admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, buy last-minute presents in famous department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps, or celebrate with a farewell dinner. (BB)

DAY 9 – SUN – PARIS - UK

Your French experience ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport at 07.30 & 11.00 hours. (BB)

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