France

FRANCE

Normandy, Brittany & Châteaux Country with Nice

11 days - from Paris to Nice

Day 1 Arrive in Paris, France

The day is free to rest or to start exploring the splendid French capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner with wine at one of Paris’ lively restaurants. After dinner you may wish to join an optional outing to get a first impression of the “City of Light.” (Dinner)

Day 2 Paris

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, and Champs-Elysées. Visit magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, and for a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Balance of the day at leisure and lots to do. An optional excursion to Versailles Palace and Gardens as well as exciting evening outings are available. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Paris–Rouen–Caen

A pleasant morning drive takes you to Rouen. Time here for a leisurely stroll along the lovely cobblestone Rue du Gros-Horloge leading from the cathedral to the square where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431. Then, continue to Caen and look forward to a visit to the fascinating MEMORIAL MUSEUM FOR PEACE with its great exhibits and audiovisual show about the Battle of Normandy. Continue to Caen for your overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Caen–Normandy Beaches–Mont St. Michel

Focus on the scene of the Allied Forces’ landing on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Drive by Juno Beach, then stop at Gold Beach for a view of the Mulberry Harbor remains at Arromanches. Visit the AMERICAN CEMETERY and its visitor center at Omaha Beach. Continue to Sainte Mère Eglise, the first town to be liberated, with its evocative parachute memorial. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit of the famous ABBEY OF MONT ST. MICHEL, perched on a rocky isle in the Gulf of Saint Malo. Overnight on the coast near Mont St. Michel and a special dinner is included. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Mont St. Michel–Loire Valley

Enjoy a scenic ride right across Brittany via Châteaubriant to Angers. Stop here for pictures of the impressive 13th-century castle. Then, continue your journey to the Loire Valley, where you will stay for the next two nights. Tonight, why not sample French cuisine at one of the area’s excellent restaurants? (Breakfast)

Day 6 Loire Valley. Excursion to Castle Country

A rich day of sightseeing. Visit the jewel of the French Renaissance, Château CHAMBORD, and the 16th-century Château of Catherine de Medici, lovely CHENONCEAU. On to Amboise. Visit CLOS LUCÉ and marvel at an amazing collection of models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, painstakingly reconstructed from the drawings of the great renaissance genius. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Loire Valley–Chartres–Paris

This morning, visit Chartres with its superb 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL—a jewel of medieval architecture. Arrive in Paris in the afternoon. An optional excursion to the Louvre Museum is available as well as exciting possibilities for an unforgettable night out on the town. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Paris–Nice

You will be transferred by TGV TRAIN to Nice, arriving in the mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Nice

Morning guided sightseeing includes a walk through the OLD TOWN. (Breakfast)

Day 10 Nice

Full day at leisure. Ask your Local Host for suggestions. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Nice

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Included Features 

Paris 

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, ascend the Eiffel Tower

Rouen 

Walking tour

Caen 

Visit the Memorial Museum for Peace

Normandy Beaches 

Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and its visitor center

Mont St. Michel 

Guided visit of the abbey; dinner at a local restaurant

Châteaubriant 

Morning break

Angers 

Take pictures of the castle

Loire Valley 

Full-day guided sightseeing, visit the Castles of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Leonardo da Vinci’s home of Clos Lucé

Chartres 

Visit the gothic cathedral

Paris-Nice 

By high-speed TGV train (first-class)

Nice 

Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Town

Headsets throughout the tour



Note:

• In the rare event that the TGV train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

Accommodations

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners with wine, including a special welcome dinner in Paris and a special dinner in Mont St. Michel

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

PARIS Concorde Montparnasse (F), CAEN Mercure Centre (F), MONT ST. MICHEL Mercure Mont St. Michel (F),LOIRE VALLEY Holiday Inn (F) at Blois, NICE Boscolo Exedra (D)

Dates & Prices

Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.