France in a Week | Classic | Summer 2026
France in a Week | Classic | Summer 2026
France in a Week | Classic | Summer 2026
7 Days Starting and ending in Paris
Visiting: Paris, Normandy Beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, Château de Chambord, Orleans, Champagne Region, Reims, Château de Chantilly
Tour Overview
Dreaming of fresh croissants, famous paintings and THAT iconic tower? Kicking off in the City of Love, you’ll discover the best of Northern France's elegant culture in just 7 days. Perfumeries & patisseries in Paris. History & gothic architecture in Normandy. Champagne & châteaus in (you guessed it) Champagne. It’s your chance to see why French life is adored all over the world...
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Bonsoir travellers! Hope you’re ready for 7 epic days of French food, culture and views. Our first rendezvous is in the City of Love (obvs). This evening, we'll grab a welcome dinner with the crew, before hopping onto our coach to discover Paris by night. Get ready to capture the view of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe AND the Louvre! Wanna get a birds-eye view? Finally, we'll catch a magnificent view of Paris from its tallest skyscraper. First nights are rarely this fascinating!
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Croissants, coffees, pastries and perfumes - feeling like a Parisian already? After a French perfumery visit this morning, you’ll have the chance to discover this city’s charming Patisseries. Then, you’ve got free time to hit all the epic museums here (you’ll love The Louvre!), and hit a local foodie hotspot for dinner.
Day 3: Paris To Normandy
Location: Paris, Normandy Beaches
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Caen Centre Gare (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Au revoir, Paris. Next stop? The historic region of Normandy. History nerds, it’s your time to shine. We’ll stop by for lunch in the quaint medieval town of Bayeux. Then you’ll visit the historic D-Day Landing Beaches & all its memorials. A quick tour of the Omaha Beach Museum will fill you in on their significance. A short drive later, we’ll reach Caen - our home for the night. You’ve got plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner tonight. Something tells us you’ll be eating a lot of apples here…
Day 4: Normandy To Orleans Via Mont Saint Michel And Château De Chambord
Location: Normandy Beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, Château de Chambord, Orleans
Accommodation Name: Ibis Orleans Centre Foch (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Normandy: Morning, sleeping beauties. Today’s agenda is all about jaw-dropping views. So freshen up, feast on breakfast and hop on! Mont Saint Michel:Cameras at the ready! This beautiful island (topped with a charming Abbey) will have you swooning over its unique perfect silhouette. After some free time to explore all the intricate streets, we’ll head on to our next stop. Château Chambord:We’ll drive through the Loire Valley that’s famous for its chateaus. Best part? You have the chance to visit THE most charming one out here - Château de Chambord! Orleans: The sun’s about to set. Tummies are starting to grumble. Surprise! Dinner’s on us tonight. So fuel up before we head out again tonight to discover Orlean’s historical hotspots.
Day 5: Orleans To Reims Via Champagne Region
Location: Orleans, Champagne Region, Reims
Accommodation Name: Ibis Reims Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Adieu, Orleans. The home of elegant bubbles awaits us. Raise a toast, because today you have the chance to discover a historical Champagne house on a guided tour (and taste some of that fizzy goodness too, ofc!). When in France…right? Time to tick another delightful French city off our list. Welcome to Reims! After checking into our hotel for the night, we’ll head out to get oriented with the city’s sights (including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims).
Day 6: Reims To Paris Via Château De Chantilly
Location: Reims, Château de Chantilly, Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Oh, Reims - you’ve been a dream. But before we head back to Paris, we’ll stop by another chateau! You’ve got the option to frolic around the garden, or check out how the finger-licking tasty Chantilly cream is made in a local workshop. This is your final chance to live like French nobility. Nice to see you again, Paris. It’s our final night here, so there’s only one thing left to do - watch a Cabaret show with a delicious dinner, ofc!
Day 7: Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
And after breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to France. Don’t forget to exchange socials with your crew (no French exits here, please!). Who knows which shiny new destination is on the cards for the next time…
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 2 dinners and 6 breakfasts.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar), Ibis Budget Caen Centre Gare (or similar), Ibis Orleans Centre Foch (or similar), and Ibis Reims Centre (or similar).
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for various landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montparnasse Tower, Omaha Beach Memorial Museum, and more.
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Transportation
Transportation by coach is included for the entire duration of the tour.
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Welcome Dinner
A welcome dinner is included on the first night in Paris.
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Cabaret Show
A Cabaret show with dinner is included on the final night in Paris.
What's Not Included
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting local museums, patisseries, and workshops are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from Paris are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a coach, providing seamless transportation between Paris, Normandy, Orleans, Reims, and other stunning French destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel, Ibis Budget Caen Centre Gare, Ibis Orleans Centre Foch, and Ibis Reims Centre, or similar accommodations, offering convenient locations and modern amenities throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Paris: Take a dreamy jaunt around the city of romance. Fall in love with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’.
- Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
- Bayeux: Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Bayeux - studded with 13th century cathedrals, half-timbered houses and mideival towers.
- Omaha Beach: These are the world-famous beaches where the US & British Commonwealth Army first landed on 6th June 1944 - when the history of the world changed forever.
- Normandy Beaches: Take an insightful self-guided tour of the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum that was built in memory of all the young people who died during WWII.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: We'll take the shuttle bus to the island where you've got free time to roam around and see what the hype is all about!
- Orleans: This is your chance to see where Joan of Arc's epic battle against the English took place. Your Trip Manager will show you more historical spots as you walk through the charming streets here
- Reims: If you were a French royal, you'd be crowned right here in Reims. Today, we'll check out the medieval architecture of this town. Plus, your Trip Manager will tell you all about the pivotal role it played during Roman times and WW1.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the Paris segment of the tour?
In Paris, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner, a night tour of the city including views of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre, and a visit to the Montparnasse Tower for a panoramic view. You'll also visit a French perfumery and have free time to explore museums and local eateries.
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What historical sites will we visit in Normandy?
In Normandy, you'll visit the D-Day Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, and the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum. You'll also have lunch in the medieval town of Bayeux.
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What can I expect during the visit to Mont Saint Michel?
At Mont Saint Michel, you'll take a shuttle bus to the island and have free time to explore its intricate streets and the charming Abbey that tops the island.
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Will there be any opportunities to taste local specialties?
Yes, you'll have the chance to taste local specialties such as pastries and perfumes in Paris, apples in Normandy, and Champagne in the Champagne Region. Additionally, you'll have a dinner with a Cabaret show in Paris on the final night.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Unique experiences include learning the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house, visiting the historic D-Day Landing Beaches, exploring Mont Saint Michel, visiting the Château de Chambord and Château de Chantilly, and watching a Cabaret show in Paris.
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What is the final activity of the tour?
The final activity of the tour is a Cabaret show with a delicious dinner in Paris.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are guided tours included, such as a tour of a historical Champagne house in the Champagne Region and an orientation tour of Reims, including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.
