Jewels of France including Normandy

Ah Paris! Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said 'Paris is always a good idea'. We’re sure you’ll agree. After checking in, hit the streets and explore the city your way, perhaps seeking out delicious French flavours at a local café. Later, meet your Travel Director for a glimpse into what lies ahead and then why not discover why Paris is so deserving of its title, the 'City of Light' by joining an optional tour through the maze of streets in Montmartre, where the talents of great artists and writers were once nurtured.

Retrace the steps of one of France’s beloved daughters, St. Joan of Arc, when you visit medieval Rouen today. Here you’ll view the city’s impressive cathedral whose towers, statues and pinnacles were favourite subjects in the paintings of French Impressionist, Claude Monet. There’s time to stretch your legs along Honfleur’s colourful 17th-century harbour before heading to Deauville. With its racecourse and high-profile international film festival, this handsome resort town has long been a playground for well-heeled Parisians.

Begin your day with a moving visit to the D-Day Landing beaches and American cemetery at Omaha Beach. Today the views may be serene, but you can’t help thinking back to that summer day in 1944 when thousands of Allied soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice to reclaim Europe. After this incredibly humbling experience, continue on to UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel, which seems to rise magically up from the sea at high tide. The spire of the Abbey seems to almost touch the heavens, crowned with a golden statue of the Archangel, who legend has it ordered the construction of the chapel in this unusual island location. Arriving in Rennes later, you have a free evening to explore the city as you wish.

Today we head into châteaux country, where elegant estates and manicured gardens dot the countryside near the Loire River as it meanders through the heart of France. You’ll soon see why this scenic area has attracted French aristocracy for centuries. Discover Saumur, sitting elegantly astride the Loire and home to France’s national equestrian school. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent château and gardens of Villandry. Then it's on to the city of Tours, not only the former capital of France and beautiful gateway to the Loire Valley, but also heaven for foodies as you’ll have an opportunity to discover on your free evening. Raise a glass to good food and good friends by joining an Optional Experience dinner in the Loire Valley.

All that glitters really is gold which you’ll come to discover as you explore the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley today. Your first stop is at Château d'Amboise whose art and architecture were both inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Join an optional guided tour delving into the life of Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, including a visit to the Manor House and gardens where he spent his last years. The next jewel to admire is stylish Chenonceau, straddling the Cher River. Join your Local Specialist for a whimsical tour of this 16th-century château and its garden, a pleasure palace deserving of its nickname the “château of the ladies”. Admire the priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture and its extraordinary collection of 16th-century tapestries before returning to your hotel in Tours where you’ll enjoy dinner tonight.

There’s another château in store this morning as you begin your return journey to Paris. We’ve saved the biggest for last and you’ll be dazzled by the views of the grand Château de Chambord and its surrounding forest. Imagine royal hunting parties combing the woods for wild game as you wind your way north past orchards, vineyards, cathedrals and châteaux. Later you’ll arrive in Paris in time to enjoy a memorable Optional Experience this evening featuring dinner and a dazzling cabaret show. It's the perfect way to spend the first of your two nights in the French capital, indulging in its legendary nightlife and making lasting memories with new friends.

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paris with your Travel Director, taking in the Eiffel Tower and grand Champs-Élysées as well as the iconic Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought and died for France over the centuries. Then there’s time to discover Paris your way. Take a stroll through the medieval Latin Quarter with a Local Specialist during an Optional Experience or perhaps simply people-watch at a sidewalk bistro. This evening enjoy a final dinner with your travelling companions in this incomparable city.