France Magnifique

It’s your choice! Take a splendid panoramic coach tour that includes a stop for a short walking tour inside the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, for a truly local experience, join a guide who will take you to some of Paris’ most iconic sights by Metro. Either way you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the magnificent Place Vendome. Write your own story during a free afternoon. Perhaps you’ll take an optional guided tour at the famous Louvre.

  Breakfast    High  19°  Low  9°   Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Day 3. Paris – Caen

Set off for the Normandy coast. During WWII, the largest invasion in history took place here. Visit the Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic Battle of Normandy in 1944. Later, see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built near Arromanche-les-Bains – where the allies resupplied their lines during the liberation of France – before making your way to the hotel.

  Breakfast & Dinner      High  17°  Low  8°    Mercure Caen City Centerport De Plaisance

Day 4. Caen – D-Day Landing Sites – Caen

This morning visit the Omaha Beach Cemetrey with time to stop by the new interpretive centre and see the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. You will also visit other landing beaches, such as Utah and Juno.

  Breakfast      High  17°  Low  8°    Mercure Caen City Centerport De Plaisance

Day 5. Caen – Bayeux – Dinan – Saint-Malo

Travel back in history when you stand before the impressive Bayeux Tapestry (UNESCO), a 230-foot embroidered cloth depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. Next, journey to Dinan, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in France. Then, it’s your choice! Join a local guide for a walking tour along cobbled streets and discover the city’s fortified walls. Or, meet a local guide at the quaint port of Dinan, the entry point for resupplying the Duke of Dinan during the Hundred Years’ War, and walk up the famous Rue de Jerzuel hill to the town centre. Either way, you’ll fall in love with the streets lined with half-timbered houses and the ramparts that overlook this picture-perfect port village. Then it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Here you’ll be immersed in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town where you’ll enjoy a wonderfully prepared local dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  18°  Low  9°    Hotel Oceania

Day 6. St-Malo – Le Mont St. Michel – St-Malo

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Mont St. Michel, the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old city at the base of the village before exploring one of the most beautiful abbeys in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

  Breakfast    High  18°  Low  9°    Hotel Oceania

Day 7. St-Malo – Châteaux de Chenonceau and D’Augerville

Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with châteaux and parks, once the setting for the French court. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon, set on the banks of the Vienne River. Visit the renowned Royal Fortress of Chinon where Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. This afternoon, check into your hotel within the magnificently renovated abbey of Fontevraud. Delve into the history of this site which was home to one of the largest orders in Europe during medieval times and serves as the final resting place of King Richard the Lionheart. Tonight’s dinner is set amongst flying buttresses, chiseled arches and ancient stone.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  19°  Low  9°    Fontevraud L’hotel

Day 8. Fontevraud – Amboise – Fontevraud

Embark on a tour of the spectacular Château de Chenonceau. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, it is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque centre of Amboise. Enjoy free time for exploring and getting to know the local culture. Tour Château du Clos Luce – where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years – which showcases a display of his early inventions. Next, visit a local winery to discover some of Europe’s best Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines.

  Breakfast     High  19°  Low  9°    Fontevraud L’hotel

Day 9. Fontevraud – Lyon

Travel the French countryside to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon (UNESCO). The city was once an important area for silk production. Today it is known for its world-renowned cuisine. This evening experience this cuisine firsthand when you dine at a bouchon, a local restaurant that serves traditional Lyonnaise fare.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  19°  Low  10°    Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

Day 10. Lyon – Avignon 

Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvier with its amazing views of the city. Tour the historic Vieux Lyon, or Old Quarter, with a local expert. Continue to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse market, named after the famous chef. Marvel at its culinary delights as you enjoy free time to explore before continuing to Provence and the city of Avignon.

  Breakfast    High  19°  Low  10°    Mercure Pont D Avignon

Day 11. Avignon 

This morning come to know the walled city of Avignon during a walking tour led by a local resident. Learn about the historical period when the Papacy moved here in 1309. Then, explore some of the 25 rooms of the 14th-century papal palace, Palais des Papes, the world’s largest Gothic palace. Your evening is capped off with dinner at a local restaurant, complete with a cocktail reception and crème brulee demonstration.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  19°  Low  10°    Mercure Pont D Avignon

Day 12. Avignon – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with many magnificent memories of your time in France.

  Breakfast