JEWELS OF FRANCE
Price
Duration
Min People
Tour Type
Tour Code
INSIGHT-FR
Overview
Enjoy the sights and sounds of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II โ and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Chรขteau de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. Youโll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Parisโ top attractions, from the glistening pyramids of the Louvre to the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Included/Excluded
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris (Dinner with Wine)
- After checking in, the capitalโs grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore.
- Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made recipes.
Hotel: Le Mรฉridien Etoile
Day 2: Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville (Breakfast)
- Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral – a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet.
- Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431.
- Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and wander along the harbour or stroll through the colourful streets.
- Close by, meet a farming family who grow apples to produce local juice, cider and calvados of Normandy.
- Sample the local produce paired with Normandy cheese.
- Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Hotel: Barriรจre L’Hรดtel du Golf
Day 3: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings (Breakfast, Dinner with Wine)
- Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc.
- Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach.
- Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
- Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England.
- This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Hotel: Barriรจre L’Hรดtel du Golf
Day 4: Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo (Breakfast)
- Explore the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert, reached by a bridge across the sands.
- Continue to charming Saint-Malo, known for its Corsair history.
- Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, and enjoy views from the ramparts.
- Optionally, dine on fresh seafood in Cancale, famous for its oyster beds.
Hotel: Le Nouveau Monde
Day 5: Villandry Experience (Breakfast, Dinner with Wine)
- Visit the moated Angers Castle as you follow the valley of the Loire southward.
- Experience wine tastings in Saumur guided by a local vintner.
- Explore the sustainable gardens of Chรขteau de Villandry on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ Experience.
- Enjoy a Celebration Dinner featuring local sparkling wine and Farm-to-Table dishes at Relais Des Landes.
Day6: Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley (Breakfast)
- Visit the family-owned Chรขteau de Cheverny, home to the same family for over six centuries.
- Explore the chรขteau’s decor and view aristocratic costumes from different eras with your Local Expert.
- Learn about the connection with Tintin and listen for the hounds during your visit.
- Return to Relais Des Landes for relaxation and free time.
Day 7: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light (Breakfast)
- Enjoy a guided tour of Chartres Cathedral, known as the ‘Acropolis of France.’
- Return to Paris and explore the city’s fabulous sights with your Travel Director.
- Visit the Place de la Concorde and the Champs รlysรฉes up to Napolรฉon’s Arc de Triomphe.
- Experience Paris after dark when the monuments, buildings, and bridges are illuminated.
- Optionally, indulge in a world-famous cabaret show for a touch of excitement and glamour.
- Hotel: Le Mรฉridien Etoile
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris (Breakfast)
- Transfer to the airport.
- Bid farewell to your journey along the country roads of France.