PARIS | BAYEUX | CAEN | MONT SAINT-MICHEL | LOIRE VALLEY
France is rich in military history, specifically the stretch of beach along the Normandy coast for the part it played in WWII. Begin your journey in Paris, then explore old army bunkers that line the main beaches, the numerous museums and memorials that stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period in history. Finally, discover the magical châteaux built by the grand aristocrats of past centuries in the Loire Valley.
Daily departures.
Highlights:
- Half-day tour of beautiful Paris
- Canadian landing beaches in Normandy
- Tour Mont Saint-Michel and its bay
- Visit stunning chateaux in the Loire Valley
Package Includes:
- Total 9 nights accommodation at 3 & 4-Star hotels
- 2 nights in Paris
- 3 nights in Bayeux
- 4 nights in Tours
- All private transfers; touring and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Comfort-Class train tickets; Paris – Bayeux; Caen – Tours
- Continental breakfast daily, other meals as indicated
- Hotel taxes and service charges
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International airfare not included. Minimum 2 passengers travelling together.
Some tour schedules vary based on seasonality. *Small group tour sizes and schedules may vary based on seasonality. Not valid during trade shows, Bank holidays and other special events. Blackout periods may apply.
Rates are subject to availability at time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1
| PARIS Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! Situated on the River Seine, Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular destinations in the world. Arrival and private transfer to your hotel. Take some time at leisure to begin exploring this stunning city. |
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Day 2
BreakfastPARIS After breakfast, enjoy your morning at leisure. In the early afternoon, depart from your hotel for your shared small group tour to discover Paris. Drive through Concorde Square, past the Louvre Museum, see the Seine River and its bridges, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the famous Champs-Elysées Avenue, the Eiffel Tower and stop for free time in Montmartre near Sacré-Coeur Basilica. We recommend an optional tour at O-Château Wine Bar near the Louvre for a tasting of six wines from six different regions in France with a very knowledgeable sommelier – fantastic for beginners or wine connoisseurs alike (not included). Enjoy the city at night at your leisure.
Day 3
BreakfastPARIS – BAYEUX After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your train to Bayeux, the first town to be liberated after D-Day in June 1944. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
Day 4
BreakfastLANDING BEACHES Breakfast at the hotel. Your driver-guide is at your disposal for the day to customize your itinerary as you wish. We suggest a visit to the three Commonwealth beaches of Sword, Juno and Gold; also see the famous Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches. Stop at the Cassine Bunker for more explanation and sites of interest like pillboxes, the seawall, the House of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the rue du Régiment de la Chaudière and the House of the British and Canadian reporters. Return to Bayeux.
Day 5
BreakfastCAEN MEMORIAL – MONT SAINT MICHEL Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning visit of the Caen Memorial. Visit Mont Saint-Michel, the most visited tourist site in Normandy. Discover the medieval city, the Abbey, and all of the popular tourist sights. For lunch, we recommend an optional tasting of Mont Saint-Michel’s famous omelettes, not included. Return to Bayeux.
Day 6
BreakfastBAYEAUX – CAEN – TOURS After breakfast, transfer to the train station in Caen to board your train to Tours. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel.
Day 7
Breakfast / LunchTOURS – AZAY-LE-RIDEAU – LANGEAIS - VILLANDRY After breakfast, drive to Château Azay-le-Rideau for a guided tour of one of the purest gems of Renaissance architecture in the Loire Valley. Enjoy lunch at a family estate in the vineyards with several cheeses, cold cuts and organic wines or lunch at a traditional restaurant*. Take a guided tour of the Château Langeais, and the spectacular gardens of Touraine, Villandry.
*Specific lunch setting will be determined that day.
Day 8
Breakfast / LunchTOURS – BEAUREGARD – CHAMBORD – CHEVERNY After breakfast, tour the private Château de Beauregard where you will discover the Gallerie des Portraits and the Jardin des Portraits, an enclosed garden with a variety of groves. Drive to Cheverny for wine tasting and lunch at a local restaurant. Take a tour of Château de Cheverny, then drive to the largest château in the Loire Valley, the Chambord Estate. Return to your hotel in Tours.
Day 9
Breakfast / LunchTOURS After breakfast at the hotel, visit the stunning Château de Chenonceau which sits on the Cher River, then lunch at a wine specialists’ matured Loire Valley vintages vineyard. Tour the magnificent Royal Castle of Amboise on the Loire River, then return to your hotel in Tours.
Day 10
BreakfastTOURS – PARIS – HOME After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the train station to begin your journey home.
General Information & Maps
Not Included:
- International or domestic airfare; airport or departure taxes
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Reciprocity and/or local taxes if applicable
- Visas required for entry into the country as necessary. Please discuss this with your travel agent to determine your requirements prior to departure.
Gateways International Tailor-made Tours
View LargeCliffs of Etretat
View LargeMont Saint-Michel, Field
View LargeBayeux, Normandy
View LargeMont Saint-Michel, Normandy
View LargeArromanches, Normandy
View LargeD-Day Beaches, Arromanches
View LargeRuins of Harbour Arromanches
