Paris, Normandy and the Loire

Day 1

ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE Check into your hotel and use your CosmosGO app to explore the French capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2

PARIS Enjoy a full day to explore the “City of Light,” known in the world for its fashion, art, museums, cuisine, and joie de vivre. Enjoy included sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Optional excursions are also available. (B)

Day 3

PARIS–GIVERNY–ROUEN–HONFLEUR–DEAUVILLE Start the day with a visit to Giverny*, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet. The famous water garden at Giverny was the inspiration behind some of Monet’s finest work (gardens open from April to October). Continue to Rouen to visit its great cathedral. Next, enjoy a stop in lovely Honfleur, situated on the Seine estuary, and then continue to the seaside resort of Deauville.
Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B,D)

NOTE:
*On departure November 10, due to closure of Giverny Gardens, a visit to D-Day Museum will be included instead.

Day 4

DEAUVILLE–NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES–BAYEUX–MONT ST. MICHEL Visit the legendary beaches of Normandy, where Allied troops landed more than 75 years ago. The highlights are Arromanches and the American Cemetery at Omaha. On to Bayeux, famed for its lacemaking and the world-renowned Bayeux tapestry depicting the story of William the Conqueror and Harold, Earl of Wessex—who led the Norman and Saxon armies in 1066 to conquer England. Then, discover spectacular Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessible by a causeway.
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km (B)

Day 5

MONT ST. MICHEL–ST. MALO–RENNES–CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY Drive along the Brittany coast to the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo to admire its cathedral and ancient walls. Later, visit Rennes with its traditional, timber-framed houses, then reach the enchanting Châteaux Country.
Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km (B)

Day 6

CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY Spend a whole day at leisure or to take advantage of a fascinating optional excursion to some of the most celebrated castles of the Loire Valley: Château of Chenonceau, now privately owned, and Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. (B,D)

Day 7

CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY–BLOIS–CHARTRES–PARIS Take a stroll around Blois, with its Renaissance castle, once occupied by Louis XII. Later, stop in Chartres, home of the famous Gothic cathedral, and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy an optional evening excursion.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km (B)

Day 8

PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)