10-Day Private Package including Paris, Normandy & Loire Valley

We will come and pick you up at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Paris. Rest of the day is free so why not begin your Paris discovery?
 

9.00 am Pick up at your hotel 

Combine a great sightseeing tour of Paris with the Louvre museum.

At first we will come and pick you up at your Paris accommodation in one of our recent and comfortable air conditioned vehicle. Your guide/driver will then introduce the day and go through the itinerary just to make certain that it is adapted to your wishes.

As this is a private tour there is a certain flexibility to modify stops throughout the day. Upon our expertise, the itinerary below is what we suggest but orders of the stops can vary depending on your pick up point or wishes.

Begin the day with a pick up at your accommodation. Board your air conditioned vehicle and start your sightseeing tour of Paris that will take you to all the major landmarks this beautiful city has to offer. The morning will be essentially dedicated to driving you to the most famous monuments of Paris including the Place de la Concorde, the Garnier National Opera and following the Seine River.

You will also experience a drive along the Champs Elysées avenue and see the famous Arc de Triomphe. Other highlights include the Eiffel Tower where we will organise a short stop for photo opportunities; please note that this is a tour at the base of the tower only.

Then, it will be time for a top for lunch in a most interesting quarter of Paris – the Marais neighborhood. This district of Paris is one of the liveliest and there is a large selection of restaurants. Your guide will certainly suggest one that will correspond to your wishes and budget. After lunch experience the visit of the Louvre Museum.

Louvre Museum Visit

Discover the amazing Louvre Museum on a personalized guided tour. What used to be the residence of the Kings of France has now become internationally renowned for the masterpieces that are present in the museum: Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo.

From a medieval fortress dating back to 1190 and located on the outskirts of Paris at the time, the Louvre Palace will become the residence of French Kings starting with François Ier in 1528. For a time left by the Kings who left for Versailles, the siege of power is returned to the Louvre at the time of the French Revolution and until 1870.

After being invaded by a number of administrations including the offices of the Finance minister, the Louvre slowly regains the space lost and just after his election President Francois Mitterrand will announce the creation of the Greater Louvre. The final aspect of this will be the creation of the Pyramid of the Louvre and its inauguration in 1989.

5.00 pm Drop off at the hotel

9.00 am Pick up at your hotel

Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

In the morning, arrive in Giverny to visit the stunning House and Gardens of Claude Monet, one of the most famous 19th century impressionist French Painter. Even though the term ‘impressionism’ already existed, one of Monet’s paintings – impression, sunrise – perfectly summarized the style and start of this painting movement.

Upon arrival you will be taken by your guide to the entrance where your visit of the Gardens and House of Claude Monet will begin. There are several things to see on site:

Claude Monet’s House:
The painter arrives in Giverny in 1883 aged 43 years old. Thanks to the selling of a number of paintings to art merchant Durand-Ruel, he is able to acquire this house where he believes he will be able to ameliorate his work on light and color. During more than 40 years, Monet will transform, develop and enlarge the house.

As you enter, you will first discover the reading room or ‘little blue sitting room’ followed by the artist’s first studio where he worked until 1899. You will then proceed to the first floor where the private apartments are located. These include Monet’s bedroom where objects and artwork from Monet’s time are exhibited.

There are also reproductions of paintings made by his friends: Cézanne, Renoir, Signac or Caillebote. Then, move on to Alice’s bedroom – Claude Monet’s wife – and end the tour of the upper floor with the last room which was Blanche Monet’s bedroom. You will then return to the ground floor to visit the dining room and kitchen. Here, you will admire Monet’s famous collection of Japanese prints.

The ‘Clos Normand’ Garden:
Monet’s love for gardens came as he visited the gardens of friends as well as with the one he took care of in his previous house of Argenteuil. In Giverny, the artist will model his garden so as to better paint it. In front of the house, his creates the Clos Normand.

He starts by removing a number of trees, to Alice’s great despair, then reorganizes the flower beds playing with the colors for his paintings. The flower garden is composed of daffodils, tulips, narcissus, iris, oriental poppies, peonies while the central path is lined with nasturtiums, fragrant roses, cherry and Japanese apricot trees.

The water garden:
By diverting a small river, Monet completely created this water garden. He will contemplate nature for hours especially fond of the reflections of the sky that occur on the water. Deeply inspired by ‘Japonism’ – influence of Japanese art on French Artists and writers – he creates a unique world.

A Japanese bridge is built and oriental plants are introduced such as maple trees, Japanese peonies, white lilies, bamboos and Ginkgos Biloba. In 1897, Monet begins to paint the “Nymphéas” series inspired by the water lilies pond, achieving one of his most famous artwork reaching the limit of abstraction. Today, ten gardeners take care of Giverny gardens all year round.

After your visit, time for lunch (at own expense) in a local restaurant in Giverny or Versailles. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations to your guide.

Visit of Chateau de Versailles

Chateau de Versailles is without a doubt one of the most unique Chateau visits of France. This 3 star rated Michelin travel guide historical site is considered to be the symbol of perfection when it comes to Classical Architecture.

The largest known Palace in the world was, from the late 17th century until the French Revolution, a permanent construction site. The Chateau is also a symbol of the power of Royalty from Sun King Louis XIV to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, the Chateau as well as the whole domain are gradually regaining their original splendor thanks to immense restoration works.

Visit the interior of the Château with your guide, followed by some time in the Gardens. After your visit, return to Paris and drop off at your hotel. Night in Paris.

Pick up at your hotel in Paris.

Today, we will come and pick you up at your accommodation in Paris for a door to door service, from Paris to Bayeux in Normandy, France.

Transfer to Bayeux, Normandy

Depending on your time of arrival and after your hotel check-in, discover the historic town of Bayeux on your own. Take some time to wander through the city and admire the Gothic Cathedral and medieval town.

Bayeux is also home to the world famous UNESCO listed tapestry and time permitting a visit to the museum that houses the precious item will certainly be a highlight of your stay.

Breakfast at your hotel.

9.00am Pick up at your hotel in Bayeux

A full day visit to the Key Beaches, sites & museums linked to D-Day.

Today depart for a full day small group tour starting in Bayeux and dedicated to the most important sites linked to D-Day. Our private tours from Bayeux all depart from your hotel and all our normandy d-day landing beaches guided tours take place on board premium air conditioned vehicles.

First stop will be in Sainte Mere Eglise

On the morning of June 6, 1944, also known as the longest day, thousands of soldiers from the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in an attempt to liberate France and the continent from the German occupation. This marked the beginning of a fierce and deadly battle against surprised but well-trained Nazi troops.

Among the allied troops, the Americans landed on two different beaches, later named Utah and Omaha. First, head towards Sainte Mère Eglise heart of the drop zone for the 82nd Airborne U.S. forces.

Indeed, the D-Day landings did not only happen from the sea! Airborne divisions and paratroopers rained on this village, and one of them famously got caught in the tower of the church. The village is also home to the airborne museum that can be visited during one of our private tours from Bayeux.

Reach the Utah beach landing area

Then, your Normandy battlefield tour will take you to Utah beach, the second beach where the American troops landed. Again, listen to your guide as he reveals the historical facts of the landings and how the troops were able to storm the beaches in this area.

It is here that the 101st airborne pathfinders were dropped the night before D-Day invasion. Your guide will also take you to the US military cemetery where you can pay your respects to the ones who fell during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy that followed.

Visit stunning Pointe du Hoc

Also located in the American sector, head to the beach and Pointe du Hoc, a breathtaking cliff offering lunar landscapes, stunning bomb craters and a magnificent viewpoint over the English Channel. Given the toughness of the operation, the Pointe du Hoc was given to Rangers to land upon. This is one of the most stunning sites in Normandy.

The battle site, dotted with German bunkers was rough, as the Pointe du Hoc had been built as a key point of the Atlantic Wall. It was the highest point between Utah beach and Omaha beach and provided a great observation spot to notice any unfriendly arrivals from the sea. You can still see an artillery gun battery there and feel as if it was still on the day of the landings in 1944.

Followed by Omaha landing beach

This Normandy battlefield tour will also take you to Omaha beach, where one of the deadliest landings of World War II took place. Even though bombings occurred before the landing itself, they failed to neutralise the German positions in that sector.

In addition, troops and amphibian vehicles were disembarked too far from the shore, leading to an absolute failure and thousands of men being killed under heat German fire. The assault on this beach was perfectly depicted in the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan movie.

Learn more about the landing and the following days as your tour guide explains all the events that took place on the beach and how the battle raged and evolved inland.

End the tour at the Normandy American Cemetery of Colleville sur Mer

If time permits, your guide will also make a stop at the Omaha Beach American Cemetery and memorial in Colleville sur mer where you will have some time to pay homage to the fallen. Depending on the timing of the day you might also have the opportunity to enter the visitor center.

This shared tour will have you picked up in the morning in a central location in Bayeux. At lunch time, your English-speaking guide will point out the best places to eat depending on the location you are at.

After a complete day of visiting the most important sites linked with D-Day, return to your hotel in Bayeux.

5.00pm return to Bayeux. 

Overnight at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel.

8.30am Pick up your hotel in Bayeux.

A trip to one of France’s most iconic monuments.

The Unesco World Heritage Listed, Remarkable Gothic Jewel Mont Saint Michel is an island off the coast of Normandy, in the English Channel, and is one of the best Normandy tours you can choose. It is located about 1 kilometer from the shore and sits in a bay that sees some of the biggest tides in Europe. A few years ago, it was linked to the mainland by a bridge that gets flooded during high tides a few times a year only.

The first church was built on the mount in 709 at the request of Archange Michael. A couple of hundred years later, a small group of Benedictines settled there permanently and the church was enlarged. The first monastery was carved in the rock in the 11th century and gradually got bigger and bigger over the following centuries. In the medieval time, it quickly became an important destination for pilgrims, just like Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Visit the Benedictine Abbey with your guide

The construction of the mont saint michel abbey as we know it nowadays was finished in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the grand chancel was replaced in the 15th century. Those hundreds of years of architectural prowesses have left us with a magnificent monument, now referred to as the “Wonder of the Western World”. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

During your day trip to Mont St Michel, our friendly English-speaking driver / guide will take you from Bayeux to the Mont Saint Michel, which you will access via a shuttle and the bridge in accordance with local requirements. While on the road, make sure to take it all in and observe the beauty of the Normandy coastline.

Our Mont Saint Michel tour will then take you to the abbey itself, at the very top of the mount. Follow your guide on a walking tour. The history of its construction will be explained in detail and while you are there, make sure to snap some pictures of the amazing views on the surrounding bay!

Mont Saint Michel is also a lively small town

After the visit of the abbey, enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace and bring back some souvenirs for friends and family. Your guide will also suggest some great restaurants for lunch, suitable for all budgets.

If you want to indulge, the Mère Poulard restaurant is probably the most famous on the mount. It gained its reputation thanks to its unique omelette soufflée recipe. It is well worth a visit and a must-try when on a Mont Saint Michel day tour but keep in mind you will need a large amount of time as the restaurant is so popular with visitors.

4.30pm return to Bayeux. 

Overnight at your hotel.

Pick up in Bayeux

Our professional, English speaking driver or driver/guide will meet you in your Bayeux Hotel lobby. Then, board one of our recent & comfortable air conditioned vehicle. All our vehicles are premium cars or minivans with a lot of space that respect social distancing with your driver.

Transfer to Tours, Loire Valley.

After being picked up by one of our professional drivers, we will take you to your final destination in Tours. Depending on your arrival time,  you could explore the Old Town (Vieux Tours) and lively Place Plumereau, visit the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée du Compagnonnage, stroll through the Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé or the Botanical Garden, and walk along the Loire riverbanks for great views.

Night in Tours.
 
 
 

Breakfast at your hotel

9.30am Pick up at your hotel.

First Visit Chenonceau Castle

The “Chateau des Dames”, bridge built across the Cher, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens.

The original Château dates back to the 13th century but was later torched and rebuilt to be finally taken by King Francis I as a debt. The next most important owner was Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II, who transformed the building and added the arched bridge that spans over the River Cher. After the kings death, the Chateau became the property of Catherine de Medici who expelled Diane de Poitiers.

During her time at the Château as owner, Catherine de Medici spent large amounts of money for renovation and embellishments and was known to house spectacular night time parties. It is here that in 1560, the first ever fireworks took place in France.

After the death of Catherine de Medici, the Château passed into several hands including that of Louise Dupin famous for hosting a literary salon that was attended by some of the most famous figures of the time including Voltaire, Montesquieu, Buffon or Marivaux. Famous philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau was Louise Dupin's secretary and tutored her son.

In more recent history, the castle was bought in 1913 by Henri Menier whose family was famous as chocolate makers and the Chateau de Chenonceau is still in their possession today.

After your arrival at Chenonceau castle, begin your guided tour. Chenonceau is home to an outstanding collection of furniture, tapestries and paintings that included artworks from Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Loo, Murillo, Veronese, Poussin, Van Dyck and many more.

Also, during your tour, you will visit the highlights of the castle including Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, the Green Study, the Gallery and the kitchens.

Free time for lunch (at own expense)

After your tasting, enjoy some free time for lunch. There are lunch options at the Ambacia cave but you can also decide to walk into Amboise and have lunch at leisure there.

Afternoon Guided tour of Chateau Chambord

The Castle of Chambord is considered as one of the most beautiful Chateaux of the Loire Valley. After a short drive of about 1 hour, reach the stunning Château de Chambord. Listed since 1981 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chambord is without a doubt one of the most fascinating Loire Valley Castle to visit.

Located in the heart of the Sologne region of France, Chateau de Chambord was the desire of King Francis 1 (François 1er) who ordered the construction in the early 16th century. Built as a hunting lodge, the castle was not designed to be a permanent residence for the King who only stayed within the castle a few weeks every year.

The architecture of the Château is a good example of the Italian Renaissance style that was prized at the time and Château de Chambord was in fact built to impress foreign visitors and ambassadors and demonstrate the power of the young king of France.

The Castle is laid out around a central keep that includes for massive bastion towers at each corner. All in all, Chambord is home to more than 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. The plan of the castle has for central axis the famous double helix staircase that was presumably inspired by the work of the great genius Leonardo da Vinci.

The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the chateau. Another highlight of the visit is the ornate roof that makes the Chateau so recognizable. When you reach the top level of the Chateau, you can walk between the towers and admire the enormous attention to detail in the masonry work.

King Francis 1 never actually saw the castle finished and it wasn't until the reign of the King Louis XIV (the Sun King) that the building was actually completed. The shear size of Château de Chambord makes it a difficult place to maintain and after being owned by different persons close to royalty, it is finally preempted by the French State who becomes the sole owner as of 1930.

Upon arrival, follow your guide for a guided walking tour of the Castle. The tour will last around 1 hour and your guide will lead you through the main rooms, will show you the famous double spiral staircase and you take you to the top of the Castle to the terraces where you will have a great view of the surrounding area. After the visit, you will have some free time to discover the Castle of Chambord on your own.

5.30pm Drop off in Tour and night at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel.

9.30am Pick up at your hotel

Full day Loire Valley Wine Tour

This morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Tours.

Meet your English speaking driver/guide - who is an Expert in Loire Valley Wines

Meet your guide at your hotel or accommodation in Tours. Once you have met your guide, he will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to the Loire Valley wine producing region.

All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guides commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.

Morning wine tasting tour in the Bourgueil wine region

The Loire Valley is not only famous for its Renaissance castles, but also for its wines. To kickstart the day, this Loire Valley wine tour will first take you to the town of Bourgueil. Indeed, this charming small town is surrounded by vineyards producing wines typical from the region. Here, the diversity of soils gives the wines a delicate and fruity taste. Wines from the Loire Valley can be consumed young or aged depending on the vintage.

Your guide will take you to a traditional winery, where you will learn about wine production from the grape to the bottle. After the tour, you will be able to taste different wines produced by the winery and, if you wish, you will be able to buy your favorite one to bring it back home.

Stop in Chinon for a visit & lunch (at own expense)

After that, this Loire Valley tour will take you to Chinon, a picturesque town with preserved medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance town houses. Chinon is dominated by its castle, which is actually made of three castles. The Chinon castle used to be the residence of Henry II of England. Other historic events taking place in the Chinon castle were the death of Richard the Lionheart, as well as Joan of Arc persuading Charles VII to fight the English invasion of France.

You will have the privilege to visit the town accompanied by your private guide who will tell you about the history of Chinon and its castle in greater details. You will have time to stroll the streets and stop for shopping at any time you want. At lunch time, your guide will indicate the best places to try some local specialties in Chinon.

Afternoon wine tasting tour in the Chinon wine region

Around this area, you will mainly find red wines from different qualities. Head to a winery for a visit and wine tasting session. While you are there, take some time to fully appreciate the beautiful view over the vineyards around you. You will also have a chance to buy some red Loire Valley wine from the winemaker.

After your visit and tasting, it will be time to head back to Tours where we will drop you off. Night at your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel, check out, and return transfer to the train station of Tours or Saint Pierre des Corps. End of our services