Normandy And The Loire Valley

Day 1

Transfer from Paris to Normandy while stopping in Giverny to visit Claude Monet’s house and famous garden.

En route, you will enjoy the bucolic countryside through a scenic drive on the cider road, and discover the richness of the local gastronomy. Finally, enjoy the preserved city of Honfleur, the town is known for its beautiful harbor, which is lined with colorful houses and boats, and its historic center, which is home to many charming streets and buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Honfleur is also a popular destination for artists, who are drawn to its picturesque setting and beautiful landscapes. The town is home to many art galleries and museums.

Day 2

D-DAY

The tour will start in Arromanches, where you will see the remains of the Mulberry Harbor. An artificial port created by the British in June 1944. 

After discovering Port Winston, your guide will take you to one of the most impressive sites of the Atlantic Wall, the German battery of Longues-sur-Mer. These artillery guns are the best preserved cannons in Normandy.

Afterward, you will have the opportunity to walk on Omaha Beach and see what happened to the American soldiers who landed there on June 6, 1944. Heavily fortified, the two American infantry divisions who stormed the beach suffered heavy casualties, as depicted in the movie Saving Private Ryan.

It is the perfect tour to have an overview of the different battlefields and beaches of Normandy where the Allies landed on D-Day. 

Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery or the artificial harbor in Arromanches. You will see it all.

Included in the tour is a visit to the Overlord Museum where you will discover an incredible collection of over 10,000 artifacts and vehicles from the Second World War.

Day 3

Mont Saint Michel and Transfer to Saumur

Mont Saint Michel is the most visited site in Normandy and one of the most visited sites in France. The first construction on the rock was built in 708. The decision was made by Bishop Aubert from Avranches who created the first sanctuary in France dedicated to Saint Michel. 

Few decades later, it became a major pilgrimage site for all the christians in the world. Thanks to the work of the religious community on the Mont, the site was seen as an intellectual reference in Europe where thousands of books, manuscripts and charters were written or copied.

In the 19th century, the importance of Mont Saint-Michel was in decline and it became a prison after the French Revolution in 1789. From 1793 until 1863, the site had the worst reputation and was nicknamed the Bastille of the seas… The building suffered from the lack of maintenance during that time and almost disappeared after the French stopped using it as a prison. Fortunately, it was saved from destruction and many architects renovated it from them until the present day. 

Discover 13 centuries of history with our experienced guides. On the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel is an incredible master-piece of architecture surrounded by the beautiful seascape of one of the largest bays in Europe.

Day 4

Chinon, Villandry and Amboise

Begin in Chinon, a charming medieval town located along the banks of the Vienne River. Visit the historic Chinon Castle, where Joan of Arc had an audience with King Charles VII, and the Maison de Vin, a museum dedicated to the region’s wine-making history.

Next, head to the town of Amboise, known for its beautiful Renaissance-era chateau. Visit the Château d’Amboise, which was once home to kings and queens, and take a walk through the castle’s beautiful gardens.

After exploring Amboise, continue on to the Château de Villandry, one of the most beautiful Renaissance chateaux in the Loire Valley. The castle is famous for its stunning gardens, which feature a series of terraces, fountains, and parterres.

Day 5

Chenonceau and Chambord before transfer back to Paris

Begin your tour at the Château de Chenonceau, a castle known for its unique design and beautiful setting on the river Cher. Take a tour of the castle to see its elegant rooms and gardens, and visit the on-site museum to learn more about its history.

After exploring the Château de Chenonceau, you will head to the Château de Chambord, one of the largest and most impressive castles in the Loire Valley. Built in the 16th century, the castle is known for its elaborate architecture and beautiful gardens. Taking a tour of the castle to learn more about its history and admire its features, including the famous double-helix staircase.

Before leaving the Loire Valley, visit one of the many vineyards and wineries in the Loire Valley to sample some of the region’s renowned wines.