France Magnifique
From $5,749.00 CAD
From the royal Palace of Versailles to the enchanting streets of Paris, grab a baguette and rendezvous with the best of France. Explore the former royal court and gardens in Versailles. Stroll past the magnificent, colorful flora in Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches and visit the Normandy American Cemetery. Delight in a 2-night stay in a stunning, renovated château in the UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley. Enjoy a visit to the famous Chenonceau Castle. Sip wine during a tour of a winery and its impressive underground caves. Glide along the Seine as you take in the highlights of Paris. Savor the views and rich cuisine during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Bask in the robust history, culture, and romance of these celebrated cities and charming towns.
MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Admire famous landmarks from the water while cruising along the River Seine.
- Be mesmerized by the ever-changing colors of Monet’s Garden in Giverny.
- Ponder history at Normandy's Memorial Peace Museum and Omaha Beach Cemetery.
- Explore Chenonceau Castle, the Renaissance country residence of the French Royals.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Savor local flavors during dinner at a traditional French restaurant.
- Delight in a tour and tasting at a local winery.
- Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Immerse yourself in the private apartments of King XIV in the Royal Palace of Versailles.
- Experience 2 nights at a 15th-century castle accommodation at the Château de Beauvois.
- Spend a reflective moment at the Normandy American Cemetery.
HOTELS
- Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery, Versailles
- Best Western Plus Le Moderne, Caen
- Hotel Oceania, Saint-Malo
- Château de Beauvois, Loire Valley
- Hyatt Regency Étoile, Paris
INCLUDED
- 12 Days
- 11 Nights
- 10 Breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 5 Dinners
Itinerary
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Overnight Flight
Embark on your journey through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.
Accommodation: Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery -
Versailles, France
Bienvenue en France, and to charming Versailles. Celebrate the beginning of your voyage with a savory French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.
Meal included: DinnerAccommodation: Best Western Plus Le Moderne -
Versailles - Royal Palace and Gardens
Start your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide will lead you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon your exploration continues in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.*
Meal included: BreakfastAccommodation: Best Western Plus Le Moderne -
Versailles - Giverny** - Caen
Journey into Normandy and let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to Monet’s countryside home at Giverny.** Stroll through the colorful living work of art that is Monet’s garden, where you’ll see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Oceania -
Caen - Normandy American Cemetery - Sainte-Mère-Église - Caen
This morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum dedicated to providing a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition. Then, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center. See the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy, and stop at Omaha Beach. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. Learn the unique history of paratroopers in Saint-Mère-Église, the first French town liberated from the Naz. Then, return to Caen.
Meal included: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel Oceania -
Caen - Arromanches - Saint-Malo
Your exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites continues today and will start with a walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial. See where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Then visit Arromanche-les-Bain to see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. After some free time to have lunch on your own, pause at a local farm. Stroll through their apple orchards and get a taste of their traditional cider. Then it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Château de Beauvois -
Saint-Malo - Le Mont St. Michel - Saint-Malo
Travel to Le Mont St. Michel*** (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.
Meal included: BreakfastAccommodation: Château de Beauvois -
Saint-Malo - Chinon - Loire Valley
Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers and local products, and take time to enjoy lunch along the banks of the Vienne River. Next, tour a local winery and discover some of the Loire Valley’s best wines. This afternoon, feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château’s charming terrace. This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Hyatt Regency Étoile -
Loire Valley – Chenonceau - Amboise – Tours - Loire Valley
Explore the spectacular Château de Chenonceau at your own pace. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, this romantic castle is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque center of Amboise. Enjoy some free time for exploring before reaching Tours, where a local expert will introduce you to the town and their local culture.
Meal included: BreakfastAccommodation: Hyatt Regency Étoile -
Loire Valley - Paris
Travel the French countryside to France’s capital, the City of Light – Paris. Pause for lunch at a modern bistro, before gliding under romantic bridges during a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Take in the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis peeking at you from the Banks of the Seine (UNESCO). As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening at leisure in this incredibly walkable, world-famous city. Perhaps you will enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.
Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch -
Paris
This morning, it’s your choice! Take in the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic city tour, seeing the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Concorde -OR- join a local guide and hop on Le Métro to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story in romantic Paris. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your French voyage during an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Light.
Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner -
Paris - Tour Ends
Set out for home with many magnificent memories.
Meal included: Breakfast