Duration: 9 Days
Isn’t it time you nipped monotony in the bud? From fields of yellow sunflowers to cellars of pink rosés, this fascinating tour of France invites you to survey the sensuous land and pick the perfect bouquet. Fragrant gardens and aromatic wines are just the beginning of the sweet experiences that await from the City of Light to the sunlit regions of Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Tiptoe through the tulips at Claude Monet’s rainbow-coloured gardens, float down the castle hallways in dreamy Châteaux country, and swirl and sip your way from the lively cafés of Paris to the storied wineries of the French countryside. Traveling from the Seine to the sea, we’ve handpicked the best coastal experiences—the resort town of Deauville, the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, and the poignant beaches of Normandy, site of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasions during World War II.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Welcome to Paris!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
J'ADORE PARIS
PARIS Free time this morning. Your sightseeing this afternoon comprises a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. [LF] Dinner on the first floor of the Tour Eiffel. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL FAVOURITE The only thing better than seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris is dining inside of this beloved landmark. Dine with us in a restaurant on the first floor of Gustave Eiffel's creation and toast your time in Paris. C'est Magnifique!
A Big Impression
GIVERNY [LF] Visit the home and gardens of master impressionist painter Claude Monet.
ROUEN Orientation walk. Free time for lunch.
DEAUVILLE Free time to walk along the Promenade des Planches. (B) 149 mi / 240 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURAL GEM Wander through the gardens which inspired Monet to create some of his most celebrated Impressionist paintings at his home in Giverny. This special retreat evokes the serenity and artistry of the natural world captured in the master's works.
Heroes & Hope for Peace
NORMANDY BEACHES Visit Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery with the Monument to the Brave. See the Mulberry Harbor remains at Arromanches. (B,D) 155 mi / 250 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of heroes on the beaches of Normandy, where Allied Forces stormed the beach with courage and heroism in World War II. Visit the final resting place of American soldiers who gave their lives for liberty.
Castle in the Sand
MONT ST. MICHEL Guided visit at the abbey. (B,D) 155 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE A real-life castle in the sand, magical Mont St. Michel Abbey sits on top of a tidal island on the coast of Normandy. Learn how this strategic position has protected it from being invaded but also has made it the ideal location for a place of confinement. Napoleon closed the abbey and converted it into a prison for his opponents.
French Treasures & Views
ANGERS See the medieval castle and take a scenic drive en route to the Loire Valley. (B) 217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Historic tapestries, half- timbered houses and, of course, the Castle. Take all of this and much more in while you wander the charming cobble streets or walk along the banks of the Maine river. Make sure you don't forget to bring your cameras with you!
French Country Homes
LOIRE VALLEY Visit Chambord and Chenonceau Castles followed by [LF] a wine tasting. (B,D) 112 mi / 180 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Sip the very best in French wine in the picturesque French countryside along the Loire River Valley, where many stately castles dot the landscape. Hear about the history of the region that with more than 55.000 hectares of vineyards is France's longest vineyard with an annual turnover of 320 million bottles of wine.
City Lights & River Nights
PARIS Explore Paris with free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy [LF] a farewell dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city.* (B,D) 155 mi / 250 km
*Note: For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Paris program cannot be excluded.
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES What better way to celebrate your visit to France than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship, while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appetit!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
