Classic France: Paris, the Loire Valley, and Normandy

A private transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your Paris hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, an expert local guide will meet you and provide a welcome orientation. 

In the morning, enjoy a private or small-group walking tour through Le Marais, one of Paris' oldest quarters, that combines food tastings with local history. Visit the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges (est. 1605) to sample fresh fish, oysters, cheeses, cured meats, and regional delicacies. The tour includes stops for wine, pastries, chocolates, and other sweet and savory surprises, guided by a local expert.

In the afternoon, join a guided 2-hour small group tour of historic Île de la Cité. With an expert guide and skip-the-line tickets, begin by admiring the Gothic splendor of Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its radiant stained-glass windows and the former home of sacred relics like the Crown of Thorns. Then continue to the Conciergerie, once Paris’s first royal palace and later a grim prison during the French Revolution. Explore its vaulted Gothic halls and reconstructed cells, including the one that held Marie-Antoinette before her execution. This tour does not include entry to Notre Dame Cathedral, but it will provide history about the iconic landmark. If you would like to enter, you can reserve your skip-the-line entry slot the day before your visit.

After breakfast, head out on your chosen way to explore Versailles today. Discuss the following options in advance with your trip planner to determine the best fit for you.

Option 1: Exploring Versailles by Bike
Spend a full day exploring Versailles. In the morning, take the train to join a small-group guided bike tour of Versailles and the grounds of the palace. Pedal leisurely through 2,000 acres of picturesque landscapes, pausing every 15 minutes to uncover intriguing historical anecdotes about Louis the 14th (the Sun King) and Marie-Antoinette. Your bike tour is followed by a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the palace. Complete your full-day adventure on foot on a self-guided visit inside the Palace with an audio guide. Explore the lavish rooms at your own pace, immersing yourself in the stories and splendor of this iconic landmark, before heading outside to stroll through the famous French gardens attached to the palace. 

Option 2: Small Group Guided Tour of Versailles
Opt for a relaxed free morning before heading out in the afternoon on a guided small-group tour to Versailles. Step into the splendor of French royalty and explore the palace’s most iconic spaces, including the lavish State Apartments, the Queen’s Bedroom, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Gallery of Battles. A knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories of Louis XIV and the court, highlighting the palace’s intricate design, artworks by Le Brun, and portraits of its former residents. After the guided tour, wander the exquisite “à la française” gardens at your own pace, soaking in the symmetry, fountains, and sculpted landscapes before heading back to Paris.

In the morning, join a small-group guided tour of the Louvre. Skip the lines and discover highlights like the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, neoclassical French paintings, and Italian Renaissance masterpieces. See jeweled crowns, Greek statues, and the iconic Mona Lisa. Take advantage of the free time after the tour to explore the museum at your own leisure.

In the afternoon, enjoy access to the Eiffel Tower with skip-the-line tickets and admire the panoramic views from the top. Explore the different levels at your own leisure and see landmarks like the Louvre, La Défense, the Pompidou Museum, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. On your way down, take in the many exciting activities on the first floor. Test your courage by walking on the glass floor!

Please Note: Even with skip-the-line tickets, security checks and summit elevator lines may require waiting. The Eiffel Tower tour is not guided, and your host will accompany you. 

In the evening, you can choose between a dinner cruise on the Seine or a dinner show at the Moulin Rouge. The Seine cruise takes place on the first 100% electric boat, offering stunning views of Paris by night and a gourmet 4-course meal by chef Jean-Philippe Berens. Alternatively, enjoy an unforgettable evening at the iconic Moulin Rouge with a performance of Féerie. Witness 100 artists, including 60 Doris Girls, in dazzling costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. Dinner at the show is a choice of two menus, as well as champagne or soft drinks. 

Today, take the train from Paris's Gare Montparnasse station to Tours in the Loire Valley, which takes just over an hour. Upon arrival, take public transport or a tram to reach your accommodation. Enjoy your stay at this highly rated, charming guest house or homestay that features five peaceful guest rooms in a residential area north of the city, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

In the morning, join a small-group culinary walking tour of medieval Tours with a passionate local guide. Visit Les Halles market, bakeries, wine caves, and local spots, sampling over 10 regional specialties including oysters, cheese, charcuterie, nougat, chocolate, and wine. The tour includes six tasting stops and ends with a goodie bag—no need for a separate lunch.

In the afternoon, join a small group (max. 8) or a private Loire Valley vineyard tour. Departing from Tours by minibus, visit a family-run estate in the Vouvray region. Explore the vineyards and vat room with the owner and taste a range of Chenin Blanc wines—dry, sweet, and sparkling. Continue to a troglodyte wine cellar by the Loire River to learn about the méthode traditionnelle. Your guide will walk you through tasting techniques and wine aromas.

Today, choose from two exciting tour options to explore the Loire Valley:

Option 1: e-Bike day tour to Chambord
Spend the day exploring the Loire Valley on a small-group e-bike tour through the Forest of Chambord. Begin with a scenic ride beneath century-old trees before arriving at the iconic Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of its grand rooms, followed by free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, cycle to the lesser-known Château de Villesavin, a historic family estate linked to Chambord’s construction. After a relaxed visit and a taste of local specialties, return to Tours.

• Cycling Level: Easy
• Distance: 25 km
• Elevation: Low

Option 2: Chambord, Chenonceau, and lunch at the chateau
Alternatively, experience two of the Loire Valley’s most iconic castles on this small-group or private day tour with a local guide. Explore the grand Château de Chambord and the elegant Château de Chenonceau, learning about the lives of French kings and queens through engaging stories and historical insights. Enjoy panoramic views and a more personal experience away from the crowds. A highlight of the day is a traditional French lunch at a privately owned château, where you’ll meet the resident countess and tour her family’s historic home.
 

On this day, enjoy a free day exploring the iconic chateaux of the Loire Valley, independently or with an expert guide.

You have two choices for visiting Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau today:

Option 1: Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry in a classic car
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Tours by your private guide for a full-day excursion. A chauffeur-driven private tour in a classic Citroen car will take you to visit two iconic Loire Valley chateaux. On an in-depth tour of Azay-le-Rideau, learn all about the lives of the servants as well as the aristocratic owners of the chateau, as well as its checkered and fascinating history. After an independent lunch, continue to Villandry. Here, explore the world-renowned gardens and take a deep dive into WW2 history.

Option 2: Morning tour to Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau
Alternatively, you can join a morning half-day guided tour of the chateaux of Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. Begin at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance gem set on the River Indre, known for its elegant architecture and unique “ramp on ramp” staircase. Hear stories of royalty, intrigue, and passion as your guide brings its history to life. Continue to Château de Villandry, famous for its beautifully maintained formal gardens. Stroll through the ornamental vegetable plots, water features, and maze, and enjoy views from hidden corners before returning to Tours around 1:30 p.m.

To end your day, this evening, visit the iconic Château de Chenonceau, known as the “ladies’ castle” for its rich history and graceful architecture spanning the River Cher. Then, take to the skies on a magical twilight hot-air balloon flight over the Loire Valley. Admire Chenonceau’s Gothic turrets reflected in the water and spot local wildlife such as herons, deer, and hares. This unforgettable aerial experience offers a poet’s view of one of France’s most beautiful landscapes

After breakfast, take the train from Tours central station to Bayeux. The journey takes a little over four hours with a change in Caen. Upon arrival, take public transport to your guest apartment in the center of Bayeux. 

La Paresse en Ville is a charming accommodation and stylish boutique guesthouse just outside the historic center of Bayeux in Normandy. Set in a beautifully restored manor with lush gardens, this peaceful retreat blends classic French charm with modern comfort.

Today, you can choose to spend the day exploring Bayeux on a private e-bike tour from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel or take a private tour in Mont Saint-Michel.

Option 1: Guided e-bike tour around Mont Saint Michel
On a guided e-bike tour from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel, travel a 1.5-hour drive, receive a quick briefing on how to utilize your e-bikes, and cycle quiet backroads through the Normandy countryside with your expert local guide. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint-Michel on your own for up to three hours after arrival, or pre-arrange a guided tour of the site with your Trip Planner. After a scenic and enriching day, return to your hotel in Bayeux.

Option 2: Day tour to Mont-Saint-Michel
Set off on a private day trip from Bayeux to the legendary Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks. After a scenic 1-hour and 45-minute drive, arrive at this striking island crowned by a dramatic abbey, perched above the tides of one of Europe’s largest bays. With your expert guide, uncover over 13 centuries of history—from its founding in 708 as a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Michael, to its role as a medieval center of pilgrimage and learning, and later, its transformation into a notorious prison during the French Revolution. 

Choose either a small-group or private full-day D-Day tour with an expert guide focused on the U.S. landing sites in Normandy. See the American Cemetery close by and Omaha Beach, where the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions landed. Explore Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled the cliffs and visited Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated by American paratroopers. Walk Utah Beach, where Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. led the charge. End the day at Angoville-au-Plain Church, where two medics heroically treated wounded soldiers. Return to Bayeux after a powerful and moving experience.

On this guided private or small-group foodie tour, your local driver-guide will take you through the picturesque Normandy countryside and the charming villages of the Pays d'Auge. Along the way, enjoy tastings of regional specialties and learn about the area's rich culinary traditions, architecture, and history.

The tour begins in Beuvron-en-Auge, one of France’s most beautiful villages, offering fantastic photo opportunities amid its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. From Beuvron-en-Auge, continue to the elegant seaside resort of Deauville, where your guide will share its rich and glamorous history. Then head to Pont-l’Évêque for lunch at the renowned La Clé de Sole restaurant (payable directly).

In the afternoon, visit a local farm for a tasting of Normandy’s four signature cheeses, each paired with regional ciders. Then follow scenic country roads to Honfleur for a stop at the Christian Drouin Distillery and a tasting of their renowned Calvados apple brandy. Return to Bayeux by around 5:00 PM after a flavorful and enriching day.

Your visit to France ends with a smooth onward journey. Your hotel can arrange a taxi to the rail station. E-tickets will be provided for hassle-free travel to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Note: For train tickets and seat reservations, please contact your trip planner.