Paris, the Loire Valley, and Normandy

A private transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your Paris hotel upon arrival. When you arrive in the morning, an expert local guide will help orient your tour. Your guide will contact you via WhatsApp before arrival to discuss itinerary options.

On this day, a private or small group walking tour through Le Marais 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 group tour of historic Île de la Cité. See the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore and view the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, which is now under restoration. The tour includes skip-the-line access to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, featuring its stunning 13th-century stained glass and Marie Antoinette’s prison cell. End the tour at the Conciergerie, the former royal palace and prison where Marie-Antoinette spent her final days.

Spend your day exploring Paris at your own leisure. After breakfast, you may choose to join a small-group bike tour of Versailles or spend the day discovering Paris on your own. If you opt for the bike tour, ride through the Versailles estate, visit Marie Antoinette’s private retreat, enjoy a picnic with local produce, and uncover hidden corners with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

In the afternoon, you can join a small group guided tour of Versailles, see historical sites, and explore the beautiful gardens; skip the long lines by traveling with an organized group; tour the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Chapel; or take round-trip transportation from the central Paris meeting point.

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 direct access to the Eiffel Tower 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!

Know before you go to the Eiffel Tower:
Even with direct access, security checks and summit elevator lines may require waiting. The Eiffel Tower tour is not guided, and your host will accompany you until the ticket scan; then make your way up to the summit, exploring independently. Summit access may occasionally be unavailable due to maintenance or technical issues; refunds or discounts are not guaranteed.

In the evening, you can choose an optional excursion 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.

On this day, 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.

After breakfast, discover Tours independently. You have an option to ride an e-bike to Chambord. Visit Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed property and the jewel of the Renaissance. Visit Château de Villesavin, a charming family property, or ride through the lush Forest of Chambord.

Alternatively, join a small group or private tour with a local guide and discover two of the Loire Valley's most prestigious castles in one day: the impressive Château de Chambord and the stunning Château de Chenonceau. 
 

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

You have an option to visit Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry in a classic car. The highlights of the tour: A chauffeur-driven private tour in a classic Citroen car, visit two iconic Loire Valley chateaux, an in-depth discovery of the life of the servants as well as aristocrats, explore the world-renowned gardens of Villandry, and a deep dive into Renaissance as well as WW2 history

Alternatively, you can join a guided tour of the chateaux of Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. Visit the beautiful Château de Azay-le-Rideau, enjoy a guided tour of the unique gardens at Château de Villandry, and experience the French art de vivre in outstanding surroundings.

In the afternoon, 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.

Spend your day exploring Normandy independently. In the morning, you can book a private expert guide and explore the scenic landscapes around the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site Mont Saint Michel on e-bikes or take a 3-hour visit to Mont Saint Michel.

During your visit, discover 13 centuries of history while touring the abbey and taking in breathtaking views of the bay. After seeing the abbey, spend some time shopping for presents for loved ones and exploring the nearby town.

Join 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.