France Magnifique
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 chAteau 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.
Call 866-547-5362 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18741320
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Duration
- 12 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Versailles | Embark on your journey through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns. |
| Day 2 | Versailles | 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. |
| Day 3 | Versailles | 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.* |
| Day 4 | Versailles | 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. |
| Day 5 | 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 MEre 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-MEre-Eglise, the first French town liberated from the Naz. Then, return to Caen. |
| Day 6 | Caen | 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. |
| Day 7 | 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. |
| Day 8 | Saint-Malo | Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with chAteaux 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 ChAteau 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 chAteau's charming terrace. This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your chAteau. |
| Day 9 | Loire Valley | Explore the spectacular ChAteau 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. |
| Day 10 | Loire Valley | 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 Ile 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. |
| Day 11 | 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 MEtro to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic SacrE-Cour 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. |
| Day 12 | Paris | Set out for home with many magnificent memories. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery - Versailles, France
- Best Western Plus Le Moderne - Caen, France
- Hotel Oceania - Saint-Malo, France
- ChAteau de Beauvois - Loire Valley, France
- Hyatt Regency Etoile - Paris, France
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
