Paris, Normandy, & Châteaux Country

(waitlisted)

9 days from Paris to Paris
Private and personally escorted by Joy, April 27-May 5, 2024

Vacation overview

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-colored 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.

Itinerary: 

Day 1   ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE

Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Day 2   PARIS

J’adore Paris PARIS Free time this morning followed by guided sightseeing that features the Arc de Triomphe, les Champs-Elysées and a visit to the Courtyard of Les Invalides. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHT 
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tempting shops of the Champs-Élysées or the irresistible charms of a corner café, our hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please.

Day 3   PARIS–GIVERNY–ROUEN–DEAUVILLE

A Big Impression GIVERNY  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. 
149 mi / 240 km

LOCAL FAVORITE 
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.

Day 4   DEAUVILLE–NORMANDY BEACHES–CAEN

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 and the Canada House at Juno Beach.
CAEN Dinner at your hotel. 
112 mi / 180 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.

Day 5   CAEN–BAYEUX–MONT ST. MICHEL

Tapestries & Tides BAYEUX Visit Queen Matilda’s tapestry museum. Free time to browse.
MONT ST. MICHEL Guided visit at the abbey. 
99 mi / 160 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.

Day 6   MONT ST. MICHEL–ANGERS–LOIRE VALLEY

French Treasures & Views ANGERS See the medieval castle and take a scenic drive en route to the Loire Valley. 
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!

Day 7   LOIRE VALLEY. EXCURSION TO CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY

French Country Homes LOIRE VALLEY Visit Chambord and Chenonceau Castles followed by  a wine tasting. 
112 mi / 180 km

LOCAL FAVORITE 
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.

Day 8   LOIRE VALLEY–PARIS

City Lights & River Nights PARIS Explore Paris with free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy  a farewell dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city. 
155 mi / 250 km

LOCAL FAVORITE 
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!

Day 9   PARIS

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.