From the Beaches of Normandy to the Castles of the Loire Valley

You arrive in Paris Roissy CDG and pick-up your rental car at the airport. Drive to Bayeux (approx. 300 km/3 hours).

On the way to Normandy, you can make a stop in Giverny, to visit the bucolic Gardens and House of Claude Monet, the famous Impressionist painter. The artist gardener sought to transform a simple orchard into a magnificent and colorful garden: Japanese cherry trees, flowerbeds of nasturtiums, tulips and roses, this is an explosion of colors for each season (from April to October)! 

Arrive in Bayeux in the afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Two cross-Channel invasions, almost 900 years apart, gave Bayeux a front-row seat at defining moments in Western History. Bayeux was the first French town to be liberated (on the morning of June 7, 1944) and is one of the few places in Calvados to have survived WWII practically unscathed. A very attractive and historic town, Bayeux makes an ideal base for exploring the D-Day beaches and is full of 13th- to 18th-century buildings plus a fine Gothic cathedral.

This morning, go for a 2-hour private visit of Bayeux. You admire its medieval architecture as well as the lace and porcelain that made the richness of Bayeux. The Museum of Art and History relates to perfection these aspects in a modern setting. To end this guided tour, you visit the world-renowned Bayeux Tapestry Museum to rediscover the history of the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror.

Drive to the nearby city of Caen (approx. 30 km/30 min), and start with the moving visit of the Memorial War Museum. Located in the immediate vicinity of the D-Day Landing beaches, the Memorial of Caen visitor center is among the essential sites focusing on the Battle of Normandy and the history of the 20th century. From the origins of the WWII to the end of the Cold War, museographical displays tell this terrible side of the history of the 20th century. 

According time available, you make a short city tour of Caen.

Caen is one of Normandy's most important cities and is a delightful small town to visit. The home

town of William the Conqueror, hero of the Battle of Hastings of 1066, Caen was vital for the D-Day and the Normandy Landings in World War II. 

Optional: 2-hour private Segway tour in Caen, a funny and original way to visit this small city! 

Drive back to Bayeux at the end of the day.

No doubt our best American tour!

You cover a large area, stopping to visit all the major sites in the U.S sector (we propose a similar full day tour dedicated to the Canadian and UK sector, please ask). You discover the extraordinary actions of the paratroopers in Sainte Mere-l’Eglise and the Airborne Museum. You also go to Utah Beach where the U.S 4th Division landed. During the day, you can discuss a lot of subjects about the war (from the German occupation to the French Resistance) and your guide shares with you many soldiers’ stories. 

After a quick stop at the German Cemetery, you visit Pointe du Hoc. This German battery attacked by the U.S Rangers will put you right in the atmosphere: the beach, the cliff, the bunkers, the bomb craters... and your guide makes sure to stop at the best-known Bloody Omaha.

Four miles long, no picture or movie has yet done it justice. A second stop at Omaha is the heartbreaking U.S Cemetery, for yet another perspective of the beach from the high ground. Your guide gives you time on your own at the end, to either stay longer in the cemetery or save time for the Visitor Center.

Your driver-guide brings you back to Bayeux at the end of the day. 

This morning, you say goodbye to Normandy and hit the road to Mont St Michel during your romantic getaway (approx. 120km/1.5 hour). 

Park your car and meet with your private guide for a 2-hour visit of this iconic monument. 

This granite rocky islet living at the rhythm of the most important tides in Europe was elected as prayers place after the Archangel Michael's appearance. Its construction has changed a lot through the centuries: from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, various styles have mingled. Religious and military architectures have combined to make it all unique to such an extent that it could even be considered as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

After your visit, you continue your way to the Loire Valley (approx. 350 km /4 hours). We usually recommend to stay in Amboise, as it’s a convenient place to visit the whole region. 

The Loire Valley is brimming with ideas for excursions: the region's many treasures are just waiting to reveal all their secrets, whether you come for a day, a weekend or longer holidays. Amboise, architectural jewel of the Renaissance, dips its majestic silhouette into the Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage river. A place of residence for the French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries, its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France. Numerous literary figures and artists were invited there, like Leonardo da Vinci whose tomb is preserved at the chateau.

You have time at leisure this morning to visit Amboise and its two jewels: The Château Royal and the Clos Lucé. 

The Château Royal is the expression of French-style luxury. From its balconies, its roofs and its terraced gardens, visitors can take in the Loire landscapes and delight in what the kings enjoyed. The Clos Lucé - last home of Leonardo da Vinci - invites you to share the world of the Italian genius. There is a collection of fifty models made from the Master's drawings, giant machines, and a reconstruction of the “Garden of Leonardo”.

In the afternoon, you make a short drive to Tours, and meet your guide for a small group vineyard tour to Vouvray. Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit two superb estates of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area!

Your driver-guide brings you back to Amboise at the end of the day. 

Today you discover and visit 2 most prestigious castles in one great full day tour (approx. 9 hours): impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. 

Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned chateau still inhabited by the family. 

So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance!

Enjoy the famous French art de vivre with this delightful morning tour including the visit of the elegant must-see Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens (small group / approx. 4.5 hours). Your local expert shares all his knowledge of these gardens « à la française », and shows you hidden corners from where you get the best views of this remarkable site. The ornamental kitchen garden, the maze, the classical water garden...Don't miss any details! 

After a short drive, enjoy the amazing sight unfolding in front of you and discover the Chateau de L’Islette, a private chateau still inhabited by a French family who inherited this historical monument. Be prepared for a very unusual visit, as your guide takes you to all the rooms of the house, including the most intimate ones like the parents’ bedroom, the kids’ corner, the family kitchen and even the bathrooms! If you are lucky, you may even get the chance to meet your charming French hosts and chat about their daily life in this 21st century chateau!  A real genuine experience!

After your visit, you share a friendly moment with your guide who sets up for you a lovely French aperitif, near the bank of the river, in the park of the chateau. Enjoy a Loire wine, perfectly matching a selection of tasty local products... An amazing experience you will never forget! 

Your driver-guide brings you back to Amboise at the end of the morning. 

Afternoon at leisure for your personal discovery of the Loire Valley.

Early in the morning, you head to Paris Roissy CDG airport (approx. 250 km/3 hours) and drop off your rental car. Proceed to the departure terminal with the shuttle and catch your international flight back to your destination.