HomeVacationsEuropeFrance8D Normandy Brittany and The Loire Valley
Overview

Insight Vacations - Enjoy the sights and sounds of France

Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II, drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry and savour a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast with sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the glistening pyramids of the Louvre to the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral.

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Paris
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Welcome to Paris

After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before enjoying a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made recipes

Meals Included: Dinner

Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville

Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings

Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach.

Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo

Journey through Bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town - it’s one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France.

A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay.

By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Villandry Experience

Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region’s delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don’t miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbage and purple basil which has been grown organically to regenerate the local ecosystem.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley

Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you’ve returned home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light

Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the ‘Acropolis of France’ by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.

From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to all the fabulous sights, including the magnificent Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Gardens bordering the facades of the Louvre. Behold the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, then travel down the Champs Élysées to Napoléon’s Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory.

For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don’t miss the chance to experience a world-famous cabaret shows.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Au Revoir Paris

Bid farewell.

Find out more about arrival and departure airport transfers with our travel consultant.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Terms and Conditions

8D Normandy Brittany and The Loire Valley
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  • Prices are per person, land tour only, based on double occupancy.
  • Tour prices displayed are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
  • For arrival and departure airport transfers: Please check with our travel consultants for details.
  • Arrival and departure airport may be different or itinerary will be run in reverse depending on departure date.
  • Itineraries presented are subject to modification due to uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary.
  • For most updated pricing and travel information, please check with our travel consultants.
  • While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the above content, UOB Travel will not be held responsible for any changes after publishing.
  • Other terms and conditions apply.

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