Jewels of France including Normandy
9 Days from $1,130 per person
Centuries of French heritage can be traced on this journey through the valleys and vineyards of the north to the Loire Valley and majestic Paris. Visit Joan of Arc's Rouen, the fairytale Chenonceau château and D-Day landing beach at Omaha.
Overview
Centuries of French heritage can be traced on this journey through the valleys and vineyards of the north to the Loire Valley and majestic Paris. Visit Joan of Arc's Rouen, the fairytale Chenonceau château and D-Day landing beach at Omaha.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Paris
Welcome to Paris. On arrival to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8am, 11am and 2pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. After a welcome meeting with your Travel Director, there is time to relax and explore this beautiful city. Consider an evening tour to Montmartre, an area full of charm and character.
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Day 3: Paris – Rouen – Honfleur – Deauville
This morning arrive in the medieval town of Rouen, famous for its association with Joan of Arc. View the Cathedral before continuing north to Honfleur. Stop here to explore the picturesque port town. Arrive later at your Normandy hotel in Deauville, the elegant resort renowned for its racecourse, harbor and international film festival. -
Day 4: Deauville – D-Day Landing Beaches – Mont St. Michel – Rennes
Travel to the historic D-Day Landing beach and the American cemetery at Omaha Beach. Then continue your journey to visit Mont St. Michel and view the abbey. Later arrive in the capital of the Brittany region, Rennes, once the parliamentary, administrative and garrison city for the Kingdom of France after the French Revolution. Explore the historic town center of Rennes or perhaps take a stroll in Parc du Thabor. -
Day 5: Rennes – Tours (2 Nights)
Continue your journey through scenic countryside to the Loire Valley. Spanning 280km this area is famed for its natural beauty and abundance of vineyard, fruit orchards and asparagus fields lining the banks of the Loire River. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your hotel in the largest city for a two night stay. -
Day 6: Loire Valley Sightseeing
Explore the beauty and scenery of the Loire Valley during a sightseeing drive of this popular and picturesque part of France. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. -
Day 7: Tours – Chenonceau – Chambord – Paris (2 Nights)
Your Local Specialist takes you on a fascinating visit to Chenonceau, a fairytale château built across the River Cher, home to priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture. Your journey continues through verdant countryside. View the splendid Château de Chambord before returning to Paris. This evening consider an Optional Experience to a Parisian cabaret. -
Day 8: Paris Orientation and Free Time
This morning your sightseeing tour features views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. -
Day 9: Depart Paris
Say ‘au revoir' to Paris, your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a memorable vacation in France. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 8am and 11.30am. Conditions apply.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 May 18 | 2 Jun 18 |
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$1,275pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 8 Jun 18 | 16 Jun 18 |
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$1,150pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Jul 18 | 14 Jul 18 | $1,275pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 20 Jul 18 | 28 Jul 18 | $1,130pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 17 Aug 18 | 25 Aug 18 | $1,130pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 31 Aug 18 | 8 Sep 18 | $1,150pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 14 Sep 18 | 22 Sep 18 |
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$1,150pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 5 Oct 18 | 13 Oct 18 |
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$1,150pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $340.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $78 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport transfers will operate at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm. Guests arriving later should
make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8 am and 11:30 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
7 Buffet breakfast, 2 Three course dinners, .
Sightseeing Highlights
- Sightseeing includes views of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower
- View the cathedral
- Visit this picturesque port
- Visit the D-Day Landing beach of Omaha
- Visit the island town and view the abbey
- Visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist. View the Château at Chambord
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in France is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in France, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in France. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from. And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.
Wine is the most popular drink in France and is consumed at both lunch and dinner. Coffee is generally served black, unless a café au lait or café crème (with milk) is requested. For a simple and inexpensive lunch or snack, stop by a local bakery or food cart for a baguette au jambon (ham sandwich), crêpes, or a buckwheat galette filled with melted gruyère cheese and mushrooms. Many restaurants also offer a simple three course menu at a reasonable price.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
In France, a 15% service compris is included by law in the price of food and drink. Tipping in addition to this service charge is never expected, but always appreciated. If you’d like to leave something extra, keep in mind that even in the fanciest restaurants, people rarely tip more than 5-10%. A good rule of thumb is to leave an extra €1 for every €20 spent. Rather than adding gratuity to your credit card slip, leave coins in the tray where the check was presented to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Paris
Montmartre Village And Artists' Square
Adult Price: €37.00 | Child Price: €44.00
Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, you’ll join your Local Specialist to explore Montmartre’s winding streets, unusual galleries and world famous Artist’s Square - once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. You’ll have time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, for a real flavour of Montmartre life.
Loire Valley
Dinner In The Loire Valley
Adult Price: €66.00 | Child Price: €55.00
Santé. Toast our new-found friends as we enjoy a typical French meal in an atmospheric Old World setting. Drinks are included.
Amboise
In The Footsteps Of Leonardo Da Vinci
Adult Price: €39.00 | Child Price: €55.00
Visit the Manor house and gardens where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years, preserved much as he left them on his death almost 500 years ago. Your guided tour culminates in a display of Leonardo's most extraordinary inventions - from submarines to helicopters.
Paris
Notre Dame And Latin Quarter
Adult Price: €33.00 | Child Price: €55.00
A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterwards, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
Tours
The Renaissance Castle and Gardens of Villandry
Adult Price: €43.00 | Child Price: €55.00
A jewel of the Renaissance nestled on the banks of the Loire, your Local Specialist transports you back to the 16th century as you discover the chateau’s stunning interior. Next, we’ll enjoy VIP entry to the Loire Valley’s best-kept secret; the avant-garde magnificence of France’s most beautiful gardens as you stroll through the Gardens of Sun, Water, Music and Love.
Paris
Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations
Adult Price: €38.00 | Child Price: €55.00
Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we’ll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Paris
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €162.00 | Child Price: €55.00
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Paris
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €139.00 | Child Price: €55.00
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you’ll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment – including the world-famous Can-Can.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
