Small Group Tour: 2013: Normandy, Brittany & The Loire

Discover Paris in a truly original and personalised manner aboard your very own 2CV. The 2CV, the quintessential symbol of the “French touch”, thanks to its convertible, soft top roof offers a magnificent panoramic view. You will be driven by a knowledgeable, English speaking chauffeur, and discover the most famous, beautiful and elegant monuments of Paris. The capacity of the 2CV vehicles is 3. If there are more in your group additional cars will be arranged so you can travel in convoy. (Includes hotel pick up and drop off in central Paris).

Enjoy the many wonders of Paris. Consider taking a stroll down one of the many quays by the river Seine, or wandering around any of the fascinating neighbourhoods such as Montematre, the Marais or the Left bank. Of course there are a plethora of museums and galleries to choose from if you are so inclined. Consider getting a 2 Day Paris Pass that includes a Paris Transport Travel card for 2 days (zone 1-3) to see all of the sites that are of personal interest to you. The Paris Pass is a smartcard offering free access to 65 attractions in Paris such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Orsay museum, Musee Rodin, commented cruise with Bateaux Parisiens and Pompidou museum. With this pass, you have access to 22 museums, 24 historical monuments, 15 art galleries, 3 tourist attractions, 1 cruise and special offers in shops and restaurants. Please contact your Sales Advisor if you would like more details.

Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.

Meet your small group and guide at the Hotel Elysees Ceramic and depart for your Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley tour.

Departing Paris, your first stop this morning is the pretty garden and home of French Impressionist, Claude Monet, at Giverny in Normandy. Monet lived here from 1883 until his death in 1929. The gardens inspired many of his paintings including the famous Water Lilies and the Japanese Footbridge series. Explore Monet’s gardens and home before you make your way to Chateau Gaillard, for a photo stop. This 12th century medieval castle, perched high above Les Andelys, was once home to Richard the Lionheart. Admire the wonderful views overlooking the River Seine from the Castle then travel to the picturesque harbour of Honfleur, one of the best-preserved old ports in Normandy. Enjoy dinner together before you take a stroll around the old centre.

The day begins with a splendid scenic drive along the ‘Normandy Corniche’, offering spectacular views over the Normandy coastline. Renowned for its luxury resorts and attractive seafront towns you pass through Trouville and then the prestigious yachting harbour of Deauville, where you may wish to walk along the seaside boardwalk and visit the bustling port and market.

After lunch, you will pass through the charming harbour of Dives-sur-Mer, where William the Conqueror built the first part of his fleet in his attempt to invade England, before heading to Cabourg. In the 19th century Cabourg attracted the rich and famous seeking exquisite sandy beaches and an exciting atmosphere. Then drive inland to visit a manor house and estate, home to a local producer of cider and calvados, a popular local apple brandy. After a tour and an opportunity to sample these iconic Normandy products, return to Honfleur for an evening at leisure.

Depart for Bayeux and enjoy the coastal road of the Normandy Beaches, forever associated in our minds with World War II’s D-Day Landings. These beaches tell a remarkable story and it is here that you see first-hand where events of World War II unfolded. Cross Pegasus Bridge, a major tactical objective in the hours following Allied landings in Normandy, before heading to the Musée du Débarquement at Arromanches. Next is a cruise around the famous landing beaches of the area, including Omaha Beach. In the afternoon you will have time to visit the famous American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Your historic day concludes with a leisurely drive to Bayeux.

Today you have the opportunity to explore Bayeux at your leisure. This medieval town with its cobbled streets, many restaurants and museums is also home to the world famous Bayeux Tapestry which has been listed by UNESCO World Heritage. The old town has retained its Middle Age character, with the cathedral at its very heart, and the narrow streets invite the visitor to browse in the shops or to linger in the town’s many bistros. Imagine yourself sitting at one of the many sidewalk cafes with a glass of wine and a platter of regional cheese as you watch life go by.

This morning you travel across the Normandy countryside to Brittany. Today’s highlight is Mont St-Michel. Perched on a rocky islet this gothic style abbey was built between the 11th and 16th centuries and appears to rise from the surrounding waters. Continue on to Dinan, an attractive medieval town with fine old buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. You will spend this evening in Brittany where you will enjoy dinner together with your fellow travellers.

Today you travel to the verdant Loire Valley, renowned for its fairy-tale castles, historic villages and splendid food and wine. The first port of call is Angers, capital of the ancient province of Anjou, a pretty and friendly town with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France and foremost among its many notable attractions are the magnificent Cathedral and the imposing castle with its moat and soaring towers. And this afternoon you will call in at a vineyard to sample the local wines as you make your way to delightful Chinon.

Today you travel to the imposing Chateau de Villandry, the last of the great chateaux of the Loire. Built during the Renaissance, the chateau’s glorious landscaped gardens are some of the finest in France, occupying over six hectares. Next you make your way to Chateau d’Usse which reputedly inspired the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ story. On your return to Chinon you will have plenty of time to further explore this lovely town and sample local delicacies.

Departing from Chinon you have the choice of two wonderful chateaux to visit this morning, the Chateau de Chenonceau with its exceptional museum and magnificent gardens; or the Chateau de Cheverny, owned by the same family for more than six centuries and surrounded by an English-style park consisting of magnificent giant redwoods and lime trees which planted between 1820 and 1860. Then on to your overnight stop, where you will enjoy a final dinner together with your group.

A fitting climax to your last day on tour is the celebrated cathedral of Chartres, incomparable anywhere in the world for its stained glass dating from the 13th century. Old Chartres’s picturesque streets evoke the bustling activity of a medieval town of merchants and craftsmen. Return to Paris this afternoon where your tour ends.

Your Small Group Tour ends this afternoon upon arrival at Hotel Elysees Ceramic at approximately 5.30pm. Bid farewell to your Guide and fellow travellers as you close the chapter on this part of your travels.

Paris takes on a different hue at night and, with many of the magnificent buildings aglow which make it is possibly the best time to admire the beauty of the city. There are plenty of options to choose from for evening entertainment including an early evening wine tasting in a beautiful, airy Parisian loft of a French sommelier located close to the lively Marais district, a dinner cruise, a cabaret show, dinner in the Eiffel tower followed by a night-time cruise, or an evening tour of the city with many of the historical buildings aglow.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.