Normandy WWII beaches, the Loire river banks & Paris

Normandy : Jump into the Real France

• Your itinerary starts in Paris where we recommend you pick up the rental car at the airport. From here, drive about 3 hours and you’ll be quickly immersed in Norman history.
• Your first B&B is a lovely house, located in downtown Bayeux, a few minutes walk to the Cathedral, the tapestry, the restaurants and shops. From here, you are within reach of all the D-Day sites and museums: from Sainte Mère Eglise to Ouistreham, Isigny, Pointe du Hoc, the artificial port of Arromanches or the Caen Memorial. 
• Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance and the Normandy countryside might be less famous but is certainly worth a detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the apple brandy traditional manufacturers . . . and of course the cheeses. A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese! To get familiar with Norman gastronomy, we have planned for you a cooking class with Brigitte. She will welcome you in her home where you’ll prepare a 3 course meal that you will savor for lunch. A fun experience!

Mont Saint Michel

• A place you won't want to miss is the Mont Saint Michel: this sumptuous abbey stands on a tiny island in the middle of a bay and is truly the “8th Wonder of the Western world." It is well worth a visit. You'll spend 2 nights in a gorgeous castle surrounded by a magnificent park, 30 minute drive and across the bay from the famous village. This is a unique occasion to really feel what the "vie de château" truly is!
• Discover the famous Mont Saint Michel with a local guide on a barefoot walk in the bay, around the site. An original and great way to experience this very touristy site away from the biggest tourist crowds. 
• We’ll also recommend some typical Breton towns in the area, for you to get a feel for the French Brittany.

The Loire Valley: Strolls & Discoveries

• On your way from the Mont Saint Michel to the Loire Valley, we’ll provide you with all details to visit the old city of Le Mans, where French history is at every corner.
• The Loire Valley will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy. You will stay for 4 nights in a lively town where Joan of Arc met her future King of France. Your cozy B&B is right at the foot of the medieval fortress and at night you can walk to all the restaurants and wine bars or have your own romantic picnic on the river banks. 
• You can also wander off the beaten path into tiny villages dotted along the Vienne and Loire rivers and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets that we have tested for you. Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned for you to discover some local wines with a wine maker. She will take you to her vineyards and explain about vine growing, then you will go to her cellar so you can taste some wines (sparkling and still), together with some local food products.  

Ah . . . Paris!

• End your French journey living the Parisian life! For 3 nights, you will be comfortably accommodated in a very cosy 4* boutique-hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, 10 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. 
• You will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties. One day, you’ll explore the city with a local Parisian guide, biking around its most famous buildings.
• We have also prepared for you different itineraries to explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation. 
• You will also walk along the Seine and journey through 2,000 years of Paris history on an immersive guided tour featuring more than 15 virtual reality scenes.

A great overview of Northern France !