Northern France Must Sees & Hidden Beauties

Burgundy - La Bourgogne

• As you will probably arrive at CDG airport, we have planned for you to pick up your rental car at the airport. It can be another location based on where you arrive in France. From Paris, drive 3 hours to Burgundy. We will recommend a very nice resting stop on your way.
• You will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by a vast park in Côtes de Nuits vineyards. 
• We will provide you with the detailed itineraries you need to discover the authentic and charming region of Burgundy. This region is much more than its vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region. 
• In the Burgundy countryside near Nuits-Saint-Georges, visit a 17th-century family-owned blackcurrant farm, learn about their traditional know-how and taste some of their original blackcurrant specialties.
• Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a very lively modern city and full of charm. Taste some local cheese, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune from the cellars to the ramparts.
• One day, let Alex, a local guide, take you on a nice walk in the vineyards of Meursault to better understand Burgundy wines from the vine culture to the glass. You will end this afternoon with the visit of a family-owned winery you could not visit on your own, and taste 5 of their wines. 

The Loire Valley hidden beauties

• On the 4^th day, you will drive about 4 hours to get to the Southern Loire Valley. You will reside for 4 nights in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming hosts know this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. If you wish, you can have diner at the B&B. Located on the south banks of the Vienne River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of Chinon and Saumur, beautiful historic cities.
• One day, let Anne take on you on Joan of Arc's footsteps in Chinon medieval city and dicover its amazing history and architecture on a private tour. 
• On the 8^th day, you will move to the Northern Loire Valley. Stay for 3 nights in a gorgeous Renaissance castle . . . the perfect place to explore the "castle country" in a very romantic setting.
• Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting for you. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local specialties....and commented by the owner himself!

Normandy : the Mont Saint Michel

• On the 11^th day, you will be on your way to the Mont Saint Michel!
• Spend 2 nights in a 19th century typical stone Normandy home surrounded by a lovely garden, located 20 minutes from the famous Mont Saint Michel.
  Here, you will enjoy a peaceful environment - away from the touristy crowds, in a home decorated around nostalgic roses, engravings, and Indonesian furniture. 
  The property is surrounded by a lovely garden where you can relax, and it is walking distance from several restaurants. 
• We will give you tips to discover this very touristy site while avoiding most of the crowds.

Normandy: from Bayeux to Giverny

• Continue your trip nearby, in Bayeux, the heart of the Calvados region. Spend 4 nights in a very old mansion downtown Bayeux, at a stone throw from the gorgeous Cathedral. You will be walking distance to all shops and restaurants and enjoy this lovely typical French town. 
• From here, you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc), Caen and the typical fishing ports.
• The Normandy back country might not be advertised abroad but is much worth a detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the apple brandy traditional manufactures . . . and of course the cheese. A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheeses!
• Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance. Honfleur really deserves a visit for its picturesque harbor and art galleries, and Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, its horse track and luxury cars. This part of Normandy is also famous for its seafood, especially scallops from Port en Bessin and oysters from Asnelles.
• On day 17, visit Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, on your way back to Paris. We have included in this itinerary cut-the-line tickets to avoid waiting to enter.

Paris landmarks

• You will drop off the rental car downtown Paris at the nearest agency to your hotel and then become a pedestrian traveler to explore the city of lights.
• For the last 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in an intimate 10 room 4* boutique-hotel in the lively Saint Germain des Prés, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
• For a half-day, follow a private guide in the heart of Paris to get oriented and learn more about the history, art, culture or architecture. We will taylor make your program based on your wishes. 
• Being based less than 5 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have planned for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the city so you’ll know where to take a break.
• On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.

This is "la belle France" !