Heritage, Wine & Back Roads

Get a taste of the real France in very typical regions famous for their cultural heritage as well as their sweet way of life.

PARIS

• Start your French journey living the Parisian life! For 3 nights, you will be comfortably accommodated in a charming boutique-hotel in a quiet street of the bustling Marais district. You will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
• Being based less than a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, we have prepared for you different itineraries to explore Paris by foot, by boat, or using public transportation. One day, you’ll leave Paris to enjoy an English guided tour of the King’s apartments at Versailles castle.

• On the fourth morning, you will pick up the rental car near your hotel and drive 3 hours to Normandy.

NORMANDY

• The second leg of your journey takes you for 2 nights in Bayeux area. Let us take you to a medieval 11th century manor located very near Bayeux. You will be warmly welcomed by your hostess and get a real feel for the medieval times - while enjoying all the modern comfort. A great experience!
• The landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) are all easily accesible from this base camp. To help you better understand the events of the Battle of Normandy and bring them to life, we have planned a guided tour with a specialist in WWII history. You will visit all the main landing sites and learn in detail about what happened here on D-Day.
• Normandy's back country might not be advertised abroad but is really worth the detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the traditional apple brandy production, and of course the cheese! A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese! If you prefer the seaside, you can visit Honfleur, a picturesque and colorful little harbor town.

• A place you won't want to miss is Mont Saint Michel: this sumptuous abbey standing on a tiny island in the middle of a bay is truly the “8th wonder of the Western world” and is well worth a visit. You'll spend an overnight stay in a lovely Bed & Breakfast across the Bay from Mont Saint Michel. Your welcoming Hosts will be happy to answer your questions and tell you about their region. They own a typical Norman stone house, surrounded by fields where racehorses are being raised and trained... a local specialty.

THE LOIRE VALLEY

• On your way from Mont Saint Michel to the Loire Valley, we’ll provide all the details you need to visit the old city of Le Mans, where you'll find French history on every corner.
• Spend the last 3 nights of your journey in a restored tuffeau house in a green valley between Amboise and Chenonceau. Your hosts know the Loire Valley inside out and can give you tips on finding attraction that tourists usually miss. Your hostess will also cook a delicious dinner one night. 
• Located on the south bank of the Loire River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of the main Loire Valley landmarks and castles. Experience the real French "good life" strolling around peaceful villages on market days. Included in this itinerary is a bike rental for a day. You will explore, at your own pace, several villages and castles such as Langeais and Villandry. No worries; the road along the Loire river is totally flat!
• In the nearby historic city of Amboise enjoy a very special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste five different wines – some of them very old - accompanied by delicious local cheeses or cold cuts. If you prefer not to drive immediately after the tasting we can recommend either good restaurants or a good teahouse where the pastries are wonderful.

On your last day, you will drive back to Paris airport. If needed, we can also organize an overnight stay near the airport.

 This is a good way to get acquainted with Northern France in a short amount of time.