Normandy & the Loire Valley: French Must-Sees

The Loire Valley

• From Paris or CDG airport you will get the rental car and drive about 3hrs to the Loire region. We will plan for a nice stop on the way. 
• The Loire Valley will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy. 
• You will stay for 3 nights in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming Hosts know very well this region and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitive in the underground vaulted cellar - an out-of-time experience!
• Discover Chinon medieval town with Anne, a private guide, who will have you walk on Joan or Arc's footsteps. 
• You can also wander off the beaten path into tiny villages stretched along the Vienne and Loire rivers and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets we have tested for you.
• Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Amboise and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting in a wine estate near your B&B. 

Normandy : Mont Saint Michel

• On your from the Loire Valley, stop over for a night near Mont Saint Michel: this ancient beautiful abbey sitting on top of a tidal island in the middle of Mont Saint Michel Bay. A true wonder! 
• Stay in a gorgeous castle from the 18th century 20 minute drive to the famous village. Your welcoming Hosts own the place for several generations and you'll really feel what the "vie de château" looks like. 

Normandy : D Day Landing area

• Spend the following 2 nights in a lovely house, located in downtown Bayeux, a few minutes walk to the Cathedral, the tapestry, the restaurants and shops. Jump into the local history.
• Many remains of the WWII landings are still visible everywhere and you can quickly access Omaha and Juno landing beaches as well as the artificial port of Arromanches.
• You will spend a full day with a private guide on the landing sites. He will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests. A must do to better understand what happened on D-Day. 

Giverny : Monet's town

• Your journey ends in Giverny, for an overnight stay in a gorgeous mansion, 2 miles from Monet house, in the orchards. This tiny unchanged village takes you back to the 19th century when the great painter Claude Monet created a new art movement: impressionism.
• Monet's gardens are beautifully maintained, exactly as they were when Monet painted them. We include in this itinerary a cut-the-line ticket that enables you to avoid the wait at Monet’s house and gardens.
•  You are only a 1hr drive to Paris car return or to CDG Airport, very convienient to end your trip or for a next step.

History, culture, gastronomy, "the sweet life", this is France!