Northern France Must Sees & Hidden Beauties

This is the best itinerary to thoroughly discover the Northern part of France: from the Burgundy vineyards to the Loire Valley castles, Normandy WWII history…ending in the worldwide famous capital of France: Paris.

BURGUNDY

• As you will probably arrive at CDG airport, we have planned for you to pick up the rental car at the airport. It can be another location based on where you’ll arrive in France. From Paris, drive 3 hours to Burgundy. We will recommend a very nice resting stop on your way.
• In Burgundy, located 100m from the famous Hospices, right next to the Beaune ramparts, you will stay for 3 nights in a B&B, a tastefully restored toll-house dating back to the Middle Ages when people had to pay to enter the city. Enjoy being able to walk everywhere staying in a quiet townhouse nestled in a cool garden. We'll tell you where to go for the best wine tasting in Beaune. After that, you can savor a traditional Burgundy meal or buy a picnic at the market and sunbathe in the park close by.
• We will provide you with all 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. 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 cheeses, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune from cellars to ramparts.
• For the "Gourmets", this itinerary includes a cooking class with a Chef trained in star rated restaurants. You will prepare a 3-course meal of Burgundy dishes, then savor the lunch with some Burgundy wine. A great way to learn some new cooking techniques. 

THE LOIRE VALLEY hidden beauties

• On the 4th 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 very well this region 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 the owner of a 12th century abbey guide you in this amazing and totally off the beaten tracks historical site.
• On the 8th day, you will move to the Northern Loire. Stay for 3 nights in a very pleasant family house which is located half-day between Blois and Amboise, in the heart of the castles' country. Also a Michelin 2-star restaurant is only 1.5 mile away....a great occasion to plan for an extraordinary dinner !
• Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting in Amboise. You will have the opportunity to taste 5 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.

NORMANDY : Mt St Michel to Giverny

• On the 11th day, you will be on your way to Mont Saint Michel! Spend 2 nights in a lovely Bed & Breakfast, across the Bay from Mont Saint Michel. Your welcoming Hosts own a typical Norman stone house, surrounded by fields where racehorses are being grown up and trained...a local specialty. We will give you tips to discover this very touristy sites avoiding most of the crowds.
• Continue your trip nearby, in Bayeux: heart of Calvados region. Spend 4 nights in a 19th century manor located 2 miles from Bayeux. You will be warmly welcomed by your hosts and stay in one of their suite-rooms. We have planned a Table d’Hôtes dinner for you, together with your Hosts and other guests. You will experience a local custom called the “trou normand”, having a glass of Calvados (apple brandy) between the starter and the main course. It is meant to renew your appetite to make sure you finish the whole dinner!
• From there you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) and Caen, mainly worth a visit for the WWII Memorial.
• 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 cheeses…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 Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, its racecourse 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 by-pass tickets to avoid the lines.

Paris landmarks

• You will drop off the rental car downtown Paris at the nearest agency from 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 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 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. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the capital city so you’ll know where to take a break.

On your last day, you are 1 hour to CDG airport using public transportation or shuttles. 

This is "la belle France" !