Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Small Group
Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Small Group
$4015
Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Small Group
8 Days Starting and ending in Paris
Visiting: Paris, Rouen, Deauville, Omaha Beach, Arromanches-les-Bains, Gold Beach, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Angers, Saumur, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Loire-Ouchamps, Cheverny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE926ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Enjoy the sights and sounds of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II — and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. You’ll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the elegant avenue of the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Choice Highlights
- Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in the heart of the Old Town.
- Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rouen: See the cathedral, the Great Clock, the Old Market square and Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
- Honfleur: See this charming fishing town.
- Omaha Beach: Follow the route of the Rangers, visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial.
- Omaha Beach: With a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: Savor your first sight of the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel. Cross the causeway for a guided tour with your Local Expert through the maze of halls and vaults of the abbey.
- Saint-Malo: Your Local Expert guides you through the streets of the walled city to arrive at the cathedral. Later enjoy the chance to walk along the fortifications and explore the cities nightlife at your leisure.
- Angers: See the imposing château.
- Azay-le-Rideau: During your visit to Château de Cheverny, your Local Expert will show you the château's decor and aristocratic costumes of the family through the centuries. Inhabited by the same family for more than 6 centuries, the castle, its gardens and its connection to Tintin will provide an unforgettable experience.
- Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
Make Travel Matter
Loire Valley: Discover the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry. In the scenic Loire Valley, explore France’s finest formal gardens. Now a hub for sustainability preserving the estate's biological diversity, learn all about the a sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages, and purple basil, all grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Their aim is to preserve a remarkable garden, maintained with meticulous care, while incorporating maintenance work into a balanced ecosystem. They have partnered with a local university to bring biodiversity back into the gardens. Villandry Gardens advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land.
Authentic Dining
Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of the city for a delightful dinner served with wine.
Saumur: Learn about local grape varieties and regional wine-making traditions as you sample wines of the Loire Valley.
Insight Choice
Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in the heart of the Old Town.
Arromanches-les-Bains: Visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before enjoying a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made recipes.
Day 2: Rouen, Honfleur And Deauville
Location: Paris, Rouen, Deauville
Accommodation: Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Accommodation Name: Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church memorialises the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and wander along the harbor or stroll through the colorful streets. Close by, meet a farming family who grow apples to produce local juice, cider and calvados of Normandy. Sample the local produce paired with Normandy cheese. Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Day 3: Normandy Beaches And D-Day Landings
Location: Deauville, Omaha Beach, Arromanches-les-Bains, Gold Beach, Deauville
Accommodation: Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Accommodation Name: Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Day 4: Mont Saint-Michel And Saint-Malo
Location: Deauville, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo.
Accommodation Name: Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – its singular street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties.
Day 5: Villandry Experience
Location: Saint-Malo, Angers, Saumur, Montlouis-sur-Loire
Accommodation: Relais Des Landes
Accommodation Name: Chateau de la Bourdaisiere
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil is grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Continue to your very own castle hotel and admire its extensive gardens and potager.
Day 6: Scenic Drive Along The Loire Valley
Location: Loire-Ouchamps, Cheverny, Montlouis-sur-Loire
Accommodation: Relais Des Landes
Accommodation Name: Chateau de la Bourdaisiere
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the fairytale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau where your Local Expert will show you the château's decor and return to your turreted château for relaxation. This evening, your dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.
Day 7: La Beauce And Chartres To Paris, City Of Light
Location: Loire-Ouchamps, Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris or similar.
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Traveling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to the fabulous sights of Paris, including the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Travel up the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience a world-famous cabaret show.
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners with wine, and 2 additional dinners.
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Local Expert Tours
Guided tours with Local Experts are included at various locations such as Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, and Omaha Beach.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips at hotels and restaurants are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Porterage
Porterage is included, with your bags being carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and at hotels where available.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach for use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a meal in Cancale or a cabaret show in Paris are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have booked additional nights of accommodation.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, offering double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, hand sanitizer, and the comfort of sanitized, high-standard vehicles with physical distancing measures in place.
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at Le Méridien Etoile in Paris, Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf in Deauville, Le Nouveau Monde in St Malo, and Chateau de la Bourdaisiere in the Loire Valley. Enjoy elegant rooms, exquisite dining, and exceptional service throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes a variety of dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner in Paris with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made recipes, a dinner with creative cuisine and seasonal ingredients in Normandy, and a dinner featuring Farm-to-Table dishes in the Loire Valley. Additionally, there are opportunities to sample local produce like Normandy cheese and cider.
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Are there any special experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special experiences such as a guided tour of Mont Saint-Michel, a visit to the sustainable gardens of Château de Villandry, and wine tastings in the Loire Valley. You will also have the opportunity to explore the historic sites of Normandy, including the D-Day beaches and the American Military Cemetery.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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Will there be any opportunities to explore local culture and history?
Yes, the tour offers numerous opportunities to explore local culture and history, including visits to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, the D-Day Museum, and the historic sites of Rouen and Saint-Malo. You will also have guided tours of iconic landmarks in Paris and the chance to learn about local wine-making traditions in the Loire Valley.
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Is there any flexibility in the itinerary for personal exploration?
Yes, there are opportunities for personal exploration, such as wandering through the streets of Honfleur, exploring the nightlife in Saint-Malo, and enjoying leisure time in Paris to discover its iconic sights and charming streets.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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