Paris, Normandy & Loire Valley
Say "oui" to history
The City of Light, historical Normandy, the chateaux of the Loire Valley - see it all on this 6 or 7-night journey! You'll spend your entire trip based in the breathtaking city of Paris, and enjoy unique tours and excursions along the way.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Paris (CDG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 6 nights in Paris at the Hotel Square Louvois, or similar
- The Tootbus Must-See Paris Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour + River Cruise (24-hour)**
- Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
- Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace
- Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles
- Breakfast daily
*Please note tours may operate in a different order than listed, based on availability
**If you're traveling between June 3rd & September 8th, you'll receive tickets for a specially-themed "Paris Discovery, Capital of The Games" bus tour dedicated to the Olympic Games, with an itinerary adjusted according to the city's events. The river cruise portion of the tour will not be operating during this time.
Great Ways to Explore
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The Eiffel Tower becomes an illuminated wonder in the evenings; visit between sunset and 2 AM for spectacular views.
- Discover the remains of the infamous Battle of Normandy during a guided day tour.
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Explore fairytale-like chateaux, including one designed by Leonardo da Vinci!
-
Lose track of time with a stroll through the picturesque Gardens of Versailles.
-
One of the oldest Parisian bakeries, Poilane, still makes their sourdough bread in a wood-fired oven. Pay them a visit and taste the difference!
Romantic cities, remnants of a tumultuous past, fairy tale palaces - experience it all on this adventure in France! You'll spend six nights based out of France's capital city of Paris, where you can climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stroll through some of the world's most famous gardens, and indulge in freshly-baked Parisian pastries to your heart's content!
Included in this vacation are four unique tours. Enjoy seamless access through Paris with your hop-on/hop-off bus pass, then follow the footsteps of WWII and the Allied invasion with your guided tour of Normandy and the D-Day beaches.
You'll also be whisked away to one of France's most famous palaces, where you'll enjoy a guided tour followed by free time in Versailles' breathtaking gardens.
Lastly, you'll be treated to a trip straight out of a storybook with a guided exploration of the Loire Valley's most iconic castles. Tour a home designed by Leonardo da Vinci, then explore the former residence of one of the art world's most famous patrons: Catherine de Medici.
Please note: depending on availability, tours may be scheduled on different days than mentioned in the itinerary.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Paris (CDG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 6 nights in Paris at the Hotel Square Louvois, or similar
- The Tootbus Must-See Paris Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour + River Cruise (24-hour)**
- Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
- Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace
- Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles
- Breakfast daily
*Please note tours may operate in a different order than listed, based on availability
**If you're traveling between June 3rd & September 8th, you'll receive tickets for a specially-themed "Paris Discovery, Capital of The Games" bus tour dedicated to the Olympic Games, with an itinerary adjusted according to the city's events. The river cruise portion of the tour will not be operating during this time.
-
The Eiffel Tower becomes an illuminated wonder in the evenings; visit between sunset and 2 AM for spectacular views.
- Discover the remains of the infamous Battle of Normandy during a guided day tour.
-
Explore fairytale-like chateaux, including one designed by Leonardo da Vinci!
-
Lose track of time with a stroll through the picturesque Gardens of Versailles.
-
One of the oldest Parisian bakeries, Poilane, still makes their sourdough bread in a wood-fired oven. Pay them a visit and taste the difference!
Romantic cities, remnants of a tumultuous past, fairy tale palaces - experience it all on this adventure in France! You'll spend six nights based out of France's capital city of Paris, where you can climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stroll through some of the world's most famous gardens, and indulge in freshly-baked Parisian pastries to your heart's content!
Included in this vacation are four unique tours. Enjoy seamless access through Paris with your hop-on/hop-off bus pass, then follow the footsteps of WWII and the Allied invasion with your guided tour of Normandy and the D-Day beaches.
You'll also be whisked away to one of France's most famous palaces, where you'll enjoy a guided tour followed by free time in Versailles' breathtaking gardens.
Lastly, you'll be treated to a trip straight out of a storybook with a guided exploration of the Loire Valley's most iconic castles. Tour a home designed by Leonardo da Vinci, then explore the former residence of one of the art world's most famous patrons: Catherine de Medici.
Please note: depending on availability, tours may be scheduled on different days than mentioned in the itinerary.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Paris!
Arrive at Paris' Charles De Gaulles Airport and be transferred to your Paris hotel. Activate your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and begin exploring the City of Light! You can take an entire loop for a unique perspective of the city, then start hopping off as you please.
Ascend the steps of the Eiffel Tower and look down upon the city below, head to the Arc de Triomphe and stare in awe at its grandeur, then hop off at Pont Neuf and take a walk across this iconic and historic bridge.
Transfer from Paris airport (CDG) to hotel!
The Hotel Square Louvois enjoys a very central home, in the heart of Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. Its location in Louvois Square was a focal point of high society and French culture dating back to the early 19th century, and today the same spirit of art and history reigns, in the new Hotel Square Louvoisa. Its elegant style with Art Deco details have made it a number one destination in Parisian chic, where contemporary design and 19th century Haussmannian influences are combined with great refinement, and French classicism contrasts with noble modern materials.
With the influence of bygone charm, the warm and cozy guestrooms convey all the authenticity of the past. The decoration highlights the influences of yesteryear, together with the comfort of today, for a stay where French-style charm plays the leading role. Far from the urban hubbub, the hotel’s Wellness Area with fitness center and herbal tea room is dedicated to peace and relaxation for an interlude outside of time. Under the natural stone vaults, the indoor swimming pool has a hydromassage bench for total relaxation.
Between 4 and 6 p.m., the hotel provides a delicious French-style afternoon tea for its guests. For a "just like home" experience, enjoy a welcome break with a snack made up of sweet creations.
Step into trendy sophistication at this quintessentially Parisian hotel. Upon entering the Royal Madeleine Hotel, you'll notice stunning decor - a mix of rich jewel tones, antique metals, wooden furniture, and eclectic accents. Think: mid-century modern with an artsy twist.
Nestled in the heart of Paris' 8th arrondissement, the Opera district, this elegant hotel makes a perfect home base for your Parisian adventure. Just a 15-minute walk to the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, the Royal Madeleine is easily accessible by the Metro.
Open the door to your luxurious room and find Wi-Fi, TV, plush bedding, L'Occitane products, and much more. In the mood to relax? Head down to the zen spa and steam all your stresses away in the sauna. Why not take a dip in the heated pool or rest in the herbal tea room? Keep up your workout routine at the on-site fitness center - so you can make more room for pastries and baguettes! Speaking of food, treat yourself to a lovely lunch or a classy cocktail at the Royal Madeleine's Restaurant ROYAL.
Make the most of your trip to the City of Light with a stay at M Social Hotel Paris Opera. Located in the center of the city, the hotel is only a jaunt away from the Opera Neighborhood's best attractions, shopping, dining, and tours. Enjoy close proximity to bucket list stops such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Sacré-Cœur, and the Avenue des Champs Elysées. Relax in 1920s inspired opulence and revel in unmatched hospitality and service. Stop by Cafe Au to grab a quick bite or choose from Bar Le Douze or the hotel's other dining options to spend a lively night in with your travel companions.
Tucked away on a quiet street of the same name, Hotel Le Littre radiates peace and tranquility to all its guests. Situated between Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hotel Le Littre is away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still conveniently located for all your Paris escapades. When night falls, you have Paris theaters nearby and popular Left Bank brasseries. Each of the 90 elegant rooms will make you feel right at home, with lots of natural light and large modern bathrooms. After long days of sightseeing, enjoy a drink at the cozy bar, the winter garden or in your room.
Located in Paris' 8th arrondissement, Hotel Rochester Champs Elysées is just a few steps from the Champs Elysées and the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. The hotel’s elegance, charm and tradition, helps to form its sophisticated atmosphere. Each of the 106 rooms and suites are decorated in a Louis XV style, offering high-standard amenities such as air conditioning, hairdryer and satellite television. All rooms are serviced by an elevator and some overlook the hotel's interior garden courtyard.
Upon entering its grand revolving doors under the glass canopy overhead, you enter the light and spacious lobby. The hotel boasts a cozy bar, breakfast room, business center, 24-hour front desk, Clefs d'Or Concierge service. Relax at the Rochester's spa, decorated in colorful mosaic tiles and offering massages, hammam treatments and a Turkish bath.
*Please note this hotel does not offer Classic rooms with 2 beds, only 1 bed (150x190 cm)
Local Tax
This classy and contemporary hotel is located in Paris' 5th District right near the bustling streets of the Latin Quarter. Dedicated to sustainability, the Hotel La Lanterne & Spa has all the features of a luxury hotel with better environmental preservation.
At the Hotel La Lanterne & Spa, guests may enjoy a relaxing day at the spa and pool area, workout at the fitness center, eat a deluxe breakfast at the buffet bar, and more. The bar opens up in the evening, providing an intimate and relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy a cocktail or light appetizer.
Guest rooms are designed elegantly with a touch of innovation. Key amenities include a private Italian-style bathroom, flat-screen TV, minibar, and daily housekeeping. Child care services are available upon request.
Just under four miles from the hotel are the following popular attractions in France: Luxembourg Gardens, Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Sainte Chapelle.
The Tootbus Must-See Paris Hop-on/Hop-off Tour + River Cruise (24 hours)
The Tootbus Must-See Paris Hop-on/Hop-off Tour with Seine River cruise allows you to check out all the wonderful things that Paris has to offer, and see all of the city’s top sights, at your own pace!
The bus tour will take you past the Louvre Museum, the Opera, Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Orsay Museum, Concorde, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Grand Palais, and much more. Get a first overview of the city, then pick the sights you want to explore in more detail and hop-off at the closest location to visit the landmarks and attractions while learning more about Paris through the audio guide commentary specially designed for the Tootbus Routes.
Complete your visit to Paris with a Vedettes de Paris Seine River cruise, included in your ticket. The cruise pier is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on the riverside at "Port de Suffren ", very close to stop #9. So get off the bus and embark on a relaxing cruise to explore Paris and its monuments from a different viewpoint. Feel the magical atmosphere of the River Seine while you admire the riverbanks designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 37 bridges across the Seine, such as Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf, Pont de Sully, etc.
You can start your tour at any of the designated Tootbus stops, and upon first validation on board the bus, your ticket will be valid for 24 hours. Buses start at 9:30 am daily, and run every 15 minutes through 6:30 pm. In case of changes, please check with Tootbus upon arrival in Paris. You can also download the Tootbus app for more information, additional audio-guided commentary, and to follow the buses in real-time.
Day 2. Paris
Continue utilizing your hop-on/hop-off bus pass! Gawk at incredible architecture, then lose track of time in the breathtaking Luxembourg Gardens.
Once you've explored all the nooks and crannies of the gardens, head to the nearby Latin Quarter, an area with a history rooted in rebellion and social uprisings. You can visit the Parisian Pantheon, explore a museum house in ancient Roman Baths, or take advantage of the area's vibrant restaurant selection and nightlife!Day 3. Paris
Today, spend an entire day following the footsteps of WWII and the Allied invasion with your Normandy and D-Day Beaches tour!
Guided Tour of Normandy & The D-Day Beaches
Depart Paris and embark on a full-day excursion to the D-Day Beaches in Normandy! An official guide will bring these historic in the company of an official guide, who will bring these historic sites to life. Relax on the luxury air-conditioned coach as you make your way through the Normandy countryside, admiring its beautiful landscape along the way.
The first stage of the visit will be on the
beaches of Omaha Beach. Stormed by the American Rangers on June 6th, it is one
of the strong points of the German fortifications on the Normandy coast,
equipped at the time with a large number of heavy artillery pieces.
The next leg of your tour takes you to the famous American Cemetery at Saint Laurent, located just above Omaha Beach, near the town of Colleville-sur-Mer. This 170-acre site is home to 9,387 white marble headstones, lined up perfectly across the grass, a memorial, a chapel, and the Garden of the Missing.
Following this visit, you will stop at Arromanches, a historic town known for its artificial port, which was built to assist the Normandy landings. On D-Day, the harbor saw the unloading of almost 10,000 tons of equipment. You can still make out the floating reinforced concrete "Phoenix" constructions in the water.
Includes:
- Full day excursion to Normandy from Paris by luxury air-conditioned coach
- An experienced guide who’ll tell you everything you need to know about the day the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches in 1944
- Guided tour of Omaha & Juno Beaches
- Guided visit of the American Cementary in Colleville-sur-Merin Colleville-sur-Mer
- Visit & free time for lunch (not included) at Arromanches
Day 4. Paris
Spend the first part of your day discovering the splendors of the Palace of Versailles, from the iconic gardens to the many works of art and furniture, created by the greatest craftsmen of the day.
Return to Paris in the early evening, and prepare to experience Paris' one-of-a-kind nightlife! Take a romantic stroll along the river, enjoy some music, or perhaps even stumble upon a speakeasy!
Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles with Priority Access - VAM (half-day)
The Palace of Versailles was the residence of French Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI and their courts from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. With commentary from your guide played through individual headsets, discover the splendor of the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of royal power. Its sumptuous decoration, Baroque architecture, many works of art, and furniture were all created by the greatest craftsmen of the day.
Then enjoy the beauty of the French gardens of Versailles at your own pace. Set off for the Palace of Versailles from the meeting point in Central Paris at 8:45am. Take advantage of the 45-minute journey by luxury air-conditioned coach to listen to your guide's introduction to the palace's history.
Stretching for more than 721,000 square feet, the Palace of Versailles has over 700 rooms. Follow your guide straight to the front of the line to tour the palace's most beautiful rooms: the King's Grand Apartments, the Queen's Grand Apartments, including the Coronation Room and the Queen's Bedroom, once occupied by Marie Antoinette, and the majestic "Hall of Mirrors."
Spend time exploring the Gardens of Versailles and admire the 386 works of art (including more than 200 statues), fountains, ponds, flower beds, and woodland.
Day 5. Paris
Spend today soaking up the highlights of the Louvre! Fall in love with the Venus de Milo, sneak a peek at Botticelli's Venus, then follow the iconic gaze of the Mona Lisa.
After a day spent surrounded by some of the world's most famous masterpieces, consider winding down with a leisurely cruise along the river Siene, or perhaps treat yourself to a wine and cheese tasting, sampling the local sips and nibbles France is known for!
Day 6. Paris
Spend an entire day exploring France's most breathtaking chateaux on your guided tour today.
In the evening, head to the Eiffel Tower to experience this landmark one more time as it becomes illuminated in the evening - the perfect way to spend your last evening in Paris!
Guided Tour to the Loire Valley Castles (from Paris)
Come and live an exceptional day in the heart of the Loire Valley in France. You will visit the Chateau de Chenonceau and the Chateau de Chambord, two of the greatest castles of the Loire Valley. This dive into French history will be completed by a guided visit to the Chateau du Clos Lucé, the emblematic home of Leonardo da Vinci for the last years of his life.
Departing from central Paris, you will drive in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach to Chenonceau through the magnificent landscapes of the Loire Valley. Contemplate the fields as far as the eye can see as you travel along the Loire River. Along the way, your guide will give you some information about the sites you will see. You will then drive along a beautiful tree-lined driveway that offers an incredible view of the castle. Our guide will give you a presentation of this sumptuous royal residence nicknamed “The Ladies’ Castle” because it was maintained and enriched by several female characters over the years. The exterior setting with the building seeming to emerge from the water gives a fairy tale dimension to the castle. You will enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Castle of Chenonceau, during which you will take in the furnished and flowered rooms, the tapestries, and the period paintings. Your guide will tell you many stories and anecdotes about the castle and the importance of the female presence which testifies to the French art of living.
After the visit to Chenonceau, you will have free time to stroll in the remarkable gardens along the Cher River and have lunch (on your own) around the castle. Your guide will show you several places where you can have lunch. You will be invited to meet the guide directly at the bus parking lot to leave for Amboise to discover the Clos Lucé castle. You will be able to discover the world of the famous Leonardo da Vinci.
Then you will take the road towards Chambord. As soon as you approach the castle, you will be amazed by the majesty of the building that rises before you. Its impressive architecture makes it the largest of the Loire castles. You will then quickly enter the interior thanks to priority access. Your guide will lead you through some of the castle’s rooms and you will take the famous “double revolution staircase” to reach the large panoramic terrace. You will enjoy a superb view of the park while listening to the comments given by your guide on the history of the castle, built under the reign of François I with the participation of Leonardo da Vinci during the 16th century.
The bus will leave Chambord at 6:00pm for an expected arrival in Paris around 8:30pm.
Day 7. Depart France
Say au revoir to France as you are transferred from the hotel to the airport in time for your departure flight home.