France Tour 1: Paris - Normandy and the Loire Valley

After breakfast in the morning, we depart from Paris. First, we will visit the house of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. We will stroll around the weeping willows and green lily ponds in the garden that inspired some of his greatest artworks. Monet saw Giverny while traveling by train and settled here, living here for a full 43 years until his death. Then we move on to Honfleur, where the Seine River flows into the English Channel. After having lunch here, we wander the streets of this seaside town where many artists painted the rainbow-colored fishing boats floating in the harbor. After leaving Honfleur, we closely explore World War II with a visit to the Landing Beach, one of the first places that comes to mind when Normandy is mentioned. Perhaps we will get to ride a military vehicle. We stop by the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the first American World War II cemetery established on European soil, then return to Bayeux, where we visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and the town center, both listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, before settling into our hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we start exploring St. Malo, a harbor and center where pirates sought refuge for centuries. We stroll through the charming streets of this amazing medieval harbor town where time seems to have stopped, and have our lunch at one of the town's delicious restaurants. Our next stop is Dinan, one of the best-preserved towns in the Breton region. With its 3-kilometer-long walls, wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and streets filled with art galleries and handicraft shops, Dinan is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. After leaving Dinan, we head to Mont Saint Michel Castle, famous for its unique structure and views. This place, which becomes an island during tidal times, is considered one of Europe's most unforgettable spots. After thoroughly exploring the castle, we return to St. Malo for dinner and settle into our hotel.

Leaving Normandy, we set out towards the lush Loire Valley. In the valley, we will see ancient houses built inside caves—some located on cliff edges—and around them. During the walk we take here, we will gain information about the geological history of the region. Then, we head to Blois, situated on the Loire River. After a brief tour here, we have our lunch. After lunch, we visit Château de Chenonceau, a medieval castle. After strolling and taking photos in its garden, we proceed to Tours, the largest city in France’s Centre region, where we check into our hotel. Later, we meet again for dinner and to explore the city.

We visit the historic city of Chartres, known as the gateway to the Loire Valley. With its cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, and stone bridges over the Eure River, Chartres is also famous for the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This famous Gothic masterpiece will take your breath away. After our tour of Chartres, we will head to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a world heritage site. We will explore the endless winding paths in Versailles' expansive gardens before heading to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, free time for shopping begins.

After breakfast, we take a tour of Montmartre. Afterwards, free time is given for lunch. If a late return flight is preferred, a Disneyland tour will be arranged for those who wish. After Disneyland, we go to Paris Airport and say goodbye until we meet on another BUKLATUR tour.