Isn’t it time you nipped monotony in the bud? From fields of yellow sunflowers to cellars of pink rosés, this fascinating tour of France invites you to survey the sensuous land and pick the perfect bouquet. Fragrant gardens and aromatic wines are just the beginning of the sweet experiences that await from the City of Light to the sunlit regions of Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Tiptoe through the tulips at Claude Monet’s rainbow-colored gardens, float down the castle hallways in dreamy Châteaux country, and swirl and sip your way from the lively cafés of Paris to the storied wineries of the French countryside. Traveling from the Seine to the sea, we’ve handpicked the best coastal experiences—the resort town of Deauville, the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, and the poignant beaches of Normandy, site of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasions during World War II.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Paris so you can plan your day your way.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Orientation drive in Paris• Globus Choice excursions in Paris − included in your tour with your choice of a guided visit to a French perfumery with a “make your own scent” experience or a guided walking tour to discover the “Passages Couvert”• [LF] Dinner on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower• [LF] Scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River• [LF] Visit the home and gardens of the impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny• Orientation walk to see Rouen’s grand Gothic cathedral• Visit Deauville and Angers • Normandy Beach experience includes a visit to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery with the Monument to the Brave• Guided walking tour of Mont St. Michel• Guided visits of Chateau Chambord and Chateau Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, plus [LF] wine tasting
Notes: Participation in the Mont St. Michel visit requires walking uphill with many steps and may be challenging for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to uneven terrain. For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 PARIS
Spend your day your way in Paris Bonjour, Paris! Start your day with a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. Explore more of Paris with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Indulge in the ultimate Parisian experience with [LF] dinner on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower! * (B,D)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded BreakfastDinner
Day 3 PARIS–GIVERNY–ROUEN–DEAUVILLE
A Big Impression This morning, bid au revoir to Paris as you depart for Giverny to [LF] visit the home and gardens of master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Continue to Rouen, free time to try some local specialties for lunch and see some of the famous sights such as the Gros-Horloge and the Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Arrive in Deauvillew with free time to enjoy a walk along the Promenade des Planches. (B)
149 mi / 240 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEM Wander through the gardens which inspired Monet to create some of his most celebrated Impressionist paintings at his home in Giverny. This special retreat evokes the serenity and artistry of the natural world captured in the master’s works Breakfast
Day 4 DEAUVILLE–EXCURSION TO NORMANDY BEACHES
Heroes & Hope for Peace Embark on a moving journey to the legendary beaches of Normandy where brave Allied troops landed on D-Day, June 6,1944. Visit Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach with the Monument to the Brave, and experience the most moving site of the American Cemetery at Omaha. Continue to Arromanches and see the remains of Mulberry Harbor. (B,D)
112 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of heroes on the beaches of Normandy, where Allied Forces stormed the beach with courage and heroism in World War II. Visit the final resting place of American soldiers who gave their lives for freedom BreakfastDinner
Day 5 DEAUVILLE–MONT ST. MICHEL
Castle in The Sand Travel through the Normandy countryside to spectacular Mont St. Michel which stands on an island at the mouth of the Couesnon River and accessed via a causeway. Enjoy some free time to explore before meeting your local guide for a walking tour that includes a visit of the Abbey. (B,D)
112 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE A real-life castle in the sand, magical Mont St. Michel Abbey sits on top of a tidal island on the coast of Normandy. Learn how this strategic position has protected it from being invaded but also has made it the ideal location for a place of confinement, as Napoleon converted the abbey into a prison for his enemies BreakfastDinner
Day 6 MONT ST. MICHEL–ANGERS–LOIRE VALLEY
French Treasures & Views Drive through the French countryside to Angers. Enjoy free time to admire the medieval castle, enjoy a spot of lunch, and stroll along the elegant streets. Continue with a scenic drive through the Loire Valley. (B)
217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Historic tapestries, half- timbered houses and, of course, the Castle. Take all of this and much more in while you wander the charming cobble streets or walk along the banks of the Maine river. Make sure you don’t forget to bring your cameras with you! Breakfast
Day 7 LOIRE VALLEY. EXCURSION TO CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY
French Country Homes A real treat today, experience some of the highlights of the Loire Valley. Start with a guided visit of the lovely Chenonceau Castle, once owned by Catherine de Medici and known as the “Ladies Chateau” having been owned and managed by various important female figures. [LF] Enjoy a well-deserved wine tasting experience before continuing for a guided visit to Chambord, one of the most recognizable French castles in the world! (B)
112 mi / 180 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Sip the very best in French wine in the picturesque French countryside along the Loire River Valley, where many stately castles dot the landscape. Hear about the history of the region that with more than 55.000 hectares of vineyards is France’s longest vineyard with an annual turnover of 320 million bottles of wine Breakfast
Day 8 LOIRE VALLEY–PARIS
City Lights & River Nights Return to Paris. Enjoy some free time this afternoon for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. This evening, [LF] enjoy a dinner cruise on the River Seine, served with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks. (B,D)
155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES What better way to celebrate your visit to France than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship, while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appetit! BreakfastDinner
Day 9 PARIS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Paris
Deauville
Mont St. Michel
Loire Valley
Paris
AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
6 rue Gustave Charpentier Paris France
This modern property places guests in the epicenter of the style and energy of the 17th arrondissement, just steps away from the Porte Maillot metro offering easy access to the city's famous attractions. Spacious air-conditioned guestrooms feature pillow top beds with premium duvets, LED TVs, and bathrooms with walk-in showers or baths. The main restaurant serves bistro-style dishes and the vibrant bar offers a happy hour and snacks. There is a fitness center and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Royal Barriere Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Boulevard Comuche, BP 74400 Deauville France
This luxurious 217-room hotel nicknamed "Prince of Deauville" has reigned majestically over the Côte Fleurie for one hundred years with its crystal chandeliers and majestic windows it presents a world of seaside magic. Traditional cuisine based on refined local produce is served in the brasserie and the champagne bar perfectly combines the appearance of an English club with the splendor of French Empire in its styling. For recreation there is a fitness center, a heated outdoor seasonal swimming pool, a spa, and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Mercure Mont St.Michel First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Route Du Mont St.Michel Mont Saint Michel France
100 modern, spacious rooms with air conditioning, wooded park, car park, bar and meeting rooms. Its restaurant, Le Pré Salé, is highly regarded and serves both local and regional specialties.
Océania L'Univers Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
5 Blvd Heurteloup Tours France
This charming, historic 91-room hotel enjoys a central location and offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, Jacuzzi and hammam, a bright cozy restaurant serving regional cuisine, and a cocktail/whiskey bar.
Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
17, Blvd St.Jacques Paris France
Located on the Left Bank near to the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
The warmly decorated air-conditioned rooms have a mini-fridge, tea and coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant, bar / lounge the serves traditional French cuisine, coffee and cocktails. Other amenities include a gym.