Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley - 13 Days
13 Days
Paris
Paris
*****
Tauck
A château, a 1,000-year-old village and the magic of Paris... inexorably entwined like the woven threads of medieval tapestries... your travels in northern France honour timeless traditions, share stories of valor and courage, and celebrate landscapes so beautiful they are immortalised by artists and poets...
Your accommodations are unique, including two nights at Château de Rochecotte – called "home" in the 1700s by Prince Tallyrand and the Duchess of Dino. At Château de Champchevrier, owned by the same family since the 1720s, Le Baron personally welcomes our guests during a private reception and dinner that includes a hunting hounds demonstration in full regalia. Formal gardens inspire awe during your visit to Château de Villandry, and the Brittany Coast is mesmerising and memorable. Visit Normandy's poignant D-Day beaches, magnificent Mont-St-Michel, and Monet's beloved Giverny. In Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral entices with Gothic wonders; explore Musée d'Orsay along with Paris' landmark sites; and bid Paris adieu with a farewell dinner at the iconic restaurant Fouquet's.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paris and on to Versailles
A transfer is included from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, less than a mile from Château de Versailles. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: From Monet's Giverny to Deauville
Begin your journey with a visit to Giverny, where the spirit of Monet's masterpieces still lingers in the tranquil gardens that inspired his iconic water lilies. Continue to the seaside glamour of Deauville, known for its wide sandy beaches, Belle Époque villas, and the storied Planches boardwalk. Settle into the historic Hotel Barrière Le Normandy, where dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Day 3: Honfleur and Deauville
Stroll the cobbled streets of Honfleur, a picturesque port town that has long inspired artists with its timeless harbor, slate-roofed houses, and lively quays. Wander through narrow lanes lined with galleries and cafés, where Impressionist painters once found light and color in everyday scenes. Visit Sainte-Catherine Church, built entirely of wood by 15th-century shipwrights, and pause along the Old Basin to take in the reflections of boats rocking at anchor. Return this afternoon to Deauville and the elegant Hotel Le Normandy, set just steps from the sea. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore as you wish.
Day 4: Beaches of D-Day in Normandy
A poignant moment on your journey is a visit to the beaches on which Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944 – known forever after as "D-Day" – to begin the World War II liberation of Europe and the long march to Berlin. A local WWII historian joins you to offer insights into the sacrifices and resilience of those who lived through this defining period – a thoughtful reflection on the region's wartime history. Your memorable visit includes a look at a private World War II memorabilia collection and a hands-on exhibit; and guided visits to Pointe du Hoc, the 100-ft. cliff taken by the 2nd Ranger Battalion on D-Day... the now-quiet Omaha Beach, where American assault units took heavy casualties in establishing a beachhead... and the poignant American Military Cemetery, final resting place of thousands of U.S. troops. Reflect on the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought here during a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. Arrive late day in St. Malo (or Dinard).
Day 5: St. Malo and Cancale
Begin your day with free time to explore St. Malo, a historic walled city known for its maritime heritage and pirate lore, or unwind with a spa experience. Later, visit the coastal town of Cancale, known for its stunning sea views and world-renowned oysters, and return to your hotel.
Day 6: Mont St. Michel to Port du Crouesty
Venture to Mont St. Michel, one of Europe's most iconic pilgrimage sites, perched high on a rocky islet. Discover the thousand-year-old Benedictine abbey that has stood against the tides of time. According to legends, the abbey, once totally unreachable at high tide, was constructed on that site at the request of Archangel Michael and has remained since the 8th century as one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Europe. Today's well-timed visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site requires a bit of steep walking, but you'll discover a unique place beautifully adapted to its natural environment. Continue to your seaside retreat in Port du Crouesty for a two-night stay, where dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Day 7: The Brittany Coast and Vannes
If you wish, begin your day with a nature walk along Brittany's coastal trails to Le Petit Mont, a Neolithic site layered with Roman and WWII history. Later, enjoy a private sightseeing cruise from Vannes, gliding past quiet bays, rugged shoreline, and renowned oyster beds, with lunch onboard. Step inside the medieval walls of Vannes this afternoon, with time to explore its cobbled streets, boasting half-timbered houses and a soaring Gothic cathedral; return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 8: To the Loire Valley
Depart the Brittany coast for the Loire Valley, stopping at Château d'Angers to view the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry, a stunning medieval masterpiece. Arrive at Château de Rochecotte for a two-night stay, once the estate of diplomat Prince Talleyrand and the Duchess of Dino. Enjoy dinner at the château this evening.
Day 9: The Loire Valley's grand estates
Spend the day exploring the grand estates of the Loire Valley, including a visit to Château de Villandry, known for its spectacular Renaissance gardens; take in the stunning beauty of its gardens and architectural elegance. This evening, experience a tour exclusive at Château de Champchevrier, a historic estate passed down through generations of the same family. You'll meet a member of the Champchevrier family, attend a reception and dinner, and witness a hunting hound demonstration.
Day 10: Return to Paris
Conclude your travels through Northern France with a scenic drive to Paris, passing through the picturesque countryside that has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving at Le Scribe Paris Opéra, a landmark hotel with a history as storied as the city itself. Once a 19th-century gathering place for writers, performers, and intellectuals, the hotel embodies the spirit of Paris, blending historic charm with contemporary style. Its prime location near the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, and the Louvre puts the best of Paris at your doorstep, whether you choose to explore the city's iconic landmarks, stroll along the Seine, or savour the café culture that you'll find along the Right Bank. The evening is free.
Select small group departures (see dates and prices under "Pricing & Availability") will stay at legendary Le Meurice; all other departures stay at Le Scribe Paris Opéra.
Day 11: Parisian pleasures
Begin your final full day in Paris with a guided walking tour where history unfolds at every turn. Then, step aboard a private vessel for a leisurely lunch cruise along the Seine, viewing some of the city's most iconic landmarks – from the soaring spires of Notre-Dame to the graceful arches of Pont Alexandre III. As you glide beneath the bridges of Paris, you'll see the city from a perspective that has provided inspiration for poets, painters, and filmmakers for generations. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Paris at your leisure, as you please.
Day 12: Impressionist Art at Musée d'Orsay
Join a local guide for a tour of Musée d'Orsay, where a world-renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces is housed within the soaring halls of a Beaux-Arts railway station, its ironwork and glass canopy recalling the grandeur of 19th-century Paris. Later, return to your hotel for a special farewell reception and dinner, celebrating the journey and the memories that you have made along the way.
Day 13: Journey home
A transfer is included from the hotel to Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports or Paris train stations. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Includes
- 12 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose a Group Size / Service or Room Level
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.