Highlights
- See Paris at night from the height of the Eiffel Tower
- Learn to cook like a Parisian
- Step into a fairy tale at Disneyland Paris
- Be enchanted by beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Evening Eiffel Tower Tour | Paris |
| Day 2 | Disneyland Paris | Paris |
| Day 3 | Class with a Chef, L'Arc de Triomphe, Atelier des Lumières | Paris |
| Day 4 | Pastry & Chocolate Tour, Train to Amboise | Amboise |
| Day 5 | Château d'Amboise, Villandry & Cheesemaker | Amboise |
| Day 6 | Loire Valley: Châteaux de Chambord & Chenonceau | Amboise |
| Day 7 | Train to Paris & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Evening Eiffel Tower Tour
Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! You've arrived at one of the world's most dreamed-about destinations, so after settling into your hotel, take some time to explore the streets of this elegant capital. Soak up the atmosphere of centuries of history, art, fashion, and, of course, romance. Let the kids run around in one of its many parks or playgrounds, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg, with its toy sailboats, carousel, and pony rides.
Begin your evening with a stroll through the Trocadero quarter and take in its beautiful statues, monuments, and city views. After crossing the Seine, make your way to the "Iron Lady" of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Kids and adults alike will be excited to see this iconic monument and view the evening lights of Paris from its highest floor. Take a guided tour and absorb its stories, facts, and secrets.
Day 2: Disneyland Paris
What child of any age doesn't want to spend a day at Disneyland? Today, experience a modern fairy tale full of magic, castles, princes, and princesses when you take a short trip out of the city to Europe's most popular theme park. See your favorite Disney, Pixel, Marvel, and Star Wars characters come to life before your eyes and take your pick of over 50 attractions.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Class with a Chef, L'Arc de Triomphe, Atelier des Lumières
Your family has probably developed quite a taste for Paris—now, how about creating your own delicious experience? With the help of a professional French chef, learn how how to make a three-course Parisian meal from start to finish. The kids will love the hands-on aspect of market shopping—and tasting the creations at the end. You'll leave with plenty of tips and tricks, plus the recipes from the day so you can replicate a little of France back at home.
Next, stroll to the end of the world-famous Champs-Elysées and take a trip to the l'Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of French culture and the meeting point of 12 major avenues. Now the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, spend a moment to learn about its history in the small museum. Proceed up one level to the top, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Paris.
Later, take a trip to l'Atelier des Lumières, a digital art center well worth setting aside the time to view. Introduce your children to masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh and Monet in an immersive and interactive experience involving 140 video projections onto walls up to 32 feet (10 m) high. Relax as the kids explore artworks that can't be damaged by touch!
Day 4: Pastry & Chocolate Tour, Train to Amboise
This tour will be a winner with the whole family as you take a guided tour through the fashion district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in search of the latest trends… in confectionery and chocolate! Learn about the neighborhood as you visit the most exceptional confectioners and chocolatiers. The tour would not be complete without sampling the specialties, of course—try the best bread, pastries, chocolates, and macarons.
Later, enjoy a high-speed train ride out of Paris to the serene beauty of Amboise, a charming town in the Loire Valley. Once the home of the royal court and such diverse and famous persons as Leonardo da Vinci and Mary, Queen of Scots, this small market town has been at the center of French and European cultural history on many an occasion. Take a walk through town and soak up the medieval feel, or, if you're there at the weekend, pop into one of the famous open-air markets.
Day 5: Château d'Amboise, Villandry & Cheesemaker
Today, guided by a local, you'll explore the beautiful Loire Valley. Your first stop will be the Château d'Amboise, the residence of French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Rising majestically from the banks of the Loire—itself a UNESCO World Heritage-listed river—the Château was a center of luxury and culture. Let the kids experience being in a real castle while you marvel at the stunning architecture and surrounding landscape.
Later, continue to Château de Villandry. The last of the great châteaux of the Loire built during the Renaissance, the whole family will savor its elegant architecture and enjoy exploring the extensive gardens for which it has been renowned for hundreds of years. Next, some nourishment of a different kind: a stop to visit a local cheese maker, where you will learn about the production process, see the goats, and, of course, enjoy a sample or two!
Day 6: Loire Valley: Châteaux de Chambord & Chenonceau
Today, explore two of the Loire Valley's most famous châteaux. Stately Chambord is instantly recognizable, with its 16th-century French-Renaissance architecture. The kids will be entranced by the appearance, grand double staircase, and sprawling gardens—with plenty of scope for games of make-believe or hide-and-seek. With access to the royal apartments and parks, enjoy dreaming of what life was like here.
After lunch, continue to Château de Chenonceau, a building second only to Versaille in its popularity as a destination. With a charming fairy-tale appearance, the kids can let their imaginations run wild—there is even a real medieval dungeon to explore. Your afternoon is sure to fly by as you view the opulent rooms and artistic masterpieces and learn about its fascinating history.
Day 7: Train to Paris, Depart
Today marks the end of your family adventure in France. If time allows, explore Amboise a little more. The kids can enjoy a tour of the town by petit train (a small tourist train) with commentary, get some fresh air at Chanteloupe in the Chinese gardens, complete with ornate Louise XVI pagoda, or explore one of several beautiful churches in town. Afterward, return to your hotel, where your driver will pick you up and take you to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Bon voyage!
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