Grand Tour Through Historic France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 16 Days

Highlights

• Try delightful French pastry and chocolate on a foodie tour of the Marais district
• Ride e-bikes to Normandy's Omaha Beach and see somber war monuments 
• Wander the grand halls and gardens of the Loire Valley's châteaux 
• Sample the finest wines of Bordeaux on a market and wine-tasting tour

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Evening Cruise on the Seine

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This thriving capital blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, after which you're free to step out and see some of the sights.

Start your self-guided tour with a walk along the Seine, or head to Canal Saint-Martin, a nearly 3-mile (4.6 km) canal that connects the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Seine. Here, you'll find art galleries and quiet parks, as well as cafés if you'd like to grab a bite. You can also go shopping at stores such as Lafayette and Printemps, featuring top local designers, and small boutiques offering high-quality wares. Art lovers may also want to check out some of Paris' smaller museums, as the city has one of the most impressive art collections in the world. 

Tonight, take an evening cruise on the Seine, with sparkling city views illuminated against the night sky. Travel on a classic trimaran boat, enjoying the scenery from its terraces and exterior passageways. Pass by iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du Louvre, and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, learning more about them via informative audio commentary on your smartphone. 

Day 2: Sightseeing Fun in Paris, Marais Pastry & Chocolate Tour, Visit Versailles 

See more of Paris on your own this morning, starting with a visit to the Grande Mosquée de Paris, one of the largest mosques in France. Constructed in the 1920s, the building includes a prayer room, a hammam, a restaurant, and a gift shop reminiscent of a traditional Arab souk (marketplace). From here, head to La Butte-Aux-Cailles, a tiny village packed with fun bars and restaurants. See Petite Ceinture, a disused railway line that runs for miles around the inner city, and if the weather is less than cooperative, descend to the Catacombs, an eerie, underground labyrinth that contains the remains of several million Parisians. 

This afternoon, immerse yourself in the culinary delights of French pastries and desserts today with a guided tour of the Le Marais neighborhood, located in the 4th arrondissement and home to some of the best cafés and pâtisseries in the city. Your guide will escort you through this vibrant district, sharing information on some of its most historic sites while you stop to sample delicious pastries, macarons, and French chocolates. 

For a step back into France's opulent history, spend the rest of the day on a guided visit to Versailles. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into a decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (The Great Century) by Louis XIV. See some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens. Your private driver will transport you to Versailles, where you'll meet with an expert historian and tour sites such as the rooms of the king and queen, the Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, and more. End with a stroll through the lovely gardens, then return to Paris.

Day 3: Latin Quarter Gourmet Foodie Tour, See Montmartre via Citroën 2CV

After breakfast, take a visit to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a 61-acre (24.7 ha) green space nestled in the northeastern part of the city. Featuring an artificial lake, waterfall, and a miniature Roman temple, this is a great place to start the day. You can also visit sites such as the famed Arc de Triomphe, built to honor those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. If you're looking for unusual art, the Belleville district has miles of street art, or visit the Atelier des Lumières, a former foundry reinvented into a space of immersive digital art.

For a deep dive into Parisian gastronomy, you'll have the option of joining the Latin Quarter Gourmet Tour, a food-focused visit to this bustling district. Meet your guide and fellow food lovers, strolling through this student-centered area that is home to the Sorbonne and a huge variety of markets, restaurants, and bakeries. Visit a food market, a cheese shop, and several bakeries and patisseries, stopping for tastings of authentic French delights as you go. Sample wine, bread, pastries, and delicacies such as foie gras, while your guide regales you with stories about the history of French cuisine.

Later, take an exclusive private tour of the Montmartre district, known for its artistic heritage and lively village vibes. You'll be traveling via vintage Citroën car, with a knowledgeable French driver at the wheel, escorting you to some of the city's most famous monuments while sharing stories and anecdotes. Start with sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, and Grand Palais, then continue into Montmartre, visiting Sacré-Coeur, the Vines of Montmartre, Place des Abbesses, and more. Your driver will curate the tour based on your preferences, allowing you to see the sites that interest you most. 

Day 4: Train to Bayeux, Free Afternoon in the City 

Your next destination is Bayeux. Located in northern France's Normandy region and nestled on the shores of the Aure River, this picturesque town is home to the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The town is also notable for being the first French town to be liberated during World War II and for its proximity to the D-Day landing beaches.

Hop on a train in the morning for the 2.5-hour ride, meeting your driver on arrival for transfer to your hotel. After taking a moment to relax and regroup, take a walk around this historic city and see all it has to offer. See the grandiose Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux and stroll streets lined with traditional wooden-framed Norman houses. And if you're interested in Bayeux's production of lace, porcelain, and tapestry, be sure to visit the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History. This evening, have dinner at a local restaurant then get a good night's rest at your hotel. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Today's guided tour takes you to one of the Bayeux region's most iconic landmarks, the tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Saint-Michel. Meet your driver in the morning for transport to this pilgrimage site, which sits in the Couesnon River estuary and is crowned by the walls of a towering Benedictine abbey. Its history dates back to the eighth century, when the Archangel St. Michel is said to have ordered Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, to build a sanctuary here. 

In the 10th century, the monastery was replaced by a Benedictine abbey, welcoming pilgrims who came to worship. Construction continued until the French Revolution in 1791 when the abbey became a prison. It wasn't until 1864 that Mont-Saint-Michel was added to the French List of Historic Monuments and restored for visitors. Your tour starts at the village's dual entrance, walking along the ancient streets and past traditional timber-framed architecture. Visit the vast abbey and its ramparts, whose setting has inspired countless artists.

During the tour, your guide will share lesser-known tales and legends about Mont-Saint-Michel through the ages—don't be surprised if you feel like you've fallen back in time to the medieval era! Afterward, you'll have time to see more of the village on your own, returning to Bayeux in the afternoon. If you aren't too tired after your busy day, stop by the Bayeux Tapestry Museum to see the famed UNESCO-listed tapestry and the story it tells. 

Day 6: E-Biking Excursion Around Bayeux & Normandy Beaches

Learn more about Bayeux and Normandy today with a guided e-bike tour. Meet your guide and get a safety and equipment briefing, then follow them through the city, riding along the banks of the Aure River and taking in the local architecture. See sites such as the Bayeux Public Garden and the Bayeux Cathedral, while your guide shares historic anecdotes and legends about each place. This city tour takes about 1.5 hours, covering approximately 10 miles (16 km), an easy and fun ride with the e-bike as you can get a boost from the bike's engine if you tire. 

Continue your ride to Omaha Beach, one of the D-Day landing beaches involved in World War II's Operation Overlord. At about 33 miles (54.5 km) this is a longer trip, but your motorized bike will make it manageable regardless of fitness levels again. You'll have a chance to see the commemorative sculptures and learn more about the Allied invasion of Normandy, then stop in at the D-Day Experience theater, where you can watch an interactive 3D film chronicling the day's events. The tour concludes at the US Cemetery. You'll have time to sit or walk in quiet contemplation before biking back to Bayeux. 

Day 7: Transfer to Amboise, Discover the Loire Valley, Chateau de Miniere Winery

You're off to Amboise today, part of the famed Loire Valley. Located approximately three hours by car from Bayeux, this city is home to the popular historic site, the Maison du Clos Lucé, better known as Leonardo da Vinci's House. Once you've arrived and checked into your hotel, spend some time getting to know the city. Start with a stroll to the town center, where you can see da Vinci's former home and learn about the years he spent in Amboise. If you happen to arrive on a weekend, you'll find local markets selling fresh produce and other goods. 

The Loire Valley is also home to more than 300 different chateaus, and you can visit some of these castles if you like. Tour the Azay-le Rideau, which seemingly floats on the river Indre, see Cande where Edward Prince of Wales married Wallis Simpson, or walk in the gardens of Villandry and Chaumont-sur-Loire. A few of the chateaus, like Le Grand Pressigny and Oiron, also house museums and galleries.

The vineyards of the Loire Valley are legendary, with more than 1,000 of them being open to the public. You'll have the option of a guided tour this afternoon, visiting the Château de Minière, located in the Bourgueil terroir, whose sandy and pebbly soils produce incredible wines. Tour the vineyard and learn more about how the grapes are cultivated, then enjoy a tasting of different varietals. Return to your hotel in Amboise in time for dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 8: Vouvray & Montlouis Vineyard Tour, Visit Château de Chenonceau

Learn all about the world of winemaking with a tour of the Vouvray and Montlouis vineyards. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you'll start at a family estate in the Vouvray vineyard. Walk through the rows and talk to a vine grower as they work, then visit a large rock-hewn cellar and taste white wines typical of the region paired with local cheeses. 

Continue along the winding Loire Valley roads to Montlouis, where you'll visit a winery that offers a wide range of Montlouis wines as well as reds from the Loire Valley. Learn about the soil, grape growth, and winemaking process, sampling different wines alongside a delicious charcuterie. Afterward, your driver will transport you back to Amboise.

Later, set out on a self-guided visit to Château de Chenonceau, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture. Built like a bridge on the Cher River, the castle and surrounding gardens are stunning on their own, but it's the history behind it that makes it so interesting. Owned and influenced by powerful women such as Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers, the castle's past includes a narrative full of intrigue, rivalry, and dark secrets. Learn about this fascinating background as you explore the queen's bedroom, the gallery, the gardens, and more. 

Day 9: Self-Guided City Tour of Historic Amboise, Château de Chambord

Spend this morning discovering more of Amboise, making your way to the town center and starting with the Château Royal d'Amboise (Royal Château of Amboise). Built above the river and featuring an endless stretch of gardens, this former medieval fortress boasts an exceptional collection of furniture, illustrating the artistic refinement of the early French Renaissance. Each room of the residence showcases important episodes in the history of France, and you'll find astonishing architecture such as the Minimes and Heurtault Towers. The chateau also offers narrative tablets to further enhance your visit.

Outside the chateau, the Naples Garden was the first Renaissance garden in the Loire Valley. See landscapes such as the Orient Garden, walk the avenues, and keep an eye out for the more than 80 species of birds that call the gardens home. After the castle visit, you can take a quick walk to the famed Caves Ambacia and Duhard Cellars. Visit the underground cellars and learn more about this family wine production, then taste three vintage wines. Analyze the colors, aromas, and tastes of each, while your guide explains more about each unique blend.

For a true Renaissance experience, take a trip outside the city to Château de Chambord, one of Loire Valley's most popular destinations. Built in the 1500s as a hunting lodge for Francis I, this castle is a beautiful example of French Renaissance architecture. Take a self-guided tour, exploring the double spiral staircase, which two people can go up or down without ever meeting, the royal apartments, and learn about royal hunts. Go through five centuries of history in just a few hours as you wander through furnished 18th-century apartments and see breathtaking views from the terraces. 

Day 10: Da Vinci Home & Museum, See Amboise by Bike, Transfer to Cheverny

Get to know Leonardo da Vinci at Château du Clos Lucé, the place where he spent his last years. The artist was invited to the château by King Francis I, and he worked on several projects for the king. At one time, an underground passage connected the château with the king's residence, Château Royal d'Amboise, enabling the men to meet regularly. Tour the house and learn more about the artist, as well as see the first section of the now-defunct passageway. End at Leonardo's Garden, an open-air museum with installations modeled on Da Vinci's feats of engineering. 

If there are sites around Amboise you'd still like to see today, consider a self-guided e-bike tour around the city. Traveling within a 6-mile (10 km) radius, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Château Royal d'Amboise, the royal domain of Château-Gaillard, and the Chanteloup Pagoda, or you can take an adventurous 27-mile (45 km) loop that links the Château d'Amboise to the Château de Chenonceau. This route takes you along rolling hills and lush vineyards, with excellent views of the Cher River—a great way to explore the history of this region.

Then, check out of your Amboise hotel for your transfer to Cheverny, a quaint village located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Centre-Val de Loire region of the Loire Valley. After checking in at your hotel, your afternoon is free to do some sightseeing. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets, stopping to marvel at the Château de Cheverny, a Renaissance castle that stands as a testament to the village's illustrious past. The surrounding countryside also offers scenic hiking trails that wind through dense forests, or you can rent bikes and follow the banks of the Loire River. 

Day 11: Wine, History & Nature in Elegant Cheverny

Visit the Château de Cheverny today. Built sometime between 1604 and 1635, this estate has been owned by the same family, the Huraults, for six centuries and is still owned by descendants of the original builders. The château retains an intimate charm, with well-preserved rooms, gorgeous gardens, and a canal. There are several tours  available, including a private tour that reveals secrets of the castle and Hurault de Vibraye family, or a group tour that takes you from the 14th century to present day. There are also seasonal boat tours along the canal and electric car tours of the grounds. 

Afterward, see more of the Loire Valley's wine country with a visit to local vineyards, sampling some of the finest wines produced in France, which include crisp sauvignon blancs, elegant cabernets, and more. Knowledgeable sommeliers will guide you through the nuances of each varietal, and explain more about the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.

Punctuate your final day in Cheverny with dinner at one of their top restaurants. Choose from charming bistros serving classic French cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants that feature innovative gastronomy—an array of diverse dining options that are sure to please any palate. Savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paired with the exceptional wines of the Val de Loire, for a dining experience that truly highlights the flavors of French cuisine. 

Day 12: Transfer to Bordeaux, Sightseeing Around the City

The journey continues as you take a private transfer four hours south to Bordeaux, a port city on the Garonne River and a notable winemaking region. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, Bordeaux is known for its art and history, with more than 350 structures listed as historic monuments, as well as several important art museums. 

Arrive and drop your bags at your hotel, then spend the afternoon taking in the city sights. You can indulge in some shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe's longest shopping street and home to luxury boutiques like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes, or head to the tourist information office and board a train for a 45-minute ride around the city. Pass by sites such as Place des Quinconces and Place de la Bourse, as well as other notable landmarks.

This evening, take a cruise on the Garonne River, which takes you along the UNESCO-listed Port of the Moon, the basilicas of Saint-Seurin and Saint-Michel, the Grosse Cloche, and the Bastide Botanical Garden. Tour options include dinner or wine tastings, with delicious drinks and food to enjoy as the sun sets. 

Day 13: Markets & Wine With a Local, Cité du Vin Exhibition, Bordeaux Canelé Class

Discover Bordaux's gastronomic legacy with a guided tour of the Marché des Capucins, a large covered market where you'll see vendors hawking their wares and sample delicious cheeses paired with wine. Your expert guide will share insight into the different foods sold here and the heritage and history that accompany regional fare, and you'll stop at different stalls to hear the producers explain their work and sample local wines and food items. Finish at a nearby wine cellar for brunch, enjoying a tasting of six different wines matched with food purchased at the market.

Later today, you'll have the option to visit the Cité du Vin museum, immersing yourself in the world of wine as you enjoy interactive displays and learn about Bordeaux's role in the wine industry. While here, visit the Belvédère, located on the eighth floor of the museum and offering exclusive tastings alongside expansive city views.

Both experienced and amateur bakers might also enjoy a canelé making class. This traditional small cake, flavored with rum and vanilla, features a custard center and caramelized crust. Originally associated with the nuns of the Annonciades convent in the 18th century, the canelé’s history has always been strongly linked with Bordeaux. You'll have a chance to learn the art of creating these decadent treats and sample your finished product.

Day 14: Wine Tasting Tour in Saint-Émilion

Learn more about Bordeaux's grape-growing heritage with a day of wine tasting in nearby Saint-Émilion. This region is known for its merlot grapes, which are turned into world-famous wines, and you'll visit a family estate that sits on Saint-Émilion's prestigious right bank. Tour the estate, educate your nose and palate to identify the aromas and flavors of different varietals, and finish with a tasting of some of the estate's top wines.

From here, continue to a classified growth estate. Learn how a winery achieves this coveted classification, tour the vineyards, and enjoy a tasting accompanied by local French delicacies. The tour closes with a guided tour around the village of Saint-Emilion, classified on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and dating back to medieval times. Walk the charming streets and learn more about this region's history, returning to Bordeaux in the afternoon.

Day 15: Train to Paris, Shopping Fun & Wine Tasting Dinner

It's back to Paris this morning as you check out of your hotel and board a high-speed train for the 3.5-hour ride. Upon arrival, make the most of your last full day in France with a shopping spree at some of the city's top boutiques. if you're after luxury and haute couture, visit the Golden Triangle district, which runs from the Porte Maillot to the Champs-Élysées traffic circle and via the avenues George-V and Montaigne. Here, you'll find brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hugo Boss, Chanel, and more, as well as ready-to-wear designs. 

Visit the department store at Haussmann-Saint-Lazare-Opéra square, or head to the Marais for trendy, avant-garde clothing and decor. The Martyrs and Pigalle districts offer a boho atmosphere and vintage shopping, and Montmartre is full of one-of-a-kind souvenirs and clothing items. Casual shoppers can also find chic, classic looks at the 16th arrondissement's Rue de Passy. 

All that shopping is likely to leave you both hungry and thirsty, so tonight, treat yourself to a special evening of wine and food at Ô Chateau, an elegant, old-world venue offering top-notch meals alongside wine tastings. Enter a beautiful tasting room where your sommelier awaits with a glass of Champagne, then enjoy a three-course set menu paired with three wines. During the dinner, your sommelier will share information on how to properly taste wine, navigate a wine list, and pair wines with food. Meet other guests from around the world as you all indulge in fantastic food, wine, and company. 

Day 16: Depart Paris

Your adventures in France come to a close today. At the appointed time, your driver will transfer you to the airport, where your departing flight awaits. Au revoir! 

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