Olympic Summer in Paris & Hike Brittany - 10 Days

Highlights

• See the highlights of Paris, from the Moulin Rouge to the Seine
• Tour Paris' historic districts like the Latin Quarter and Le Marais
• Hit the waves in Brittany and enjoy scenic coastal hikes

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Self-Guided Tour, Dinner Cruise 

Welcome to France! You'll arrive in the capital of Paris. Not only is the "City of Lights" a hub of art, culture, romance, and great food, but it also won the bid to host the 2024 Olympics. That means there's no better place to stoke the flames of interest for the upcoming Games than Paris.

Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, a driver will be waiting at the terminal to transfer you to your hotel in the city. Then, head out on your own to see the preparations France has been making ever since 2017 when it was tapped to host the Olympics. Amble down the city's wide boulevards and avenues and try to make it to the Eiffel Tower, which will certainly play a prominent role in the 2024 Games. Fun fact: Paris has the distinction of being the only city in the world to host the event three times—in 1900, 1924, and 2024.

Later in the afternoon, head to the banks of the iconic Seine River, where you'll board a cruiser for a romantic sunset ride. As you cruise France's most famous waterway, enjoy views of the city's iconic monuments as they're lit up at dusk while being serenaded by onboard musicians. Then, it will be time to sit down for a multicourse, a la carte dinner before returning to the harbor later in the evening.

Day 2: Paris Walking Tour, the Louvre & Moulin Rouge Cabaret

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll enjoy a highlights tour of Paris. Meet your local expert guide and head over to the Ile de la Cité, a small islet on the Seine. It's home to Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating to 1163. From there, cross the Pont Neuf bridge to the 17th-century Palais-Royal (Royal Palace). From there, you'll stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, a historic garden dating to the 16th century. Then visit the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine stood during the French Revolution, and see the Champs Elysées, one of the most famous avenues in Paris.

After a break for lunch, you'll take a quick walk over to the incomparable Louvre Museum. During this two-hour excursion, you'll get to marvel at masterpieces like the "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." Since the building began life as a royal palace, you'll also visit the Napoléon III Apartments. After the museum, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore Paris on your own.

However, when the sun goes down in Paris, the curtain comes up. So get ready for an evening out at the Moulin Rouge, the famous 19th-century cabaret in the city's fashionable Montmartre neighborhood. You'll sit down for a performance of "Féerie" a showstopping spectacle featuring no fewer than 80 performers clad in a dizzying array of dazzling costumes, kicking and twirling to live music amid awe-inspiring set pieces—champagne included!

Day 3: Paris Bike Tour: Latin Quarter & Le Marais

Venture slightly off the tourist trail this morning on a bicycle ride around a couple of historic districts, each with its own identity. First up on this half-day small-group ride is the bohemian Latin Quarter. Home to prestigious universities like the Sorbonne, the area is a cultural hub with plenty of galleries, cinemas, and bookshops—including the famous Shakespeare & Co. bookstore.

The tour continues across the river into the trendy Le Marais district. There, you'll ride past historic locales like the perfectly symmetrical Place des Vosges square. At the end of the tour, you'll say goodbye to your group and will have the rest of the day to explore Paris on your own.

Day 4: Train to Saint-Malo, Crêpes & Cruise

This morning, you'll board a high-speed train for the 2.5-hour ride to Saint-Malo. This medieval port city is located in the Brittany region of western France, which enjoys a long and storied history dating back some 2,000 years. Saint-Malo also boasts a rich heritage, as during the 17th/18th centuries it was a hub for corsairs (privateers). You'll see evidence of this in the city's famous walled old town, Intra-Muros, built during the Middle Ages to defend against attacks.

Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and then discover Saint-Malo's culture through its cuisine. The famous crêpe has its origins in Brittany, and you'll learn to prepare it in a master class. Meet a local chef in their workshop, then roll up your sleeves and get to work preparing this quintessentially French pancake. After your sweet and savory crêpes are cooked to perfection, sit down for lunch and savor the fruits of your hard work. Accompanying the meal will be some traditional Breton apple cider.

In the afternoon, head to the port and hop aboard a ship for a cruise around the English Channel to the Chausey Islands. This archipelago is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. During the boat tour, you'll marvel at its white-sand beaches fronting turquoise and crystalline waters. Keep your camera handy as the entire archipelago is a haven for seabirds including cormorants, terns, oystercatchers, and more. You might even spot a dolphin or two crossing the channel. At the end of the tour, you'll return to port and your hotel.

Day 5: Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel & Cancale

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll meet your guide and transfer about an hour up the coast to Mont-Saint-Michel. This famous commune on a tidal island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic hilltop abbey, which dates to the eighth century. Once in the area, you can hike across the causeway on foot to reach the town on the island.

After hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll head back toward Saint-Malo in the early afternoon. On the way back, you can stop for lunch in the charming coastal village of Cancale. Like the rest of Brittany, this town is famous for its fresh seafood. Upon returning to Saint-Malo, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. If you haven't yet done so already, walk along the city's well-preserved ramparts for panoramic views of the coastline and the city.

Day 6: Land Sailing & Watersports in Saint-Malo

This morning, you'll take advantage of Saint-Malo's wide beaches and sweeping coastline on an epic sand-sailing adventure. This sport utilizes the natural force of the wind to propel lightweight, three-wheeled vehicles called land yachts or land sailers. Under the guidance of a char à voile (land-sailing) instructor, you'll learn the basics of operating these sailers. Then, hop in your own vehicle and set off on a thrilling two-hour adventure as you zip along the beach.

Eventually, the ride will end, but your beach day is far from over. Afterward, you'll have a couple more hours to enjoy the area's famous watersports. Grab a kayak or standup paddleboard for a scenic ride down the coast. Or, hop on a board for a bit of "surf therapy" on the waves. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 7: Coastal Walk: Saint-Malo to Saint-Briac

There are few better ways to enjoy the immense beauty of the Brittany coast than on a walk between villages and cities. That's why today you'll set off on a multiday hike around some of the most charming seaside villages along the region's famed Emerald Coast.

Eat a hearty breakfast because this morning you'll leave Saint-Malo on a hike along the coast to the town of Saint-Briac. The scenic route covers about 10 miles (16 km) and showcases the region's stunning coastal beauty. During the leisurely hike, you'll pass other colorful seaside towns, including Saint-Lunaire. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodation in Saint-Briac. Rest up, because it's another big day tomorrow.

Day 8: Coastal Walk: Saint-Briac to Saint-Cast

The journey continues bright and early with a transfer from Saint-Briac to the nearby peninsula Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer. From there, follow rugged trails down the coast of Arguenon Bay, enjoying magnificent views the whole time. This 8.5-mile (14 km) trail will lead to various sandy beaches, where you can take a break, enjoy the coastal scenery, and perhaps take a dip in the sea if the weather is nice. The route will lead you around the bay and back up the coast to the historic seaside village of Saint-Cast, where you'll spend the night.

Day 9: Coastal Walk: Saint-Cast to Cap Fréhel

It's time for the final push! Leave in the morning on a 9 to 11-mile (15 to 18 km) hike up the coast from Saint-Cast to the point of the Cap Fréhel peninsula, known for its dramatic sea cliffs and historic castle. During the hike, you'll be treated to views out over rugged headlands to the ocean below. Your arrival on the peninsula marks the end of Brittany's famed Emerald Coast. You'll overnight at nearby Sables-d'Or-les-Pins, a charming seaside village with a picturesque beach.

Day 10: Train to Paris, Depart

It's time to say a bittersweet goodbye to France. Wake up early and transfer from the Cap Fréhel peninsula and transfer to the town of Plancoet, near Saint-Malo. There, you'll board a train to Paris and continue on to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Adieu!