My recommendations for this tour include seeing the gothic stonework of the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and its 19th century cast iron spire, passing by the breathtaking, cabled-stayed bridge; Le Pont de Normandie, visiting the island of Mont-Saint-Michel with its 11th-century abbey rising dramatically from the sea, travelling to Menez-Hom, the highest peak of the Black Mountains for a romantic panoramic view of the Crozon peninsula, exploring Maison du Vin de l'Anjou and experiencing the variety and richness of Loire wines, and discovering the iconic chateaux of the Loire Valley.
Normandy is perhaps best known for the part that it played in World War II. It is the site of the famous Normandy beach invasions which was the beginning of the end of World War II. You will be able to visit these historical beaches and gaze upon the defences that the Germans created in an attempt to fend off the allied invasion.
This will make it one of the most relaxing and fulfilling vacations that you have ever taken.
Rouen, Normandy Bridge, Honfleur, Cabourg, Deauville, Caen, landing beach tour, Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Dinard, Plougastel, Brittany coast, Quimper, Nantes, Anjou, Saumur, Chinon, Azay le Rideau, Tours, Amboise, Blois, Orléans
The first day of your tour is light to allow you to adjust to the time difference. Your personal A La Carte France Tours chauffeur-guide will collect you from your Paris accommodation or Paris airport and drive you to the village of Giverny, which is famous for the garden and home of impressionist painter, Claude Monet who lived here from 1883 to 1926. Here you can view restored ancient furniture, Japanese prints, the flower garden and Japanese inspired water garden. Your tour guide will then drive you North in a private minivan to the prosperous medieval city of Rouen which is where Joan of Arc, the heroine of France was tried and burned for heresy. Here you can visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a beautiful gothic monument famed for the paintings of Claude Monet on the faccade, and the church are the Chapel of Joan of Arc, where her statue stands in her honor.
Overnight in Rouen.
On your second day, your A La Carte France Tours guide will take you to Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, an arts museum founded by Napoleon, for a private tour. Here you can wander through a collection of artworks by Poussin, Deshays, Jacques Stella, Fragonard, and other famous European painters. Walk along on the cobblestone streets of Rouen to see 14th century gothic belfry houses and Gros Horloge, a monumental town clock, and view the Chateau Gaillard, a 12th century castle built by King Richard the Lionheart and conquered by King Phillip II of Spain. You can also view the picturesque River Seine, an important commercial waterway in Europe, and cross Le Pont De Normandie; one of the world's largest cable stay bridges that rises above the landscape and expands over the Seine River. Overnight in Honfleur.
Today your A La Carte France Tours guide takes you through Honfleur; a small old port in Normandy and a renowed setting for Impressionist painters like Courbet, Monet and Boudin. Here you can stroll the narrow paved streets and discover the timber-framed house-fronts, charming hotels, and luxury restaurants. Visit Le Vieux Bassin, a wet dock built in 1681 by Duquesne, on orders of Colbert and view the surrounding tall, narrow Norman houses and yachts. Also, beside the old port are amateur painters of watercolor and oil paintings. You can also visit Eglise Sainte Catherine, a wooden church built by shipbuilders following the Hundred Years War, and your guide will show you its wooden archways, pulpit, fascinating carvings. The church has a separate bell tower, which is now found at the Musee Eugene Boudin, a museum with collections of pre-impressionist and contemporary Norman paintings.
Overnight in Cabourg, a seaside resort.
Enjoy a A La Carte France Tours walking tour of Caen with your private guide and see Le Memorial de Caen; a museum that features significant memorabilia from the Second World War and the Battle of Caen. You can also see the 11th century Abbaye aux Hommes, originally a Benedictine monastery for men dedicated to Saint Stephen, and the 11th-century Romanesque architecture of the Abbaye aux Dames including its long nave, tall round arches, and, under the slab of black marble in the choir, the Queen's remains. Next stop is Chateau de Caen, home to Normandy Museum and Fine Arts Museum; a beautiful medieval castle where Dukes of Normandy and Kings of England once held their assemblies. After an optional visit in Bayeux to see the famous Tapestry, the final stop is the Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on 6th June 1944 to reclaim France from Nazi Germany. View former German bunkers along the beach, while your private guide tells you tales of the D-Day landings. From here, be driven to Isigny-sur-Mer (a small village in Basse-Normandie) for gourmet cuisine.
Overnight in Isigny-sur-Mer
Today, your personal A La Carte France tour takes you to Villedieu les Poeles, where the world's greatest chefs' pots and pans are hand-made, and then to the scenic island of Mont Saint-Michel. This stunning site is famed for its 11th-century Romanesque Abbey dedicated to the guardian angel St-Michel. Enter through the Burgher's Guardroom, which currently is the Tourist Office, then pass the two main gates to reach Grande Rue, its main street. Here you can experience shops, houses and museums dating from the 15th to 16th centuries including Eglise St-Pierre, where you can see Joan of Arc's statue at the front door. Climb the Grand Staircase to the Abbey church at the top and enjoy a view of the magnificent bay including the base ramparts that were once built to protect the island from English forces.
Two nights in Cancale/Sable d'Or les Pins area.
Today, your private A La Carte France tour takes you to La Pointe du Groin, a beachside bird sanctuary. Here you can see cormorants, voracious aquatic birds, and other bird species. Then, head to Saint-Malo for a stroll on the ramparts, which date from the 12th to 18th centuries. Visit Porte St-Vincent, the main entrance to the Intra-Muros for a scenic view of the citadel and the ever-changing tides. You can also visit the waterfront, from where you can see the home of the naval museum of Cape Horners. Your tour then proceeds to Dinard across the Rance Estuary for a panoramic view of the coastline including views of an array of luxury villas and buildings dating from the 14th to 17th centuries.
Second night in Cancale/Sable d'Or les Pins area.
Today your A La Carte France tours driver-guide will take you to the small town of Saint-Thegonnec. Here you can visit the 16th-century Renaissance Enclos Paroissial de Saint-Thegonnec and its famous centerpieces including the church, the Calvary illustrating scenes of the Passion, and the ossuary with its polychrome Entombment of Jesus. The church also has an impressive nave, tableaux, and stained glass windows. Your private limousine tour then takes you to the sleepy town of Guimiliau, named after its patron Saint Miliau. Here you can see another well-preserved parish enclosure, a 16th-century Renaissance church popularized by its ossuary and Brittany's largest Calvary. Next travel to Plougastel-Daoulas; France and Brittany's strawberry capital. Stop by the Plougastel peninsula which stretches to the Brest harbor and witness the spectacular views of the countryside including 15th-century houses and landscapes of strawberry fields. The ancient Daoulas Abbey, dating back to 500 A.D., is also a must-see. Two nights in Plomodiern.
Today's itinerary will allow you to venture across hilltops and jaggy coastlines as your A La Carte France Tours exclusive guide takes you first to Menez Hom, the highest peak of the Black Mountains and then to Baie de Douarnenez, a seaside resort famed for its canned-fish industry. For the adventurous, this peak is a perfect spot for paragliding. Your minivan driver-guide will then take you to the Crozon peninsula, famed for its jagged seacoasts and steep cliffs. Then continue on to Pointe de Pen-hir, a rocky promontory in Crozon for magnificent views of preserved seabirds and two memorials dedicated to Bretons who died in World War II.
Second night in Plomodiern.
This day starts with a private walking tour in Quimper, the capital of Finistere famed for the confluence of Odet and Steir rivers. Visit Cathedrale St-Corentin, a 13th century Gothic church named after the first bishop of Quimpera and the statue of the Legendary King Gradlon, a hero in Breton folklore. From here, your next stop is the Musee des Beaux Arts de Quimper, which was built in 1864 and houses collections of paintings and sculptures from various European artists dating back to the 13th century. Walk along the cobblestone street Rue Kereon to see preserved timbered houses of the Middle Ages, then travel with your A La Carte France tour guide to the walled town of Vannes where you can visit the Cathedrale Saint Pierre, which is now a Basilica, with a preserved north tower from the original church and ten chapels on each side. You can also tour the Jardin des Remparts de Vannes, fronting the old Chateau de L'Hermine, where Dukes of Brittany once lived in the 14th to 16th centuries.
Overnight in Missillac.
Today, your privately escorted A La Carte France tour heads to Nantes, a metropolis located on the banks of the Loire river. Your first stop here is the 13th century residence of the Dukes of Brittany; the Chateau Des Ducs de Bretagne which is home to the Nantes History Museum. Here you can view a selection of historic artefacts, or enjoy a stroll across the ramparts for spectacular views of the fortress and the city. Another historic monument here is the Passage Pommeraye, a small shopping centre linked to two streets, and named after its developer Louis Pommeraye. Here you will find many shops in a three storey structure highlighted by a monumental decorative staircase. You can also visit he Renaissance Chateau de Serrant, a grand mansion that houses a library of 12,000 books, a ceremonial hall, and prestigious rooms furnished with tapestries and works of art.
Overnight in Angers.
Today your A La Carte France private tour takes you to Angers, the capital of Maine-et-Loire. Here you can visit the Chateau d'Angers, an impressive black stone castle built in the 9th century, and expanded in the 13th century by counts and dukes of Anjou. Inside you can view the famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse, which is about 440-feet long, and features the Day of Judgement as written in the Book of Revelations. Your next stop is the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styled Cathedrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers. Here you can experience 12th-century sculptures like Christ His Majesty at the portals, and view rich stained glass windows, and Norman nave. Behind the cathedral is the Maison d'Adam, or Adam House; the oldest half-timbered house in Angers which has a façade adorned with wooden sculptures. From here, visit the Maison des Vins d'Angers where you can sample the finest Loire Valley wines, then drive to the 14th-century Chateau de Saumur, where King Rene, the last duke of Anjou once lived.
Three nights in Amboise.
Today your A La Carte France tour is dedicated to the Loire Valley. Here you can visit the 1859 Caves de Grenelle for wine tasting, and see the underground cellars in quarried caves of tuffeau stone which are the perfect temperature for aging white wines. You can also tour the Musee des Blindes, a tank museum founded in 1977 which features a collection of armoured fighting vehicles. Your luxury tour then visits the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, which was founded by a traveling preacher named Robert d'Arbissel in 1100. Inside its Romanesque church are four royal effigy tombs and on the eastern side are extensive terraced gardens. Visit Candes-St-Martin, and view the stained glass windows, steeple and multifaceted roofs of the 12th-century collegiale church of Saint Martin. You can also experience the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of Chateau d'Usse, the original Sleeping Beauty castle written about by author Charles Perrault, who became a guest of the Count of Saumur. Your final stop is the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau, which floats amidst the Indre river, and boasts spectacular romantic gardens.
Second night in Amboise.
Today your A La Carte France tours guide will take you to explore the historic city of Tours, an ancient royal city in the Loire Valley. Here you can stroll the cobbled streets of Le Vieux Tours and see beautiful, well-preserved medieval buildings. You can also visit La Place Plumereau, and experience its range of open-air restaurants. From here, your tour will take you to Vouvray for sights of troglodyte caves in the cliffs of Loire. These caves are dug beneath the cliffs and serve as cheap, yet secure accommodation for less affluent residents of the city. You may see smoking chimneys amidst the cliffs. Another important sight is the enchanting Chateau de Valmer which overlooks the Brenne Valley. Its expansive landscapes include a castle, fountains, statues, moats, Renaissance hanging gardens, and labyrinths. Next, return to Amboise for more attractions, including the magnificent 15th-century Chateau d'Amboise, and the Chateau du Clos Luce; a museum that was originally Leonardo da Vinci's official residence and features the artist's famous designs and a copy of the Mona Lisa.
Third night in Amboise.
On the final day of your tour, your private driver-guide will take you to see the Chateau Royal de Blois, a Gothic, Renaissance and classical monument which was once home to French Kings. Here you can view the monumental loggia staircase with its decorations of salamanders and curly Fs, designating Francois I, the bedchamber in its original decor which marks memories of the death of Henri II's wife in 1589, and the second floor period paintings chronicling the bloody deaths of royalties in the chateau. From here, head to Orleans, just 69 miles southwest of Paris, to view the Gothic style of the Cathedrale Sainte-Croix, a 13th century church where you can see elaborate stonework, high towers, and beautiful stained glass windows depicting the life of Joan of Arc. From here you are dropped off in Paris or at Paris airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your A La Carte France Tour. Au revoir et bon voyage, honores voyageurs. Nous esperons vous revoir un jour!
bookings for tours shorter than 10 days.
Boutique / Luxury price includes: private
driver-interpreter throughout the tour, private
local guides, transport (air conditioned
minivan or large sedan), all entrance fees
as per suggested itinerary, porterage,
accommodation in boutique / luxury
(best available) style small hotels and Bed
& Breakfasts (comfortable double room with
private bathroom), continental breakfasts,
light lunches (i.e. quiche, sandwich, soup),
dinners in fine cuisine restaurants (3 items to
choose freely à la carte) with best available
local wine (half a bottle per dinner per
person), all taxes and tolls. This price does
not include: optional tipping (not compulsory),
personal expenses, insurance, flights to and
from France, drinks other than mentioned
and optional activities.
no refund for cancellations received
later.
Each autumn during the Fête de la Crevette, Honfleur holds a series of typical regional shows that tour France. They take place in the narrow streets around the port and in the splendid setting of the Sainte-Catherine pier. The entertainment includes sailor's songs, the traditional dressing of the sails, shrimp-selling competitions, boat portages au cabestan, or by means of a capstan, and the maneuvering of oars. All this is in honor of the gray prawn, the specialty of Honfleur. Visitors can taste mussels, seafood, local cheeses,
and the famous trou normand, a glass of calvados that is a superior digestif.
The view over the Loire from the high balcony of the Amboise castle is stunning. It was one of the favorite places of the Valois kings from Charles VIII to Louis XII and Francis I who dreamt of art beauty. Close ties between the Valois family and Italy's rulers influenced the castle's style, since Charlotte of Savoy was the mother of Charles VII, and Valentina Visconti, daughter of the Duke of Milan, was grand mother of Louis XII. Several sections of the building have been redesigned many times, and vary from a late Gothic style to a notable Renaissance style, hence Amboise is recognized as the cradle of the French Renaissance.
The nearby city of Tours is also worth a visit.
Viewed from the sea, Cancale appears as a small fishing village perched on a rock with a tiny port wedged between the shore and cliffs. For centuries the town's wealth has come from the sea oysters, in particular. The panoramic road overlooking the little port of La Houle is a special place where visitors can stroll among the oyster gatherers and seafood connoisseurs. Explore the many narrow pathways and climb the stairs leading up between two fishermen's houses in order to appreciate the enchantment of the narrow roofs,
built one atop the other, facing the sea.
