Explore Timeless Traditions
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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 honor timeless traditions, share stories of valor and courage, and celebrate landscapes so beautiful they are immortalized 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 Tauck 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 Apocalypse and Bayeux tapestries mesmerize at Château d’Angers and Château Josselin near the Brittany Coast. Visit Normandy’s poignant D-Day beaches, magnificent Mont-St-Michel, Monet’s beloved Giverny and Chartres Cathedral. In Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral entices with Gothic wonders; explore Musée d’Orsay along with Paris’ landmark sites, and bid Paris adieu with a private farewell dinner cruise on the Seine.
Highlights
- TAUCK’S YELLOW ROADS – Explore Brittany’s rugged headlands, the Normandy coast, historic D-Day beaches and Paris
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE, SELECT DEPARTURES – Tours of September 6, 22, and 29 will feature a Tauck Exclusive, after-hours visit to Musée du Louvre (visits scheduled for Day 10, 11 or 12). See Mona Lisa smile, fall in love with Venus de Milo, meet Bernini's sleeping beauty, mingle with Monets, Michelangelos, Rembrandts and Renoirs - without crowds!
- All Small Group Departures enjoy a 3-night stay in Paris at Le Meurice, ranked among the most elegant hotels in the world, combining exceptional 18th-century opulence with contemporary chic. Embodying the perfect French palace hotel, Le Meurice is ideally situated between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre; Salvador Dalí was a regular visitor, and the hotel still enjoys a close relationship with noted artists today
- Dinner at a private country estate in châteaux country with a hunting hound demonstration in full regalia
- A cruise along the Golfe du Morbihan (meaning “Little Sea” in Breton), a channeled inlet of small islands that waxes and wanes with the tide
- Guided visits to the “must-see” sights of Chartres Cathedral, Mont-St-Michel, Monet’s home & gardens at Giverny, the Bayeux and Apocalypse tapestries and Musée d’Orsay
- Guided walking tours along the cobbled streets of the ancient French towns of Chartres, Rouen, Rochefort-en-Terre, Mont-St-Michel, Vannes & Saint-Malo
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- 24 meals; service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Paris and on to Versailles
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Trianon Palace 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; explore it on an included independent visit today. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Trianon Palace Versailles – A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Day 2
Ancient Chartres & an evening at a château
Travel from Versailles to Chartres. Watch a demonstration of the time-honored art of creating stained glass at the International Stained-Glass Centre, then see some of the world’s greatest examples of the art – more than 27,000 square feet of it, created by artisans of the 12th and 13th centuries – inside Chartres’ Gothic cathedral, among the most impressive in all of Europe. After touring the town of Chartres, continue on to Langeais in châteaux country, where you’ll spend the next two nights at Château de Rochecotte, once the private estate of diplomat Prince Tallyrand and the Duchess of Dino. Tonight, enjoy an immersive Loire Valley experience at Château de Champchevrier, a private country estate, where you’ll meet the Baron and his family, enjoy a reception and dinner, and witness a hunting hound demonstration in full regalia.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Château de Rochecotte
Day 3
The Loire Valley’s châteaux country
For centuries, royalty and nobility built their magnificent châteaux in the Loire Valley, which also attracted poets, novelists and artists to find their inspiration in the lush forests and rich farmland of the “Garden of France.” First, enjoy a glimpse of the princely life on a guided visit to Château de Langeais, overlooking the Loire River; King Charles VIII of France was married here in 1491. Next up is a private visit to the vineyards of Le Moulin Bleu in Bourgueil for lunch and a wine tasting. Later, visit Château Villandry – reputed to have the most spectacular formal gardens in all of France – prior to returning to your Langeais château hotel for dinner and an evening spent as you please.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Château de Rochecotte
Day 4
Medieval Angers & seaside Port du Crouesty
In the midst of the wine-growing area of the Loire Valley lies the 13th-century Château d’Angers, home to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, the longest medieval tapestry in the world. After a visit to this 17-towered fortress to view its celebrated depiction of scenes from the Book of Revelations – of which about 329 feet of its original 459-foot length survive – continue on to Port du Crouesty to enjoy a two-night stay in the elegantly furnished and quite unusual waterfront spa resort, Miramar La Cigale – Hôtel Thalasso & Spa.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Miramar La Cigale – Hôtel Thalasso & Spa
Day 5
The Golfe du Morbihan & Rochefort-en-Terre
As Tauck’s most delightful of France and Normandy tours continues, start the day with a walking tour of Le Petit Mont, a Neolithic-era tomb that German forces used as a bunker during WWII. Take a sightseeing cruise among the islands of the scenic Golfe du Morbihan, followed by an excursion to Rochefort-en-Terre. This lovely 19th-century stone village has earned a reputation as one of France’s top floral towns thanks to a century-long tradition, begun by French-American painter Alfred Klots, of blanketing the town with pink and red geraniums each spring.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Miramar La Cigale – Hôtel Thalasso & Spa
Day 6
From Vannes to Josselin and on to St-Malo
Brittany’s medieval history reveals itself as you take a walking tour, view the Cathedral and meander along the Promenade de la Garenne in Vannes. Visit the ancient town of Josselin and explore its castle, Château Josselin, one of the oldest châteaux in western France and the residence of the aristocratic Rohan family. Your guided tour reveals the castle’s turbulent history and includes a collection of rare dolls in its Doll Museum. Wind your way through idyllic Breton villages to St-Malo, where you’ll spend the next two nights on the English Channel coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Grand Hôtel des Thermes
Day 7
Mont-St-Michel & medieval St-Malo
Considered to be one of Western civilization’s premiere achievements, the impressive Abbey of Mont-St-Michel was once totally unreachable at high tide. Check out the range of architectural styles it embodies – with lots of walking up and down hills – on this morning’s visit. Once the infamous base for French corsairs, the medieval port town of St-Malo, set dramatically overlooking the sea, offers much to discover on a guided walking tour of its atmospheric walled center, La Ville Intra-Muros, with your Tauck Director. Or you may spend the rest of the day exploring as you wish or indulging in the hotel’s spa.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Grand Hôtel des Thermes
Day 8
Bayeux’s Tapestry, Caen & Deauville’s beaches
Set out from St-Malo across the countryside on this most satisfying of Normandy tours to the coast, and view the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Your scenic drive along the Yellow Roads includes a stop and lunch at Le Mémorial de Caen, commemorating the sacrifices of World War II and the battle for Caen, and featuring a Peace Museum and memorial gardens. Arrive in the seaside resort of Deauville and your accommodation for the next two nights, the epitome of Belle Époque elegance. Dine à la carte at your hotel tonight.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Le Normandy Barriere Deauville
Day 9
The 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. Your memorable visit includes an introduction to the momentous events of D-Day by Tauck’s local expert; 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. Your explorations at these sites connected to “the longest day” make for a day you’ll never forget.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Le Normandy Barriere Deauville
Day 10
Medieval Rouen, Monet’s Giverny & on to Paris
Depart Deauville and travel to Rouen for a tour of this ancient city with a local guide, including a stop at the Church of Ste. Joan of Arc – a modern structure dedicated to the French heroine and saint who was burned at the stake here in 1431. Continue along the River Seine to Giverny to tour the celebrated home and oft-painted gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Your final destination today is legendary Paris. Small group departures (see dates and prices under “Pricing & Availability” above) will stay at the legendary palace hotel Le Meurice; all other departures stay at Sofitel Paris le Faubourg.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Paris le Faubourg or Le Meurice
Day 11
Sights & sounds of remarkable Paris
Check out such famous Parisian landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the glamorous Champs-Élysées and the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame on a morning city sightseeing tour. Then the “City of Lights” is yours to explore as you please for the remainder of the day and evening; if you wish, you may join us for an optional walking tour in the afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sofitel Paris le Faubourg or Le Meurice
Day 12
Musée d’Orsay & farewell dinner cruise in Paris
Immerse yourself in the soft beauty of the works of the Impressionists during a locally guided visit to the famous (and newly renovated) Musée d’Orsay, whose great collection of 19th-century French Impressionist paintings, sculptures and art objects is displayed in the restored Gare d’Orsay, a former railway station built for the Paris Exhibition of 1900 (subject to closure). Exchange memories with your new friends this evening at our private farewell dinner and cruise on the River Seine, bidding Paris adieu as your most fascinating of France and Normandy tours draws to a close.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Paris le Faubourg or Le Meurice
Day 13
Journey home
Tour ends: Paris. A transfer is included from Le Meurice and Sofitel Paris le Fauborg to Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports or Paris’ Gare de Lyon, Charles de Gaulle-Station or Gare du Nord train stations. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
*Rates are person based on twin share. Single Supplements apply, for more information please speak to one of our Travel Specialists.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Château de Rochecotte
Set amidst a magnificent 19-acre park in the lush Loire Valley, the elegant Château de Rochecotte was once the grand and luxurious private estate of the Prince of Talleyrand and the Duchess de Dino. The 35 tastefully decorated guest rooms are furnished to a high standard and offer lovely views of the extensive gardens and surrounding woodlands. The exquisite restaurant provides a fine dining experience with a traditional yet imaginative menu. A stay at Château de Rochecotte is a sheer delight in every way.
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Sofitel Paris le Faubourg
An oasis of calm surrounded by boutiques, embassies and cultural attractions at the center of Parisian haute-couture, the 5-star Sofitel Paris le Faubourg exquisitely reflects the fashion and luxury of the Faubourg St. Honoré district in a decidedly modern interior designed by Didier Gomez. With a contemporary design inspired by the opulence of the 18th century, luxurious guest rooms provide a cozy atmosphere in striking contrast to the bustle of the French capital, boasting a comfortable MyBed, marble bathroom with Hermès products and crystal-clear Bose sound system. Within the chic universe of the Sofitel Paris le Faubourg, savor the innovative cuisine of the Les Collections restaurant; discover the latest trends for lunch and cocktails in the popular Bar30; allow yourself a moment of relaxation in the 24-hour well-being center featuring an “Experience” steam room; or leave stress behind with the latest Technogym equipment in the fitness room.
Tauck Guests enjoy complimentary Internet access in guest rooms!
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Le Meurice
Combining exceptional 18th-century opulence with contemporary chic, including eye-catching interiors by Philippe Starck, Le Meurice embodies the perfect French palace hotel, and has been ranked among the most elegant hotels in the world. Located between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, Le Meurice is ideally situated for visiting the finest art that Paris has to offer; Salvador Dalí was a regular visitor, and the hotel still enjoys a close relationship with many artists today. Each of the seven floors boasts a distinct style, with beautifully appointed guest rooms decorated in the style of Louis XVI, featuring exquisite Italian marble bathrooms. Each guest room is soundproofed and is equipped with air conditioning, multiple telephone lines and cable television. Highly-acclaimed multiple Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse oversees all hotel dining. Restaurant le Meurice, one of the world’s most beautiful dining rooms, offers outstanding French fine-dining overlooking the Tuileries Garden, or dine at Restaurant Le Dalí under the magnificent ceiling mural painted by Ara Starck. Visit Bar 228 for chic drinks and live jazz every night. Tranquil and modern, the newly refurbished Spa Valmont for Le Meurice specializes in treatments from Swiss skincare experts Valmont; for complete relaxation try the stunning mosaic hammams and sun terrace.
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