No products
A self-driven tour from Paris to Normandy and the Loire Valley, a comfortable automatic SUV, suggestions & optional activities, guided small-group day-tour of the Landing Beaches, guided small-group day-tour of Loire Valley Chateaus (Chambord, Chenonceau & Caves Ambacia wine tasting), entrance tickets for Mont Saint Michel Abbey, Chaumont sur Loire Chateau & International Gardens Festival, Royal Chateau of Amboise, The Clos Lucé, three nights in a 4* hotel in Bayeux and three nights in a charming guest house in Chaumont-sur-Loire - all with breakfasts included.
Hit the French roads in a comfortable, air conditioned automatic Nissan SUV (or similar) w/GPS included!
On the way to Bayeux, stop in the village of Giverny and take in the actual Monet Gardens - a "Must See"!
Spared from the World Wars, the medieval city of Bayeux has a rich architectural heritage. The historic centre, beautifully preserved, invites walkers to discover its Gothic-style cathedral and stroll through its old streets lined with mansions and old, half-timbered houses.
Check-in at the Chateau-Hotel de Bellefontaine**** 3 nights with breakfasts and parking included.
Pick-up is at 8:50 AM at Place du Québec, in Bayeux.
These two names echo with tragic memories. In the heart of the American sector, discovering Omaha and Utah Beaches will take you back to this frightening and also triumphant day of June 6, 1944. Try to imagine the thunderous bombings on the beach contrasting with the bucolic and peaceful atmosphere of today. “Bloody Omaha”, called after the unspeakable casualties endured on the beach - here is a great example of human bravery, while Utah offers the striking image of the famous parachutist stranded on the bell tower of Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
With 30-meter (100 ft) high cliffs overlooking the sea, Pointe-du-Hoc is another dramatic and historic site. See the remnants of hundreds of craters, evidence of the massive bombing that took place before the landing. U.S. Rangers then had to climb this cliff in order to neutralize the German canons…and found a huge surprise. An unforgettable moment.
Lunch is at your leisure...
A piece of America in Normandy. In 1956, a decade after the end of WWII, France gave a prominent plot of land at Omaha Beach to the United States. The cemetery consists of seemingly infinite lines of marble grave markers along with several monuments paying homage to the over 9000 U.S. infantry men who gave their lives and now rest here for eternity. Don’t miss the chapel, the Visitor’s Center and above all the Garden of the Missing, containing the names of over 1500 soldiers who were never found.
Drop-off is at 5:00 PM back in Bayeux at the Place du Québec. End of the day-tour.
Mont Saint-Michel is probably Brittany's best-known attraction. Surrounded by the most powerful tides in Europe and perched high on a rocky island, this medieval fortified city and its abbey are a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Many of its monastic buildings date from the 13th Century and are considered outstanding examples of true Gothic architecture.
Check-out after breakfast for departure to Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Indeed, the Loire Valley has the undisputed reputation of containing the most beautiful of the French castles - such as Chenonceau, Chambord or Azay le Rideau. While here, why not also take some time to discover the "terroir" of the Loire Valley with its wines (Vouvray or Chinon), and its cheeses (Sainte Maure de Touraine or Selles sur Cher).
Check-in at La Jacquière, the charming guest house in Chaumont-sur-Loire for three nights with breakfasts and parking included.
Since 1992, the International Garden Festival has provided a unique panorama of landscape design from all over the world. Both a source of ideas and a nursery for talent, the Festival gives an extra boost to the artform of The Garden and gains the interest of both the public and those in the profession.
Pick-up is at 9:30 AM at the Amboise Tourist Office.
The unique architecture of the Chateau of Chenonceau makes it one of the most exquisite chateaus in the Loire Valley. Nicknamed "The Ladies Chateau", the castle is associated with prominent French women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. The magnificent Renaissance Gardens around it make it even more spectacular.
Transport to Amboise for lunch, preceded by...
A sensorial visit and "Vintages Odyssey" followed by a guided wine tasting with a sommelier (extra cost for additional wines).
Lunch at your leisure in Amboise...
Transport to Chambord.
A drive to the Estate of Chambord, a national game preserve - as large as the city of Paris! The Chateau de Chambord (guided tour) is itself a unique monument due to its architecture and proportions. Leonardo da Vinci very likely took part in the conception of the project. With more than 400 rooms and its double-spiral staircase, the Chambord is a highlight of the Loire Valley.
Drop-off is at 6:00 PM at the Amboise Tourist Office.
Have you ever dreamed of Jules Verne’s adventures ?
We offer an unforgettable experience to discover the Loire Valley and its Chateaus, getting a bird’s eye view on board a modern version of the Montgolfier Brothers’ invention. The departure of the balloon takes place at either sunrise or sunset.
The take-off point is chosen by the pilots according to the wind direction that day - be it Chaumont sur Loire, Amboise or Chenonceaux.
Passengers are encouraged to participate in the hot-air balloon's set-up. A safety briefing with the pilots follows. Then take off for a flight of about 60 to 90 minutes. Very special moments guaranteed!
Our hot-air balloon flights over the Loire Valley Chateaux are 100% refundable in case of bad weather conditions. From November to March a supplement may apply depending on the number of passengers booked.
The Royal Chateau of Amboise introduced Italian style to the Loire Valley. It was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Residence of Kings Charles VIII and François I, it offers breathtaking views of the Loire river. In its splendid gardens the gothic chapel shelters the grave of Leonardo da Vinci.
The residence where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. King François I invited him and made him his First Architect and Engineer. The end of the visit features Leonardo’s greatest inventions such as the helicopter and the tank.
Check-out after breakfast.
Departure and then drop off the rental car at the agency in Paris.
A quiet and charmingly unique hotel located in the Norman countryside in the heart of Bessin and only 800m from the Historic Center of Bayeux, The Château de Bellefontaine ensures a beautiful and soothing setting where you can enjoy a very pleasant stay.
Come live the history of France, discover the architecture of the 400 castles of the Region, gastronomy and wines of the Loire. Located in a quiet area,very close to the city centre and the entrance of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, this guest house offers a variety of rooms for 2, 3 or 4 people.
Please note that this package is based on a double occupancy room
Providers are subject to change according to their availability at the time of reservation. Should this arise, we will offer you a parallel alternative at the same high standard.
Duration of the tour | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
Language | During our small group shared day tours, we authorize a maximum of 2 different languages per minivan. In that case, your guide will lead the tour in 2 languages. |
Hotel address | Chateau-Hotel Bellefontaine in Bayeux : 49 Rue de Bellefontaine, 14400 Bayeux ; Guest house in Chaumont sur Loire : La Jacquiere 41150 Chaumont sur Loire |
Transportation | Air conditioned automatic SUV with GPS included |
Types of travel | Self-driven Tours, Tours from Paris |
Destinations | Normandy / Loire Valley, Normandy, Loire Valley |
Number of destinations | 2 |
Duration | 7 days |
Expert on customized private tours all over France since 2003 !
You like this tour but you do not want to share the minivan with other guests ? We have the perfect fit for you ! Enjoy this tour on a private basis !
Our guides will not give you a lecture but will take you as a friend and in a relaxed way, reveal plenty of anecdotes ! The guarantee of having a tour completely adapted to your profile, your questions and your preferences !
A SELF-DRIVEN TOUR OF NORMANDY AND THE LOIRE VALLEY, 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS IN A FOUR-STAR HOTEL AND CHARMING GUEST HOUSE
Customer ratings and reviews
No products