14 Day France Magnifique

Your tour opens in beautiful Paris. Celebrate the beginning of your French voyage with a sunset river cruise past famous glittering landmarks along the River Seine, which divides the north from the south of Paris into what is known as the Right Bank and the Left Bank. Head to one of Paris’ local restaurants for a savory French dinner.

Start your day by taking in the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic coach tour. With your local guide, see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, and the bustling Place Vendome. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story. Perhaps you’ll take an optional guided tour at the famous Louvre.

Set off for the Normandy coast, where the largest invasion in history took place during World War II. Visit the Memorial Peace Museum, built to commemorate those who died in the epic Battle of Normandy in 1944. Later, see the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built near Arromanche-les-Bain, where the allies resupplied their lines during the liberation of France, before making your way to the hotel.

This morning visit the Omaha Beach Cemetery and stop by the Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Center. See the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. Then, walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial and see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Next, make your way to Sainte Mère Eglise, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. You will also visit the landing beaches of Utah and Juno.'

Start your morning at the Bayeux Cathedral, a towering Romanesque church that was consecrated in the 11th century. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic town on your own. Then it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town.

Tonight, enjoy a wonderfully prepared local dinner.

Travel to Le Mont St. Michel (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old city at the base of the village before exploring one of the most beautiful abbeys in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks, once the setting for the French court. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers and local products, and take time to enjoy lunch along the banks of the Vienne River. Next, tour a local winery and discover some of the Loire Valley’s best wines.

This afternoon, feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château’s charming terrace.

This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château.

Embark on a tour of the spectacular Château de Chenonceau. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, it is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque center of Amboise. Enjoy free time for exploring and getting to know the local culture.

Travel the French countryside to the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon (UNESCO). The city was once an important area for silk production. Today it is famous for its world-renowned cuisine.

This evening, personalize your culinary experience with Diner’s Choice! Choose from a selection of included restaurants for your meal.

Choose how you spend the day because it’s your choice! Get to know Lyon with a local expert, visiting the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvier and the historic Old Quarter -OR- visit the Institut Lumière museum, a French organization established for the promotion and preservation of aspects of French film making. The Institut Lumière honors the contribution to filmmaking by Auguste and Louis Lumière - inventors of the cinématographe and fathers of the cinema. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you wish.

Get acquainted with the walled city of Avignon on a morning orientation tour. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. With your free time, perhaps you will choose to explore the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the world’s largest Gothic palace, or take a relaxing stroll along the river and see Pont Saint-Bénézet, one of the city’s most iconic sites.

Travel to Antibes and rub shoulders with Europe’s elite in this Riviera getaway. After some free time to explore, continue to Grasse, the center of the world’s perfume industry. Learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, while visiting a famous parfumerie. Then journey to Nice, the renowned playground of the rich and famous. The evening is yours to explore this seaside destination.

Choose how you spend the day because it’s your choice! Get to know Lyon with a local expert, visiting the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvier and the historic Old Quarter -OR- visit the Institut Lumière museum, a French organization established for the promotion and preservation of aspects of French film making. The Institut Lumière honors the contribution to filmmaking by Auguste and Louis Lumière - inventors of the cinématographe and fathers of the cinema. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you wish.

Set out for home with many magnificent memories.