Day 1

PARIS 
Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

PARIS - ROUEN (150km/1h30min)- TROUVILLE (50km/1h)
Travel to Rouen to see the cathedral so wonderfully painted by Monet, & the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You also get an insight into Rouen's famous markets - bustling with local merchants. Continue to the charming seaside resort of Trouville and overnight.

Day 3

TROUVILLE – BAYEUX (150km/1h30min) - NORMY COAST – PONTORSON (150km/1h30min)
Stop in Bayeux to see Queen Matilda's Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066. There are poignant reminders of WWII as you drive along some of the beaches of the D-DAY landings, including Sword, Juno & Gold. Visit the Invasion landings' Museum at Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Continue to Omaha Beach to visit the American Military Cemetery of St Laurent. Afterwards, follow the route of the Rangers depicted in Saving Private Ryan and visit the bunkers and the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Now on to your hotel.

Day 4

PONTORSON - MONT ST MICHEL (10km/10min) – PONTORSON 
A guided tour of Mont St Michel takes you to the hill-top abbey surrounded by the sea. A simple oratory was built here in the 8th century, but was subsequently expanded & enhanced over the years. The abbey's increasing fame attracted pilgrims &, by medieval times, a 'ville basse' had developed, with shops and guest houses. Later there is the opportunity to gain an insight into the distinctive Breton lifestyle on an optional excursion to the fortified port of St Malo. 

Day 5

PONTORSON - LOIRE VALLEY (200km/2h)
Drive south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated castle at Angers. Cross the Loire at Saumur, where you can sample some of the local wine. Drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé en route to the beautiful Château de Rochecotte, once the home of Talleyrand, and your accomodation for the next two nights. 

Day 6

CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY EXCURSION
Visit the apartments of the castle of Azay-le-Rideau and appreciate the beautiful setting amid the waters of the Indre. Take time to explore the charming town too, before continuing to the château of Villandry, the 'Jewel of the Loire'. Visit the apartments and the restored Renaissance gardens. Don't miss the water garden, ornamental garden and kitchen garden designed in the 16th century that has a stunning display of plants, fruits & vegetables. From here return to your  château. 

Day 7

LOIRE VALLEY - CHARTRES (250km/2h30min)- PARIS (350km/4h20min)
Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, Chartres Cathedral looms large on the horizon. Auguste Rodin called it the 'Acropolis of France', and once inside you can marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window. On arrival in Paris a Parisian guide introduces you to all the fabulous sights: see Notre Dame Cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo; drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. As night falls, consider experiencing the excitement and glamour of a French cabaret.

Day 8

PARIS 
Enjoy a whole day at leisure! Relax in a Parisian cafe, window-shop in the elegant boutiques or mingle with the street artists of Montmarte. Perhaps admire Mona Lisa in the Louvre, buy last-minute presents in famous department stores and this evening, why not celebrate with a farewell dinner? 

Day 9

PARIS
Transfer to the airport.

Tweet