Operated by Collette

France Magnifique

From

CAD 5,549

Duration

12 days

Countries

France

Activity

active

Rating

4.5 · 70 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

From the royal Palace of Versailles to the enchanting streets of Paris, grab a baguette and rendezvous with the best of France. Explore the former royal court and gardens in Versailles. Stroll past the magnificent, colourful flora in Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches and visit the Normandy American Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers who gave their lives. Delight in the UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley. Enjoy a visit to the famous Chenonceau Castle. Sip wine during a tour of a winery and its impressive underground caves. Glide along the Seine as you take in the highlights of Paris. Savour the views and rich cuisine during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Bask in the robust history, culture, and romance of these celebrated cities and charming towns.

At a glance

Duration

12 days

Route

→

Countries

France

Activity level

active

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink

Day by day

Your journey through

France

Showing Days 1-7

12-day itinerary

Day 1Overnight FlightEmbark on your tour through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture, and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.

Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.

Overnight Flight

Embark on your tour through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture, and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.

Day 2Paris, France - VersaillesBienvenue en France, and to charming Versailles. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Celebrate the beginning of your tour with a savoury French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.

Bienvenue en France, and to charming Versailles. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Celebrate the beginning of your tour with a savoury French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.

Day 3Versailles - Royal Palace and GardensStart your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide will lead you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon, your exploration continues in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.**

Versailles

Start your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide will lead you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon, your exploration continues in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.**

Day 4Versailles - Rouen - CaenJourney into Normandy. Your drive-through takes you to the capital of Normandy: Rouen. Admire its ancient cathedral facade - a masterpiece of Gothic style, and wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.

Versailles

Journey into Normandy. Your drive-through takes you to the capital of Normandy: Rouen. Admire its ancient cathedral facade - a masterpiece of Gothic style, and wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.

Day 5Caen - Normandy American Cemetery - Arromanches - CaenThis morning, the exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites starts with a walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial. See where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Then, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Centre. See the Stars and Stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy and stop at Omaha Beach. Next, make your way to Arromanches-les-Bain and see the impressive concrete blocks remaining from Mulberry Harbour, the artificial port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. Then, return to Caen.

Caen

This morning, the exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites starts with a walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial. See where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Then, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Centre. See the Stars and Stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy and stop at Omaha Beach. Next, make your way to Arromanches-les-Bain and see the impressive concrete blocks remaining from Mulberry Harbour, the artificial port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. Then, return to Caen.

Day 6Caen - Bayeux - Saint-MaloThis morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition. Then, visit a local farm for a stroll through their apple orchards and a taste of their traditional cider. Afterward, enjoy some time in Bayeux to wander through its well-preserved medieval streets and get lunch on your own. Next, it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself among the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.

Caen

This morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition. Then, visit a local farm for a stroll through their apple orchards and a taste of their traditional cider. Afterward, enjoy some time in Bayeux to wander through its well-preserved medieval streets and get lunch on your own. Next, it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself among the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.

Day 7Saint-Malo - Le Mont St. Michel - Saint-MaloTravel 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 village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

Aerial shot of a historic cathedral amidst the urban landscape of Paris, France.

Saint

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 village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.