Jewels of France including Normandy with Costsaver

8 days

25 May 24 to 01 Jun 24

Book by 30 May 24

Embark on a thrilling 8-day tour across France, commencing in Paris and venturing into the captivating landscapes of Normandy and the Loire Valley. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of northern France, exploring its valleys and vineyards, and soak in the cultural vibrancy of Paris. Uncover France's rich heritage by visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the historic D-Day Landing beaches along the Normandy coast. Get set for a memorable journey through the highlights of this renowned destination.

Includes

8 Day Costsaver Guided Holiday
7 Nights in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
An expert Travel Director and separate driver
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
City orientation tours
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences at an additional cost
Included sightseeing
In Mont-Saint-Michel visit the island town and view the abbey.
In Loire Valley, visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau with your Local Specialist and view the Châteaux at Amboise and Chambord.
In Paris, view the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower on your sightseeing tour and much more!

Excludes

Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature

Extras

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Choice of Optional Experiences available at an additional cost

Highlights

7 Nights in cherry-picked hotels
9 Meals
City orientation tours

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paris

Ah Paris! Audrey Hepburn described it best when she said 'Paris is always a good idea'. We’re sure you’ll agree. After checking in, hit the streets and explore the city your way, perhaps seeking out delicious French flavours at a local café. Later, meet your Travel Director for a glimpse into what lies ahead and then why not discover why Paris is so deserving of its title, the 'City of Light' by joining an optional tour through the maze of streets in Montmartre, where the talents of great artists and writers were once nurtured. Accommodation: Ibis Paris Alésia Montparnasse 14éme

Day 2: Paris – Rouen – Honfleur – Le Havre

Retrace the steps of one of France’s beloved daughters, St. Joan of Arc, when you visit medieval Rouen today. Here you’ll view the city’s impressive cathedral whose towers, statues and pinnacles were favourite subjects in the paintings of French Impressionist, Claude Monet. There’s time to stretch your legs along Honfleur’s colourful 17th-century harbour before heading to Le Havre. Located at the mouth of the river Seine and the English Channel, Le Havre became associated with Impressionist painters including Boudin, Sisley and Monet. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Modernist, rebuilt town centre. Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Rennes Centre Gare Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Le Havre – D-Day Landing Beaches – Mont-Saint-Michel – Rennes

Begin your day with a moving visit to the D-Day Landing beaches and American cemetery at Omaha Beach. Today the views may be serene, but you can’t help thinking back to that summer day in 1944 when thousands of Allied soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice to reclaim Europe. After this incredibly humbling experience, continue on to UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel, which seems to rise magically up from the sea at high tide. The spire of the Abbey seems to almost touch the heavens, crowned with a golden statue of the Archangel, who legend has it ordered the construction of the chapel in this unusual island location. Arriving in Rennes later, you have a free evening to explore the city as you wish. Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Rennes Centre Gare Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Rennes – Saumur – Tours (2 Nights)

Today we head into châteaux country, where elegant estates and manicured gardens dot the countryside near the Loire River as it meanders through the heart of France. You’ll soon see why this scenic area has attracted French aristocracy for centuries. Discover Saumur, sitting elegantly astride the Loire and home to France’s national equestrian school. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent château and gardens of Villandry. Then it's on to the city of Tours, not only the former capital of France and beautiful gateway to the Loire Valley, but also heaven for foodies as you’ll have an opportunity to Discover on your free evening. Raise a glass to good food and good friends by joining an Optional Experience dinner in the Loire Valley. Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tours Sud Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Loire Valley Sightseeing

All that glitters really is gold which you’ll come to discover as you explore the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley today. Your first stop is at Château d'Amboise whose art and architecture were both inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Join an optional guided tour delving into the life of Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, including a visit to the Manor House and gardens where he spent his last years. The next jewel to admire is stylish Chenonceau, straddling the Cher River. Join your Local Specialist for a whimsical tour of this 16th-century château and its garden, a pleasure palace deserving of its nickname the “château of the ladies”. Admire the priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture and its extraordinary collection of 16th-century tapestries before returning to your hotel in Tours where you’ll enjoy dinner tonight. Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tours Sud Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Tours – Chambord – Paris

There’s another château in store this morning as you begin your return journey to Paris. We’ve saved the biggest for last and you’ll be dazzled by the views of the grand Château de Chambord and its surrounding forest. Imagine royal hunting parties combing the woods for wild game as you wind your way north past orchards, vineyards, cathedrals and châteaux. Later you’ll arrive in Paris in time to enjoy a memorable Optional Experience this evening featuring dinner and a dazzling cabaret show. It's the perfect way to spend the first of your two nights in the French capital, indulging in its legendary nightlife and making lasting memories with new friends. Accommodation: Ibis Paris Alésia Montparnasse 14éme Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Paris Sightseeing And Free Time

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paris with your Travel Director, taking in the Eiffel Tower and grand Champs-Élysées as well as the iconic Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought and died for France over the centuries. Then there’s time to discover Paris your way. Take a stroll through the medieval Latin Quarter with a Local Specialist during an Optional Experience or perhaps simply people-watch at a sidewalk bistro. This evening enjoy a final dinner with your travelling companions in this incomparable city. Accommodation: Ibis Paris Alésia Montparnasse 14éme Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Depart Paris

Your whirlwind adventure through France has come to an end. You’ve seen medieval cities, walked in the footsteps of saints, soldiers and noblemen, and immersed yourself in the art, culture, history and cuisine of northern France – just enough to whet your appetite for another visit. Say a fond au revoir to your Travel Director and newfound friends. Included Meals: Breakfast

Terms & conditions

Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. High season supplements and block out dates may apply, pricing varies pending departure date. Package excludes flights. You can do optional free-time add-on experiences in your free time and pay for them as you travel (additional costs apply). Tour operator reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers and adjust savings anytime. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Other conditions may apply. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.

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