Paris, Normandy and the Loire
Paris, Normandy and the Loire
Paris, Normandy and the Loire
8 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Deauville, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Loire Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4750-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This northern France tour is the perfect way for value-minded travel lovers to see the highlights of Paris plus the Loire Valley and Normandy. Beautiful scenery combined with famous landmarks and fascinating history sum up this tour. You’ll visit some of northern France’s interesting and charming towns, including Rouen, best known for its connection to Joan of Arc. Here, step into the splendid Gothic cathedral, which was once the world’s tallest building and the subject of a series of Claude Monet’s paintings, just like the water garden in Giverny, depicted in some of his most famous canvases. Visit Honfleur, a romantic port city; Rennes, with its traditional, timber-framed houses; Blois, a picturesque town in the Loire Valley, with its renaissance castle located in the town center; and Chartres, famous for pilgrimages to its 13th-century gothic cathedral. In Bayeux, follow the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, listed by UNESCO. Admire the cathedral, ramparts, and ancient walls of St. Malo, a fortified seaside resort. Memories of World War II history come to life as you visit the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and the landing beaches. Other highlights of this affordable France tour include picturesque Mont St. Michel, situated on a rocky isle with its world-famous abbey. Spend a day at leisure in Châteaux Country with the opportunity to take an optional excursion to discover the Château of Chenonceau, a 16th-century, fairytale castle with a moat, drawbridge, and towers. From historic sights to picturesque sceneries, this is a dream vacation!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Paris, France
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade
Check into your hotel and use your CosmosGO app to explore the French capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day to explore the “City of Light,” known in the world for its fashion, art, museums, cuisine, and joie de vivre. Enjoy included sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Optional excursions are also available.
Day 3 : Paris - Giverny - Rouen - Honfleur - Deauville
Location: Deauville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Deauville
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with a visit to Giverny*, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet. The famous water garden at Giverny was the inspiration behind some of Monet’s finest work (gardens open from April to October). Continue to Rouen to visit its great cathedral. Next, enjoy a stop in lovely Honfleur, situated on the Seine estuary, and then continue to the seaside resort of Deauville. Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km NOTE:*On departure November 8, due to closure of Giverny Gardens, a visit to D-Day Museum will be included instead.
Day 4 : Deauville - Bayeux - Normandy Landing Beaches - Mont St. Michel
Location: Mont St. Michel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vert
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Bayeux, famed for its lacemaking and the world-renowned Bayeux tapestry depicting the story of William the Conqueror and Harold, Earl of Wessex—who led the Norman and Saxon armies in 1066 to conquer England. On to the legendary beaches of Normandy, where Allied troops landed more than 75 years ago. The highlight is the American Cemetery at Omaha. Then, discover spectacular Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessible by a causeway. Today’s Distance: 154 mi/ 248 km
Day 5 : Mont St. Michel - St. Malo - Rennes - Châteaux Country
Location: St. Malo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along the Brittany coast to the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo to admire its cathedral and ancient walls. Later, visit Rennes with its traditional, timber-framed houses, then reach the enchanting Châteaux Country. Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km
Day 6 : Châteaux Country
Location: Loire Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Amboise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a whole day at leisure or to take advantage of a fascinating optional excursion to some of the most celebrated castles of the Loire Valley: Château of Chenonceau, now privately owned, and Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life.
Day 7 : Châteaux Country - Blois - Chartres - Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a stroll around Blois, with its Renaissance castle, once occupied by Louis XII. Later, stop in Chartres, home of the famous Gothic cathedral, and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy an optional evening excursion. Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km
Day 8 : Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at the city-styled Tribe Paris La Défense Esplanade, Ibis Deauville, Hotel Vert, and Novotel Amboise with amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, fitness center, free WIFI, and more.
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Meals
Enjoy buffet breakfasts daily and 2 dinners during the tour.
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Sightseeing in Paris
Included sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
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Visits to Historical Sites
Visit Giverny, Rouen Cathedral, Honfleur, Bayeux, Normandy landing beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Rennes, Blois, and Chartres.
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UNESCO Sites
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Chartres Cathedral, Mont Saint Michel and its Bay, Paris Banks of the Seine, and the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle).
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions are available but not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Paris are not included in the tour package.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the tour director, local guides, and drivers are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Chartres Cathedral|Mont Saint Michel and its Bay|Paris Banks of the Seine|The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle)
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 2 dinners
Notes
Departure November 8 due to closure of Giverny Gardens - visit to D-Day Museum instead.
Accommodation
The city-styled Tribe Paris La Défense Esplanade offers stylish warm spaces in a relaxed atmosphere and has 184 spacious, air-conditioned guestrooms and a fitness center. The terraced restaurant offers delicious cuisine using local produce, the menus are a nod to TRIBE's Australian roots and the bar offers low-alcohol cocktails to make life more inclusive. The ultra-comfy rooms are fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, mini-bar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. The property is located in a natural setting near the esplanade, and the nearest metro station is less than a ten minute walk away. Hotel with Norman architecture and mansard roof is located in the city, one block from the beach. Hotel Vert offers all comfort and services to make easier you to stay at Mont-Saint-Michel: a staff that listens to you, reception open all day, and some spacious and comfortable rooms. You'll be charmed by the good value for money of this 2-star hotel. The Novotel Amboise hotel is located in the heart of the Pays de la Loire with its nearby castles (including Chenonceaux, Chambord and Cheverny). Built on a hill overlooking Amboise and its castle, this 4-star hotel has 121 air-conditioned rooms. The hotel is located in Montrouge, in the south of Paris, close to the business districts, Montparnasse train station and Arcueil. The hotel has 115 colorful, soundproofed and air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI access, a children's play area, an interior garden and a snack bar.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of hotels including the city-styled Tribe Paris La Défense Esplanade, the Ibis Deauville, Hotel Vert at Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Novotel Amboise. These hotels offer amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, fitness centers, and free WiFi.
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Are there any special notes for the tour?
Yes, for the departure on November 8, due to the closure of Giverny Gardens, a visit to the D-Day Museum will be included instead.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 2 dinners.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Chartres Cathedral, Mont Saint Michel and its Bay, Paris Banks of the Seine, and the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle).
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What optional excursions are available during the tour?
Optional excursions include additional sightseeing in Paris and a visit to some of the most celebrated castles of the Loire Valley, such as Château of Chenonceau and Amboise.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Normandy?
The highlight of the visit to Normandy is the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, where Allied troops landed during World War II.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.