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Historic France Itinerary: Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley

  • Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley
  • 9 nights / 10 days, prices start from USD$5,400 per person

This itinerary provides a wonderful balance of food and wine experiences, historical sites, and scenic beauty across three of France’s most enchanting regions.

Discover all our France luxury travel options here. 

Explore historic sites and picturesque towns in normandy then wander the majestic chateaux of the loire valley.

Top Highlights

  • Guided gastronomic tour of Paris with a cooking demonstration at Le Cordon Bleu
  • Visit the D-Day Landing beaches and pay respects at WWII memorials
  • Tour and tasting at a Camembert cheese farm
  • Excursion to Mont Saint-Michel, magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey
  • Enjoy a wine tasting showcasing the exceptional wines of the Loire

What’s Included

We design unforgettable and luxurious journeys just for you. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Double room accommodations
  • Breakfast at hotels
  • Private transfers
  • Private tours and experiences
  • Full support from your travel designer and on the ground

Best Time to Visit

For pleasant weather and comfortable exploration, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal. Paris will be delightful with blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures. Normandy’s D-Day beaches will be less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience. The Loire Valley’s vibrant landscapes and charming châteaux will truly come alive during these seasons.

If historical exploration is your priority, summer (June-August) might be preferable. While busier, especially in Paris, the weather is perfect for exploring Normandy’s beaches and outdoor museums. However, be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds, particularly in popular tourist destinations.

Winter (November-March) offers a unique perspective, especially in Paris. The City of Lights takes on a magical atmosphere with festive decorations and fewer tourists.  However, some outdoor activities in Normandy might be limited due to weather, and some châteaux in the Loire Valley may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.

  • Average time to visit
  • Good time to visit
  • Best time to visit

Itinerary

Arrive in Paris

Paris

Your journey begins with an opportunity to appreciate the incredible culinary traditions of France, starting where all great meals begin, in the Parisian food markets!  You’ll enjoy a guided food tour led by a local expert along one of the city’s famous Rues Piètonnes.  These small neighbourhood pedestrian streets are where Parisians flock to shop for local produce and the finest delicacies.  On the gastronomic tour, you’ll develop a deep appreciation of Paris’ vibrant neighbourhoods while sampling some of the finest French fare.  You will also enjoy the culinary experience of a lifetime during a cooking demonstration at the famous Cordon Bleu.

 
Suggested Accommodation: La Chambre du Marais

Normandy

The travel consultants at G/Hardy Tours love Normandy!  We recommend staying in Bayeux, at the Hotel Lion D’Or, which is elegantly appointed and a perfect base for exploring the numerous historical sites of Normandy. Visit the D-Day landing beaches and the Caen Memorial Museum. Head out to Calvados and Camembert for a visit to a Camembert cheese farm for a tour and tasting, or a Calvados distillery such as Christian Drouin. Don’t miss a visit to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint Michel, the famed tidal island topped with a historic abbey. While GHardy recommends Bayeux, staying at the picturesque town of Honfleur is also a great option in Normandy, and a good location to experience the best of Normandy: its beautiful coastline, stunning art galleries and exceptional restaurants exemplifying the rural, seaside life. Visit Deauville, the iconic seaside resort on the Côte Fleurie. Deauville has been an upscale holiday destination since the 1800s and is well known for its grand casino, excellent golf courses, thrilling horse races, and annual American Film Festival. Spend your days walking along its wide, sandy beach and Les Planches, the 1920s boardwalk with original bathing cabins. Deauvillle is full of chic boutiques, elegant belle epoque villas and beautiful half-timbered buildings.
Suggested Accommodation: Hotel Lion D’Or

Loire Valley

Next stop, the captivating Loire Valley, starting with Tours, its vibrant gateway city. Explore its historic center on a walking tour, a prelude to the grand châteaux that await. Outside the city, you can marvel at the architectural masterpiece, Le Château de Chenonceau, and delve into the world of Loire Valley wines with a tasting in Vouvray, famed for its exceptional Chenin Blanc. Journey onwards to Saumur, a town steeped in history and renowned for its sparkling wines. Explore the town and its château, learning about its cavalry school legacy. Witness the grandeur of the Loire’s royal past at the château of the Dukes of Anjou and Chambord, the largest château in the region. Finally, visit Château d’Amboise, the 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII, where you’ll also find the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. To truly live the Loire Valley dream, you’ll stay in the enchanting Château de Noirieux, a beautifully restored castle hotel.

 
Suggested Accommodation: Château de Noirieux

 

Transfer to, and depart from Paris

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something just for you.

Hear it from our clients first

I had an absolutely incredible experience with GHardy Tours for my trip to Switzerland. From start to finish, everything was flawlessly organized and executed. The attention to detail was remarkable – from the seamless travel arrangements to the carefully selected accommodations that provided stunning views of the Alps. I can confidently say this was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had. I'm already looking forward to my next adventure with them!
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Rob Romero / King City, Canada
The GHardy team planned the perfect family vacation to Italy for us! The hotels, private tours and excursions were all exceptional and exactly what we were hoping for! We didn’t have to stress over anything - we just showed up and there was always someone to meet us. We also took great comfort knowing if any issue did arise, the G/Hardy Tours team, as well as a 24/7 emergency contact on the ground in Italy were always a message or call away.
Kerri Torrey / Toronto, Ontario
Our family vacation to Greece, which included Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, was unforgettable! The accommodations were lovely and centrally located to maximize our time at all of the hot spot destinations. Our private guides were very informative with all of the history and culture that Greece has to offer. Various transportation needs were met through planes, boats and private transfers which made travel effortless from one destination to the next. Thank you GHardy Tours for putting together a remarkable experience for the whole family to enjoy and providing memories to last a lifetime.
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Why we are the top choice for your next luxury trip.

Our unique approach to planning transformative experiences ensures our clients gain more than just a vacation: they come away with a greater understanding of the world, their place in it, and how the journey has enriched their lives.

  • We prioritize personalized experiences tailored to guests’ wants and needs, from holiday getaways to educational trips and everything in between.
  • Travel is about more than just going from point A to point B. It's an experience; we're here to help you create the best possible one for you and your family or friends.
  • Taste. Indulge. Immerse. Each destination has unique flavours and dishes. Bespoke travel is the perfect way to indulge your senses.
  • Our team of experienced travel planners has an eye for detail, meaning no stone goes unturned when crafting the perfect itinerary. Whenever you want it, the way you want it.