Paris, Normandy & Loire: exploring France by train

Paris

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Welcome to France! You will be greeted on arrival at the airport or the station and taken to your hotel in Paris. Check in or drop your bags off depending on the time. You can proceed to the Eiffel Tower on your own for a self-guided summit visit at this iconic landmark. Enjoy the views from the tower, one of the most popular travel attractions for people from around the world.

Paris

Day 2: Tour the grand Palace of Versailles

Enjoy breakfast and spend your morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, discover the royal glory of the past on a Palace of Versailles small group tour with Skip-the-Line access. Board your coach for a 45-minute journey during which your guide will inform you about the palace's history.

On arrival, follow your guide to the front of the line to visit the palace's beautiful rooms such as the King's Grand Apartments, the Queen's Grand Apartments including the Coronation Room and the Queen's Bedroom once occupied by Marie Antoinette. Admire the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors created to dazzle the Sun King's visitors. With commentary from your guide played through headsets, discover the palace, its Baroque architecture, works of art, and furniture. Then, enjoy the beauty of the French gardens at your own pace.

Paris - Caen

Day 3: Historic castles in Caen

You will be transferred from the hotel to the station and travel by train to Caen. You'll be collected and taken to your hotel where you have the rest of the day to explore Caen. We recommend the castle! 

Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Caen – capital of the Basse Normandie region suffered extensive damage during the 1944 Battle of Normandy. You can discover the impressive bastions of a superb medieval château, two ancient abbeys and superb museums such as the Mémorial de Caen, which focuses on WWII and D-Day (Normandy Landings). Take your time to explore local life in the city with its easy-going vibe, captivating streets, wonderful restaurants and other attractions.

Caen - Mont St Michel - Caen

Day 4: A day trip to Mont Saint-Michel

Get ready for a small-group guided day trip from Caen to a UNESCO World Heritage site! You will be transferred to the station for a train to Mont Saint Michel. On arrival, board a luxury vehicle for a ride to Mont St. Michel and Bay. 

Visit the abbey of Mont Saint Michel standing above the landscape with its impressive structure and medieval architecture, surrounded by ancient ramparts. It’s breathtaking! Follow the trail of pilgrims from the 8th century on your way to the abbey. Walk along the village, discover its shops, fortifications and lanes. Pass along the central street lined with shops and discover the secrets of Mother Poulard's famous omelette. 

Caen - Arromanches - Caen

Day 5: Journey through Normandy's historic battlegrounds

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from central Caen for a full-day guided tour of the historic D-Day sites in Normandy. Begin by exploring Sainte-Mère-Église, where the brave actions of paratroopers played a key role, and visit the fascinating Airborne Museum.

Next, make a brief stop at the German Cemetery before heading to Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers famously scaled the cliffs to neutralize a German artillery battery. Here, you'll witness the dramatic landscape of bomb craters, bunkers, and sheer cliffs overlooking the beach.

Continue to the iconic Omaha Beach, a pivotal location in the Allied landings, followed by a visit to the U.S. Cemetery, offering a powerful view of the beach from the high ground. You'll have time to reflect at the cemetery or visit the nearby Visitor Center before returning to Caen.

Caen - Amboise - Tours

Day 6: Cycle through the beautiful Loire Valley

After arriving in the city of Tours via direct train and transferring to your hotel, embark on an exciting Loire Valley cycling tour. Your journey begins with a visit to Clos-Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, where you’ll commemorate the 500th anniversary of his death in Amboise.

With your guide leading the way, explore the charming streets of Amboise, filled with timber houses and historical sites tied to French royalty. Discover the genius of da Vinci as you admire his extraordinary inventions and creations.

Next, ride your e-bike along the scenic north bank of the Loire River, winding through picturesque countryside. Pass troglodyte houses, quaint villages, and vineyards, soaking in the beauty of the Loire Valley. Enjoy a delightful stop in the vineyards to savor local wine and French pastries with your group before returning to Tours for the evening.

Tours - Chambord - Tours

Day 7: Chateaus, food & wine in Loire

Get ready to explore two of the Loire Valley’s most iconic châteaux on a small-group guided tour. Start from Tours and head to the magnificent Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover its grand rooms, double helix staircase, chapel, and terrace, all showcasing the splendor of the Renaissance era.

Enjoy a delicious French lunch with Loire Valley wine at a private château before continuing to Château de Chenonceau. Along the way, admire privately-owned estates like Cheverny and Amboise. At Chenonceau, walk through its famous gallery spanning the Cher River and its beautiful gardens. Finish with an aperitif of local specialties before returning to Tours.

Tours - Paris

Day 8: Journey back to Paris

After enjoying breakfast, head to the station for your train journey to Paris. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our representative, who will escort you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore Paris for one final night!

Paris

Day 9: Au Revoir!

After breakfast, we will arrange for pick up at your hotel and transfer to the airport. Catch a flight to your onward destination. Bon voyage!