Northern France

DAY 1 – Fly to Paris, France.

DAY 2 – Normandy
Upon arrival in Paris, we meet our tour director and motor coach and drive to the Normandy region of France. En route, we visit the village of Giverny. Here we visit the carefully restored gardens and home of impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Paintings of the Japanese bridge and of water lilies come to life as we stroll amid the colors which inspired Monet. We also stop at the medieval city of Rouen, viewing the square where St. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Hotel Novotel or similar, Bayeux (D)

DAY 3 – Normandy
This morning we visit the Caen Peace Memorial, dedicated not only to the Normandy invasion, but to the international cause of peace. After lunch, we take an excursion to the invasion sites near Bayeux, including Omaha Beach, its cemetery and museum, the German artillery battery and observation post (used in the filming of “The Longest Day”) at Longues-sur-Mer, and the artificial harbor at Arromanches. Hotel Novotel or similar, Bayeux (B,D)

DAY 4 – Normandy
We set out on a second day of visiting D-Day invasion sights. We begin with Utah Beach, the westernmost of the 5 D-Day landing sites. We visit the Utah Beach Museum as well as the town of Saint Mère d’Église, where American paratroopers made an ill-fated drop. We also visit Pointe du Hoc, a bomb-cratered battlefield overlooking the Channel. A small band of Army Rangers courageously scaled the sheer cliffs, drove off the defenders, and then held this position for days until reinforcements arrived. Our day ends at the Bayeux Tapestry in Bayeux. The astounding 220 foot long tapestry recounts the story of the Norman invasion of England under William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The tapestry was created less than a decade later, which explains the amazing detail portrayed in the stitched images. Hotel Novotel or similar, Bayeux (B,D)

DAY 5 – St. Malo
Departing Normandy, we drive to the Brittany region. En route, we stop in the town of Villedieu-des-Poeles, famous for its copper and brass manufacturing and for centuries a center for the production of pots and pans. Here we visit a copper factory. The spectacular Mont St. Michel awaits us this afternoon. This famous abbey seems to rise out of the water off the coast and is one of France’s most dramatic sights. We tour the tenth century monastery and then have some free time to stroll through the ancient streets of the town. Our final destination of the day is the old, fortified port of St. Malo, whose city walls are still intact. Hotel Escale Oceania or similar, St Malo (B,D)

DAY 6 – St. Malo
We drive up the Rance River for a visit to the lovely market town of Dinan. A walking tour here is like stepping back 500 years in time as we stroll down cobblestone streets and along the ramparts of its city walls. The attractive half-timbered buildings and this scenic valley setting make for a delightful morning. For a beautiful view, we can climb to the top of the clock tower. After free time and lunch here, we return to St. Malo where our afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is on our own tonight. Hotel Escale Oceania or similar, St Malo (B)

DAY 7 – Loire Valley
Our drive from Brittany this morning takes us to the Benedictine Abbey of Solesmes, a vital community of monks whose lives are immersed in contemplation, prayer, and worship. Here we have an opportunity to hear the Gregorian chants of the monks at the “Sext” prayer office, one of seven services held each day in accordance with the Rule of St. Benedict. Next we drive to Angers, one of the most beautiful cities in France. We enjoy a visit to the Chateau d’Angers, which is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. On display here is the Apocalypse Tapestry which was woven in 1375. It depicts seventy scenes from the book of Revelation. Our day ends in the Loire Valley, renowned for its many royal palaces or chateaus, summer residences of the French royalty. Best Western D’Anjou or similar, Amboise (B,D)

DAY 8 – Loire Valley
This morning we visit Amboise and one of the most historic chateaus in the valley. The Chateau d’Amboise was the setting for an uprising against the King and the Church by early French Protestants (Huguenots) in 1534. It created a deep mistrust between the faiths that eventually led to the tragic French Wars of Religion in the last half of the 16th Century. Later we tour Chateau Chenonceau and its gardens, one of the most elegant of the magnificent palaces in the region. Our afternoon concludes with a visit to the cellars of a winery near the village of Vouvray, followed by a taste of some of the wines. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. Best Western D’Anjou or similar, Amboise (B,D)

DAY 9 – Reims
After breakfast, we leave for Reims, enjoying a lovely, uniquely designed drive through the rolling countryside. As we approach Reims, we see the mammoth Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims. After a tour of the cathedral and a brief tour of Reims, we will visit a champagne cellar and enjoy a tasting followed by dinner in a local restaurant. We overnight in Reims. Mercure Centre or similar, Reims (B,D)

DAY 10 – Paris
Our day begins with a locally-guided panoramic tour of Paris including its renowned landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and the Champs-Élysées. Our tour also includes an inside visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free to continue our exploration of this historically and culturally rich city. The possibilities are endless. Art lovers with an interest in Impressionism will want to visit the Museums d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie des Tuileries with their works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne among others. Photographers gain a spectacular city view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. For shoppers, there are the famed department stores Lafayette and Printemps. And for people watchers, a stroll along the banks of the Seine or seated at a sidewalk café in the Latin Quarter is just the ticket. Dinner tonight is on our own. Hotel Andre Latin or similar, Paris (B)

DAY 11 – Paris
We have a full day to continue our exploration of Paris. Our tour director is available to assist in giving recommendations for those with special interests. Those wishing to see one of the world’s great collections of art, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Grecian Venus de Milo, can visit the Louvre [Closed Tuesday]. A Batobus pass allows us to “hop on-hop off” along the Seine. Tonight we enjoy a special farewell dinner. Hotel Andre Latin or similar, Paris (B,D)

DAY 12 – Return to USA
Au revoir! (B)