9-Night Castles and Legends of France

Day 2

Accommodation

Artistic Nest Garden Hotel - Honfleur, Normandy

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Paris – Artistic Honfleur

Even Claude Monet’s kitchen is a symphony of watery color and light. Blues and greens will fill your senses. Every room of his Giverny home and gardens shows us an artist fully in love with life. We spend the next two nights in the sweet town of Honfleur—you’ll recognize many streets from paintings by the Impressionists. Wander the narrow cobblestone alleyways at your leisure in the evening, and make your way down to the port. Even the air seems charmed. 
Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia:
What water defines Honfleur?
Honfleur is located on an estuary where the Seine River meets the English Channel. The Vieux-Bassin (old harbor) is lined with lovely 16th – 18th century townhouses. 

Overnight Location

Honfleur, Normandy

Honfleur is a lovely town with a 17th century harbor inside the heart. During the 19th century, it became a busy center for artists in every field. Boudin, the painter, was born in Honfleur as was the French composer Satie. Renoir, Courbet, Sisley, Pissarro, and Cezanne often visited for the happy marriage of light, colorful homes, and water. Museums and galleries are legion, and it is an ideal place to buy art from a painter, working outside.

Day 3

Accommodation

Artistic Nest Garden Hotel - Honfleur, Normandy

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Artistic Honfleur – Historic Normandy – Honfleur

Honfleur was a bustling port town, and the harbor is still alive with activity. After breakfast, our guide will take us through the historic marketplace, the 17th century harbor, and share stories of those long gone. Then we’ll follow the 25-mile Route de Cidre, or Cider Route. We’ll taste cool, luscious ciders and honey-hued calvados, a local brandy made of apples. Offering notes of baking spices and flowers, Calvados was meant to be enjoyed! When we go back to Honfleur, you’ll have the evening to simply relax in the moment or further explore this town that enchants artists.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia:
Where is Calvados made?
Calvados, a brandy from Normandy, France, is made from apples and/or pears. This small route in France is the only place in the world where it’s made. 

Overnight Location

Honfleur, Normandy

Honfleur is a lovely town with a 17th century harbor inside the heart. During the 19th century, it became a busy center for artists in every field. Boudin, the painter, was born in Honfleur as was the French composer Satie. Renoir, Courbet, Sisley, Pissarro, and Cezanne often visited for the happy marriage of light, colorful homes, and water. Museums and galleries are legion, and it is an ideal place to buy art from a painter, working outside.

Day 4

Accommodation

Luxurious Seaside Resort - Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:30pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Honfleur – Brave Normandy Beaches and Bayeux – Arromanches-les-Bains

After breakfast, we’ll chart our course west to the beaches of Normandy and the site of the 1944 D-Day landings by Allied Troops. It’s almost impossible to imagine over 2 million soldiers arriving on this beach to defend Europe against Hitler’s advance. We will have the chance to pay our respects to those of The Greatest Generation at the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer—pause and consider courage as you look at Omaha Beach. Nearby, in Bayeux, we’ll appreciate the patience and artistry of an ancient tapestry. Arromanches-les-Bains is home for the night, and we’ll enjoy dinner there after an extraordinary day. 
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Trivia:
What is Arromanches-les-Bains known for?
Just 8 miles northeast of Bayeux and 7 miles west of sleepy Courseulles-sur-Mer, it was upon this beach where the Normandy landings took place on June 6, 1994. By June 12, 1944 more than 300,000 men, 54,000 vehicles, 104,000 tons of supplies had landed, changing the direction of World War II. 

Overnight Location

Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy

This seaside resort town has lovely beaches, but will be eternally linked with the liberation of Western Europe and D-Day. Huge concrete walls remain, having been towed over from Britain in June of 1944. Visit, and museums bring the Allied Operations to life. Imagine a quiet beach town where 2.5 million men landed, bringing 500,ooo vehicles, and 4 tons of material. Amazing. War aside, it is a charming place with a beach and cliffs that beg to be explored.

Day 5

Accommodation

Exquisite Medieval Hotel - Dinan, Brittany

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Arromanches-les-Bains – Mont Saint-Michel and Dol-de-Bretagne – Dinan

Mont Saint-Michel is our destination this morning. We’ll cross a scenic walkway to this intriguing island village, and explore the Abbey. One of the first places declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it rises beautifully between the sea and the sky. Then we depart for Dinan, stopping on our way at Dol-de-Bretagne. Here we’ll stand in wonder at the Menhir de Champ-Dolent. At almost 30-feet high, it’s one of the largest ancient Standing Stones in Britanny. We arrive in Dinan where we spend the night and dine in a traditional Breton creperie. 
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Trivia:
What is Mont Saint-Michel known for?
This stunning island village is simply a tidal island in Normandy, France. It’s lies just 1/3 mile off France’s coast and the mouth of the Couesnon River. The population tops the charts at 33 people, with about as many dogs, but is a favorite place to visit.

Included Sightseeing

Mont Saint-Michel, Brittany

Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The island is located about one kilometer off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches and is 7 hectares in area. Mont-Saint-Michel and its surrounding bay were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979 for their unique aesthetic and importance as a Catholic site.

Overnight Location

Dinan, Brittany

Dinan is Medieval France at its finest. It is both a bustling market town and an ancient hold out. Half-timbered houses and cobblestone lanes fill Old Town. Situated on the River Rance, walk behind the Basilique St-Sauveur—which contains the actual heart of a 14th century warrior—and you’ll find gardens bursting with geraniums. Pass through the 14th century town gate to the port, and walk along the path that leads you to a 17th century abbey. The magnificent Chateau de Dinan is flanked by two older buildings. Go inside, see the signs of everyday life, and then head to the countryside for Prehistoric Standing Stones.

Day 6

Accommodation

Exquisite Medieval Hotel - Dinan, Brittany

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Medieval Dinan

Awake in beautiful Dinan! Spend the day at leisure exploring this Medieval gem. Duck inside shops on cobblestone lanes, pop into cafes, enjoy the classic half-timbered homes, hundreds of years old. Visit the Basilique St-Sauveur, situated in one of the prettiest little squares in town. The stained glass windows are stunning. Cross the old bridge or picnic along the Rance River. This entire day feels like a gift.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia:
Where are the best views in Dinan?
Go to the clock tower, the Tour d’Horlage. Built in the 15th century, it dominates the skyline. 158 steps leads you to the top of the tower for views that, on a clear day, reach all the way to Mont Saint-Michel.

Overnight Location

Dinan, Brittany

Dinan is Medieval France at its finest. It is both a bustling market town and an ancient hold out. Half-timbered houses and cobblestone lanes fill Old Town. Situated on the River Rance, walk behind the Basilique St-Sauveur—which contains the actual heart of a 14th century warrior—and you’ll find gardens bursting with geraniums. Pass through the 14th century town gate to the port, and walk along the path that leads you to a 17th century abbey. The magnificent Chateau de Dinan is flanked by two older buildings. Go inside, see the signs of everyday life, and then head to the countryside for Prehistoric Standing Stones.

Day 7

Accommodation

Epic Castle View Hotel - Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Dinan – Gateway City Angers – Heart of Loire Chinon

After breakfast, we make our way to the Loire Valley. Today we’ll travel through a fantasy of vineyards and castle towers as we head to the Loire Valley. We’ll stop in Medieval Angers, gateway to the Loire Valley, and land of French kings and noblemen. We’ll visit Chateau d’Angers, one of the most architecturally and historically unique castles in the world. We’ll end our day in Chinon, heart of the Loire Valley, and dine together at a local favorite like royalty.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Trivia:
What unique sights are there in Angers?
You’ll want to go to the Chateau d’Angers while in town. Inside this 13th century beauty, you’ll find the longest Medieval tapestry in the world! It is 388 ft long, and illustrates the story of the Apocalypse. 

Included Sightseeing

Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire

The Loire Valley, spanning 280 kilometers, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France, in both the administrative regions of Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. The area of the Loire Valley comprises about 800 square kilometers. 

The Loire valley contains hundreds of France's most opulent estates and castles and was an important strategic location for royalty through the ages. Filled with architectural and natural beauty including vineyards featuring reds, white, rose and sparkling, the entire area is an enormous Unesco World Heritage site. The area contains picturesque towns and villages as well as cosmopolitan and bustling cities. There is something for everyone in the Loire Valley.

Overnight Location

Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire

This is Joan of Arc territory, and the Chateau de Chinon is an important shrine. In 1429 it was here that she persuaded Charles VII to give her an army to drive the English from France. Before Joan, Chinon had the royal Plantagenet kings’ favorite castle. Walk the city streets… you’ll feel as if you stepped onto the set of a movie. Head to Le-Carroi-Musee d’Arts et d’Histoire, walk inside the stone mansion, and you’re in the place Richard the Lionheart died in 1199. Chinon is straight out of a French dream.

Day 8

Accommodation

Epic Castle View Hotel - Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Chinon – Château de Villandry – Chinon

After breakfast, we’ll drive to nearby Château de Villandry, truly one of the largest and most spectacular castles imaginable. Supremely elegant, the gardens look as if they came out of a dream—it was the last castle built in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance. On our way back to Chinon, we’ll go wine tasting for the region’s best.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia:
Which famous person is from Chinon?
Although Joan of Arc is associated with the town, it is the priest, doctor, humanist, and scholar Francois Rabelais who was born in Chinon. He is best remembered for the rowdy satires he wrote for his patients, calling them “good medicine.”

Overnight Location

Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire

This is Joan of Arc territory, and the Chateau de Chinon is an important shrine. In 1429 it was here that she persuaded Charles VII to give her an army to drive the English from France. Before Joan, Chinon had the royal Plantagenet kings’ favorite castle. Walk the city streets… you’ll feel as if you stepped onto the set of a movie. Head to Le-Carroi-Musee d’Arts et d’Histoire, walk inside the stone mansion, and you’re in the place Richard the Lionheart died in 1199. Chinon is straight out of a French dream.

Day 9

Accommodation

Dramatic Country Chateau - Montlouis-sur-Loire , Centre-Val de Loire

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00pm
 

Daily Itinerary

Chinon – Château de Chenonceau and Amboise – Montlouis-sur-Loire

After breakfast, we head to Chateau de Chenonceau, a French beauty that spans the River Cher. It is the most well-known castle in the Loire Valley, and first mentioned in literature during the 11th century. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the luxurious gardens and the museum. Then, we make a short stop in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the end of his life. After we arrive in Montlouis-sur-Loire, we’ll dine together and celebrate the legendary castles and stories of France. 
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Trivia:
Imagine this!
Charles VIII met his early and untimely death, at the age of 28. Cause of death? In 1498 he hit his head on a door frame in the Chateau d’Amboise.

Overnight Location

Montlouis-sur-Loire , Centre-Val de Loire

This city has been known for its delicate white wines for centuries. The town faces the Loire River, specializes in varieties of Chenin Blanc, and produces dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling versions of Chenin. This lovely city in the Loire has beautiful parks, water features, gardens, and a royal castle. Heaven!

Day 10

Daily Itinerary

Montlouis-sur-Loire – Chartres – Paris

The next morning, after we have breakfast, we drive to Paris with a stop at the Medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chartres. Chartres Cathedral is a perfect Gothic structure that influenced design throughout Europe. We bid adieu to each other where we began—Paris, the City of Lights. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia:
Which artistic era does the Chartres Cathedral exemplify?
According to art historians, “Chartres is the mind of the Middle Ages manifest.” It is a massive masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and its double spires tower over the ancient town. Be wowed by the stained glass windows, and then visit its labyrinth. It is said that it represents a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 

Please Note: As you'll be arriving late in the day to Paris, please let your Destination Expert know if you would like to extend this most memorable travel experience, and they will make it happen.

Included Sightseeing

Chartres Cathedral, Centre-Val de Loire

Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a masterpiece of French Gothic art, built starting in 1145 and reconstructed over a 26-year period after the fire of 1194. The cathedral showcases a vast nave in pure ogival style, complemented by porches adorned with fine sculptures from the mid-12th century and magnificent stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries - all in remarkable condition. Chartres Cathedral was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Depart From

Depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Ile-de-France

Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time to allow ample time to check in for your flight home. After check-in and passenger security, browse the array of shops in the airport. With an extensive range of stores, bars, and cafes, any spare time you have will fly!