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La Belle France
9 days/8 nights
C'est Magnifique! Not a tour to lose weight on!
It would be difficult to find another touring holiday with so much variety, so much beauty and so many riches in such a relatively compact area. This is the France of the great Loire valley chateaux and vineyards, the France of the calvados, the rolling Normandy countryside, and the France of Monet and his contemporary impressionists. It is the France, too, of history; from the amazing prehistory of Brittany’s Carnac, and the imposing, fortified, hilltop cities and castles of the mediaeval period, to the pre-revolutionary riches of the XVIIIth century. Of course, it is also the France of a more recent history, of the D-Day landings at Omaha and Utah and the battles for Normandy. And then it is also the France of breathtaking cathedrals, like Chartres and of ornate, saint-filled village churches.
It wouldn’t be France, of course, if it did not offer wonderful regional cuisine and fine wines!
A French love affair of the most enticing kind, this tour is about passion, ardour and infatuation. Passion for fine wine and long, lingering lunches. Ardour for ornate architecture and rich history. Infatuation for breathtaking scenery and a laid back lifestyle. It is La Belle France, a delightful discovery for both the first time visitor and those who've already fallen in love with France and wish to unveil more of its secrets!
Tour Inclusions:
- ■8 nights in unique & traditional accommodation
- ■Driver/Guide companion
- ■All mini-coach transportation
- ■Full cooked breakfast daily
- ■Three-course evening meals x 4
- Entrance fees as listed:
- ■Château Gaillard, Les Andelys
- ■Musée du Débarquement, Arromanches
- ■Château de Villandry
- ■Monet's Garden at Giverney
- ■Château d'Usée
- ■Argentomagus museum
- ■Château de Chenonceau
- ■Château de Chambord
Departure dates:
Fri 21 May, 2010 - Sat 29 May, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 11 Jun, 2010 - Sat 19 Jun, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 2 Jul, 2010 - Sat 10 Jul, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 23 Jul, 2010 - Sat 31 Jul, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 13 Aug, 2010 - Sat 21 Aug, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 3 Sep, 2010 - Sat 11 Sep, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 24 Sep, 2010 - Sat 2 Oct, 2010 (8 nights)
Fri 15 Oct, 2010 - Sat 23 Oct, 2010 (8 nights)
Price: Twin/Double: $2,595 USD per person; Single occupancy: $3150 USD
Tour departs at 08.30am and drop off (approx) at 6.00pm from Paris: Jardins d'Eiffel, 8 rue Amelie, 07 Arr, 75007 Paris
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Day 1 Honfleur
We depart Paris following the course of the Seine. Our first major stop of the day is the pretty garden at Giverny, home of the impressionist painter and passionate botanist, Monet. We wander though his house and garden as we admire the contrasts between his flower garden in front of the house and the Japanese inspired water garden which influenced his work for over twenty years. Look out for the famous water lily pond and the Japanese bridge. A short distance away is Richard I's (better known as Richard the Lionheart) dramatic Château Gaillard perched high above Les Andelys. This is the place where legend meets reality; the evocative fortress was skillfully constructed in a single year by the English Duke in 1196 to protect an invasion of Normandy. From here we meander to the city of Rouen, a city that spends more on monuments than any other in France! Alas, while there will not be time to see every single one, we make sure we see the Place du Vieux-Marché - the center of Rouen, surrounded by handsome old houses and the site where Jeanne d'Arc was burned to death in 1431. Tonight we stay in the picturesque harbour of Honfleur, one of the best-preserved old ports of Normandy. This romantic town has attracted so many of France's artistic community over the years, not only painters but also musicians such as Eric Satie. We understand the attraction when taking an after-dinner stroll around the old centre.
(D)
Day 2 Honfleur
We begin the day with a splendid scenic drive along the ‘Normandy Corniche' offering spectacular views over the typically Normandy countryside and an opportunity for us to delve into the local French lifestyle. This area of the northern French coastline is famed for its luxury resorts and attractive seafront towns. We explore two historic resorts; the lovely Cabourg and Dives-sur-Mer. Cabourg epitomised ‘The Belle Epoque' in the 19th Century as it attracted the rich and famous seeking exquisite sandy beaches and an exciting atmosphere, Proust being a frequent figure here. The nearby charming harbour of Dives-sur-Mer was where William the Conqueror built the first part of his fleet as he tried to invade England. More glamour awaits as we arrive in the prestigious yachting harbour of Deauville, where we will take a relaxing walk along its beach boardwalk and visit its bustling harbour and market. Passing through Trouville we return to our pretty impressionist's harbour of Honfleur which you may sit back and relax in one of its many restaurants or cafes.
(B)
Day 3 Bayeux
We follow the coastal road alongside the Normandy Beaches. As we enter this region of France we cannot fail to appreciate the events that took place here during World War II, as we travel to, Ouistreham, which played a significant part in the defense of the region during the war and today is a lovely fishing village. We spend time in some of the famous museums, sites and monuments in the area, including the Musée du Débarquement at Arromanches and the battery at Longues-sur-Mer, the bunkers still have the original cannons, untouched since 1944. Later we travel to Colleville-sur-Mer to visit the famous American War Cemetery, overlooking Omaha Beach. Our historic day concludes with a leisurely drive to the medieval Bayeux.
(B/D)
Day 4 Bayeux
Bayeux is a popular medieval town and today you explore its hidden treasures at your leisure. As one guide book says, 'Bayeux's perfectly preserved ensemble of medieval cathedral and world-famous tapestry of the battle of 1066, make it one of the high points of this part of Normandy'. In addition to the truly breathtaking tapestry and Cathédrale Notre-Dame, you may also enjoy poking around the atmospheric streets and squares of the old town. You can probably see yourself now, sitting in a sidewalk café, a glass of wine in hand, nibbling from a plate of local cheese with olives, just watching the local life go by and thinking to yourself, ‘how wonderful to have unrushed holiday time to simply soak up the culture!'
(B)
Day 5 Fougères/Rennes
Departing Bayeux we drive westward across the Normandy countryside to Brittany. Although there is much to marvel at in the area, it is Mont St-Michel which is our highlight today. While not still the ‘Mount in Peril' from the sea, this 1000 year old religious complex still appears to rise from the surrounding waters. We then continue to the fortified town of St Malo. This characterful French town is well worth the visit. Wander its citadel walls to gain an elevated view of the old town and surrounding coastline then stroll through its ancient cobbled streets and enjoy its myriad of boutique shops and street side cafes. We follow the interesting coastal road through St. Briac-sur-Mer, the small port was the birthplace of may Cape Horners and Newfoundlanders, onto Dinan, another attractive medieval town. As we head to our lovely Brittany accommodation we stop at local villages and towns, as time permits, so you may absorb the French cuisine and local culture.
(B/D)
Day 6 Chinon
More charms of Brittany unfold as we travel south towards Carnac. The Neolithic alignments at Carnac will provide one of the lasting memories of the region. Here some 2000 menhirs (standing stones), older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids, stand like sentinels guarding the Brittany coast line. Of course, like all prehistoric monuments, their origin can only be guessed at, but astronomical clocks or temples to the gods of natural forces are the favoured explanations. We leave Carnac and travel through the municipality of Locmariaquer, famous for its oysters, onto the Golf du Morbihan, whose beautiful landscape and islands we admire as we head to the historic port of Auray. Here we view its attractive medieval bridge and old town. The whole region is a feast for the eyes, and we continue along the scenic route into the verdant Loire Valley, renowned for its fairy-tale castles, historic villages and splendid food and wine.
(B)
Day 7 Chinon
The pretty and peaceful town of Chinon, home of the famed writer Rabelais, makes an excellent base for our explorations of the eastern Loire. The Loire Valley is justly famed for its incredibly rich châteaux, and today we indulge into arguably its most impressive. The first will be chateau de Villandry. Completed in 1536 it was the last of the large chateaus built in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance and renowned for its magnificent gardens. Not far away is the château that reputedly inspired the ‘Sleeping Beauty' story, Château d'Usée, it will not fail to enchant you. We return to Chinon so you have plenty of opportunity to further explore this lovely town and taste the local delicacies.
(B)
Day 8 Chenonceaux / Blois
We depart Chinon and drive through Richelieu, built by the great Cardinal, it was one of the first truly planned towns making an interesting contrast with some of the medieval towns and cities we've been used to. We travel to the Parc Natural Regional, west of Chateauroux where amongst the hundreds of lakes various birds of prey and other interesting species can be spotted. We visit Argenton-sur-Creuse, a lively market town situated on the banks of the river Creuse and wander through its cobbled lanes, bustling marketplace and charming medieval riverside houses, overlooked by the towering golden figure of "La Bonne Dame." The town also has a ruined fortress and fascinating Roman history which we discover we visit the interesting Argentomagus museum. Tonight we enjoy a gourmet dinner. Throughout this tour you will have been treated to some memorable dining with regional delicacies and superbly presented dishes, if you have not tried the local delights, such as frog's legs or escargot, tonight is your opportunity!
(B/D)
Day 9 Paris
We relish another scrumptious day of amazing and ostentatious 17th and 18th century wealth on display. The Château de Chenonceau offers arguably the very best in terms of architecture, site and contents. The richness of its interiors is hard to credit and perhaps partly explains why the peasants were so quick to revolt and so happy to keep Madame La Guillotine busy! Our last day's journey includes a fitting climax to our La Belle France tour, the most divine cathedral of Chartres. Is there one to compare anywhere in the world when it comes to its stained glass? There are 25,000 square feet of it, depicting over 5000 characters and dating from the 13th century. Old Chartres lies at the point where the river Eure cuts into the plain of Beauce; its picturesque streets evoke the bustling activity of a medieval street of merchants and craftsmen. It's lovely and a great place to do some final shopping! Our tour ends as we drop you off at our Paris hotel in the early evening. Of course, some may elect to extend their stay (not included in the tour) and spend some time exploring the ‘city of light' at their leisure.
(B)
You are dropped at a central Paris location. Accommodation in Paris is not included in your tour package but it is available for a supplemental fee.
This tour is operated by Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd
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