Essence of France

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Loire Valley, Normandy & Mont Saint-Michel, Paris & Versailles

On this private luxury tour, experience some of our France favorites: the best of sophisticated Paris; the outstanding chateaus, gardens and wine of the romantic Loire Valley; and the impressive historic sites and villages of Normandy.

Begin in the Loire Valley. During private touring, visit the most beautiful and interesting chateaux and gardens. If desired, also visit local vineyards and wineries to sample the wide range of the Loire Valley’s best varietals. Touring is flexible according to your interests, but some of our favorite options are chateaux such as Chambord, the largest royal chateau in the Loire; romantic Chateau de Chenonceau, built on arches across the Cher River; Chateau Villandry and its stunning Renaissance gardens; and Chateau du Clos-Luce, the mansion in which Leonardo da Vinci lived out his final days. Other highlights include visiting the outstanding Chartres Cathedral, as well as lesser-known chateaux with unique gardens.

Next, transfer to Normandy and stay at a luxury chateau hotel. During private touring with an expert Normandy guide, tour the D-Day landing beaches and other significant World War II-related sites such as the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the Mulberry Artificial Harbors, and the Caen Museum of Peace. Also, visit the historic town of Bayeux to see the famous tapestry illustrating the Norman invasion of England in 1066.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Mont Saint-Michel, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s true wonders. This enormous abbey and town on a tidal island has been a pilgrimage site since ancient times, and it remains one of Europe's most popular attractions.

Continue to Paris. En route, tour the upscale resort town of Deauville. Browse the town’s exclusive shops, visit the morning market, and walk along the boardwalk, admiring the Beaux Arts and half-timbered buildings facing the beach. Also visit the picturesque old fishing port town of Honfleur, long popular with artists and an ideal base for exploring Normandy’s thatched cottages, orchards, and charming towns. Alternatively, en route, visit Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, a wonderful world of flowers, greenery and ponds.

With your own private guide and driver—sophisticated experts who will share the very best of Paris with you—explore Paris according to your interests. Tour the city's most interesting neighborhoods, markets, boutiques, specialty food shops, gardens, museums and other cultural attractions. A few of our favorites: Walk among centuries-old mansions on exclusive Ile Saint-Louis. See the stained glass windows of exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, and see iconic Notre Dame. Visit the backstreets of Montmartre. Climb the steps to the Sacre Coeur Basilica for panoramic views. Explore Le Marais, whose private homes once belonged to kings, noblemen and courtesans. Wander the old Jewish quarter to the Place des Vosges, the city's oldest and one of its most beautiful squares. See the art treasures of museums such as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, l'Orangerie, Centre Pompidou, Fondation Louis Vuitton and other major museums. Or visit smaller specialty museums off the beaten track. If desired, enjoy reservations at one of the restaurants atop the Eiffel Tower. Stroll the Latin Quarter, and relax in the Luxembourg Gardens. Shop exclusive boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Rue Royale. Take a break at Left Bank cafes made famous by poets and philosophers, and stop in the church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange personalized shopping (antiques, flea markets, haute couture, tea, copperware and cooking utensils, chocolate, fashion and more). Perhaps spend hours enjoying a degustation gastronomique at a leading restaurant. One day, if desired, enjoy a private excursion to Versailles to tour Louis XIV’s opulent palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens, and the Hameau de la Reine, the mock hamlet created for Marie-Antoinette.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Paris – Loire Valley Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Loire Valley Full-day private tour of chateaux, gardens and vineyards Day 3 Loire Valley – Normandy Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 4 Normandy Full-day private tour of D-Day sites and Bayeux Day 5 Normandy & Mont Saint-Michel Full-day private excursion to Mont Saint-Michel Day 6 Normandy – Paris Private transfer to hotel for 4 nights with stop in Honfleur, Deauville and/or Giverny en route Day 7 Paris Full-day private city tour Day 8 Paris Half-day private city tour Day 9 Paris & Versailles Private excursion to Versailles Day 10 Depart Paris Private airport transfer

Hotels

Loire Valley: Les Hauts de Loire Normandy: Chateau La Cheneviere Paris: Ritz Paris or Four Seasons Hotel George V

Cost

Upon request