Treasures of France Tour: An Iconic Journey

Walk through the gardens of Monte in Giverny, Normandy, France

What to expect on this itinerary

If Europe were a collection of art and culture, France would be its premier exhibit. The museums of Paris display masterworks of Western Civilization that inspire Parisians and visitors from around the globe. The shores of Normandy evoke a deep and humble connection to the contemporary world. Medieval castles in the Loire Valley represent exuberant nobility in their extraordinary architecture and gardens. Half-timbered villages reflect images from storybooks that come to life. Your custom tailored France tour immerses you in the splendor of France, a country brimming with inherent treasures and known for its expressive culture.

Countries Visited

France

Places Visited

Paris, Bourges, Loire Valley, Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Brittany, Mont-St-Michel, Bayeux, Normandy, Giverny

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Paris - First Sight of Paris

Paris is a city that exudes culture and imagination. Lush trees shade wide boulevards. Parisians fill cafes and spend time watching the city pass them by. Museums house notable paintings by artists who have spent their time gaining inspiration in the bars, cafes, and the cobblestone streets of the city. Bakeries fill their windows with the pastel colors of freshly baked macaroons. Verdant gardens provide a touch of countryside ambiance in the rush of the world-famous city. Your private transfer greets you at Charles de Gaulle International Airport and escorts you to a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Paris.

Enjoy a brief walking tour before dinner to take in the exciting monuments that are close to your hotel. In the evening, the city radiates with light, living up to its moniker, “The City of Lights.” The Eiffel Tower, the iconic image of Paris, shimmers with elegance across its entire 906-foot frame. The tower was erected in the 19th century as the entrance gate to the World Fair, located on the Champs du Mars. A single beam continues to shine from the tower’s pinnacle.

What's Included:

Transfer
Tour
Accommodation
Day 2

A Little Parisian History

Day 3

Paris - The Art of Joie de Vivre

Day 4

Paris - In the Royal Court

Day 5

Paris - The Past as It Was

Day 6

Chambord - Palace at Chambord

Day 7

Chambord - Capturing the Loire Valley

Day 8

Mont-St-Michel - The Culture of Breton

Day 9

Mont-St-Michel - Morning on the Mount

Day 10

Normandy - Touching Contemporary Legends

Day 11

Paris - Capturing Giverny

Day 12

Paris - Savoring the Last Glance

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the elaborate and extravagant palaces scattered across the French countryside, including the unforgettable Palace of Versailles
  • Visit the beaches of Normandy for an immersion into the contemporary history of World War II that shaped the modern World
  • Spend time wandering along the twisting alleyways and rising landscape of Mont-St-Michel off the Breton coast
  • Witness the exceptional Bayeux Tapestry that captures the history of the Norman Invasion of England
  • Stroll through Monte’s Gardens at Giverny to experience the moment where the tangible plants meet the colorful representation of the artist’s work
  • Indulge in the history of Paris on a private guided tour of the city’s ancient roots and indelible architecture
  • Discover the tremendous artwork throughout Paris, displayed in the countless museums and gardens
  • Relish enchanting medieval towns peppering the landscape, each providing insight into the unique heritage and culture of France’s different regions

Detailed Description

Your 12-day France tour intertwines art and culture, ancient history and the contemporary past for an unforgettable experience. Your France vacation begins with your arrival in Paris, the City of Lights. Your private transfer escorts you to your hotel located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a brief tour to get acquainted with the impressive streets where the iconic images of the city come to life. The next morning, your guide leads you through the fabulous history of the Ile de la Cité. Experience the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank and the remarkable churches on the Seine River. In the afternoon, visit one of the celebrated museums of Paris.

Follow your guide through the maze-like galleries of the Louvre. Come face-to-face with priceless artwork and ancient artifacts. In the afternoon, you stroll through the Musée Orangerie to view Monet’s Water Lilies. Discover the extraordinary architecture, lavish décor, and sensational gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Then, your private transfer takes you out of Paris to the Chateau de Guedelon, a castle in the process of construction using only 13th-century techniques. After your visit to the castle, you arrive in the sensational town of Bourges. Venture into the Loire Valley to explore the opulent grounds of the Chateau Chambord.

You next travel to the Chateau Chenonceau, constructed over the River Cher. Continue to the charming riverside town of Amboise for a brief tour of the chateau where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. Venture to the region of Brittany where the connection to ancient Celtic tribes remains strong. Visit traditional Breton villages along the way to Mont-St-Michel. In the morning, your guide leads you on a fabulous tour of the dramatic landscape of the island of Mont-St-Michel. You continue to the shores of Normandy to see the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry.

Traverse the D-Day Beaches of Normandy for a unique perspective into the first official battle America participated in during World War II. Afterward, make your way to the southern border of Normandy to visit the enchanting town of Giverny. Wander through Monet’s marvelous gardens and immerse yourself in the image of the painter’s inspiration. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Paris and escorts you to Charles de Gaulle International Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$5,400 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1212 reviews

Ute S.
France Multigenerational Travel Review: Orleans, Paris, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, 8 Nights

Zicasso's travel company provided a tailored package that perfectly fit the travel needs of our multigenerational group of 18.

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Brad R.
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When our vacation in France came to a close, my entire family declared it our best vacation ever. From the planning to the trip itself, everything was perfect. Zicasso's travel specialist was available and communicative before and during our trip to ensure everything went smoothly.

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Mitch A.
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The trip was amazing all around. Incredible. The service and itinerary were perfect. We highly recommend Zicasso's travel company.

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Linda N.
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The guides were well informed and personable.

The hotels were charming, especially the one in Sarlat.

The Zicasso travel agency's app helped keep all their info and contacts in one place.

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Raymond R.
France Tour Review: 8 Days

Zicasso's trip planner was there for us from the planning stage of our trip until the completion of our journey. She communicated with us while in France to update us on any changes and to generally check in with us to make sure that we were well. She and her team were great to work with and made our trip to France truly memorable!

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PAULINE L.
France Tour Review: Paris, Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, 13-Night Trip

Our trip to Paris and the South of France was amazing! We were extremely pleased with our itinerary, visiting the various museums and attractions throughout the trip.

It was unfortunate that France was experiencing a heatwave, but of course, one never knows what Mother Nature has in store for us. We walked the cobblestone streets, keeping well hydrated and managing as best we could. It was a challenge when the temps reached 100 degrees F for several days, but we survived!

The hotel accommodations were lovely and the staff were very accommodating. Zicasso is an exceptional, professional travel company and we were extremely satisfied with everything.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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