10-Day Small Group Paris, Normandy & Loire Valley Package - 3* Hotel

We will come and pick you up at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Paris. Rest of the day is free so why not begin your Paris discovery?

Discover the stunning beauty of Versailles Palace and Giverny Gardens on our small group day trip from Paris. This tour is designed to provide an immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore two of France's most famous landmarks in a single day.

Our day trip begins with a comfortable and scenic drive from Paris to Versailles Palace. As we approach the palace, you'll be struck by the grandeur and opulence of this iconic French landmark. Once inside, you'll be free to explore the palace and gardens at your own pace, marveling at the ornate decorations and elegant architecture that have made Versailles famous around the world. Some of the highlights of the palace include the King's State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Queen's Apartments.

After exploring Versailles Palace, we'll depart for the picturesque village of Giverny. This charming village was the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet, and his house and gardens have been preserved as a museum for visitors to enjoy. Here, you'll have the chance to explore the stunning gardens that inspired Monet's most famous paintings, including the Water Garden and the Japanese Garden. You'll also have the opportunity to visit Monet's house, where you can see his private collection of Japanese prints and other works of art.

Throughout the tour, you'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will provide fascinating insights and historical context for each of the sites you visit. You'll also enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of French cuisine and unwind after a morning of exploring.

Experience the best of Paris with our skip-the-line Eiffel Tower visit, Seine River cruise, and Louvre Museum visit. This full-day tour is designed to provide an unforgettable and immersive experience, allowing you to explore some of the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions without any hassle.

We'll begin the day with a skip-the-line visit to the Eiffel Tower, where you'll have the chance to admire the stunning views of the city from the top of this world-famous landmark. Our expert guide will provide fascinating insights and historical context as you ascend to the top of the tower, sharing the stories and secrets behind the tower's construction and significance.

After your visit to the Eiffel Tower, we'll embark on a relaxing and scenic Seine River cruise. As we sail along the river, you'll have the chance to see many of Paris's most famous landmarks from a unique perspective, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musée d'Orsay.

Following the river cruise and some free time for lunch (at own expense), we'll visit the Louvre Museum, home to some of the most famous and significant works of art in the world. Our guide will lead you through the museum's vast collections, highlighting some of the most important pieces and sharing fascinating stories and insights about the artists and their works.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Paris. Enjoy a private transfer that will take you from Paris to the Normandy region of France. Arrive in Bayeux and check in at your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free so this might be the perfect timing for you to visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum as well as the Bayeux Cathedral.

Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert on WWII and the Normandy landings

Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them.

Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to visit the major D-Day sites.

All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guide's commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.

First stop will be in Sainte Mère Eglise

On the morning of June 6, 1944, also known as the longest day, thousands of soldiers from the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in an attempt to liberate France and the continent from the German occupation. This marked the beginning of a fierce and deadly battle against surprised but well-trained Nazi troops.

Among the allied troops, the Americans landed on two different beaches, later named Utah and Omaha. First, head towards Sainte Mère Eglise heart of the drop zone for the 82nd Airborne U.S. forces. Indeed, the D-Day landings did not only happen from the sea! Airborne divisions and paratroopers rained on this village, and one of them famously got caught in the tower of the church. The village is also home to the airborne museum that can be visited during one of our private tours from Bayeux.

Reach the Utah beach landing area

Then, your Normandy battlefield tour will take you to Utah beach, the second beach where the American troops landed. Again, listen to your guide as he reveals the historical facts of the landings and how the troops were able to storm the beaches in this area.

It is here that the 101st airborne pathfinders were dropped the night before d day invasion. Your guide will also take you to the US military cemetery where you can pay your respects to the ones who fell during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy that followed.

Visit stunning Pointe du Hoc

Also located in the American sector, head to the Pointe du Hoc, a breathtaking cliff offering lunar landscapes, stunning bomb craters and a magnificent viewpoint over the English Channel. Given the toughness of the operation, the Pointe du Hoc was given to Rangers to land upon.

The battle site, dotted with German bunkers was rough, as the Pointe du Hoc had been built as a key point of the Atlantic Wall. It was the highest point between Utah beach and Omaha beach and provided a great observation spot to notice any unfriendly arrivals from the sea. You can still see an artillery gun battery there and feel as if it was still 1944.

Followed by Omaha landing beach

This Normandy battlefield tour will also take you to Omaha beach, where the deadliest of the landings took place. Even though bombings occurred before the landing itself, they failed to neutralise the German positions in that sector.

In addition, troops and amphibian vehicles were disembarked too far from the shore, leading to an absolute failure and thousands of men being killed under heat German fire. The assault on this beach was perfectly depicted in the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan movie. Learn more about the landing and the following days as your tour guide explains all the events that took place on the beach and how the battle raged and evolved inland.

End the tour at the American Cemetery of Colleville sur Mer

If time permits, your guide will also make a stop at the Omaha Beach American Cemetery and memorial in Colleville sur mer where you will have some time to pay homage to the fallen. Depending on the timing of the day you might also have the opportunity to enter the visitor center.

This shared tour will have you picked up in the morning in a central location in Bayeux. At lunch time, your English-speaking guide will point out the best places to eat depending on the location.

Return to Bayeux and night at your hotel.

Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide

Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to visit Mont Saint Michel.

Travel to Southern Normandy

The UNESCO World Heritage Listed, Remarkable Gothic Jewel Mont Saint Michel is an island off the coast of Normandy, in the English Channel, and is one of the best Normandy tours you can choose. It is located about 1 kilometer from the shore and sits in a bay that sees some of the biggest tides in Europe. A few years ago, it was linked to the mainland by a bridge that gets flooded during high tides a few times a year only. 

The first church was built on the mount in 709 at the request of Archangel Michael. A couple of hundred years later, a small group of Benedictines settled there permanently and the church was enlarged. The first monastery was carved in the rock in the 11th century and gradually got bigger and bigger over the following centuries. In the medieval time, it quickly became an important destination for pilgrims, just like Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Visit the Benedictine Abbey with your guide

The construction of the Mont Saint Michel abbey as we know it nowadays was finished in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the grand chancel was replaced in the 15th century. Those hundreds of years of architectural prowess's have left us with a magnificent monument, now referred to as the “Wonder of the Western World”. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

During your day trip to Mont St Michel, our friendly English-speaking driver / guide will take you from Bayeux to the Mont Saint Michel, which you will access via a shuttle and the bridge in accordance with local requirements. While on the road, make sure to take it all in and observe the beauty of the Normandy coastline.

Our Mont Saint Michel tour will then take you to the abbey itself, at the very top of the mount. Follow your guide on a walking tour. The history of its construction will be explained in detail and while you are there, make sure to snap some pictures of the amazing views on the surrounding bay!

Mont Saint Michel is also a lively small town

After the visit of the abbey, enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace and bring back some souvenirs for friends and family. Your guide will also suggest some great restaurants for lunch, suitable for all budgets.

If you want to indulge, the Mère Poulard restaurant is probably the most famous on the mount. It gained its reputation thanks to its unique "omelet soufflé" recipe. It is well worth a visit and a must-try when on a Mont Saint Michel day tour but keep in mind you will need a large amount of time as the restaurant is so popular with visitors.

Return to Bayeux and night at your hotel.

In the morning, we will pick you up in Bayeux and transfer you to the Loire Valley. Reach the town of Tours where your 3* hotel is located. Check in at your hotel, and take some time for lunch (at own expense) in Tours. This afternoon, enjoy a small group shared tour to the famous Château de Chambord.

Guided Tour of Chambord Castle

Make your way to the dedicated meeting point in Tours, located in front of the Tourism office. Once you have met your guide and boarded your small group vehicle, make your way to the Château de Chambord that will be your first Loire Valley castle visit of the day. It is considered as one of the most beautiful Chateaux of the Loire Valley. After a short drive of about 1 hour, reach the stunning Château de Chambord. Listed since 1981 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chambord is without a doubt one of the most fascinating Loire Valley Castle to visit.

Located in the heart of the Sologne region of France, Chateau de Chambord was the desire of King Francis 1 (François 1er) who ordered the construction in the early 16th century. Built as a hunting lodge, the castle was not designed to be a permanent residence for the King who only stayed within the castle a few weeks every year. The architecture of the Château is a good example of the Italian Renaissance style that was prized at the time and Château de Chambord was in fact built to impress foreign visitors and ambassadors and demonstrate the power of the young king of France.

The Castle is laid out around a central keep that includes for massive bastion towers at each corner. All in all, Chambord is home to more than 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. The plan of the castle has for central axis the famous double helix staircase that was presumably inspired by the work of the great genius Leonardo da Vinci. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the chateau. Another highlight of the visit is the ornate roof that makes the Chateau so recognizable. When you reach the top level of the Chateau, you can walk between the towers and admire the enormous attention to detail in the masonry work.

King Francis 1 never actually saw the castle finished and it wasn't until the reign of the King Louis XIV (the Sun King) that the building was actually completed. The shear size of Château de Chambord makes it a difficult place to maintain and after being owned by different persons close to royalty, it is finally preempted by the French State who becomes the sole owner since 1930.

Upon arrival, follow your tour guide for a tour of the Castle. The tour will last around 1.5 hours and your guide will lead you through the main rooms, will show you the famous double spiral staircase and you take you to the top of the Castle to the terraces where you will have a great view of the surrounding area.

Return to Tours and night at your hotel.

Meet your English speaking driver/guide - who is an Expert in Loire Valley Wines

Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them.

Once you have met your guide, he will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to the Loire Valley wine producing region.

All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guides commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.  

Morning wine tasting tour in the Bourgueil wine region

The Loire Valley is not only famous for its Renaissance castles, but also for its wines. To kickstart the day, this Loire Valley wine tour will first take you to the town of Bourgueil. Indeed, this charming small town is surrounded by vineyards producing wines typical from the region. Here, the diversity of soils gives the wines a delicate and fruity taste. Wines from the Loire Valley can be consumed young or aged depending on the vintage.

Your guide will take you to a traditional winery, where you will learn about wine production from the grape to the bottle. After the tour, you will be able to taste different wines produced by the winery and, if you wish, you will be able to buy your favorite one to bring it back home.

Stop in Chinon for a visit & lunch (at own expense)

After that, this Loire Valley shared tour will take you to Chinon, a picturesque town with preserved medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance town houses. Chinon is dominated by its castle, which is actually made of three castles. The Chinon castle used to be the residence of Henry II of England. Other historic events taking place in the Chinon castle were the death of Richard the Lionheart, as well as Joan of Arc persuading Charles VII to fight the English invasion of France.

You will have the privilege to visit the town accompanied by your private guide who will tell you about the history of Chinon and its castle in greater details. You will have time to stroll the streets and stop for shopping at any time you want. At lunch time, your guide will indicate the best places to try some local specialties in Chinon.

Afternoon wine tasting tour in the Chinon wine region

Around this area, you will mainly find red wines from different qualities. Head to a winery managed by a lovely French couple who will show the process of wine-making in Chinon in the Loire Valley. While you are there, take some time to fully appreciate the beautiful view over the vineyards around you. You will also have a chance to buy some red Loire Valley wine from the winemaker.

After the wine tasting session, it will be time to return to Tours. Night at your hotel.

Morning visit of Chenonceau Castle

This morning, tour to the magnificent Chateau de Chenonceau, nestled in the breathtaking Loire Valley. Known as the "Chateau des Dames," this iconic bridge spanning the Cher River enchants visitors with its rich history and Renaissance gardens, once graced by remarkable female figures such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.

Free time for lunch (at own expense)

After your morning visit, your guide will take you to a charming village in the surrounding area where you will have time for lunch (at own expense). Your guide will be happy to make recommendations depending on the type of meal you are looking for. 

Afternoon Guided Exploration of Chambord Castle

After lunch, venture to Château de Chambord, our second stop on this Loire Valley castle tour. Regarded as one of the most magnificent chateaux in the region, Chambord awaits your discovery. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately one hour, arriving at the breathtaking Château de Chambord. This UNESCO World Heritage site has captivated visitors for centuries.

It will be time to return to Tours. Once in Tours, enjoy some free time for lunch (at own expense). Then, check out from your hotel and enjoy a private transfer to the train station in Tours or the Saint Pierre des Corps train station if you have booked a TGV fast train ticket.