Want to experience some of France’s other regions after enjoying the delights of its capital? Then this is the tour for you! Spend some time in picturesque Paris taking in its charming boulevards, finishing up with a romantic cruise along the Seine, before plunging into the French countryside for a further five days of discovery. From the endless Châteaux of the Loire Valley, including Amboise, the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, to the renowned Champagne producing Epernay region where you’ll visit the iconic cellars of Moet et Chandon. Other highlights include tasting a smorgasbord of cheeses at a classic French fromagerie and visiting the famous Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel!
Welcome to Paris! After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to your hotel and then enjoy your first day in the city at your own leisure. Overnight in Paris.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide in front of the fountain at Place Saint-Michel. From there your guide will take you to the site of Notre Dame explaining it’s fascinating 850 years of history, secrets and mysteries. See how this historic structure still stands proud after the recent fire and discover what the future holds for this magnificent building. The walking tour continues in the picturesque lanes of the Latin Quarter, where you’ll see the iconic buildings. Visit the impressive Church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois built in the 13th century. Arriving at the Louvre, you’ll skip the entrance lines and head straight inside for a full Louvre tour with your expert guide, including all the highlights of the world-famous collection. At the end of the walking tour, you will board a Seine River Cruise to enjoy a relaxing ride and enjoy the city from the water. Meals: B
With more than 100 chateaux, the Loire Valley is a rich of Renaissance and Enlightenment Masterpieces. Today you will visit three of the most beautiful Castles in the region! The majestic Chambord, the elegant Chenonceau and the powerfully forged Amboise, that you will visit on your own. Overnight in Paris. Meals: B
Today, join a small group workshop to explore the world of French cheese and wine as we taste our way around France. We’ll start the workshop with a visit to the historic Ile Saint Louis just minutes from the school, where your favourite local ‘fromager affineur’ awaits. There, your chef will help you navigate a classic Fromagerie in France and you’ll select some fantastic cheeses to enjoy with wine back at the school. Your Fromage adventure will be accompanied by wines from various regions in France. We wouldn’t dream of having a Fromage and Wine experience without fresh baguettes, so expect plenty of accompaniments from the local boulangerie. Overnight in Paris. Meals: B, L
Leave Paris behind and head off with your expert guide to the prestigious Moet and Chandon Champagne house in Epernay, the Champagne Capital. Easily boasting the largest Champagne cellars in the world, this luxury Champagne house is home to some 17 miles (28 kilometres) of underground tunnels where their world-famous sparkling wine matures. After lunch, leave Epernay, for a ride around Reims Mountain Regional Nature Park, home to Grand Crus vineyards, before reaching Hautvillers. After enjoying the beauty of the vine, little villages and making a few stops en route, you will reach the last stop of your day will be dedicated to the visit of a family-run winery where you will have the opportunity to taste 4 different Champagnes before returning to Paris. Overnight in Paris. Meals: B
Prepare for an early morning departure from Paris to make the most of the day, and enjoy the scenery of the French countryside on the roughly 3.5-hour drive to Mont Saint-Michel, perched on a small rocky islet near the mouth of the Couesnon River on France’s Normandy coast. After arriving on the island, begin with a lunch stop at La Mère Poulard restaurant, famous for its fluffy, decadent omelettes. Watch chefs at work in the kitchen, and then enjoy a delicious 4-course lunch. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel Abbey that caps the island, offering spectacular views of the bay and coastline. Enjoy a bit of free time to wander the island’s narrow streets and shops before motoring to Paris. Overnight in Paris. Meals: B, L
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport or train station for your departing flight or train for your onward journey. An optional private transfer is available. Meals: B
