Paris, Normandy and the Loire

Paris, Normandy and the Loire

438 Views
8 Days From

$1658

$1464

Paris, Normandy and the Loire

8 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Arrive In Paris, France, Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Bayeux, Normandy Landing Beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Châteaux Country, Chartres

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

4750-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

From: $1658 $1464 Operator discount: -$194 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This northern France tour is the perfect way for value-minded travel lovers to see the highlights of Paris plus the Loire Valley and Normandy. Beautiful scenery combined with famous landmarks and fascinating history sum up this tour. You’ll visit some of northern France’s interesting and charming towns, including Rouen, best known for its connection to Joan of Arc. Here, step into the splendid Gothic cathedral, which was once the world’s tallest building and the subject of a series of Claude Monet’s paintings, just like the water garden in Giverny, depicted in some of his most famous canvases. Visit Honfleur, a romantic port city; and Chartres, famous for pilgrimages to its 13th-century gothic cathedral. In Bayeux, follow the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, listed by UNESCO. Admire the cathedral, ramparts, and ancient walls of St. Malo, a fortified seaside resort. Memories of World War II history come to life as you visit the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and the landing beaches. Other highlights of this affordable France tour include picturesque Mont St. Michel, situated on a rocky isle with its world-famous abbey. Spend a day at leisure in Châteaux Country with the opportunity to take an optional excursion to discover the Château of Chenonceau, a 16th-century, fairytale castle with a moat, drawbridge, and towers. From historic sights to picturesque scenery, this is a dream vacation!

Highlights

  • Explore the "City of Light" in Paris, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

  • Visit Giverny, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet, and his famous water garden.

  • Discover Rouen's great cathedral and the lovely town of Honfleur on the Seine estuary.

  • Experience the seaside resort of Deauville and the world-renowned Bayeux tapestry in Bayeux.

  • Walk the legendary beaches of Normandy and visit the American Cemetery at Omaha.

  • Marvel at the spectacular Mont St. Michel, standing on an island accessible by a causeway.

  • Admire the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo and the traditional, timber-framed houses in Rennes.

  • Explore the enchanting Châteaux Country, including the Château of Chenonceau and Amboise.

Places You'll See

Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade

Ibis Deauville

Hotel Vert

Novotel Amboise

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Paris,France

Location: Arrive In Paris, France

Check into your hotel and use your CosmosGO app to explore the French capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE Check into your hotel and use your CosmosGO app to explore the French capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day exploring the “City of Light,” known in the world for its fashion, art, museums, cuisine, and joie de vivre. Enjoy included sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights. Feel the joie de vivre with your choice of optional excursions, s’il vous plait!PARIS Enjoy a full day exploring the “City of Light,” known in the world for its fashion, art, museums, cuisine, and joie de vivre. Enjoy included sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights. Feel the joie de vivre with your choice of optional excursions, s’il vous plait! (B)

Day 3: Paris,Giverny,Rouen,Honfleur,Deauville

Location: Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day with a visit to Giverny*, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet. The famous water garden at Giverny was the inspiration behind some of Monet’s finest works (gardens open from April to October). Continue to Rouen to visit its great cathedral. Next, enjoy a stop in lovely Honfleur, situated on the Seine estuary, and then continue to the seaside resort of Deauville. Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km NOTE:*On departure November 7, due to closure of Giverny Gardens, a visit to D-Day Museum will be included instead.PARIS–GIVERNY–ROUEN–HONFLEUR–DEAUVILLE Start the day with a visit to Giverny*, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet. The famous water garden at Giverny was the inspiration behind some of Monet’s finest works (gardens open from April to October). Continue to Rouen to visit its great cathedral. Next, enjoy a stop in lovely Honfleur, situated on the Seine estuary, and then continue to the seaside resort of Deauville. Today’s Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B,D)NOTE:*On departure November 7, due to closure of Giverny Gardens, a visit to D-Day Museum will be included instead.

Day 4: Deauville,Bayeux,Normandy Landing Beaches,Mont St. Michel

Location: Deauville, Bayeux, Normandy Landing Beaches, Mont St. Michel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit Bayeux, famed for its lacemaking and the world-renowned Bayeux tapestry depicting the story of William the Conqueror and Harold, Earl of Wessex—who led the Norman and Saxon armies in 1066 to conquer England. On to the legendary beaches of Normandy, where Allied troops landed in 1944. The highlight is the American Cemetery at Omaha. Then, discover spectacular Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessible by a causeway. Today’s Distance: 154 mi/ 248 kmDEAUVILLE–BAYEUX–NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES–MONT ST. MICHEL Visit Bayeux, famed for its lacemaking and the world-renowned Bayeux tapestry depicting the story of William the Conqueror and Harold, Earl of Wessex—who led the Norman and Saxon armies in 1066 to conquer England. On to the legendary beaches of Normandy, where Allied troops landed in 1944. The highlight is the American Cemetery at Omaha. Then, discover spectacular Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessible by a causeway. Today’s Distance: 154 mi/ 248 km (B)

Day 5: Mont St. Michel,St. Malo,Châteaux Country

Location: Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Châteaux Country

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive along the Brittany coast to the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo to admire its cathedral and ancient walls. Enjoy beautiful landscapes on the way to the enchanting Châteaux Country. Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 kmMONT ST. MICHEL–ST. MALO–CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY Drive along the Brittany coast to the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo to admire its cathedral and ancient walls. Enjoy beautiful landscapes on the way to the enchanting Châteaux Country. Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km (B)

Day 6: Châteaux Country

Location: Châteaux Country

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day at leisure or follow the steps of French royalty with an optional visit to the Loire Valley castles. If these walls could talk, they would tell the intriguing tales of kings, ladies, and lords who called these sumptuous palaces home.CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY Spend the day at leisure or follow the steps of French royalty with an optional visit to the Loire Valley castles. If these walls could talk, they would tell the intriguing tales of kings, ladies, and lords who called these sumptuous palaces home. (B,D)

Day 7: Châteaux Country,Chartres,Paris

Location: Châteaux Country, Chartres, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take a stroll around Chartres, home of the famous Gothic cathedral with its magnificent stained-glass windows. Arrive in Paris with time to enjoy an optional excursion in the City of Light this evening. Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 kmCHÂTEAUX COUNTRY–CHARTRES–PARIS Take a stroll around Chartres, home of the famous Gothic cathedral with its magnificent stained-glass windows. Arrive in Paris with time to enjoy an optional excursion in the City of Light this evening. Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km (B)

Day 8: Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade, Ibis Deauville, Hotel Vert, Novotel Amboise, and Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily and 2 dinners are included.

  • Sightseeing

    Included sightseeing with a local expert in Paris to see many iconic sights, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

  • Visits and Excursions

    Visits to Giverny, Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville, Bayeux, Normandy Landing Beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Rennes, Châteaux Country, Blois, and Chartres.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Chartres Cathedral, Mont Saint Michel and its Bay, Paris Banks of the Seine, and The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle).

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions are available but not included in the tour price.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Transport to Start Location

    Transport to the starting location in Paris is not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 2 dinners

Notes

For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

Departure November 7 2025: due to closure of Giverny Gardens, visit to D-Day Museum instead.

Participation in the Mont St. Michel visit requires walking uphill with many steps and may be challenging for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to uneven terrain.

UNESCO Sites

Chartres Cathedral|Mont Saint Michel and its Bay|Paris Banks of the Seine|The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle)

Accommodation

Paris:Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade
Deauville:Ibis Deauville
Mont St. Michel:Hotel Vert
Amboise:Novotel Amboise

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of hotels, including the city-styled Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade in Paris, the Ibis Deauville near the beach, Hotel Vert at Mont-Saint-Michel, Novotel Amboise in the Loire Valley, and Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'Orleans in Montrouge. These hotels offer amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, fitness centers, and free WiFi.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional excursions available. For example, on Day 2 in Paris, you can choose from various optional excursions to explore the city further. On Day 6, you can take an optional excursion to some of the most celebrated castles of the Loire Valley, including Château of Chenonceau and Amboise.

  • What happens if the Giverny Gardens are closed during my visit?

    If the Giverny Gardens are closed, such as on the November 8 departure, the itinerary will include a visit to the D-Day Museum instead.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Some highlights of the tour include visiting Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny, exploring the great cathedral in Rouen, stopping in the lovely town of Honfleur, visiting the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, and discovering the spectacular Mont St. Michel. You will also have the opportunity to explore the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo, admire the traditional timber-framed houses in Rennes, and visit the famous Gothic cathedral in Chartres.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 2 dinners.

  • What UNESCO World Heritage Sites will I visit on this tour?

    During the tour, you will visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chartres Cathedral, Mont Saint Michel and its Bay, the Paris Banks of the Seine, and the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes, which includes Chenonceau Castle.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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