Day 1:

Departure from Paris for Normandy with your private driver-guide. On the way, visit the charming village of Giverny, home to painter Claude Monet, and be amazed by the flowerbeds, the climbing roses, the fruit trees and the Japanese Garden behind his house. Then, discover Honfleur, one of the most picturesque old fishing ports in France. Stroll in the narrow streets near the Old Dock with its boats, quays and signature buildings: the tall, narrow, slate-fronted waterside houses. Continue on to Bayeux.   Overnight at Chateau La Chenevière.

Day 2:

Today, your guide will escort you to the Normandy Landing Beaches where you will re-live the principal events and battles that made up the Battle of Normandy. Our guides, passionate about the history and the region of Normandy, will take you to Omaha Beach, the inland battlefields, the beautiful American Cemetery at Coleville, the Pointe du Hoc and explain the stories and history behind each. Overnight at Chateau La Chenevière.

Day 3:

Pick up your rental car at the Caen train station and head out to discover the true jewel of Normandy's architectural and religious heritage, the Mont Saint Michel. Famous French writer Victor Hugo wrote about this wonder: "The Mont-Saint-Michel appears like a sublime thing, a marvelous pyramid."

Enjoy your free time, stroll in the narrowed streets of this medieval town, have a memorable lunch at La Mere Poulard restaurant and try the famous giant omelets.   Overnight at Chateau La Chenevière.

Day 4:

After breakfast, load up the rental car and start off for the Loire Valley. On the way, stop in the beautifully well-preserved city of Tours, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. T he architectural heritage, the museums, gardens and cultural events fully justify the reputation of Tours as the cultural heart of this region of France. Overnight at the Chateau des 7 Tours.

Day 5:

Live the truly royal life for few hours today with your personal guide who will accompany you to the most famous and interesting castles of the Loire Valley such as Langeais and the Gardens of the Chateau of Villandry. Learn the stories of intrigue, conquest, and love of the once powerful kings and queens of France. Then, experiment a moment you will never forget. Enjoy a visit of one of the best Vouvray makers, Domain Vigneau Chevreau, created in 1875. The visit of the cellar is followed by wine tasting of dry, medium dry, sweet and sparkling Vouvray. Overnight at the Chateau des 7 Tours.

Day 6:

Today, you will appreciate the pure French Renaissance architecture by visiting the Chateau of Azay le Rideau. Lunch is at your leisure in Chinon. In the early afternoon, the Chateau de Ligre welcomes you for a visit of its vineyard near Chinon. In their cellars, you are invited to taste 5 red wines including special vintages. To end the tasting of Loire Valley red wines, you will discover the town of Bourgueil and the Domain de la Chevalerie in Restigné. Established in 1640, this Domain elaborates fantastic red wines made of cabernet franc. Overnight at the Chateau des 7 Tours.

Day 7:

• 6-nights accommodation at 4-star chateau hotels
• Daily breakfast, 2 gourmet dinners
• Private full-day guided tour of Giverny & Honfleur
• Private full-day guided tour of the Normandy Landing Beaches
• Full-day private tour of the royal castles of the Loire Valley
• Full-day private discovery tour of prestigious vineyards of the Loire Valley with wine-tastings
• 5-day economy car rental, manual, ac, insurance
• First-class TGV Tours/St. Pierre des Corps - Paris
• Hotel service charges & VAT

For information and reservations, call: 800.952.8116 - Fax: 310.275.2773

Email: info@artduvoyage.com                   CST #2054590-40