Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Trianon Palace Versailles. A transfer is included from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, less than a mile from Château de Versailles. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

Begin the day traveling from Versailles to Chartres. See some of the world's greatest examples of the art – more than 27,000 square feet of it, created by artisans of the 12th and 13th centuries – inside Chartres' Gothic cathedral, among the most impressive in all of Europe. After touring the town of Chartres, continue on to Langeais in châteaux country, where you'll spend the next two nights at Château de Rochecotte, once the private estate of diplomat Prince Tallyrand and the Duchess of Dino. Tonight, enjoy an immersive Loire Valley experience at Château de Champchevrier, a private country estate, where you'll meet the Baron and his family, enjoy a reception and dinner, and witness a hunting hound demonstration in full regalia.

For centuries, royalty and nobility built their magnificent châteaux in the Loire Valley, which also attracted poets, novelists and artists to find their inspiration in the lush forests and rich farmland of the "Garden of France." First, enjoy a glimpse of the princely life on a guided visit to Château de Langeais, overlooking the Loire River; King Charles VIII of France was married here in 1491. Next up is a private visit to the vineyards of Le Moulin Bleu in Bourgueil for lunch and a wine tasting. Later, visit Château Villandry – reputed to have the most spectacular formal gardens in all of France – prior to returning to your Langeais château hotel for dinner and an evening spent as you please.

In the midst of the wine-growing area of the Loire Valley lies the 13th-century Château d'Angers, home to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, the longest medieval tapestry in the world. After a visit to this 17-towered fortress to view its celebrated depiction of scenes from the Book of Revelations – of which about 329 feet of its original 459-foot length survive – continue on to Port du Crouesty to enjoy a two-night stay in the elegantly furnished and quite unusual waterfront spa resort, Miramar La Cigale – Hôtel Thalasso & Spa.

Begin the day with a guided visit to Le Petit Mont, a Neolithic-era burial site later fortified by German forces during World War II. Then set off on a sightseeing cruise through the scenic Golfe du Morbihan, dotted with wooded islands and sheltered coves. Continue to the fortified town of Vannes, where a walking tour introduces you to its medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined squares. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the bustling markets, unwind at a café in Old Town, or stroll the ramparts and formal gardens. You may also wish to step inside Saint-Pierre de Vannes, the town's Romanesque cathedral with origins in the 11th century. With its rich history, coastal charm, and vibrant Breton spirit, Vannes makes a captivating stop for a few memorable hours. Return to your hotel, where your evening is free.

Rochefort-en-Terre, one of France's most beautiful villages, invites exploration with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and vibrant flower displays – nestled in the heart of Brittany, the village feels like stepping into a storybook, with its charming squares and boutique shops offering artisanal crafts and local delicacies. 12th-century Château de Rochefort adds a touch of history, surrounded by enchanting gardens; whether wandering through its medieval streets or savoring a café moment in the town square, the town exudes a timeless allure. A visit to the Brittany Resistance Museum offers a moving insight into the region's role during World War II. Through powerful exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, the museum honors the bravery and sacrifices of the French Resistance. Learn about the covert operations, local heroes, and significant events that shaped Brittany's wartime history. This compelling experience provides a deeper understanding of the resilience and courage that defined the region during a pivotal time. Wind your way through idyllic Breton villages to St-Malo, where you'll spend the next two nights at a renowned hotel on the English Channel coast.

Considered to be one of Western civilization's premiere achievements, the impressive Abbey of Mont-St-Michel was once totally unreachable at high tide. Check out the range of architectural styles it embodies – with lots of walking up and down hills – on this morning's visit. Once the infamous base for French corsairs, the medieval port town of St-Malo, set dramatically overlooking the sea, offers much to discover on a guided walking tour of its atmospheric walled center, La Ville Intra-Muros, with your Tauck Director. Or you may spend the rest of the day exploring as you wish.

Set out from St-Malo across the countryside on this most satisfying of Normandy tours to the coast, and view the famous Bayeux Tapestry (tours September 1, 2025 through the end of the year will visit the town of Bayeux as the Bayeux Tapestry will be closed for renovations; at Château d'Angers, you'll see the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval art depicting vivid scenes from the Book of Revelation). Your scenic drive along the Yellow Roads brings you to Le Mémorial de Caen, commemorating the sacrifices of World War II and the battle for Caen, and featuring a Peace Museum and memorial gardens. Late afternoon, arrive in the seaside resort of Deauville and your accommodation for the next two nights, the epitome of Belle Époque elegance. Dine à la carte at your hotel tonight.

A poignant moment on your journey is a visit to the beaches on which Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944 – known forever after as "D-Day" – to begin the World War II liberation of Europe and the long march to Berlin. Your memorable visit includes an introduction to the momentous events of D-Day by Tauck's local expert; a look at a private World War II memorabilia collection and a hands-on exhibit; and guided visits to Pointe du Hoc, the 100-ft. cliff taken by the 2nd Ranger Battalion on D-Day... the now-quiet Omaha Beach, where American assault units took heavy casualties in establishing a beachhead... and the poignant American Military Cemetery, final resting place of thousands of U.S. troops. Your explorations at these sites connected to "the longest day" make for a day you'll never forget.

Depart Deauville and continue along the River Seine to Giverny to tour the celebrated home and oft-painted gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Monet (who moved to Giverny at the tail end of the 19th century) painted some of his most recognizable work at his home here, including a series of paintings focused on his beloved water lillies. Your final destination today is legendary Paris. Select small group departures (see dates and prices under "Pricing & Availability") will stay at legendary Le Meurice; all other departures stay at Le Scribe Paris Opéra. Join us this evening for a memorable dinner cruise on the Seine, as the lights of Paris reflect on the water and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame glide past in view. Enjoy the rhythm of the river and the quiet elegance of the city unfolding around you, a relaxing way to take in the city's beauty at the close of day.

Begin the day with a morning city sightseeing coach tour of Paris where you'll view famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the glamorous Champs-Élysées and iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame. The remainder of the day and evening is free for you to explore Paris as you please; if you wish, you may join us for an optional walking tour in the afternoon.

Immerse yourself in the soft beauty of the works of the Impressionists during a locally guided visit to the famous (and newly renovated) Musée d'Orsay, whose great collection of 19th-century French Im­pres­sion­ist paintings, sculptures and art objects is displayed in the restored Gare d'Orsay, a former railway station built for the Paris Exhibition of 1900 (subject to closure). We invite you to join us this evening for a farewell dinner.

Tour ends: Paris. A transfer is included from Le Meurice, Le Scribe Paris Opéra or Lutetia Paris to Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports or Paris' Gare de Lyon, Charles de Gaulle-Station or Gare du Nord train stations. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.