13-Day France and Monaco Tour to Paris, Lyon & Normandy Beaches 

Prepare to fall head over heels for France on this 13-day journey through its most enchanting regions. Wander the vineyard-laden Loire Valley, bask in the glamour of the French Riviera, and uncover the charm of historic towns from Beaune to Bordeaux. Explore medieval Carcassonne, learn about WWII history in Normandy, and let the beauty of France’s scenic landscapes steal your heart.

Day 1 | Arrive Paris

It’s time to discover Paris’s grand past, vibrant present, and fascinating future. Explore the history, culture, and gastronomic delights of this remarkable city by visiting museums and monuments, enjoying the iconic Iron Lady or simply relaxing on the banks of the Seine. You have time to unwind or explore the city after checking in at the hotel.

Hotel: Mercure Paris Porte d’Orleans

Day 2 | Paris sightseeing and free time

The Parisians know a thing or two about beauty, elegance and a life well lived, which your full day in Paris will deliver in abundance. Hit the grand boulevards on a city sightseeing tour through the heart of the city conducted by your Travel Director.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Mercure Paris Porte d’Orleans

Day 3 | Paris/Beaune/Lyon

Paris, au revoir. You will discover the medieval Beaune, where the local wine serves as the official justification. Before continuing on to Lyon, you can tour the stunning marketplace and the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Chromatics

Day 4 | Lyon/Aix-en-Provence/Monaco/French Riviera

Follow the Rhône Valley south and appreciate some free time in the Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, founded by the Romans over natural hot springs. The last leg of your journey southwards stretches out to the shimmering Mediterranean coast, where the Principality of Monaco and the Côte d’Azur await. Keep your cameras at the ready as you drive along its elegant boulevards and attempt to capture the sophistication that seems to ooze from every corner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ibis Cannes Mandelieu

Day 5 | French Riviera free day

A full free day on the French Riviera. You might want to spend the day sprawled out on a sun-lounger with a cocktail or enjoy a peaceful walk.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Ibis Cannes Mandelieu

Day 6 | French Riviera/Arles/Pont du Gard/Avignon

Fuel up on a typically French breakfast of croissant and coffee before embarking on your next adventure. Today we travel west to the Camargue centre of Arles, where Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration for so many of his paintings. Next, you’ll view the magnificent Pont du Gard, an aqueduct carefully constructed in the first century to supply fresh water. Continue to the heart of Provence and the city of Avignon which features one of the world’s most unbelievable religious architectural legacies. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ibis Avignon Sud

Day 7 | Avignon/ Carcassonne/Lourdes

Carcassonne rises majestically on a mountainside behind fortified stone walls, resembling a scenario from a children’s tale. When you see the town’s turreted medieval castle and architecture from the 12th century, its unmistakable appeal becomes clear. Your next destination, after traveling through fairy tales and the Pyrenees foothills, is the town of Lourdes, where you will follow in the footsteps of the millions of pilgrims who have come to honor St. Bernadette and see the basilica atop the Grotto. This evening offers the chance to accompany the pilgrims in a torchlight procession, which is an incredibly touching and enchanting event.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Mercure Imperial

Day 8 | Lourdes/Biarritz/Bordeaux

Today iits beach time, so prepare your sunglasses and hat for a trip to the glitzy Atlantic coast resort of Biarritz. Find your new favourite seat on a wicker chair in the sun. Following a satisfying dose of sun, sea, and tall peaks, we return to the undulating Les Landes landscape before continuing on to Bordeaux, our day’s end.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Ibis Centre Mériadeck

Day 9 | Bordeaux/Saint-Émilion – Tours

After a night sampling Bordeaux blends and the city’s eclectic mix of street life and well-preserved 18 century architecture, a new adventure awaits. The hilltop village of Saint-Émilion is an appealing stop for red wine lovers. This is château country and there’s no better way to explore it. Continue to your hotel by the city of Tours, known as the gateway to the Loire Valley. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: ibis Tours Centre Gare

Day 10 | Loire Valley and Châteaux excursion

Embark on a whimsical tour to Chenonceau with a Local Specialist. This enchanting, fairy-tale château straddling the Cher River is the most photographed sight in the Loire Valley. Discover its priceless collections of Renaissance art and furniture and stroll through the exquisite landscaped gardens before continuing to the royal town of Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci is said to be buried. You’ll view the splendid Château de Chambord, one of the world’s most remarkable châteaux.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: ibis Tours Centre Gare

Day 11 | Tours – Mont Saint-Michel – D-Day Landing Beaches (Omaha)/Deauville

Visit to Mont Saint-Michel will certainly not disappoint. Hear how the Archangel inspired the Bishop of Avranches to build a church atop this rocky outcrop, then continue your journey to the iconic D-Day landing beaches where thousands of Allied soldiers first landed on French soil, in what became the largest seaborne invasion in history. After a poignant stop at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, you’ll continue on to your hotel in Deauville.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ibis Deauville Centre

Day 12 | Deauville/Honfleur/Rouen/Paris

You’ll wish you had the talents of Monet during your brief visit to the colourful port town of Honfleur. It’s easy to see why this ‘most ravishing spot in the world’ was immortalised on canvas by many of the world’s greatest artists. Next head to Rouen, to Joan of Arc. There’s much to fall in love with here, from the cobbled streets to Gothic churches and the impressive cathedral. After a busy day engaging with all that history, return to the glittering French capital for the final evening of your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Mercure Paris Porte d’Orleans

Day 13 | Depart Paris

Say a fond au revoir to your Travel Director and newfound friends. 

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• 13 days, 2 countries and 21 cities
• 12 nights accommodation
• 12 meals – 12 breakfasts, 4 dinners
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Exclusions:

• Air ticket

Notes:

• Confirmation is subject to availability at time of booking
• Rate is subject to modification depending on rate of exchange / any other surcharge
• The final rate is communicated at time of booking
• Air ticket is not included

Should you wish to book your trip, click on the link https://travelbykreola.mu/contact/ or contact us on the 4609855 or send an email on infotravel@kreola.mu

One of our agents will be glad to revert back and assist you accordingly.