Paris, Normandy and the Loire

Paris, Normandy and the Loire

1,203 Views
8 Days From

$1689

$1420

Paris, Normandy and the Loire

8 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Paris, Deauville, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Loire Valley

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

4750-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1689 $1420 Operator discount: -$198 Travel Club discount: -$71 -16%

NB: Prices correct on 16-Sep-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; Rennes, with its traditional, timber-framed houses; Blois, a picturesque town in the Loire Valley, with its renaissance castle located in the town center; 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 sceneries, this is a dream vacation!

Highlights

  • Sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe

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

  • Explore Rouen Cathedral and the lovely town of Honfleur

  • Visit the Normandy landing beaches and the American Cemetery at Omaha

  • Discover the spectacular Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessible by a causeway

  • Admire the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo and its ancient walls

  • Explore the famous Gothic cathedral in Chartres

  • Visit the Renaissance castle in Blois, once occupied by Louis XII

Places You'll See

Hotel Vert

Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade

Novotel Amboise

Ibis Deauville

Hotel Ibis Styles Paris Porte D'orleans

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Paris, France

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade

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

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day to explore 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, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Optional excursions are also available.

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

Location: Deauville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis 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 work (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 8, 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: Mont St. Michel

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vert

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 more than 75 years ago. 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

Day 5 : Mont St. Michel - St. Malo - Rennes - Châteaux Country

Location: St. Malo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Amboise

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive along the Brittany coast to the fortified seaside resort of St. Malo to admire its cathedral and ancient walls. Later, visit Rennes with its traditional, timber-framed houses, then reach the enchanting Châteaux Country.
Today’s Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km

Day 6 : Châteaux Country

Location: Loire Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Amboise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a whole day at leisure or to take advantage of a fascinating optional excursion to some of the most celebrated castles of the Loire Valley: Château of Chenonceau, now privately owned, and Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life.

Day 7 : Châteaux Country - Blois - Chartres - Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tribe Paris La Defense Esplanade

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take a stroll around Blois, with its Renaissance castle, once occupied by Louis XII. Later, stop in Chartres, home of the famous Gothic cathedral, and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy an optional evening excursion.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km

Day 8 : Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the city-styled Tribe Paris La Défense Esplanade, Ibis Deauville, Hotel Vert, and Novotel Amboise with amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, fitness center, free WIFI, and more.

  • Meals

    Enjoy buffet breakfasts daily and 2 dinners during the tour.

  • Sightseeing in Paris

    Included sightseeing with a local expert to see many of the best-known Parisian iconic sights, including views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

  • Visits to Historical Sites

    Visit Giverny, Rouen Cathedral, Honfleur, Bayeux, Normandy landing beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Rennes, Blois, and Chartres.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as 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 package.

  • 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.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Paris are not included in the tour package.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the tour director, local guides, and drivers are not included.

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)

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 2 dinners

Notes

Departure November 8 due to closure of Giverny Gardens - visit to D-Day Museum instead.

Accommodation

The city-styled Tribe Paris La Défense Esplanade offers stylish warm spaces in a relaxed atmosphere and has 184 spacious, air-conditioned guestrooms and a fitness center. The terraced restaurant offers delicious cuisine using local produce, the menus are a nod to TRIBE's Australian roots and the bar offers low-alcohol cocktails to make life more inclusive. The ultra-comfy rooms are fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, mini-bar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. The property is located in a natural setting near the esplanade, and the nearest metro station is less than a ten minute walk away. Hotel with Norman architecture and mansard roof is located in the city, one block from the beach. Hotel Vert offers all comfort and services to make easier you to stay at Mont-Saint-Michel: a staff that listens to you, reception open all day, and some spacious and comfortable rooms. You'll be charmed by the good value for money of this 2-star hotel. The Novotel Amboise hotel is located in the heart of the Pays de la Loire with its nearby castles (including Chenonceaux, Chambord and Cheverny). Built on a hill overlooking Amboise and its castle, this 4-star hotel has 121 air-conditioned rooms. The hotel is located in Montrouge, in the south of Paris, close to the business districts, Montparnasse train station and Arcueil. The hotel has 115 colorful, soundproofed and air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI access, a children's play area, an interior garden and a snack bar.

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 Défense Esplanade, the Ibis Deauville, Hotel Vert at Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Novotel Amboise. These hotels offer amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, fitness centers, and free WiFi.

  • Are there any special notes for the tour?

    Yes, for the departure on November 8, due to the closure of Giverny Gardens, a visit to the D-Day Museum will be included instead.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 2 dinners.

  • What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?

    The tour visits several 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 optional excursions are available during the tour?

    Optional excursions include additional sightseeing in Paris and a visit to some of the most celebrated castles of the Loire Valley, such as Château of Chenonceau and Amboise.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Normandy?

    The highlight of the visit to Normandy is the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, where Allied troops landed during World War II.

  • 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

Trustpilot
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

Trustpilot
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.

Trustpilot
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

Trustpilot
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

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
$1848 $1666

Operator discount: -$99

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$1887 $1609

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$80

Friday - Friday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$1953 $1672

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$1887 $1609

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$80

Friday - Friday

May 16, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$1887 $1609

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$80

Friday - Friday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$1887 $1609

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$80

Friday - Friday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$1953 $1672

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$1953 $1672

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$1953 $1672

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$1887 $1609

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$80

Friday - Friday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$1689 $1420

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$71

Friday - Friday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1953 $1672

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$1953 $1672

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$83

Friday - Friday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$1887 $1609

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$80

Friday - Friday

Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$1782 $1508

Operator discount: -$198

Travel Club discount: -$75

Friday - Friday

Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026
$1980 $1716

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026
$2046 $1782

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

May 01, 2026 - May 08, 2026
$1980 $1716

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

May 15, 2026 - May 22, 2026
$1980 $1716

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

May 29, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026
$1980 $1716

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026
$2033 $1768

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026
$2033 $1768

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026
$2046 $1782

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026
$1980 $1716

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026
$1821 $1557

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
$2033 $1768

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026
$2033 $1768

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$1980 $1716

Operator discount: -$264

Friday - Friday

Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 06, 2026
$1887 $1623

Operator discount: -$264

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

Similar Tours