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France Magnifique featuring Paris, Normandy, Provence & the French Riviera
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France truly is Magnifique! Producer of fabulous wines and hand-crafted cheeses, world famous art and architecture, France offers endless pleasures. This 12 day tour brings you from the thrills of Paris and the Cote d'Azur to the moving beaches at Normandy where World War II. Follow in the in the footsteps of Cezanne and discover why he found Provence so inspirational. Delight in the fragrant bouquets at a Loire Valley wine tasting and in the multitude of flowers in Grasse. Tour HighlightsParis, Seine River Cruise, Parisian Cabaret Dinner, Omaha Beach, Amboise, Winery Tour, TGV Train, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monaco Collette Experiences
Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise past famous landmarks along the River Seine, which divides the north from the south of Paris into what is known as the right bank and the left bank.Enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the most well-known wineries in Vouvray.Witness luxury and splendor in the Principality of Monaco, the glittering gem of the Riviera.Follow the fascinating Cezanne Trail in Aix-en-Provence, visiting areas immortalized by the famous artist, Paul Cezanne, considered the founder of modern painting. |
| Details | | Collette Vacations | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Overnight Flight | Overnight Flight: Bask in the rich culture and romance of fascinating France. On this special tour, you will explore captivating Paris, picturesque Provence, and the fun-filled French Riviera. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Paris.
| | Day 2 | Paris | Arrive Paris, France - Tour Begins: Your tour begins in the magnificent capital city of Paris. Later, enjoy a relaxing evening cruise past famous landmarks along the River Seine, which divides the north from the south of Paris into what is known as the right bank and the left bank. Celebrate the beginning of a fabulous trip with a special dinner at the Paradis Latin, Paris's oldest cabaret theatre. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner complete with wine, champagne, and a delightful cabaret show. | | Day 3 | Paris | Paris: Your day begins with a panoramic tour of Paris. See the breathtaking architecture of the Arc de Triomphe, the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame with its lovely Rose windows dating to the 13th century; the historic Place de la Concorde and its commanding obelisk from the tomb of Ramses II in Egypt, Place Vendome, and the Champs-Elysees, the famed promenade that is known around the world for its people-watching. This afternoon you may choose an optional tour to the renowned Louvre museum, a 13th century palace and royal residence until 1793, when it was then turned into the world's largest museum, where today such famous pieces as Leonardo daVinci's Mona Lisa hangs. | | Day 4 | Huppain Port-en-Bessin | Paris - Caen - Huppain Port-en-Bessin: Today you depart Paris for the Normandy coast. During WW II, the largest invasion in history took place here when the Allied Forces began their massive offensive against the enemy. A visit to the Memorial Peace Museum offers insight into this epic battle. Opened in 1988, the Memorial Museum for Peace was built to commemorate those who died in the Battle of Normandy in 1944, the biggest battle in the history of mankind. Later, experience a moving and peaceful visit to the vast and sobering U.S. Military Cemetery in Omaha Beach, one of World War II's most historic invasion sites. | | Day 5 | Huppain Port-en-Bessin | Huppain Port-en-Bessin: This morning you will visit Ste. Mere Eglise and the parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. St. Mere Eglise was at the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day. The museum is comprised of two main buildings just off the main square. At the Pointe Du Hoc Ranger Memorial, see where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day morning to seize the fortified enemy position, controlling the landing approaches to Omaha and Utah beaches. A drive to Utah Beach provides a visit to the scene of the 4th Infantry Division's operations. | | Day 6 | Blois | Huppain Port-en-Bessin - Blois: Journey south to the Loire Valley, once the setting for the French court. Today it is a region of lovely chateaux and parks. You will embark on a tour of Chateau du Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years. Here you will be astonished by the display of da Vinci's early inventions. | | Day 7 | Blois | Blois - Amboise - Blois: Visit the impressive Chateau de Chenonceaux, a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Sitting peacefully on the banks of the Cher River, Chenonceaux is as well-known for its traditional French gardens as its rich history. Next, proceed to the picturesque center of Amboise, one of the most charming towns in the Loire Valley, and enjoy a stroll along the river or along the Rue Nationale, the colorful, main market street reserved for pedestrians. Enjoy time for lunch here, where lovely aromas emanate from cafes while an abundance of fresh produce waits to be picked for daily meals. Your visit to the Loire Valley would not be complete without a winery tour. Enjoy a tour and tasting of one of the most well-known wineries in Vouvray. | | Day 8 | Aix-en-Provence | Blois - Paris - TGV Train - Avignon - Aix-en-Provence: All aboard the high speed TGV Train as it departs this afternoon for the magical region of Provence and its capital, Avignon. A walled city of history, refinement and culture, the Popes moved here from Rome in 1309 and for the next 70 years Avignon was the center of European religion and art. A delightful walking (or mini train) tour of Avignon explores the town's hidden treasures. Your day ends with dinner and fine French wine. | | Day 9 | Aix-en-Provence | Aix-en-Provence: Today enjoy Aix-en-Provence, a city of fountains and tree-lined avenues, where you will embark on a walking tour aptly named "in the footsteps of Cezanne." Featuring sites from the famous painter Paul Cezanne's life, including the artist's studio and house where his cape and beret hang just as he left them, the tour also highlights the markets and monuments of this ancient city.
| | Day 10 | Nice | Aix-en-Provence - Grasse - St. Paul de Vence - Nice: Today you journey to Grasse, a sheltered retreat of pink villas and swaying palm trees in the alluring Cote d'Azur region of France. The gentle climate, rich soil and cradle of mountains that protect it from the north wind make Grasse ideal for flower production almost year-round. Learn the secrets of perfume making, from extraction to distillation, when visiting a famous perfumerie. Next, travel to the quaint village of St. Paul de Vence. A walled town with 16th century ramparts almost intact, it is situated atop the mountains overlooking the Mediterranean coast and was discovered by artists in the 1920s, probably attracted to the quality of life here. Then it's off to Nice, capital of the Cote d'Azur, the playground of the rich and famous, and your home for two nights. | | Day 11 | Nice | Nice - Monaco - Nice: The scent of fragrant flowers fills the air as you enjoy a morning stroll through the local Flower Market. Next, see Place Massena, the town's center of activity, and the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais. Witness luxury and splendor in the Principality of Monaco, the glittering gem of the Riviera tucked between France and Italy. A panoramic tour highlights the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, owing to its title as the roulette capital of Europe between the 1870s and 1930s, and the 13th century Prince's Palace, where a daily changing of the guard is still performed. See the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a quaint restaurant. | | Day 12 | Nice | Nice - Tour Ends: Your tour ends today in Nice. |
| | | Concorde Lafayette | | Mercure Omaha Beach, Port-En-Bessin | | Mercure Blois Centre Hotel, Blois | | Best Western Hotel le Galice , Aix-en-Provence | | Boscolo Hotel Plaza, Nice | |
| | * NOTE: Tour prices are lead-in land only rates based on double occupancy. Please call your agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations. |
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