PARIS, NORMANDY, LOIRE VALLEY, PROVENCE, AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Fall in love with France on this incredible air-inclusive trip featuring the country’s most beautiful sights. No trip here would be complete without a visit to Paris—you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon, and so much more. Admire the inspiring floral scenery of Giverny and Monet’s House & Gardens, and then revel in the beauty of Mont St. Michel and Normandy’s breathtaking beaches. Visit the old world villages and numerous charming castles around Loire Valley. Explore the medieval city of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, the arts capital of Provence before ending with a relaxing stay in Nice.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 3 nights in Paris
- 2 nights in Normandy
- 2 nights in Loire Valley
- 1 night in Lyon
- 1 night in Avignon
- 2 nights in French Riviera (Nice)
Tour
Highlights
- City Tour of Paris – Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe & more!
- Monet’s House & Gardens (Giverny)
- Versailles Optional Excursion
- Mont St. Michel (Normandy)
- Normandy Beaches
- Normandy American Cemetery
- Chateau de Chambord (Loire Valley)
- Chateau Chenonceau (Loire Valley)
- Wine Tasting (Civray de Touraine)
- Aix-en-Provence
- Palais des Papes (Avignon)
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-France ground transportation and transfers
- Accommodations at first class hotels
- 18 meals: 12 full buffet breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)
- Glass of wine with included dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees
- Experienced English-speaking Tour Director throughout
Tour Itinerary
Paris/Normandy
After breakfast, travel to Normandy where you will spend the afternoon experiencing and learning about one of the most famous days in history: D-Day. Your tour will begin in Arromanches to explore the coastal town and view the remains of the Mulberry Harbors in the distance. Enjoy some free time for lunch before continuing to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a spectacular and emotional setting located on a bluff overlooking both Omaha Beach and the English Channel. Next, you will have some free time to discover Omaha Beach. Omaha was one of the principal beachheads where the…
Mont St. Michel
Note: Mont St Michel is hilly with lots of stairs and might pose a challenge for those with difficulties walking.
Today travel to the rugged coast of Normandy and savor the breathtaking views of magnificent Mont St. Michel, built on an isolated island in the gulf of Saint-Malo. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont St. Michel is reached by causeway. The lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped magnificently by the commanding Abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael. You’ll enjoy a visit of the spectacular interior of the Abbey, which was…
Chateau de Chambord/Chateau de Chenonceau/Wine Tasting
This morning, you’ll visit Chateau de Chambord, the undisputed crown jewel of the region and arguably the emblem of the French Renaissance. Originally a weekend hunting lodge for King Francois I in the early 16th century, the Chateau evolved into among the most expensive (and excessive) architectural projects by a French Monarch. Continue to Chateau de Chenonceau, the second most visited chateau in France (behind Versailles), where you’ll be blown away by the magical architecture that was constructed in harmony with the beautiful River Cher. On the way back to your hotel, enjoy a…
Loire Valley/Lyon
An early morning departure brings you to Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and France’s third biggest city known for its gastronomy culture. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, go on a discovery of the unmissable historical district of Old Lyon! During 2 hours, you will alternate between unusual visits and tasting breaks. The opportunity for you to visit the traboules and places known as the most secrets of this district while discovering the emblematic products of Lyon’s gastronomy! During the visit, we will take you to the local craftsmen who will share their passion with you….
Lyon/Avignon
After breakfast, travel to Avignon, a charming medieval city that was home to seven successive popes during the 14th century. Avignon will wow you with its imposing Gothic architecture, magnificent art, and fascinating history. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour, highlighted by the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in the world. You’ll also marvel at the iconic bridge Pont Saint Benezet on the Rhone River, better known as Pont d’Avignon because of the famous French song that the bridge inspired in the 15th…
Avignon/Aix-en-Provence/Nice
Today, visit the arts capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence (or “Aix”, as it’s commonly called). A vibrant town located in the shadow of Mt. Sainte-Victoire, Aix is famous for its charming squares, elegant fountains, majestic avenues, and, of course, spectacular art. Here, you’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting before some free time for lunch on your own hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure. Continue to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera (Cote D’Azur), where you’ll check into your centrally located hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Mercure Nice…
Nice
With the beautiful blue waters of Cote D’Azur as its backdrop, Nice is one of the most beloved cities in all of Europe, blending old-world opulence with a lively cosmopolitan vibe. Long recognized as one of the gems of Europe, Nice changed hands several times between the French and the Italians before eventually settling in as part of France. Enjoy a walking tour from your hotel with a local guide. Visit the old city of Nice, you’ll discover the narrow streets and renowned Baroque architecture and enjoy a walk along the Promenade des Anglais (“Walkway of the English”), a famous…
Guided Tour Pricing
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by May 28, 2021 | Reserve after May 28, 2021 |
Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| September 2 | September 14 |
September 2 - September 14 |
$3,899 | $3,999 | $4,399 | Book Now |
| September 16 | September 28 |
September 16 - September 28 |
$3,799 | $3,899 | $4,299 | Book Now |
| October 7 | October 19 |
October 7 - October 19 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,199 | Book Now |
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $999.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
To enhance your visit to France, your tour director will offer you optional tours. All rates are in Euros. Payment must be made in Euros (cash). Optional tours are subject to a minimum of 10 participants and may therefore be cancelled if this minimum is not met.
Eze & St. Paul de Vence Excursion
- From approx. 72 Euro (cash) Per Person
With its twisting cobblestone lanes, jumble of medieval houses, and shady courtyards lined with traditional cafés, Eze is a tranquil village high above the glamorous resorts and golden beaches of the Cote d’Azur. The hilltop town is undeniably picturesque, affording panoramic views over the Mediterranean, and its timeless charm has made it a firm favorite on the French Riviera. Tour the Medieval hilltop town of Eze and visit a perfumery. Next, you’ll visit St. Paul de Vence, a medieval hilltop jewel. This is what many people dream of when they think about the South of France. From…
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York to France and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airport | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2021: Aug. 12 | New York (JFK) | Delta Airlines | 6:30PM | 3:00PM |
| 2021: Sep. 2, Sep. 16, Oct. 7 | New York (JFK) | Swiss Airlines | 9:00PM | 4:00PM |
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
The above airlines do not accept advance seat assignment. Actual seat assignment will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignments.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at hotel in Paris on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Land Services end after breakfast at Nice hotel on Day 14 of the itinerary listed on our tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Visas are not required for American passport holders. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instructions and additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 60’s and 70’s in the Summer and the 50’s and 60’s in the Spring and Fall.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING
The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in a cafe is about $25-30 per meal per person. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. You can either exchange U.S. Dollars into local currency in advance of your trip, or you may use your debit card to withdrawal local currency from an ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (no more than 44 pounds) and one carry-on piece (no more than 18”x10”x8”). We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
Multimedia
Check out photos taken by smarTours travelers on this trip of a lifetime!
