France | Tour Code: 12863
Embark on a captivating journey through France's Renaissance and Middle Ages. Discover the awe-inspiring Mont-Saint-Michel, perched on a rocky island. Then, explore the enchanting Châteaux of the Loire Valley—Langeais, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau and Chambord
Highlights
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Admire the exterior of the medieval fortress near Château d'Angers
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Discover many great castles of the Loire Valley, such as Chenonceau and Langeais.
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Visit the iconic village and abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
Entire Bonus
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This holiday package is carefully designed by our team to give you complete Peace of Mind, with access to trusted local partners and expert support at your destination.
Overview
This two-day escorted tour will take you on a journey of discovery to the incredible Mont Saint-Michel and some of the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire Valley: Langeais, Chambord and Chenonceau.
Inclusions
- 1 night in Angers in a 4-star hotel
- Transportation in air-conditioned coach
- Buffet Breakfast on day 2
- Guided tour of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Guided Tour of the Châteaux in the Loire Valley
- English-speaking tour leader and guides
- Entrance tickets for the monument and museum visits
Itinerary
The bus leaves at 7:15 am from downtown Paris.
A guide-interpreter will accompany you on the trip. The bus takes you along the Normandy highway, and after enjoying the lush green French countryside, you will arrive at Mont Saint-Michel around 11:30 am. Since you will probably be ready for lunch. Lunch will be on your own.
After lunch on your own, you will board a shuttle that takes you across the causeway to Mont Saint-Michel. Explore this exceptional wonder of the Western world with your guide, strolling the city walls or the Grande Rue with its many museums, shops, and medieval houses until you reach the top of the mountain and the Mont Saint-Michel abbey. The guided tour will introduce you to this Benedictine abbey that dates back to the 8th century. Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, the building boasts incredible Gothic architecture. Explore the refectory and the one-of-a-kind garden overlooking the sea.
Then, take in the breathtaking scenery and the magnificent view of the Mont Saint-Michel bay as you make your way down along the city walls. You could also choose to stroll the village's narrow streets, stopping to pick up a souvenir or to sample a delicious crêpe.
Depart at 4:30 pm for Angers (about 2.5 hours away), where you will spend in this small village.
Overnight stay in Angers at the Mercure Lac de Maine or similar.
This morning, you will set off for the Loire Valley with a brief stop at the Château d’Angers, allowing you an opportunity to take photos. The first guided tour of the day will take place at the Château de Langeais.
About one hundred kilometers away lies Langeais, where you will enjoy your first tour of the day. Follow your guide inside the structure, which is made up of two incredible châteaux. Take in the oldest keep in France (constructed around the year 1000) and the Château de Louis XI built-in 1465 while you experience French history through depictions made with highly realistic wax figures.The guided tour of Langeais is followed by chance to enjoy lunch on your own in Chenonceau, about 45 minutes away.
Lunch on your own.
Next stop is the Château de Chenonceau. Explore this castle that played a unique role in French history and its awe-inspiring architecture built over the Cher river. It is also known as the "Château des Dames" and the guided tour will teach you about the history of this castle, built and renovated by many famous French women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. You can also admire the richly decorated rooms whose ornaments speak to the refined way of life in France.
Take the road towards Chambord. As soon as you approach the castle, you will be amazed by the majesty of the building that rises before you. Its impressive architecture makes it the largest of the Loire castles. You will then quickly enter the interior thanks to a priority access. The guide will lead you through some of the castle's rooms and you will take the famous "double revolution staircase" to reach the large panoramic terrace. You will enjoy a superb view of the park while listening to the comments given by our guide on the history of the castle, built under the reign of François I with the participation of Leonardo da Vinci during the 16th century.
Depart to Paris around 8 pm. End of the Services.
Additional Information
- We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 4-star accommodation.
Excluded
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
