France: Normandy and the Chateaux of the Loire
Mont-Saint-Michel
May 17-29, 2025
The splendour of Northern France is incomparable: from its sweeping coastlines and rolling hills to picturesque villages, castles, and gardens, it is hard to deny the spectacular culture that awaits you. With a rich and storied history shaped by war from the time of the Vikings all the way through WWII, this peaceful region is now perhaps best known for its generous and authentic way of life. Travac wants you to experience the very best of Northern France with us this spring on our unforgettable adventure through Normandy and the Loire Valley!
Our trip will begin in the gateway of the Loire- the vibrant city of Tours. You’ll have a chance to see many of the emblematic sites that attract visitors from the world over to this picturesque region, including Chenonceau, the Chateau d’Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, and the the Chateau and Gardens of Villandry. From Tours, we will travel northwest to the bustling portside city of Saint Malo, the birthplace of Jacques Cartier. Originally constructed as walled citadel, it was home to privateers for centuries and is known for its striking Romanesque and Gothic architecture as well as its magnificent views of the sea. We will explore the tidal island fortress commune of Mont-Saint-Michel, a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of Europe’s most outstanding attractions and the “Wonder of the West”. We will then head east to the seaside city of Caen in the heart of Normandy. Famously, the first crucial and successful action of the D-Day operations occurred downstream of Caen on June 6, 1944. We will visit the beaches of Normandy where Canada played a vital role during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, while also visiting the D-Day Museum and the Canadian War Cemetery. We will then travel to Paris for a 3-day sojourn in the city of lights.
Travac’s fabulous Normandy and the Chateaux of the Loire tour is attractively priced at only $4279 + taxes per person based on double occupancy and is sure to sell out quickly. Early booking is essential to ensure your spot- join us on this unforgettable adventure!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to France
This afternoon we will depart from Ottawa via private coach to Montreal then fly from Montreal to Paris. Your booking agent will be happy to give you flight details.
Day 2
Arrival in Tours, France
Upon your arrival in Paris, we will be met by our coach for our transfer to Tours. Tours is a university town located between France’s Cher and Loire rivers. Once a Gallic-Roman settlement, today it is one of the largest towns in the region, and a traditional gateway for exploring the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Your afternoon will be free in Tours to get acquainted with the town and relax.
Overnight in Tours.
Hotel for the next 4 nights: Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre (or similar)
Day 3
Tours
We will begin our day in Tours with a guided 2-hour walking tour of the city. You’ll have a chance to see many of the emblematic sites that attract visitors from around the world: the old town hall, Royal Castle, Saint Gatien Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, as well as many of the picturesque medieval streets and numerous houses with half-timbered facades. In the afternoon we will have a guided tour of the Musee du Compagnonnage, a unique museum that was once part of the former Saint Julien Abbey. After visiting the museum, we will be treated to a boat trip on the Loire (weather dependent) departing from the Port of Tours. This excursion takes place on a traditional wooden boat and will be narrated by the captain. Lunch is included today (B, L).
Overnight in Tours.
Day 4
Chenonceau and the Chateau d’Amboise
After breakfast, we will meet our guide and depart for Chenonceau. Built in the 16th century, this chateau is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance. After our morning exploring the estate, we will be off for a visit to Chateau d’Amboise. This chateau was the royal residence during the reigns of King Charles VIII and François I in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Many scholars and artists stayed in Amboise, such as Leonardo da Vinci whose tomb lies in the chapel of the castle. After our visit to the Chateau d’Amboise, we will head to the Cave des Prodocteurs des Vins in Vouvray for a wine tasting. Lunch is included today (B, L).
Overnight in Tours.
Day 5
Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau and Gardens of Villandry
After breakfast we will meet our guide and depart for Azay-le-Rideau. This chateau is a masterpiece of the 16th century, located on an island in the Indre River. Azay-le-Rideau offers magnificent views and is a fabulous reflection on the river itself. In the afternoon, we will visit the Chateau and Gardens of Villandry. This chateau is famous for the remarkable harmony of its architecture and gardens. It is the last of the great Renaissance castles built on the banks of the Loire. You will have a chance to walk through one of the most beautiful gardens in France. These gardens are built on three levels: the water garden, the decorative pleasure garden, and ornamental vegetable garden- a multi-coloured checkerboard. Lunch is included today (B, L).
Overnight in Tours.
Day 6
Saint Malo
This morning we will depart for Saint Malo. Saint Malo is a port city in Brittany, France’s northwest. Tall granite walls surround the old town, which was once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king). The Saint Malo Cathedral in the centre of old town is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles and features stained-glass windows depicting city history. While small, the old town of Saint Malo offers fantastic views of the bay and is a lovely area to walk and explore its old cobblestone streets. We will meet our guide in the afternoon for a 2-hour walking tour of the city. The remainder of your day is free. (B)
Overnight in Saint Malo.
Hotel for the next 2 nights: Hotel L’Addresse (or similar).
Day 7
Mont-Saint-Michel
This morning after breakfast we will head to Mont-Saint-Michel for a guided tour. Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and fortress commune in Normandy topped by a gravity-defying abbey. The island lies approximately one kilometre off of France’s northwest coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. Mont-Saint-Michel and its beautiful surrounding bay is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique aesthetic and significance in Catholic history. This “Bastille of the Seas” welcomes over 3 million people every year and is widely considered to be one of France’s most stunning sights. (B)
Overnight in Saint Malo.
Day 8
Caen
After breakfast, we will make our way to Caen. Caen is a lively and dynamic port city that was once William the Conqueror’s hometown. It was largely due to William the Conqueror that Caen grew into the city that it is today. Caen stands on a hill flanked by the Romanesque abbeys of Saint Étienne and Sainte Trinité. Famously, the first crucial, successful action of the D-Day operations on June 6, 1944 was when the British 6th Airborne Division secured the bridges downstream of Caen, between the towns of Bénouville and Ranville. Upon arrival in Caen, we will have a half-day guided tour of the city. The remainder of your day will be free. (B)
Overnight in Caen.
Hotel for the next 2 nights: Hôtel Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance (or similar).
Day 9
Beaches of Normandy and D-Day Museum
This morning we will head to the beaches of Normandy where Canada played a vital role in the D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. We will tour Juno Beach where Canadians landed on June 6, 1944 and learn about the stories of these soldiers at the D-Day Museum in Normandy, the Juno Beach Centre. We will also visit the Canadian War Cemetery and Memorials of Hill 67. (B)
Overnight in Caen.
Day 10
Paris
Today we will depart for Paris. Upon our arrival, the balance of the day will be free. Your Travac Tours Director will be offering an optional orientation walk of the area and will be able to offer suggestions and advice on how to make the most of your time in the magical city of lights. (B)
Overnight in Paris.
Hotel for the next 3 nights: Novotel Paris Les Halles (or similar).
Day 11
Paris
After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day panoramic city tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take you to many of the iconic sites that make Paris one of the most celebrated cultural centres of the world. Your afternoon will be free. (B)
Overnight in Paris.
Day 12
Paris
Today is a free day in Paris to enjoy at your leisure. A farewell dinner is included at the hotel restaurant tonight (B, D).
Day 13
Return to Canada
Your Travac Tours Director will advise you of your departure time for the Paris airport. Upon arrival in Montreal, we will be met by private motorcoach for departure back to Ottawa.
Itinerary and hotels are subject to change.
*Please note that a visit to northern France entails a fair amount of walking to fully enjoy your holiday experience. You should feel comfortable being able to walk for extended periods of time and must be able to keep up with the group. Like much of Europe, many of the avenues and walkways are made of cobblestone in the Normandy and the Loire regions- comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Hotel Information
Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre (or similar)
Hotel Address
1 Pl. Anatole FranceTours, France
37000
+33 2 42 67 02 80
Hotel L’Addresse (or similar)
Hotel Address
3 rue des PoulieursSaint-Malo, France
35400
+33 (0) 2 99 19 93 93
Hôtel Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance (or similar)
Hotel Address
1 rue de CourtonneCaen, France
14000
00(33)2 31 47 24 24
Novotel Paris Les Halles (or similar)
Hotel Address
8 Pl. Marguerite de NavarreParis, France
75001
+33 1 42 21 3131