Best of France: Paris, Normandy & The Loire Valley

10 Days / 9 Nights

Paris, Bayeux, Amboise, Paris

Average Guest Rating 4.7 / 5

This 10-day itinerary across Paris, Bayeux, and Amboise introduces you to the many different faces of France. Your first stop is Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world, a symbol of elegance and charm, abundant in iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Continue to Bayeux and the rugged coast of Normandy where some of the most significant moments in WW2 history took place before you surrender to the beauty of the Loire Valley in Amboise.
One of our team members in France will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, which includes all the necessary information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a wide selection of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

3 Nights in Paris

3 Nights in Paris

Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Paris

Welcome to Paris! We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The journey time to the city center is about one hour.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Seine Boat Group Cruise Experience Including Dinner (Privilège Service)

Welcome To The City of Light

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

When in Paris, you shouldn't miss any chance to see the city in the evening, with its iconic landmarks and monuments illuminated to perfection. For your first evening in Paris, we recommend a cruise along the Seine River at the magical moment when the day gives way to the night. Enjoy enchanting views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Pont Neuf (New Bridge), Pont Alexandre, and many more while savoring a delicious dinner paired with French wine onboard an all-glass boat.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 1 hour and 15 minutes

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Paris

Introduction to Paris Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This tour is the perfect introduction to Paris, an overview of the city to help you find your bearings and feel confident enough to explore Paris further on your own. In the company of your knowledgeable guide, get ready to marvel at the French capital's most iconic landmarks along the Seine.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Getting to Know Paris, One Museum at a Time

Suggestion to explore on your own

With a plethora of superb art collections, some of the world's most recognizable masterpieces, and several museums where rich history and impressive architecture reign, it's no wonder that Paris is often called the City of Art. From the most-visited museum in the world, the Louvre, to museums dedicated to famous artists like Picasso and Rodin, to collections showcasing the life and work of fashion icons, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Paris has it all. Apart from the precious exhibits, it often happens that the museum buildings themselves are sights to behold for their architecture alone. The Beaux-Arts railway station that houses the exquisite Musée d'Orsay and the high-tech structure of Centre Pompidou are only two of the French capital's architectural wonders. You'll find more details of the many museums you could visit in your Guest Page, once your trip is booked.

Getting to Know Paris, One Museum at a Time

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Paris

Versailles Castle Half Day Private Guided Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

If you have limited time but still want to make the most of your visit to Versailles, a half-day trip to this magnificent palace might be the perfect choice for you. During this four-hour guided tour of Versailles, your guide will walk you through the most important parts of the Palace, including the King and Queen's apartments, the Royal Chapel, and the famous hall of mirrors. In the end, you will visit the gardens of Versailles, known as the most refined French-style gardens.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Paris By Night

Suggestion to explore on your own

Whether inspired by Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris or not, your trip to Paris would never be complete without a night out in the glittering City of Light. From sipping on exquisite wine at a low-key bar to dancing the night away in a trendy club, Paris nightlife has it all. One of the things not to miss in Paris at night is a cabaret show. A tradition that dates back to the late 19th century, cabaret shows are an integral part of Parisian culture, and you can enjoy them in places like Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris. For a more down-to-earth experience among locals, head to the neighborhood of Bastille, which turns into the liveliest party scene when the night falls in Paris.

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Bayeux by Train

Today you will head to Bayeux. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Paris and take you to the train station where you will board the 2h45m train to Bayeux. We have included standard class train tickets in your package but and upgrade to higher class is possible for an extra fee.

You can upgrade your transfer

Bayeux by Private Transfer with 2 hours stop in Honfleur

Upgrade for an additional cost

We also offer the following excursions in Paris

Catacombs of Paris Self-Guided Visit

Strenuous45 minutes

Champagne Day Trip Small Group Experience

Light11 hours

Chateau Chambord and Chateau Chenonceau, Full Day Private Tour to Loire Valley

Moderate11 hours

Closing Time at the Louvre Group Tour - Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful

Light3 hours

3 Nights in Bayeux

3 Nights in Bayeux

Because of its geographical location, Bayeux has always been part of France's coastal defense. Progressively, it became an important city in Normandy, the northwestern-most of the eighteen regions of France. Bayeux is linked to two famous cross-Channel invasions. The Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 is depicted on the famous tapestry that has been kept in Bayeux for so many centuries and now bears the town's name. Later on, during the WWII Normandy Landings that took place in June 1944, Bayeux was the first city to be liberated from the German army. These two significant historical events make lesser-known Bayeux a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Bayeux

When you arrive at the train station in Bayeux, a driver will be there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Bayeux

American D-Day Small Group Full Day Tour

American D-Day Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Embark on a journey into one of the most critical WWII moments, the 1944 D-Day, when the Normandy landings took place. Follow your knowledgeable guide as they walk you through history on the sandy beaches of Normandy, like Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, where men and women sacrificed themselves for the sake of peace and freedom.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Bayeux

A Trip To Dreamy Mont-Saint-Michel

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

For your second day in Bayeaux, we recommend taking a day trip to one of the most fascinating places to visit in France: Mont-Saint-Michel. Built atop a rock in the middle of a scenic bay that witnesses the highest and most impressive tides in continental Europe, the dramatic medieval abbey seems to be hovering over the water, creating a spectacle to remember for life.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 8 hours and 30 minutes

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Amboise by Private Transfer

A driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Bayeux and take you directly to Amboise. The journey lasts about three hours.

We also offer the following excursions in Bayeux

American D-Day Private Full Day Tour

Moderate9 hours

Classic WW2 Jeep Private Tour

Light4 hours

Mont Saint Michel Full Day Small Group Tour

Strenuous8 hours and 30 minutes

Omaha and Gold Sectors Small Group Half Day Tour

Moderate4 hours and 30 minutes

2 Nights in Amboise

2 Nights in Amboise

Amboise, located in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France, spreads on both banks of the Loire River. The city is the perfect starting point to discover the beauties and treasures of the Loire Valley. It is the site of the Château d'Amboise, a late Gothic castle with Renaissance elements, a splendor of white stones overlooking the banks of the Loire River, and the gorgeous surrounding countryside. It is one of several castles in the breathtakingly beautiful Loire Valley where kings, princes, and great lords have challenged architectural imagination for centuries.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Amboise

Our driver will take you to your accommodation in Amboise.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Amboise

Eastern Touraine Small Group Wine Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get ready to enjoy a day delving into the secrets of wine-making in the heart of the Loire Valley. During this full-day trip, you will visit two different vineyards, sample exquisite wines and pair them with superb French cheese before indulging in a traditional meal at a local cheese shop.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 9 hours and 30 minutes

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Paris by Private Transfer

Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Amboise and take you to Paris. On the way you will make an 2 hours stop in Chateau Chambord, the symbol of the power of King Francois I, who transformed this ancient hunting ground into one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Duration of the journey including a stop takes up to 5 hours.

Paris by Private Transfer with 2 hours stop in Chateau Chambord

We also offer the following excursions in Amboise

Chambord, Chenonceau & Lunch at the Chateaux Full Day Small Group Tour

Easy8 hours 30 minutes

Chinon & Azay Touraine Small Group Tour

Light5 hours

Loire Valley Chateaux Day Tour Chambord, Chenonceau Small Group Tour

Easy7 hours 30 minutes

Must see Chateaux Private Tour Loire Valley

Easy9 hours

1 Night in Paris

1 Night in Paris

Day 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Paris

Our driver will take you to your accommodation in Paris.

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

It's time to leave France behind. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Paris

Catacombs of Paris Self-Guided Visit

Strenuous45 minutes

Champagne Day Trip Small Group Experience

Light11 hours

Chateau Chambord and Chateau Chenonceau, Full Day Private Tour to Loire Valley

Moderate11 hours

Closing Time at the Louvre Group Tour - Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful

Light3 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Paris

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Arrival Transfer

Introduction to Paris Private Tour

Versailles Castle Half Day Private Guided Tour

Paris Train Station Transfer

Paris - Bayeux Train

Bayeux

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Bayeux Train Station Transfer

American D-Day Small Group Tour

Bayeux - Amboise Private Transfer

Amboise

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Eastern Touraine Small Group Wine Tour

Amboise - Paris Private Transfer with 2 hours stop in Chateau Chambord

Paris

1 Night Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Departure Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.7 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Don & Susie

Florida

We appreciate the quick responses to our questions and the reassurance that all was well in France. The media can blow things out of proportion, but having Karen actually in France to give us the truth, was reassuring and invaluable. We had an amazing experience. Karen took us to the metro, helped us buy our tickets and took us to the proper stop. He even got on the bus to show us how to use the ticket machine. We could not ask for better service! JayWay took care of every detail and provided a memorable and stress-free experience that we will treasure.

Year : 2023
Visited : France
Itinerary : Paris, Bayeux, Paris
Rating :

4.8 / 5

Vincent & Norrie

Virginia

I love that all the logistics are handled and that I know I always have someone for support during the trip.

Year : 2022
Visited : France
Itinerary : Paris, Amboise, Paris
Rating :

4.6 / 5

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