We begin our tour with a Premium Highlight - a guided visit of the fabulous Palace and gardens of Versailles. Then we continue into Normandy and the town of Rouen to visit the cathedral, so wonderfully painted by Monet. We also see the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Continue on to Caen, capital of Lower Normandy, where we visit the memorial to William the Conqueror.

Today we explore the history behind two
famous military invasions! We begin by driving to Bayeux, where we visit the museum housing the tapestry depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066. We now visit the Invasion Landings' Museum at Arromanches and see the 'Mulberries' – remnants of which still remain in the bay. Passing the D-Day beaches we visit the American cemetery of St Laurent. Then we follow the route of the Rangers depicted in 'Saving Private Ryan', and visit the bunkers and the Rangers' Memorial at Pointe Du Hoc. Finally, we continue on to reach our hotel in
Mont St Michel.

Our locally guided tour of Mont St Michel, takes us into the hill-top Abbey surrounded by sea. The first
structure, a simple oratory, was built here in the 8th century by the Bishop of Avranches, and was subsequently expanded and enhanced over the centuries with the addition of Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The Abbey's increasing fame attracted pilgrims and visitors, and by medieval times a 'ville basse' had developed, with shops, eating places and guest houses. We then depart for Brittany, stopping in the charming walled sea port of St Malo, where Jacques Cartier is buried. Time to walk along the ramparts, before continuing south towards the mouth of the River Loire, and arriving at the ancient Breton city of Nantes. Dinner and overnight Nantes.

Today we follow the valley of the Loire, passing the mighty moated castle at Angers and across the Loire at Saumur, where we sample some of the local wine. We then drive quietly past the sleeping beauty château at Ussé. From here we continue to Tours where we see the Basilica of St Martin and
the Old Town. We stay in Tours for two nights. This evening we enjoy our highlight dinner with wine in a local restaurant.

First, we pass Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, the Château of Chaumont and the town of Blois, on our way to see mighty Chambord, with its beautiful park and colossal chimneys. Next, we drive to Cheverny to visit the sumptuous apartments of the château, which has been owned by the same family since 1634. The present château was completed by a member of that family, Henri
Hurault, Count of Cheverny, and was built from local Bourre stone, which becomes harder and whiter in colour with age. Finally, we visit the fairy-tale Castle of Chenonceau. Built in 1513 by Thomas Bohier, this splendid jewel of the French Renaissance, is spectacularly set overlooking the River Cher. During our guided visit, we have time to admire its fine tapestries, richly decorated ceilings and magnificent chimney pieces, as well as its manicured gardens before returning to our hotel in Tours.

Driving through the vast wheat fields of La Beauce, we can see the impressive cathedral at Chartres
looming on the horizon. We stop a while to marvel at the beautiful stained glass rose window in this famous cathedral, built on a sacred site. We return to 'the city of light', Paris for our two night stay. This afternoon there is time to explore on your own. Perhaps relax in a Parisian café, window shop in the elegant boutiques or visit Montmartre, with its street artists and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica nearby. This evening, perhaps indulge in some excitement and glamour at a French cabaret.

Today we visit Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the oldest part of the city – the Île de la Cité. Now we drive through the courtyard of the Louvre and along the Champs Élysées to see the Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower. Then time to see the Parisian landmarks from a different perspective as we embark on a relaxing cruise of the River Seine. Our tour concludes with a visit inside the gilded Église du Dôme to see Napoleon's tomb. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Tonight, join us for a farewell dinner.

Day at leisure to explore Paris on your own.

Our memorable French experience ends after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport for
return flight home.