French Dream: A 10-Day Road Trip

Today's Program:

• After breakfast, drive east to Bayeux in the Normandy region (approx. 2-hour drive). You can stop in Caen on the way for a quick visit.
• Bayeux is a well-preserved medieval town rich in history, from the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century to the pivotal D-Day landing beaches of World War II.
• Once you arrive and check into your hotel, take time to explore the Lower Normandy region, including the coastal areas of Calvados and Basse-Normandie.
   

Today's Itinerary:

• Start your day with a visit to Omaha Beach on the Normandy coast, about a 30-minute drive from Bayeux.
• Walk through the history of D-Day and explore three key landing sites along the coast. Begin at Pointe du Hoc, a dramatic cliff fortified by the Germans during World War II. On D-Day, the US Army Rangers scaled these cliffs in a daring and pivotal assault.
• After reflecting on the history of Normandy, drive to your hotel near Mont Saint-Michel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the surroundings. Treat yourself to local wines and cuisine, soaking in the beauty of this iconic region.

Today's Plan:

• Spend the morning exploring Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the iconic hilltop abbey, stroll through its gardens, and take in stunning views of the bay. Wander the charming town below, with its cafés, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and bring a jacket for the ocean breeze.
• In the afternoon, drive 3.5 hours south to Amboise, a charming Loire Valley town with ties to Leonardo da Vinci and French royalty.
• Check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Start your day by exploring the Loire Valley at your own pace. This picturesque region, home to charming medieval towns like Amboise, Orléans, Blois, and Tours, offers scenic beauty along the banks of the Loire River. Each town boasts unique history and architecture, dating back to France’s royal past. Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges, where you can climb the towers for panoramic views of cobbled streets and medieval houses.
• In Amboise, visit Clos Lucé Manor, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. Explore his invention room, filled with the brilliant designs of this genius.
• To end the day, enjoy a serene boat ride along the Loire and a wine tasting. Return to Amboise for the night.

Day's Journey:

• Explore two of the Loire Valley’s most famous castles in one unforgettable day.
• Start with the magnificent Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1519 during King Francis I’s reign, and the estate’s vast grounds, including a hedge maze and a game reserve as large as Paris itself, make it a must-see.
• Next, visit Château de Chenonceau, an elegant 16th-century castle set amidst forests on the banks of the Cher River. Known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, it’s one of the valley's most iconic landmarks.
• Afterward, return to Paris for your final evening and night in the city.

• Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time to explore some highlights and finish with any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• As your departure time approaches, drive to the airport, return your rental car, and check-in for your flight, cherishing the memories of your time in France.

Au revoir!