France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

Welcome to Paris–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Head straight to the heart of Paris on a walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the city was first settled. Cross the stone arches of the Pont Neuf, or New Bridge—which is actually the oldest bridge in Paris! The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Light. Choose to walk along west bank catching views of the Eiffel Tower, float down the River Seine on an optional cruise, or explore the bustling neighbourhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

Travel outside the city to the village of Giverny, and visit the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Wander around weeping willows and green lily ponds in the gardens that inspired some of his greatest works of art. Then head to Honfleur, a colorful port town sitting where the Seine meets the English Channel. Enjoy lunch and stroll the streets of this seaside community, where many great artists have painted the rainbow of fishing boats afloat in the harbor. Later, continue to Bayeux, an ancient city that has been sacked by Vikings, conquered by the English, and occupied by the Germans in World War II. Visit a historic estate cider farm for a guided tour of the orchards, processing workshops and calvados cellar. Then enjoy a tasting of apple and pear juice, as well as ciders, pommeau and calvados for the adults.

This morning, delve into the story of D-Day and the battle to liberate France during a hands-on, sensorial World War II history experience. Feel the weight of real GI equipment, try on a field jacket, and taste the chocolate bars carried in soldiers’ kits. Climb aboard a military vehicle and drive to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the first American World War II cemetery established on European soil. Later, gather for a delicious crepe dinner.

Venture to the amazing Mont-Saint-Michel, an island stronghold perched on a rock off the Normandy coast. Built in the eighth century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been attacked and besieged, but rarely captured—perhaps due to the quicksand that surrounds the fortress at low tide! Head out on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to wander winding lanes and cobbled streets, climbing from the base of the mountain to its crowning medieval abbey. Meander through the cloister of the monastery or discover the island’s history at a museum before returning to Bayeux.

Say au revoir to Normandy and enter the lush green Loire Valley. Set foot inside the amazing cave dwellings known as troglodyte homes—charming houses built in and around cliff-side caverns. On an underground walk, delve into the geological history of the region and learn about the local troglodyte lifestyle. Continue to the ancient city of Blois, perched above the lovely Loire River, and enjoy a free evening to relax or explore this hillside city’s many staircases.

Wake up this morning and head out on the water for a canoeing excursion along the Cher River. Paddle past picturesque medieval towns to the incredible Château de Chenonceau. This fairy-tale castle spans the river, while the gardens enclose sculpted hedges, a fantastic fountain, and a tricky maze. Later, venture to the last home of Leonardo da Vinci—the spectacular Château du Clos Lucé. Young travelers can pick up a special "inventor’s notebook" and set out to invent a machine using da Vinci’s ingenious tips and tricks.