This family adventure highlights the glory of France’s culture and heritage, as well as the creativity of French people over the centuries. Visit royal castles, discover artists’ homes, go shopping in Paris and even see giant pandas.
Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation.
Refresh after your journey, then begin your exploration of the romantic castles of the Loire Valley with a trip to Chateau Chambord. Admire the French Renaissance architecture and formal French gardens of one of France’s most beautiful castles.
Today’s adventure takes you to the royal Chateau d’Amboise, where you’ll go on a VIP tour of the castle. Wander through private corridors and imagine life here during the Middle Ages.
In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting in the underground cellars before dinner in the castle.
Enjoy a day at Beauval Zoo, home to around 600 species of animals including giant pandas and their young, and many other species rarely seen in Europe.
Known as ‘the Castle on the River’, Chateau de Chenonceau is defined by an almost uninterrupted succession of women, who built, renovated, protected and restored it throughout its history. Its gardens are of particular interest.
Today you’ll leave the Loire Valley and head to Mont Saint-Michel, an island in Normandy accessible via a tidal walkway. Stroll around the Mont and head up the gravity-defying monastery and abbey.
Few visitors get the opportunity to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site by evening, but you’ll spend the night in a hotel on the island.
After breakfast on the Mont, you’ll return to the mainland to see the pretty town of Honfleur on the estuary of the River Seine. Explore the Vieux-Bassin (Old Harbour), lined with timber-framed houses, and visit the wooden church, Saint Catherine.
In the afternoon you’ll visit Giverny, muse of the painter, Claude Monet. Discover Monet’s house and explore the Impressionist Museum.
This morning you’ll be privately transferred to Paris. Settle into your hotel and spend a morning at leisure – your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities to suit your interests prior to departure.
In the afternoon you’ll be escorted to Montmartre, a hilltop district with incredible views over Paris. Visit the vineyard of Clos Montmartre with a wine specialist for a tour and tasting.
Today’s excursion takes you out of Paris to Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the largest privately owned castle in France. Explore the architecture and wander around the gardens.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Paris.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities to suit your interests including shopping, places to eat and drink, and an optional private yacht cruise along the Seine.
This morning you’ll have some free time in Paris before being escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour vacation will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
