Compare Paris, Normandy, & Châteaux Country by Globus vs Cycle the Loire Valley by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,029 | $ 2,498 |
| Price Per Day | $ 337 | $ 357 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Isn’t it time you nipped monotony in the bud? From fields of yellow sunflowers to cellars of pink rosés, this fascinating tour of France invites you to survey the sensuous land and pick the perfect bouquet. Fragrant gardens and aromatic wines are just the beginning of the sweet experiences that await from the City of Light to the sunlit regions of Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Tiptoe through the tulips at Claude Monet’s rainbow-colored gardens, float down the castle hallways in dreamy Châteaux country, and swirl and sip your way from the lively cafés of Paris to the storied wineries of the French countryside. Traveling from the Seine to the sea, we’ve handpicked the best coastal experiences—the resort town of Deauville, the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, and the poignant beaches of Normandy, site of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasions during World War II. |
The Loire Valley is renowned for its picturesque countryside, charming villages and impressive food and wine. Combine this with cycling, and you’ve got a perfect way to discover the region. Cycle alongside the serene Loire River, visit a selection of classic chateaux, marvel at the manicured gardens and far-reaching vineyards, indulge in local delicacies and enjoy a glass of wine on a Loire River small boat cruise. This small-group adventure through the Loire Valley on a seven-day active cycling journey through the countryside is sure to delight the senses and fulfil all your French fantasies. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
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Day 2: PARIS
J’adore Paris PARIS Free time this morning followed by guided sightseeing that features the Arc de Triomphe, les Champs-Elysées and a visit to the Courtyard of Les Invalides. [LF] Dinner on the first floor of the Tour Eiffel. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL FAVOURITE The only thing better than seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris is dining inside of this beloved landmark. Dine with us in a restaurant on the first floor of Gustave Eiffel's creation and toast your time in Paris. C'est Magnifique!
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Day 3: PARIS–GIVERNY–ROUEN–DEAUVILLE
A Big Impression GIVERNY [LF] Visit the home and gardens of master impressionist painter Claude Monet.ROUEN Orientation walk. Free time for lunch.DEAUVILLE Free time to walk along the Promenade des Planches. (Breakfast) 149 mi / 240 km
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEM Wander through the gardens which inspired Monet to create some of his most celebrated Impressionist paintings at his home in Giverny. This special retreat evokes the serenity and artistry of the natural world captured in the master’s works.
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Day 4: DEAUVILLE–EXCURSION TO NORMANDY BEACHES
Heroes & Hope for Peace NORMANDY BEACHES Visit Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery with the Monument to the Brave. See the Mulberry Harbor remains at Arromanches. (Breakfast,Dinner) 155 mi / 250 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPS Walk in the footsteps of heroes on the beaches of Normandy, where Allied Forces stormed the beach with courage and heroism in World War II. Visit the final resting place of American soldiers who gave their lives for liberty.
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Day 5: DEAUVILLE–MONT ST. MICHEL
Castle in The Sand MONT ST. MICHEL Guided visit at the abbey. (Breakfast,Dinner) 155 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE A real-life castle in the sand, magical Mont St. Michel Abbey sits on top of a tidal island on the coast of Normandy. Learn how this strategic position has protected it from being invaded but also has made it the ideal location for a place of confinement. Napoleon closed the abbey and converted it into a prison for his opponents.
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Day 6: MONT ST. MICHEL–ANGERS–LOIRE VALLEY
French Treasures & Views ANGERS See the medieval castle and take a scenic drive en route to the Loire Valley. (Breakfast) 217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Historic tapestries, half- timbered houses and, of course, the Castle. Take all of this and much more in while you wander the charming cobble streets or walk along the banks of the Maine river. Make sure you don’t forget to bring your cameras with you!
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Day 7: LOIRE VALLEY. EXCURSION TO CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY
French Country Homes LOIRE VALLEY Visit Chambord and Chenonceau Castles followed by [LF] a wine tasting. (Breakfast,Dinner) 112 mi / 180 km
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Sip the very best in French wine in the picturesque French countryside along the Loire River Valley, where many stately castles dot the landscape. Hear about the history of the region that with more than 55.000 hectares of vineyards is France’s longest vineyard with an annual turnover of 320 million bottles of wine.
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Day 8: LOIRE VALLEY–PARIS
City Lights & River Nights PARIS Explore Paris with free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy [LF] a farewell dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city. (Breakfast,Dinner)155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES What better way to celebrate your visit to France than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship, while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appetit!
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Day 9: PARIS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 Blois
Bonjour! Welcome to Blois – the gateway to the Loire Valley beautifully situated on the banks of the Loire river. With no activities planned today, you are free to arrive at any time, but ensure you can make an important 6 pm welcome meeting with your group leader and fellow cyclists. Before then, Blois is free for you to explore. Why not head to the Chateau Royal de Blois, or the serene St Vincent de Paul Church, or simply wander the old streets of this charming provincial city.
Day 2 Blois
This morning you’ll begin your cycling adventure through the Loire Valley. After a quick a bicycle fitting, then take a leisurely ride along the banks of the serene Loire River on a dedicated bike-only path to the small riverside town of Saint-Dye-sur-Loire. From here turn inland and ride along narrow tree-lined country roads to the palatial Chateau de Chambord. This beautiful palace, commissioned by Francois I and whose design was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, is a sight to behold, with a central structure adorned with multiple chimneys and sculpted capitals on its terraces. After you’ve explored the palace and its manicured gardens, cycle back on quiet roads and past flat pasture and return to Blois for the evening.
Day 3 Amboise
This morning, consider the option of visiting another grand building: Chateau de Cheverny. If you would like to take a visit inside, please let your group leader know the day before, as earlier travel arrangements are necessary to take this optional visit. Your cycling begins by riding along the plateau and down to the Cher River, where you’ll arrive at Chateau de Chenonceau, and this one’s pretty special. The chateau is set over water, spanning the Cher River, with its gardens to one side of the banks. You will have included entry to explore this beautiful building, admiring the perfect gardens, classic features and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s true fairy tale stuff. After your visit, cycle through the Amboise Forest, re-joining the Loire River at your stop for the evening: the delightful riverside town of Amboise. If you want to see some more chateaux, why not head to Chateau du Clos Luce, the place where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last three years of his life. It is currently a small museum, with grounds that show some working models of his designs and is within walking (or cycling) distance of the main town.
Day 4 Villandry
Continue to hug the Loire River as it gently makes it way downstream to the Vouvray vineyards. This wine region is almost exclusively dedicated to chenin blanc, and with its naturally high acidity, the wines produced here age very well. Stop in for a vineyard visit, then continue cycling on to Tours, cutting across the river on your way to the Chateau de Villandry – arguably the Loire Valley’s most famous chateau. Wander through the vast gardens of perfectly curated gardens and the beautiful U-shaped castle. With time to explore, be sure to stop and smell the roses in these beautiful surroundings.
Day 5 Saumur
Be ready for a longer - but not overly challenging - day of cycling (approximately 60 kilometres). Begin your ride from Villandry along the banks of Loire River to the Château d'Ussé that Charles Perrault took as inspiration for his castle in the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Opt to visit the castle and grounds before continuing cycling downstream through two beautifully classic French villages – Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau – both perched on the riverside. In Montsoreau cycle past the old troglodyte part of the village where you can see homes, doors and windows cut directly into the cliff before finishing your ride ion the charming town of Saumur. Park your bike and take to the water on a short but sweet small boat river cruise – remember to toast the moment with an include glass of exquisite local wine. The evening is free for you to explore Saumur’s cobblestoned streets, visit a sparkling wine cellar, or try out one of the fine-dining options in the medieval centre. Today’s ride is mostly flat, but be sure to enjoy a restful evening before another cycling day tomorrow.
Day 6 Angers
Continue your ride down France’s longest river – the Loire. Ride from Saumur alongside the river for around 20 kilometres, then head inland to Brissac-Quince, home to the tallest chateau in all of France. From here, descend gently towards the Loire River and to tonight’s destination: the beautiful and historically significant city of Angers. This evening, perhaps gather your cycling group together for dinner – tonight is definitely cause for celebration.
Day 7 Angers
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. However, if you wish to spend more time in Angers, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
