Compare Tour Of The Luberon by Distant Journeys vs Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 3,375 |
| Price Per Day | $ 428 | $ 375 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All Breakfasts and all Dinners |
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| Description |
There is something about Provence that makes you want to linger–over coffee, along the trail, in a café, at a market. It could be the feel of warm air infused with the scents of lavender, thyme and rosemary, the taste of hot coffee and warm croissants in the morning, or the softness of fading golden sunlight at the end of the day. It could be the rustic elegance of ancient hill towns, the quiet solitude of secluded old stone pathways, or the tenacious vestiges of once-walled fortresses that speak to us of ages past. |
Enjoy the sights and smells of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II — and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. You’ll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the glistening pyramids of the Louvre to the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, then watch as the City of Light illuminates at dark. |
Day 1: Arrive Bonnieux
We will rendez-vous at the Marseille Airport at 1pm and then transfer as a group to our hotel in Bonnieux, about an hour away. Occupying a narrow plateau on the northeast flank of the Petit Luberon, the hilltop village of Bonnieux offers the perfect jumping off point. A 12th-century church crowns the village, narrow streets are lined with fine examples of 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century residences, and the remains of 13th-century ramparts that once walled the village are still visible. A climb up to the “Old Church” offers sublime views across the Calavon River valley. We’ll have time to explore the village and perhaps visit the Musée de la Boulangerie, the Bakery Museum, before our Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Bonnieux to Saignon
Today we take a pastoral walk across a classic Luberon landscape. Our route will take us through forests and lavender fields, past cherry orchards and olive groves, and along the upper rim of the Gorge of Aigue Brun, ending in the tiny hilltop town of Saignon.
Day 3: Saignon
Our hike today is a like a walk back through time. We will begin with a short van transfer to the base of the Aigue Brun Gorge. This tiny, secluded valley etched by the Aiguebrunn River has been traveled since prehistoric times. Romans settled this strategic plateau above the valley that later became the site of the medieval Fort du Buoux, the ruins of which still remain. A cobble mule path, once a famous salt route connecting Marseille with city of Apt during the Middle Ages, still winds its way to the ancient hamlet of Sivergues. Meaning “six virgins,” it was supposedly founded by six nuns and monk.
Our hike will take us first up to the impressive ruins of the 13th-century Fort de Buoux. After exploring the site, our route continues up to the crest of the Grand Luberon, with 360-degree views of the surrounding area. On a clear day we may have views as far as the Southern Alps and Mediterranean. Our descent takes us by the goat farm at La Castelas, on to the hamlet of Sivergues and finally back to our accommodations in Saignon.
Day 4: Saignon to Saint Saturnin Les Apt
Leaving Saignon, our hike takes us down though old terraces and orchards, across lavender fields, and through forests to the “Rustrel Colorado.” Once the site of ocher mining, the process of extracting ocher pigment from the clay has left an amazing array of cliffs and Dr. Seuss-like pinnacles displaying colors ranging from deep reds and oranges to yellow and white. Our day will end with a short transfer to the classic Provencal town of Saint Saturnin les Apt.
This quiet and unassuming village is rich in history dating back to Roman times. Its old fortified church, surrounding chateau, and quaint narrow streets are irresistibly beckoning. Time and crowds have left this town relatively untouched.
Day 5: Saint Saturnin Les Apt to Roussillon
Today’s walk to Roussillon leads through vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, forests, and open fields, and down grassy lanes. The view across the Luberon valley, all the way to rising bluffs of the Grand Luberon, is lovely. Imposing deep red ocher cliffs greet us as we near Roussillon.
Roussillon is a picturesque Provencal village, with narrow streets and ocher-painted buildings. Another prominent center for ocher mining, the village itself nearly radiates with colors from pale yellows and oranges to deep reds and everything in between. The inhabitants of the area began mining ocher in prehistoric times, and by the 19th century export of the ocher pigments was considerable. The onset of synthetic dyes put the ocher mines out of business. The effects of this mining have made for some very interesting rock formations. There will be time to visit the open-air museum of mining techniques and pigment fabrication, and to wander beneath the stunning cliffs of the Ocher Trail.
Day 6: Rousillon to Senanque Abbey
From Rousillon our walk will take us across the Cavaillon plain, a landscape of cherry orchards, vineyards and, of course, lavender, to the wonderfully-restored village perche of Gorde. Also designated has one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Gorde clings to the edge of the Plateau du Vaucluse. White stone houses climb the hillside to the top of the village, which is dominated by a Renaissance castle and church. From Gorde we’ll continue on to Cistercian Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, famous for it’s lush lavender fields. Founded in 1148, the Abbey’s fortunes have fluctuated throughout the centuries. A small community of monks still resides there. An afternoon transfer will bring us back to Roussillon for our farewell dinner.
Day 7: Transfer to Marseille Airport
We’ll depart the hotel at about 8:30 am, arriving at the airport at about 10:30 am. If you plan to continue your travels in France there are frequent shuttle buses to the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner at Rural, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville
Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Breakfast
Day 3: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings
Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
Journey through Bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town - it's one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?
Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo.
Breakfast
Day 5: Villandry Experience
Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil which has been grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings.
Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Breakfast
Day 6: Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley
Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.
Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light
Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to all the fabulous sights, including the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the immense facades of the Louvre. Behold the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, then travel down the Champs Élysées to Napoléon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.
Breakfast
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris
Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.
Breakfast
