Day 3: Paris / Versailles / Paris, FRANCE
Nearly everything in Paris is an iconic highlight, but your
exploration of the “City of Light” takes you to some of the most
famous, including the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Place de la
Concorde and Place Vendôme. Later, head out of the city to explore
Louis XIV’s opulent Château of Versailles, which began humbly as the
hunting lodge of his father, Louis XIII. Visit the State Apartments
and the vast landscaped gardens, as well as the fascinating Hall of
Mirrors. Look through any of its 17 windows to see the beautiful
gardens. There are 578 elaborate mirrors hanging on walls opposite
the windows, strategically placed to reflect the natural light. The
17th-century royal French court wanted to keep the wealth in France,
and they thought it was important to see and be seen. Because of the
mirrors, every movement was reflected hundreds of times for all to
view. ►For Paris hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 4: Paris, FRANCE
This morning, head to the Louvre to visit its outstanding collection
of art. Enter the vast courtyard to see the contemporary glass
pyramid constructed by architect I. M. Pei that contrasts with the
stately stone walls of this former royal residence. Inside, discover
some of the world’s most famous art treasures that date from ancient
times to the 19th century, including Venus de Milo, Ghirlandaio’s
The Visitation and Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated Mona Lisa. The
rest of the day is at your leisure to do as you choose. Perhaps
visit another museum, wander the stalls of the Rue de Rivoli outside
the Louvre, sit in a café and watch the world go by or browse
through the many wonderful shops and boutiques. ►For Paris hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 5: Paris / Giverny / Port-en-Bessin, FRANCE
Depart Paris for Normandy, stopping en route to visit artist Claude
Monet’s house in Giverny. When Monet became the owner of his rented
house in 1890, he completely transformed both it and the property’s
gardens. Where he had once found inspiration in the surrounding
countryside, the artist gradually limited himself to his water
garden, tirelessly depicting its water lilies and Japanese bridge.
Continue to Port-en-Bessin and your château hotel. ►Suggested hotel: Château la Chenevière
Day 6: Normandy Landing Beaches, FRANCE
Some of the fiercest fighting of World War II took place around
Normandy’s coast following the D-Day landings. Visit Arromanches,
where Allied forces landed to begin their effort to liberate
mainland Europe from Nazi occupation. See the remains of the
floating Mulberry Harbor. Explore the Landings Museum and its
360-degree circular cinema that tell the story of Operation
Overlord, which was the code name of the Allies’ mission to invade
Western Europe during World War II. Continue via Omaha Beach to the
American Cemetery and Memorial, a moving tribute to the fallen. ►Suggested hotel: Château la Chenevière
Day 7: Port-en-Bessin / Bayeux / Rouen / Paris, FRANCE
The world-famous Bayeux Tapestry depicts the conquest of England in
1066 by William of Normandy. Officially a Norman document, it
contains hundreds of images divided into scenes that were joined
into a linear sequence; the viewer can actually “read” the story by
following the images. Then continue to Rouen, known as the “City of
a Hundred Spires” because of its many churches. Towering above them
all is the highest spire in France, erected in 1876 on top of the
Cathedral of Notre Dame. Claude Monet featured the cathedral’s
façade in a series of paintings. Nearby in Rouen’s Old Market
Square, see where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.
Afterward, return to Paris for the final night of your journey. ►For Paris hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 8: Paris, FRANCE
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.