France

8 Days / 7 Nights — Normandy, Brittany and Chateaux Country

A regular potpourri of French delights: from beaches to hedgerows, castles to manors, with a healthy helping of nostalgia and history throughout.

DAY 1 — Paris, Normandy

Your first day in France begins with a drive from Paris to historic Normandy. First is a stop outside of Paris in Monet's house and garden in Giverny, where you will experience the renowned artist's vision in an unforgettable setting. Continue along the great Fortress Castle of Richard the Lionhearted, which overlooks the River Seine; and then to the pastoral elegance of the Normandy countryside. At day's end, you arrive at your hotel, a noble house surrounded by 15 acres of elegant grounds. Note: Chauffeured trips start from the Paris airport or from the hotel — depending upon advance arrangements. Self-drive clients can start from the airport, from the in-town rental office or after the car is delivered to the hotel. Lodging: Chateau de Sully

DAY 2 — Normandy

The inspiration and sad beauty of D-Day's invasion beaches await you on your second day. From Omaha Beach to the Pointe du Hoc, the epic events of June 6, 1944, will leave an everlasting impression. Nearby is Bayeux, with its famous tapestries depicting the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Lodging: Chateau de Sully

our chauffeur was a walking guidebook of history, information and colorful stories.

DAY 3 — Brittany

Strike out this morning for Brittany and the "Marvel of France," Mont St. Michel. Now more than 1,000 years old, the spectacular 12th century, soaring abbey is perched on a stupendous rock rising out of the sea. Then travel along the coast to the opulent and unique "Bricourt." Lodging: Hotel de Bricourt-Richeux

DAY 4 — Brittany

Weave your way through the rustic splendor of this rural countryside down to Brittany's rugged south coast. The Breton countryside is a region of delightfully unspoiled medieval towns, and it is these, more than anything else, that gives the province its individuality and distinctive charm. Lodging: Chateau de Locguenole

DAY 5 — Chateau Country

Your adventure continues along the Atlantic coast, but soon the landscape softens as you approach the gentle Loire River and the beginnings of the fabled "Chateau Country." Your hotel's history as a manor house dates back to the 15th century, and remains one of the great resting places in the western Loire. Lodging: Chateau de Noirieux

DAY 6 — Chateau Country

Chart your castle tour along the Loire to the great fortress Chateau of Angres. Next you visit Chinon, with its reminders of Joan of Arc; then to Fontrevraud, where you will find the tombs of Richard the Lionhearted and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Last, tour Villandry and its world-renowned gardens. Lodging: Domaine des Hauts de Loire

DAY 7 — Chateau Country

Spend the day exploring the great chateaux of the eastern Loire district. They vary in style from the strongly fortified castles of the 13th and 14th centuries, to the ornate Renaissance buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries. The chateaux are linked with the history of France's kings and queens. Lodging: Domaine des Hauts de Loire

DAY 8 — Paris

Leave the Chateau Country this morning via the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Chartes and soon you're back in Paris where your experience of enlightenment and discovery now becomes a treasured memory.

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