L’Art de Vivre à la Française - Romantic Paris, Sparkling Champagne, Picturesque Normandy

Arrival in Paris CDG airport. Welcome by Artoo Travel guide who will bring you to your hotel and assist you for the check in.

Enjoy a guided visit of the Louvre, the largest museum of the world. Discover the 800 year history of the Royal Palace while enjoying the most famous paintings and sculptures. You may prefer to visit Orsay which was a former railway station transformed into a museum in 1986. It gathers masterpieces from the various artistic movements between 1848 to 1914 including a magnificent impressionist collection and some major works by Auguste Rodin. 

The last option will be to devote this day to the Royal Versailles Palace. In the evening, we will head to Montmartre; you will encounter the unavoidable crowd while visiting the Sacred Heart Basilica and its panoramic view of the capital, the calm streets of the village perched atop a hill, refuge of famous artists. The tour also covers the bohemian Artists’ Square, Montmartre Vineyard, the last authentic vineyard in Paris, Van Gogh’s House, Café des Deux Moulins (recognizable from the movie Amélie), and the last windmill left standing in Paris. 

Dinner in Montmartre’s belle Epoque restaurant. The dining room has a 1900’s decor with paintings from the Belle Époque. Then we will have the opportunity to watch a cabaret show with gorgeous dancers. This is very popular in Paris and the most famous are the Moulin Rouge, or Lido.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Transfer | Tour | Dinner | Accommodation

After breakfast we make a two-hour city tour with an English speaking local guide. We will see Paris famous landmarks such as: Notre-Dame cathedral, the Opera Garnier, Place de la Concorde and Place Vendôme, the Champs-Élysées avenue, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum, Alexandre III bridge and much more. 

OPTION 1: Then, we will proceed to THE HERMES ATELIER EXPERIENCE A private tour of their workshops and a chance to see the making of all of their exclusive goods. Once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Hermes atelier in Pantin. See the making of the iconic Birkin/ Kelly bags and many more other leather goods. This is a very unique experience as Hermes is very strict with maintaining its confidentiality from the Public eye. This workshop represents the backbone on which the brand stands today, it is the roots of its luxury empire. To conclude your atelier visit enjoy a VIP shopping experience at the Hermes Flagship store. 

OPTION 2: Guided backstage tours at the Opéra Bastille and the Palais Garnier are a unique experience. Discover the backstage and public spaces of both theaters. Access places unknown to the public like the ballet costume design workshops of the Palais Garnier. In the evening, we will be heading to Eiffel tower and have free time to take pictures. We can even go to the second floor if you wish. Then we will go for a boat trip on the Seine river while sailing under Paris beautiful and historical bridges. After the cruise we will walk towards Trocadero gardens where you can get a stunning view and take pictures of the sparkling Eiffel tower. 

Dinner on your own.

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After breakfast we will be heading for an ancient 18th century wine cellars situated at a stone’s throw from the Louvre Museum in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Built by Trudon, the sommelier of Louis XV, in the cellar of his private mansion, they were once used to house great wines for the king and his court.

 We will offer you an exceptional journey in the world of wine and a guided visit with a wine tasting in the royal wine cellars. Afternoon at your disposal so that you can experience Paris on your own. 

You may choose to visit another monument or go for a walk in Paris romantic places or enjoy a coffee in a Parisian café’s terrace.

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After early breakfast, we will go to Reims, the capital of Champagne (sparkling wine). we will meet our local guide for a guided walking tour of the city. 

Reims is known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims, a Gothic art masterpiece and the coronation site of 25 Kings of France; it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. 

Then, we will see the palace of Tau, which was once the residence of the Archbishops of Reims and Reims Mars gate, a Gallo-Roman triumphal arch. Lunch in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the city OR enjoy a typical Champenois lunch on the banks of the river Marne.

In the afternoon, we have a guided visit of Maison Mumm: Renowned for its Cordon Rouge, Champagne Mumm invites you to visit the beautiful wine cellars and enjoy a delightful Champagne Tasting. We will proceed with the visit of Maison Ruinart: Visit the historic cellars of Maison Ruinart, former white chalk quarries listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the ancestral know-how behind the production of champagne. End your visit with a tasting of two cuvées commented by one of Ruinart sommeliers. 

OPTIONAL: Visit Maison Taittinger: This voyage will take you on a tour to the sumptuous Gallo-Roman chalk vaults carved out of the hillsides, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will discover the atmosphere of silent intimacy reigning in Maison Taittinger’s cellars. Your guided tour of the cellars will be followed by a Champagne tasting. Then enjoy a guided tour of an artisanal chocolate factory, maker of the famous champagne cork-shaped chocolates filled with liqueur. 

Dinner at your hotel.

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Departure for a guided tour of the village of Hautvillers, known as the birthplace of Champagne, where the famous monk Dom Perignon once lived. This visit can also be done with electric bikes. 

Then, visit a family-run vineyard of Ghislain and Marie-José, just outside Epernay. They are known as “Récoltant Manipulant”, which means they cultivate and harvest the grapes, then sell on a large part to the grandes maisons de champagne such as Krug or Taittinger. Enough is left over to produce 150,000 bottles themselves, and tastings are held either indoors in a cosy salon, or outside on a sunny terrace with an endless panorama of geometric vineyards. Appreciate a typical Champenois lunch on the banks of the river Marne. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise with commentary aboard the “Champagne Vallée” boat as you discover the vineyards and villages of Champagne on the banks of France’s longest river…

Return to your hotel to relax before dinner.

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After breakfast, we start the day with a garden visit; Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Ville in Epernay, classified as “remarkable gardens ». Created in the middle of the 19th century to enhance the town house of the Moët and Chandon family, the park was opened to the public in 1920. It is both a formal and landscaped park. 

Then, we have a guided visit on foot of the majestic avenue de Champagne with its eclectic architecture, in Renaissance and classical style. The home of the major champagne houses, this world famous avenue has 110 km of wine cellars and over 200 million bottles. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After lunch, head to Ay and visit the “Cité du Champagne”, on the hillsides of the Aÿ’s vineyard, registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. The tour includes the House of the oldest champagne winegrowers’ cooperative, the cellars, the Museum of Champagne’s Work Crafts and the vineyards of Aÿ and ends with a Champagne tasting. 

Then follow the Champagne tourist route to the heart of the Reims mountain regional nature park. You will pass through many villages like Ay, Louvois, Verzy and Verzenay, where a lighthouse towers over the vineyard. You can enjoy exceptional views from the top, 25 metres above ground.

In the late afternoon we go back to Paris and check in your gorgeous hotel in the heart of the city.

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After breakfast, we will go to Fontainebleau, 60 kilometers south of Paris. The Palace of Fontainebleau is a doorway into France’s history and is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Fontainebleau had the honor of being a permanent residence to royalty for 800 years.

We will start with a private tour of the castle, the true home of kings. During this Sovereign Grands Apartments private VIP tour, you will enjoy the unique and special experience of a private visit to the château outside its usual opening hours. Certain areas that are normally closed to the public can be opened especially for you. Entrance by the famous horseshoe shaped staircase. We will have lunch in a gourmet restaurant in the imperial town of Fontainebleau.

OPTION 1: After lunch, we will discover the second-largest national forest in France (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the parks and imperial gardens thanks to a 2 hours walk with a professional tour guide. Different themes will be explained like the Forest History and its very vast fauna and flora as well. 

OPTION 2: After lunch, we will visit the beautiful village of Barbizon which saw an influx of artists for nearly 50 years between 1825 and 1875. Today we still find throughout the village the influence of the artists of yesterday and today, especially through galleries and workshops. You will enjoy visiting the BARBIZON MUSEUM OF PAINTERS.

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After breakfast, your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and will escort you to Normandy. At your arrival in Honfleur. The tour takes you through narrow, winding streets to discover the amazing half-timbered church 

of Sainte-Catherine with its separate belltower. Your guide will also show you the impressive wooden vaulting of the Salt Barns, the oldest quarters: l’Enclos (the site of the medieval walled town), the old harbour, the fishermen’s quarter around Sainte-Catherine. You cannot fail to be moved by the charm and authenticity of this small town.

Lunch on your own in the old harbor. Then, set off for Trouville sur Mer, a seaside resort with a rich architectural heritage: the villas, casinos and former hotels which continue to contribute to the charm and authenticity of Trouville. We go for a boat trip on « la Côte Fleurie » to discover the sea front, the villas, the hill of Trouville and the coast of Deauville. 

Then, we will have a fresh seafood tasting at the Fish Market. You’ll enjoy a delicious and convivial moment at one of the tasting bars while savouring seafood specialties with a glass of white wine. Check in hotel in Trouville.

Dinner in the hotel restaurant.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Tour | Transfer | Accommodation | Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we will visit one of the most prestigious calvados distillery.

Discover the calvados making process using all your senses. The guided visit invites you to see, touch, smell and also listen…and finally taste. The tour will end with a unique short film entitled «The Angels’ Share».

Lunch in a Norman restaurant where meals are being served in calvados barrels. After lunch, come discover the great story of cheese! From glass galleries, you will witness the making of Livarot & Pont l’Evêque cheese. You enter into the heart of workshops to understand the story of Norman cheese. Cheese tasting during the visit. 

Visit The Manor of Canapville, also called “Manor of the Bishops of Lisieux” which is classified a Historical Monument. It is one of the most picturesque manors of the Auge region. Flanking the large 13th century stone tower, are two half-timbered manors, surrounded by beautiful gardens. French 18th century furniture and an impressive collection of rare Chinese “Blue & White” porcelain can be admired throughout the beautifully decorated interior. 

Check in hotel in Caen. Dinner at hotel.

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We go to « Le Memorial de Caen » which tells you all 20th century history. June 6, 2019 represents the 75th anniversary of the D day and the Normandy battle. Free visit to the Memorial of peace.

Lunch at the Memorial restaurant « Les Pommiers ». 

Then guided tour of 4 landing beaches. You will be told the complete story of the Normandy landings were the landing operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Visit the medieval city of Bayeux, located in the heart of the D-Day Landing beaches. Discover the huge cathedral, masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic art styles and the famous Bayeux Tapestry, listed “Memory of the World” by UNESCO which depicts the story of Harold, William the Conqueror, and the Norman conquest of England in 1066. 

Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II. 

Return to your hotel in Caen and dinner at hotel restaurant.

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After breakfast, we will be heading for Beuvron en Auge, one of the most beautiful villages of France. Almost every house in the village is built in the gorgeous half-timbered style for which Normandy is famous.

Go for a walk inside the village at your own pace. Lunch on your own. Discover the gardens of Canon, one of the most beautiful gardens in Normandy. Classified Historical Monuments and recognized outstanding gardens, parks and gardens of the castle of Canon are appreciated for their seamless whole from the 18th century and testify to a period where two styles coexist: the French garden and the English garden. A guided visit to discover these various spaces full of charm. 

Dinner at hotel.

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After breakfast, check out the hotel and choose between 2 options: 

OPTION 1: Drive to the gorgeous chalk cliffs of Etretat; you will see this wonder of nature, this gift of God to Normandy, and one of the most striking scenery in all of France.  

OPTION 2: Drive towards Mont Saint-Michel. Explore the Medieval Village of Mont Saint-Michel & visit the Abbey.

Drive back to Paris. Check in your hotel.

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After a hearty breakfast and depending on the time of your flight, you may enjoy a walk to the Parisian covered passageways which tell you about bygone Paris that mirrors the atmosphere of the early 19th century where craftsmen were not yet replaced by department stores.

At your request, you private driver will escort you from your hotel to CDG airport. 

BON VOYAGE!

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Tour | Transfer | Catering