Amazingly different sites, huge visits, fabulous food!
Amazingly different sites, huge visits, fabulous food, from the rugged far west coast of Brittany to evocative Chateaux and Normandy’s beaches, cheese and calvados.
Such a different itinerary. In the Loire Valley, a region famed for its Renaissance palaces, manicured gardens and rich royal heritage, you will stay in a 5-star Chateau. Wander through masterpieces like Chambord, Chenonceau and Villandry, enjoy a vineyard picnic beneath a shady tree. In far west Brittany, discover ancient standing stones older than the pyramids, medieval walled towns, island fortresses, cliff‑top sculptures and take a scenic cruise around a glittering bay dotted with rugged islands. Josselyn and Locronan will astound you, and from Quimper to Concarneau, Saint‑Malo to Mont Saint-Michel, everyday blends cultural gems with local flavours and relaxed “My Time” moments. In Normandy, the moving D‑Day sites bring to life stories of courage that shaped modern Europe. Your final days are steeped in artistry and elegance—from Monet’s blooming gardens at Giverny to the opulence of Chantilly’s château, museum and legendary stables. With hand‑picked experiences, a leisurely pace and multiple three night stays in extraordinary châteaux and specially selected hotels, this is France at its most beautiful, authentic and unforgettable.
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Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
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Welcome drink on Day 1 27 meals including 16 breakfast (B), 1 lunches (L) and 10 evening meals (D) A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
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Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 17 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
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Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Local guides as described in the itinerary
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Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including a private picnic lunch at a Loire Valley chateau vineyard, a traditional horse-and-cart ride through the Brière marshes , exploring the prehistoric Carnac standing stones , a scenic cruise of the island-studded Gulf of Morbihan , tasting world-famous oysters in Cancale , uncovering the history of the Bayeux Tapestry , a sophisticated Calvados tasting at Château du Breuil , and witnessing a grand equestrian demonstration at the Great Stables of Chantilly. ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Tour itinerary
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Hand Selected Experiences
These are just a few of the very special hand selected experiences that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.
Amboise
Da Vinci’s Residence
In the charming riverside town of Amboise, on the banks of the River Loire, we visit Da Vinci’s residence – Château du Clos Lucé. It is here in the underground rooms that you have the opportunity to see forty machines designed by this amazing inventor.Château Chenonceau
Explore the interior & stunning gardens
The magnificent Château Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher on a series of graceful arches, is possibly one of the most photographed of the Loire châteaux and was the former home of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.Château picnic lunch
A picnic in the Loire vineyards under a shady tree
Château’ de l'Aulee, is a comparatively ordinary building by Loire Valley standards, but they do make excellent wine. Called the ‘Once upon a Wine’ experience, we enjoy a cellar visit, then a tasting of 4 wines whilst enjoying a picnic beside their vineyards under a shady tree. Time to enjoy local specialties such as charcuterie, saucisson (so French!), rillettes, country pâté, local cheeses, yummy desert and chocolate from a master chocolatier in nearby Azay le Rideau.Château Villandry
Magnificent Gardens
Visit Château Villandry to explore the magnificent terraced gardens, inspired by the classic gardens of the 16th and 18th century. Each of the 6 gardens is distinguished by a specific theme and design, and features include ponds, topiary and ornamental hedges. The extraordinary kitchen garden covers 12,500 square metres.Carnac Menhirs
The largest gathering of standing stones in the world
Erected by pre-Celtic people in a period between 3,300 and 4,500 years BC – that's 6,000 years ago – they are older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids. Astonishingly they are the largest gathering of standing stones in the world, as wide as a football field is long, they stretch into the distance – perfectly aligned for 4 kilometres! We will enjoy a fascinating guided tour through these amazing menhirs.Morbihan Cruise
One of the most beautiful bays in the world
We enjoy an afternoon cruise around the Gulf of Morbihan – littered with rugged little islands, pretty coastal cottages, fishing harbours and oyster farms – called the pearl of southern Brittany.Beautiful Josselin
Josselyn Chateau beside the River Oust
Lunchtime in the perfectly preserved medieval quarter of the village of Josselin – delightful. Now add a visit to its majestic castle lording above the pretty River Oust, with time to explore the gardens and visit the unique Doll Museum guarantees you experience Western Brittany at its prettiest!Brittany’s jewels
Concarneau fortress and Locronan
In one day, we visit two of Western Brittany’s absolute jewels. In Concarneau Harbour, littered with hundreds of colorful fishing boats, you will find the island fortress surrounded by thick 14th-century ramparts. Cross the drawbridge and spend the morning wandering around the bustling old town. Then your afternoon will be spent relaxing in the beautiful film-makers favourite, paradise town of Locronan, with its perfectly preserved 18th century stone buildings.Fort La Latte
Brittany’s dramatic cliff top castle.
Also known as the Chateau de Roche Goyon this is like stepping into a “Game of Thrones” rugged castle. Located high over rugged cliffs, with sheer drops down to the waves crashing on the rocks far below, a huge number of classic films have been made here. Dramatically perched, famous…fantastic!Cliff top dinner
Hand carved rock sculptures
After visiting the ‘Les Rochers Sculptes’ - the hand carved sculptured rocks on a cliff in Rothéneuf, we will enjoy a fabulous gourmet dinner on a terrace aboveMont Saint-Michel
The 'Wonder of the West'
Crossing the causeway and the sandy mud flats at the mouth of the Couesnon River, ahead of you looming high over the entire island is the majestic Monastery. It is then you appreciate why this UNESCO Heritage listed island is nicknamed the 'Wonder of the West'. Walk up through the busy little town, lined with shops and cafes, and from the archways, courtyards and stone terraces of the upper monastery the views across the broad sand flats are massive.Normandy Beaches
D-Day Landing Museum and the Mémorial Pegasus museum
In Arromanches-les-Bains we will see ‘Gold Beach’ and the remnants of the Mulberry B sunken harbour, which figured so heavily in the June 1944 D-Day Landings. We have included entrance to the fascinating Musée du Débarquement (D-Day Museum) and later at Pegasus Bridge you will stand on the exact spot where the gliders landed and the Liberation of France and Europe started. Here we also visit the utterly fascinating Pegasus Memorial museum.Saint-Germain-de-Livet
Exquisite Chateau gardens and Chateau Calvados tasting.
Deep in the Normandy countryside we discover “The Wonder of the Pays d’Auge” -an architectural masterpiece nestled in the foothills of a valley. This is Saint-Germain-de-Livet Chateau, the prettiest chateau you will ever see. We have included a guided tour through the gardens of the chateau, surrounded by moated water and weeping willows. After lunchtime in Lisieux we will stop at the 15th century Château du Breuil - for a Calvados brandy tasting!Monet’s Gardens
Impressionist art – Impressionist's Gardens
Claud Monet is considered a primary founder of Impressionism, and he spent 43 years living here, in Giverney, creating extraordinarily pretty gardens, and painting them! Here we visit Monet’s House and fabulous gardens. So pretty, lines and lines of flowers and climbing vines, and in the Water Garden you can see the lily pond that inspired his most famous works of art.Chantilly Château
One of the finest jewels in the crown of France’s cultural heritage
Château de Chantilly is striking, a glorious museum of art masterpieces and precious manuscripts, the second largest collection of antique paintings in France, along with an amazing 19th century library. Go upstairs and you will wander through reception rooms with the grandeur and opulence of the time of the Princes of Condé. Set in 115 hectares of woods and gardens and waterways, you will also explore the famous Great Stables, beside the Chantilly Racecourse. Built over 300 years ago, these stables are utterly enormous. A veritable ‘Palace for Horses’! Inside you will find the Living Museum of the Horse, and the Dome of the Great Stables where, twice daily, the Equestrian Troop of the Château de Chantilly put on equestrian demonstrations.Dates and Prices
* The itinerary and hotels featured are based on 2026 tour departures and may be subject to change. Any questions, please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.
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Your Hotels
Tour Suitability
Due to the nature of the niche places we visit on this tour, to explore all of the beautiful towns and sites a level of mobility is required.
- Fort La Latte. Also known as the Chateau de Roche Goyon, is set high over the rugged cliffs, with sheer drops down to the waves crashing on the rocks far below. To access it there is an 800 metres gentle walk down a roadway to the castle entrance. That means there is an 800 metres gentle uphill walk back up! This is an iconic defensive castle however, access and moving throughout the castle is very easy. (The only exception is, and only if you want to as it is not necessary for your castle visit – a climb up about 10 steps on the outside of the very top section of the stone turret. When you see it, you’ll know if you can do it!)
- Les Rochers Sculptes. These ‘Sculptured Rocks’ with hundreds of lifelike and exotic figures and creatures are carved into a sloping granite cliff face suspended above the sea. There are no real, established pathways, instead it is more about walking on uneven footpaths between carved stones. If you have a poor sense of balance you should consider whether or not to descend below the top section. If it has been raining, stones can of course get slippery. Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
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