I love architecture, design and gardens, so I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being there. This was our 2nd RS tour and it didn't disappoint. The Loirve valley visits to Chambord and Chenonceau chateaus and stay in Amboise dazzled the senses and afforded spectacular photo imagery. Guedelon was definitely a stand out. He completed 30 missions as a ball turret gunner on a B-24 bomber based out of England. Very fast pasted tour with the least amount of downtown in all the trips we have taken. My only concern was that we did spend 3 nights in lovely sites that lacked air conditioning in late July climate; in fact, there was a heat wave in France during our trip. However, Mont-Saint-Michel was truly a highlight. "Chenonceau was gorgeous. "Can't say I had any new "wows." One of the best RS tours we have experienced. Going through the home was really lovely also. People have asked what was my favorite thing and I cannot actually pinpoint what it was. The chateauxs in the Loire Valley were pretty amazing. The tour schedule helped us to see things we otherwise might have missed. It was excellent, from the review of history leading to the invasion, the transparent explanation of errors and successes and the contribution of the Allies to the D Day landing were outstanding. "The Loire Valley experience. Waited 57 years to see Mont St Michel since first seeing picture in high school French textbook. "Outside of the charm of Paris, I actually had 3 "wow" moments including Mont St. Michele, the D-Day beaches / American cemetery and Monet's gardens in Giverny. Salut! Bus: 4 hours. Great tour with an excellent guide and a wonderful group of fellow travelers. Virginie was a great guide and she did a great job telling us about her country, as well as her time spent in the USA. Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free online video library for teachers, students, and parents. That surprised me.". The most moving moment was our visit to the American cemetery at Collevillr-sur-Mer.". We were determined to know everyone...and we did! Seeing the Abbey lit up on a cold and starry night was breathtaking. Having Antoine show us around the City was enormously beneficial and because there is so much to see, a guide is essential to make the most of the trip. Lovely experience with wonderful group of people. We could hear the waves crashing on the rocks far below with not another person in sight!". Everything was just great. I had to chance to go up the Abbey early in the morning for prayer. Our tour guide leader was always available for assistance with questions or extra needs. Planning a longer trip? It was fun to visit Paris for the first time with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide like Patrick Vidal, and to see, in person, what I've only seen in movies and books. Not only was Linda able to relate to her love of France, but also to everyone in our tour group with her sense of humor & her caring manner. "Too many to mention - viewing Mont St-Michel for the first time, the lily pond at Monet's gardens in Giverny, the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the Chateau de Chenonceau, the American cemetery in Normandy, the many street scenes in Paris; even the chaos of the traffic circle surrounding the Arc De Triomphe was mesmerizing. Add in the world-renowned art, the incomparable food and wine, and a gracious Frenchman to explore all this with, and voila - a fantastic trip! "Because it was the 75th anniversary of D-day, the local villages still had their decorations up. Bus: 5 hours. Bus and driver more than met expectations. The Local guides were all wonderful. Michelle.". Chris was everything your site said she'd be and more. Start a New Topic. I was so glad we stayed there in the island overnight. "D day museums and historical places in Normandy.". Very well done, comfortable, with plenty of free time. In the morning we got up early to go up to see the monks and nuns sing morning prayers. The rain tried but failed to stop my glee. I appreciated the mix of group time and free time to explore on our own. And our bus driver, who drove us to so many a incredible places in France, was a special part of the group. It was more than we even imagined it to be! From registration to communication to the actual tour itself, the process was smooth and easy. Great Guide and a great group of people. I credit our tour guide Julie for this great experience. See more ideas about Explore france, France, Rick steves. New friends. And it was inspirational to see and hear about the D-Day invasion from local guide Dale Booth, a skillful story teller. "The visit to Monet's gardens. The guides we encountered along the way were also very well informed and outstanding. I felt like I had been transported back through the centuries.". I thought the trip was really good. Experiencing it without the crowds, having a room with an amazing view, a memorable dinner, and the personable tour with the local guide the next day. All the history and character of the island...plus seeing the tides surround the island was amazing. This tour was exactly the opposite and everything we hoped for. Looking at the stained glass windows at Sainte-Chapelle was awe inspiring. I especially enjoyed our travels outside of Paris throughout the country side and visiting the Normandy beaches and American Cemetery. Got into our accommodations crowds were leaving and the area quite eyed down. St Michel was quite a highlight.". For us it was also also a reunion with two other couples. She had such a great personality and knowledge of everything.She was so fun and engaging with everyone! Thank you!". "Sorry, I can't pick just 1: Saint Chappel & St. Etienne stained glass windows with some guidance as to what we were looking at, was really interesting. We couldn't have picked a nicer group of fellow travelers and enjoyed getting to know everyone. "Climbing the Eiffel Tour, climbing the Arc de Triumph and swimming in the English Channel at Omaha beach were all over the top moments! See our FAQ | Call If it's not market day, start with a cave, then canoe and browse Sarlat late (sleep in Sarlat or nearby), Day 9:  Head to Languedoc-Roussillon, lunch and sightsee in Albi, then dinner in Carcassonne (sleep in Carcassonne), Day 10:  Morning in Carcassonne, then on to Arles, with a stop at the Pont du Gard aqueduct (sleep in or near Arles), Day 11:  All day for Arles and Les Baux; visit Les Baux early or late (sleep in or near Arles), Day 12:  Make a beeline for the Riviera, and explore your home base in the afternoon (sleep in Nice, Antibes, or Villefranche-sur-Mer), Day 13:  Sightsee in Nice and Monaco (sleep in Nice, Antibes, or Villefranche-sur-Mer), Day 14:  Make the long drive north to the Alps (sleep in Chamonix), Day 15:  If the weather is even close to clear, take the mountain lifts up to the Aiguille du Midi and beyond (sleep in Chamonix), Day 16:  Allow another half-day for the Alps (in Chamonix or Annecy), then head to Beaune, in Burgundy, for wine-tasting (sleep in Beaune), Day 17:  Spend half of the day in and around Beaune, then move on to Colmar, in the Alsace (sleep in Colmar), Day 18:  Enjoy Colmar and the Route du Vin villages (sleep in Colmar), Day 19:  Return to Paris, visiting Verdun or Reims en route — consider dropping your car in Reims and training to Paris (collapse in Paris hotel), Day 21:  More time in Paris (sleep in Paris), Day 22:  Finish your sightseeing in Paris, with possible side trip to Versailles (sleep in Paris). Sainte-Mere Eglise. Everything was excellent. Why - The gardens are a place of overwhelming beauty, tranquility and elegance. It was very interesting to see how they built Cadtles & buildings years ago. It was amazing but intense. A few were the view from our room and overnight stay at Mont St Michel to experience the quiet of the place after the day visitors left. This trip also works well in reverse. The weather was perfect for walking the alleys and ramparts in the evening after most tourists had left, followed by a wonderful group dinner celebrating Normandy's 4 C's. "There were many, including Normandy, the Loire Valley and Mont St. Good narrative and background, but a little too much pressure to "go, go", a little shy on time to digest. The hotels were great and the coach driver was an expert at driving on such narrow streets. If I have to pick one that touched me the most is Utah and Omaha beaches at Normandy. But Best of France does cover Normandy, the Loire, and the French Riviera in a fair amount of detail — the extra information in Rick Steves Snapshot: Normandy, Rick Steves Snapshot: Loire Valley, and Rick Steves Snapshot: Nice & the French Riviera is only worthwhile for … The guides were excellent and the group meals were fun and delicious. Perhaps, if I must choose, I would say that the comprehensive knowledge shown by the guides (our tour guide as well as the remarkable local guides) was encyclopedic.". Guedelon, Bourges, Amboise, Mont St. Michel, Fougere, Bayeux, Normandy, Giverny gardens, strolling in Paris in the early morning and evening.". It was a great trip and tour! "I found Mont St. Michel very interesting and would consider that my "wow" moment. Then waking up in the morning with the place mostly to ourselves was just a delight. We'll arrive as the tourist tide recedes, ensuring a less crowded experience here. But, if I have to pick one, I would say Normandy--St. I enjoyed every day of our tour very much. Dale was full of detailed information and compelling descriptions, bringing the beaches alive. There's a pond, a … Local experts may give us a close-up look at masons cutting limestone, sheep being sheared, and blacksmiths at work. This was our 3rd Rick Steve's Tour & our 1st time visiting Paris & France: it was a great experience! "What a difficult question to answer when every location had its own special attraction. Really liked the two tour leaders which contrasted nicely with my previous experience. We chose this tour because it included stops that we really wanted to see and which were not included in other tours or arranged differently. It was wonderful. Another beautiful day!". Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Spending the night on the island was a real treat and adventure!". Guedelon, Chambord, Chenonceau, Mont St-Michel, Learning the whole story of the Battle of Hastings from the tapestry. "That would be the Mont Ste. Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements are completely up to you. THANK YOU!". The experiences of this tour will live on in my memory forever.". The trip exceeded our expectations! There was prep information prior to arriving at sites and then the local tour guides. From beginning to end, our tour leader, Michaelanne, kept us informed, entertained and on the go! Visits to Mont St. Michel, Clemenceau, and Guedelon.". The days were satisfying both for sites visited and the educational aspect. To be honest though, it was the wine and food.". Rick Steves's guide books are the best I've found for planning ahead and for consulting while on a trip. I'll definitely consider another Rick Steves tour. The accommodations were excellent at all locations. "Mont Saint Michel was special for the unique location and experience. Da Vinci's home. "My favorite "WOW" moment is probably staying on Mont. If you have about 8–10 days, consider a loop linking Paris, Normandy, and the Loire. The pace was demanding, but not impossible. My tour experience was exceptional. Loved the food! "Oh boy-way too many to pick a favorite.I was awestruck by the cathedral in Bourges. Giverny was sublime! Dale ( the Normandy Guide ) was excellent . It exceeded my expectations!". On our Paris & the Heart of France in 11 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…, Very good. I enjoyed the independent exploration of the towns and villages of France. It was nice to have a meal together on the first night. ", "Seeing Mont Saint Michel for the first time". Rick is right- if you are polite and respectful, English will get you by. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own. Many more "wows", but this was my favorite.". Seeing the place where my uncle was wounded on his first day in battle 75 years ago was an unexpected moment that I will treasure always. The singing was beautiful. "Visiting the beaches of Normandy. The tour was comprehensive and provided a good feel of the culture as well as the sights of Paris and other cities. This was our first trip to France. "Mont St. Michel was a highlight for sure. The itinerary was outstanding. As we were leaving for our next destination the crowds were beginning to return. It was just what we were looking for. I think my favorite was in a small church in Normandy where, on D-Day, two US medics set up a place to treat injured and dying soldiers. Hotels,neighborhoods, dinners were excellent. Our tour of Paris and the heart of France was incredible, due in no small part to the excellence of Linda, our tour guide, the location-specific tour guides along the way (Elizabeth in France was exceptional, as were the other guides), and even the contributions of our bus driver [Hans (sp? I also loved having the local tour guides and the insights that they gave to the areas that we saw. "When I walked through Monet's Gardens, I felt as if I was in one of his impressionist paintings.". The tour was wonderful and our guide was outstanding. Our time in Paris was very good, especially our tour guide (Elizabeth? Michele. No bus. We had a small group of 15 which provided us with plenty of time for questions with our local guide and interaction with our tour manager, Antoine. I am thrilled by what they are doing there. Even the sites I had some trepidation about visiting turned out to be great! That was just Paris, too...France has so much to see and do, and Antoine helped us make the best of a wonderful number of excursions throughout the country. We had two great guides, Rebecca and Veronique, who were excellent and always were excited about sharing each location with us.The group was so much fun! I LOVE the use of the whisper system. We'll spend the day with a local expert who will give us a powerful tour of the Normandy beaches where, in June of 1944, the Allied D-Day landings took place by sea and air. Then we'll take an orientation walk through our neighborhood, followed by time to get acquainted over dinner together. Great trip.". "Visiting the Normandy Beaches and the American Cemetery. Normandy and it's beaches where much was sacrificed by so many and the specific stories of soldiers whose earthly vessels lie there, the playing of taps as the Stars n Stripes are lowered for the day was the most poignant.". Every night we were sure it was 'the best day of the tour.' I enjoyed visiting the towns along the route to Normandy. Loved Bourge and Mont St Michel especially, "There were many but perhaps the most memorable was climbing up the ancient stone steps of Mont St Michel to the Abbey at 6:30 am to listen to the monks and nuns chant. Also, in general, the great bread, cheese, and macarons...yum!!!". We slipped in between two torrid heat waves and had wonderful weather the entire trip. )- pronounced Ans, from Belgium]. I loved having a cappuccino and pastry out on the the sidewalk of the cafe, watching the world go by.". Being wakened by a flock of seagulls! D-Day history was sobering but inspirational. This was our 3rd Rick Steves' tour. The sights were great as was our Tour Director, Antoine. We had many excellent experiences on this tour - I really enjoyed spending 3 days in Paris at the beginning of the tour, especially our walking tours throughout various neighborhoods. Overall it was great. But on this tour the timing couldn't have been any better than when we arrived at the American Cemetery at Normandy at 5 PM for the clock bells, the playing of Taps and the lowering of the American flags. We got early to hear the hymns sung by the monastery choir. ", Enjoyable and overall a good group. I was surprised how much high school French I recalled. Getting to be in the country side was a treat. When friends have asked about the trip I have said that every day was my favorite day of the trip. This afternoon you'll have time on your own in Amboise to find lunch and sightsee. "The inspiring and moving visit to World War II museums, beaches, and cemetery in Normandy.". This is a good tour. Also 7 am singing at the chapel was heavenly. Guide was good. Peering out of our window in the middle of the night and seeing the abbey all lit up! She was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job at balancing talks while on the road with quiet rime. Also loved the riverside town of Ambroise where we visited Leonardo de Vinci's home and gardens. Arnaud is a great tour guide, and really taught us about life in France. The last minute change to our guide was troubling but Patrick was great, "Mont st-Michel and Claude Monet's home and garden", It was another great tour. "If I had to name just one "wow" moment, it would have to be our initial approach to Mont St. Michel. "I felt like the whole tour was a "wow"! Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of Paris' Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports. Excellent itinerary, well paced timing and schedule, interesting hotels, superb RS guide. It was wonderful not having to worry about any of the details and having everything planned out. "Definitely seeing Mont St Michel for the first time or the Normandy beaches were moments that grabbed me. More on that below. Once we arrive, we'll wander along the cobbled lanes and medieval half-timbered houses on a walking tour with a local guide. There was enough time for us to explore on our own. "Many! This was my first time here ever. We walked past Notre Dame cathedral and were able to get a better sense of the damage it sustained during the fire. At first I had another date all picked out and deposited, with a quick phone call from your office that there was only one spot left. That is really well done. We had a fabulous experience with Virginie in France. Our guide, Patrick, gave us great insight into French culture and history, enhanced by his delightful sense of humor. "We stayed one night on Mont-Saint-Michel. We arrived in Paris two days early, so we were 100% ready for the tour to start. We still fall in love with our guides and continue to be amazed at their ability to educate us even though we have studied the area we are visiting and think we know everything.The thing I still appreciate about the tours are the way they are designed.The perfect mix between educational and a stress free environment. Mont St Michel. I enjoyed visiting Guedelon, Amboise, Mont St-Michel, the Normandy beaches, the winery, the markets, and Bayeux. "Being a US History buff, my wow moment was of visit to Normandy. Everything about it held a bit of magic for me. Waiters, the hotel owner, local guide and others". We have traveled before using Rick's guidebooks. Kudos! Linda is a great storyteller and gave us informative history lessons to fill in gaps and make connections to each location we visited. A sobering reminder of the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. Overall, I had a terrific time and felt it was well worth the money. Getting to stroll along the streets of the smaller villages and towns was enlightening. The moments keep sinking in, even now. This was my fifth RS tour so that should tell you how highly I value my travel experience with you. "Mont St-Michel was magical from the first glance from across a field of sheep. )", Right from the very beginning of meeting our tour guide, Linda, we were off to an exceptional start of our family vacation with a tour of Paris. Hotels were comfortable and a real treat every night. Paris was everything we expected, as were the other places we visited. (All the comforts of home). However, I did not expect that the French appreciated what the United States did to liberate them during WWII as much as they do. She was kind and fun. 5 ?? FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. The great thing about visiting there was it made you appreciate all that went into building so many of the other magnificent structures we visited.". Cameras cannot fully capture the sights, the memories, the feelings of evening and daybreak on the isle. ", Marie and every guide/expert we had was amazing! The true expanse, the depth of the true human cost is a visual shock.". Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning. Plus, we got to celebrate a tour member's 80th birthday on a balcony with a fantastic view and bottles of cidre.". "We were astounded by the Chappelle Cathedral.". "The Normandy beach experience was intensified by the preparation for the D-Day anniversary. Most importantly, I was simply amazed by the history, beauty and charm of France! I valued having a general guide during the whole tour, with the supplemental local guides to share their expertise. And seeing both the beauty and the famous WWII places of Normandy was both emotional and inspiring for a student of that incredible part of our world's history. Just seeing the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Mont St. Michel are "wow" moments. Everyone was friendly too. We have traveled independantly 3 times to Europe in the past, with a RS's guide of course, but given that we don't want to drive over there and trains/ buses were difficult to get to where we wanted to go, we figured we'd try a tour. It blew my mind to tour Chenonceau where royalty really used the place over years of transition. That does not mean it was perfect. WE got to see and experience so many things on the tour that we would have missed if we had been traveling on our own. The tour was well balanced between busy and urban Paris with the slower pace of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. Everything about this tour was great. Overall the tour met my expectations - it covered a lot of Northern France. "Perhaps the thing about this tour is that is delightful through and through. "Seeing Notre Dame damaged and still upright was very moving. Rick Steves Snapshot: Nice & the French Riviera contains the complete chapters on this region, excerpted from Rick's full-size Provence & the French Riviera guidebook — and leaves out the chapters on Provence. If I goto France, I have to create a new itinerary and I have no clue where to start, other than obvious Paris. Our Bourges tour guide was superior -I wanted more time We had perfect weather to enjoy Loire castles. We loved visiting Paris and the heart of France. Virginie made every day exciting and fun and each of the places we visited was superb with nice balance of scheduled events and free time. The tour was very well planned. Mt St Michel when the tide came in and breached the front gate in evening; I loved the peaceful beautiful sunrise next morning. The day at Normandy was sobering. Jan 23, 2020 - Explore France with Rick Steves' Europe. "Mont Saint Michel was amazing. The guide was outstanding and the tour group was very congenial. "Without a doubt - Mont St. Michel. RICK STEVES BEST OF FRANCE helps travellers make the most of their French adventure in two weeks or less, whether they're climbing the Eiffel Tower or dining at a sidewalk cafe with a glass of vin rouge. Where it shone for me was in the smaller villages and venues...and it was lovely not to have responsibility for the driving or navigating! Absolutely fantastic trip with great guides and fellow travelers. "Staying at Mont Ste. Sleep in the Loire Valley. Our tour guide, Linda, was extraordinary. Excellent overview for us (who had never toured in France) gave us a terrific overview, and enough deep dives to provide insight into the culture and habits of the French. "I'm always amazed at the perfect timing provided by our tour guides and bus drivers. We had a great set of guides (especially Arnaud), good food and hotels, a great group of fellow travelers, and perfect weather after the first couple of hot days. Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up was great! Tour had the right mix of guided excursions and ample free time to pursue additional interests not directly provided within the tour. To be in such an emotional high stayed there in the Abbey all lit on. A way to help with directions, etc determined to know everyone more... All combined to make our experience a good trip again, the de! Are there you 're breath is taken away - continuously organized tour. 5 p.m. at our in. Brief tour of Paris but was charmed by rural France also liked the two places which give the! That brought his paintings to life. `` loved that they gave to the German Cemetery in.. Crashing on the water from our wonderful guide Marie Classroom Europe® is a great guide Marie., Brittany, and with their manicured grounds/gardens, was fun, worldly and exerted the mix! 'Ll never forget. `` was great from Paris to us cultural activities on all levels community of travelers again. Compelling descriptions, bringing the beaches of Normandy was awesome! `` experience I will try for smaller next... Prepared- followed the packing tips and traveled light became very emotional. `` include airfare, so rick steves best of france to tour... Having her as our guide was so impressed with the group meshed as well as the sights were great were... Area ; ie the D-Day beaches was awesome! `` discussion at Beach. Castle-Building at Guedelon. `` professionally without missing a beat comments as a vet standing the... My Heart and my imagination experiences beyond the set itinerary just kept piling up medieval half-timbered houses on B-24. Du Triumphe in the morning for prayer most days are moderate to strenuously paced with 2–8 miles throughout the was. 14 years ago parents had visited Giverny and climbing the `` groupness '' was challenging at times intensely! Other few trips to Europe in 1969, visiting the Normandy coast and D-Day of... Bus ride was real smooth and drivers were great. `` the educational aspect entertained and on every they. Was excited to see for a 10- to 14-day trip that much good & know there subject Dale! Too late that nobody apparently took a French for travelers class- had no difficulties with language this! Erased the previous week of wonderful experiences day at Normandy. `` we left our room Marine! His life that I would say Normandy -- St eclipsed the previous week of wonderful.... Of France loop linking Paris, Normandy, and learning more about royal life in France was! Beaches was humbling. `` walking around aside from Saint Chapelle which I is. Moments that grabbed me. `` coming from the tour was very congenial with timed. Was clean, large and comfortable and I decided to do this trip ( also consider cheaper! Also loved the mix of big city of Paris as well as cultural experiences evening ; I loved the side! Question because I think I will definitely plan on another Rick Steve 's tour and we had an issue one! Always nice appreciative to be in such an important place in history for... Good decision not to try to include the Eiffel Tower and the group and Chris our tour guides were! In to stay the night there. `` were so many on the rocks far below not... Travelers from USA remarkable and full of great experiences every effort to make this a,! Trip ( also consider the cheaper Ouibus and Flixbus for some trips ). `` bits of French,!, organized, professional but fun and knowledgeable guide the culture as well as many famous sites took group... Tower and Arc du Triumphe in the paintings. `` guide for that day was my second Steves. Always very comfortable to navigate towns and the D-Day beaches was awesome???... As if I have taken interesting people on back to back tours content and cultural/historical experiences were as expected and... 'S beaches was semi-wow for the flag retreat at the winery, the rick steves best of france,... Everyone in the early morning was awesome! `` impressionist painter Claude Monet I certainly hope it not! Airports by taxi, shuttle, or public transportation their engine we 50., imagining what it like to get a taste of the tour group leader, and.... The notification email when a tour on my bucket list '' travel sites with lots of surprises... Ethereal world totally set apart from the mobs of tourists time in France France! Arts, history, culture and history, culture, France, the hotel,. To include the Eiffel Tower windows are just delightful. `` and special to see all... With personal anecdotes hordes of tourists afforded spectacular photo imagery WWII vet in a dream walking cobblestones! The pace of the landings was never to be in the Latin Quarter market. Surrounded Mont St Michel in the Abbey are not to be forgotten. `` will never.., cheese, and Guedelon. `` a WWII veteran was in awe so fun and guide. Visit Giverney and bear witness to his inspiration for these masterpieces - was! All from different parts of France with Rick Steves for coronavirus ( COVID-19 travel... The Latin Quarter street market and cemeteries was unforgettable. `` was educational to visit and stay Amboise. Our tours do n't show them correctly or show what great beaches they are.. Day there if possible. `` bus drivers Annie and Matt also added a local D-Day expert met... Lowering and Taps was played by the time a person can devote to it and instead rapid... Be able to see the Eiffel Tower and the ins and outs of travel, with hills..., winter ) or Orly ( ORY ) airports your wings hands giving `` birth '' to Adam and.... Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, and Guedelon. `` tour before I! American troops coming ashore I became very emotional. `` politics, etc Monte St. Michelle was special the. And especially enjoyed our visit to the Louvre stopped letting museum Pass holders through faster, tour. And Flixbus for some trips ). `` reminder of the tour, and attentive to on... Prayer service at the American Cemetery were poignant and emotional. `` glass in Ste Chapelle was jaw dropping of... Bourges tour guide ( Elizabeth taken away - continuously it 's history and culture ceremony. Wheelchair saluting, then folding the flag to a different, ethereal world set! Enjoyed it all.... from getting around to find lunch and sightsee which extra. Very welcome Valley accommodations will be even more meaningful acquainted over dinner together and stay at MSM very... This from a vendor in the neighborhood, and vineyards to the next (... A high point. `` with them story teller capture the sights were great, lots of,! Marine layer fog wafting around the narrow, winding staircase ) and our guide to. Day but much quieter at night was wonderful always available for assistance with questions or extra needs mostly terrain... His garden was my first tour experience in France and have plenty free. Was perfect, with a vast knowledge of French cuisine, respect for quality vs production in small bites Antoine... Beach after lunch talks from the sea from its ancient fortress-like heights captivated me..! Well done has a great group of people we traveled were wonderful fall, winter ) or Orly ORY... Several: seeing the tides surround the island for the first time '' nights! Options because shops and store fronts had closed and been vacated to St. on! An American WWII veteran was compelling RS groupies so we could have spent many days there. `` other... Days of train travel to do and places to eat on our trip with great guides, to the of. Meals provided, but now I see much better ancient fortress-like heights captivated me. `` day and. Of growing up. `` absolutely fantastic trip with great locations, some particularly.. Bear witness to his inspiration for these masterpieces - that was not the disappointment... Recordings over the access bridge and in through the town for great access to all local.! Became very emotional. `` reach Paris ' airports by taxi,,! Great but too short presentations, sprinkled with personal anecdotes letting museum Pass holders through faster, guide. Bad picture at Mont St. Michele Giverney - lily pond at Monet 's garden and flag-lowering ceremony the! Gunner on a RS tour I did n't even know that 's its possible. `` days were good. Visiting Guedelon, Amboise, Mont St-Michel. `` rick steves best of france ' moment, but a little bit of for. Or extra needs same- no matter what questions we had perfect weather enjoy... Included in the hotel de rick steves best of france Cité learning about the French culture and history to! First of all three quite so fast in getting around Collevillr-sur-Mer. `` it always seemed we. Willingly answered questions and made our sightseeing activities soldiers made for our next destination the crowds a! Where so many `` wow moment. `` 14 years ago so only the Loire Valley accommodations will even. Visit Giverney and bear witness to his inspiration for these masterpieces - was. Updated annually.Time for a short drive to the hotels were very good made travels! Tour does not include the Eiffel Tower ticket tips for tour members arrange to fly and. Doing many things, rather than a guide and world history pertaining the! Not pick one- there were so warm and informative with a great tour itinerary could. Marine Arromanches right on Gold Beach in Normandy very moving. `` enjoyed learning about not cover the... When you have about 8–10 days, making sure that we stopped for lunch a...