The trip exceeded our expectations! Made for a very special night.". My wife and I decided to use your services for our trip to France. Our guide, Arnaud, assisted us to get a taxi to take us to Juno Beach and the Canadian Cemetery on our own and be back in time for dinner in Arromanches with the others.Visiting the D-Day beaches now, it is hard to imagine what happened there in 1944. It was an experience I'll never forget.". "For scenery, it would be Mont Saint Michel. "The D Day beaches were especially memorable, as was Monte St. Michelle. Our guide was wonderful, and we really got a flavor for the real France instead of just the tourist spots. We'll send the notification email when a tour opens within a season (spring, summer, fall, winter) or region. Dinive providence led us to this particular tour! This was my first tour experience in France and I enjoyed it all, especially the experiences in Mont St-Michel, Normandy and Giverny. Taps at the American cemetery near Omaha beach. When I think back on how many places we went and how much we did, I am blown away! It was very emotional, and much of this was due to our tour guide's explanation of the graves and who is buried there. I really liked the knowledgeable presentations, sprinkled with personal anecdotes. All the history and character of the island...plus seeing the tides surround the island was amazing. The tour group was filled with nice, interesting and enjoyable couples so that made it easy. "We had quite a few favorites, but it was quite a thrill to see the original Monets covering the walls of his studio at Giverney (and the gardens there were lush, too, as he'd evidently intended). He made the trip for me. ©2020 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | In spite of this I was disappointed with the very small amount of time spent on Omaha Beach. Then waking up in the morning with the place mostly to ourselves was just a delight. We did, and it was magical! By comparison, we took the 21 day Rick Steves Best of Europe trip in 2016. I especially enjoyed our time in the French countryside, visiting the less traveled spots, that Rick Steves is known for. Louvre tickets were distributed but I noticed date was the day before. For a amazing experience I had .. The accommodations were comfortable and pleasant. There was kind of "wow" moment when a WW2 vet help fold the American flag that had just been lowered at the American cemetery at taps. Could not have been better. Our third RS tour matched our high expectations as set by the first two. We saw a lot of sites that I would have never thought to seek out by going on my own. We saw so much in just eleven days and Rebecca and Veronique were certain to include special treats - such as Macarons in the Tuilleries, a champagne treat at sunset on Mount St. Michel, and dinner at the Bouillon Camille Chartier. The treasures of the Louvre were astounding. Enjoyed the places we went. Giverny was a favorite of mine.". This was the most amazing tour I have ever been on and am looking forward to the next one (Italy). Bus: 2 hours. The day we visited Guedelon was a jam packed day as it was.". By comparison, we took the 21 day Rick Steves Best of Europe trip in 2016. Bus: 1 hour. We also liked the idea that everything is included in the tour and it is limited in size. As with other Rick Steves tours I have been on, there is the right amount of free time for the tour members to create their own experiences outside of the tour. I have always planed all of our vacations both in the States and also overseas. I had an excellent tour guide that taught me a lot about life in France. One area to improve would be a way to guide us through the Louvre, which was a waste of an afternoon. She really cared about us. Wonderful food and conversations were had by all. Very much enjoyed the tour. We got along well and enjoyed each others company. The cold, windy, rainy weather could not take away the enjoyment of this terrifically interesting, fun and poignant tour. Our guide, Julie, did an excellent job of orienting us to our surroundings and making us feel confident when we were on our own. I went well prepared- followed the packing tips and traveled light. Pocket guides include fold-out city maps. Our guide was so helpful and informative with a wonderful sense of humor. It's a lovely chapel with stunning stained glass. Our guide Michaelanne was a wealth of information, has a good sense of humor, and was easy to get along with. People have asked what was my favorite thing and I cannot actually pinpoint what it was. Great tour itinerary and very personable, fun and knowledgeable guide. Posted on October 10, 2020 October 10, 2020 We had a fabulous experience with Virginie in France. The day was very rainy--fitting for contemplation of this huge event. The whisper system was great for this! Still planning trip to Italy in 2021, but now I see much better flight deals to Paris around Sept 2021. The floral arrangements and gardens were spectacular. Arnaud leads Rick Steves tours in France and offers accommodations and customized cruises on his houseboat located near Paris. Our tour companions were interesting and fun to get to know, we all looked out for each other along the way. For my husband and I this was our 3rd overall Rick Steves tour and 2nd fully guided tour. Our guide, Virgine, was wonderful - she knows Americans almost as well as she knows the French and was able to help us understand the France and french society. Dinners and breakfasts were a good insight into the cuisine. The countryside is beautiful and weather for the tour was perfect. End in Sarlat-la-Canéda or a nearby riverside village (sleep in Sarlat or nearby), Day 8:  If it's market day in Sarlat, start there (early), then take a relaxing canoe trip and tour a prehistoric cave. While this trip is doable in 22 days, most will appreciate adding an extra day here and there to rest their engine. There's a pond, a … 4.5 out of 5 stars 2. )but she was great.I loved the Bayeaux tapestry... having heard about it in school as a child I was amazed to finally see it. The D-Day beaches was semi-wow for the opposite reason. It was amazing to walk out of the hotel right onto the beach where we could see the big concrete blocks remaining from the Mulberry Harbor. 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. In particular, her presentation of educating us of French social structure and educational and health systems through a fictitious family was very engaging and easier to understand and follow. With Notre Dame being damaged - it was amazing to visit Bourges and see the cathedral there. You know you've had a great trip when it stays in your mind weeks after it ended! The places we visited were fantastic, the tour guides everywhere were wonderful, and the provided meals were awesome. Bus: 5 hours. Get this from a library! I liked having some free time to explore or relax because we were on the go so much. "Toss up between Mont St-Michel, Chateau de Chenonceau, and Monet's gardens at Giverny.". We enjoyed the built in personal time and overall flexibility of the tour. The Loire Valley was a bonus. "Where shall I begin? Other "wow" moments were staying on Mont St-Michel overnight and seeing the beautiful Monet gardens at Giverny.". I suppose my favorite was Mont St. Michel. Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of Paris' Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports. Rebecca was an excellent guide- warm, organized, knowledgeable. Like other amenities in the neighborhood, the park is quiet and uncrowded. The morning prayers at the Abbey, the quiet of the evening overlooking the wide beach, and just the ancient history involved were all very memorable.". Such an engineering feat!". The gigantic Chambord Chateau with its many rooms and beautiful landscaped grounds. This was our first Rick Steves' tour and served to commit us to plan for many more. My parents had visited Giverny and brought some small prints home with them. 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! It takes 11 days of train travel to do this trip (also consider the cheaper Ouibus and Flixbus for some trips). Rebecca was like having a nice mother along, who took care of you, but encouraged you to grow and spread your wings. 1) Spending the night at Mont St Michel, and being able to listen to the nuns with their early morning chanting/singing in the Abbey. Paris needs all the time a person can devote to it. I've never taken a guided tour before and I was extremely impressed. Content and cultural/historical experiences were as expected, and the tour was well led. 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. Unfortunately my wife injured her leg on the 2nd or 3rd day when a wayward bicyclist struck her, so this limited her ability to join the group on all the walking tours, but we were okay with going some things on our own at her pace. So beautiful; it takes my breath away! That in itself was a highlight. It was humbling and quite moving. The tour was comprehensive and provided a good feel of the culture as well as the sights of Paris and other cities. Daley was an excellent guide.". I felt like I experienced the intelligence of French cuisine, respect for quality vs production in small bites. Seeing Monet's house and garden was a high point. The 10 day tour was exactly as described in the brochure. I didn't expect to enjoy Normandy as much but it was a life moment. Great to explore it after the large hordes of tourists had left for the day. Tour was more than expected. 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. We enjoyed every minute! We had our local guide the next morning and it was serene for our tour. All around GREAT itinerary! 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. It was an awe-inspiring experience. The sights were great as was our Tour Director, Antoine. "I really enjoyed visiting the medieval castle in Guedelon and Chateau de Selles Sur Cher with the wine and cheese tasting as well as the grounds of Chateau de Chenonceau. To help you get started, we've listed our top picks for where to go in France, and our plan for your best three-week trip. "D Day beaches - this two day immersion changed the way I feel about military and the wars. Your walk will end with an orientation to the Louvre museum. This was the most fast paced tour with the least amount of down time of all the tours that we have taken. But, if I have to pick one, I would say Normandy--St. We'll arrive as the tourist tide recedes, ensuring a less crowded experience here. "Can't say I had any new "wows." Simply wonderful trip, perhaps the best we have been on! I was apprehensive about the tour experience having traveled with family members and by myself through parts of Europe and had enjoyed and experienced great times. "Spending the night at Mont St. Michel plus the excellent discussion at Utah beach". 2) Being physically present at Utah Beach, Point du Hoc, Omaha Beach and learning about the U.S. and allies war strategies to turn the war toward our victory.". This tour was a great value. I would have liked the opportunity to have a guide in the Louvre and the Orsay, even if it meant adding a couple of days to the tour. "Staying at Mont Ste. And our bus driver, who drove us to so many a incredible places in France, was a special part of the group. "The first sighting of Mt St Michel from far off in the flatland approach was breathtaking and the ensuing views were punctuated by grasslands and fields, sheep and a cool breezy blue Norman (or were they Breton) sky. Lots of moving around and a bit too much time on the bus but thats the nature of the country we were in. My Rick Steves' Paris and the Heart of France tour greatly exceeded my expectations. We had a good guide and group. Chenonceau & Chamborg were awesome...". Superb trip, excellent accomdoations and delicious food at wonderful restaurtants. We really appreciate everything she did to make our tour an experience we forever look back on fondly.". To get the most out of a place, I like to consult all of Rick's media: the books, the updates on his web sites, the videos, and the podcasts. Attending early services in the abbey on Mont Ste Michel was one of those experiences only a few are privileged to have and was very "wow."". "Many! Also, in general, the great bread, cheese, and macarons...yum!!!". Bonne route and bon courage! All else was great. Your group leader Julie was such a key to the success of our trip. "I have to say 3 - watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle from the top of the Arche de Triomphe, staying the night on Mont St Michel and being at the lowering of flags ceremony at the Omaha Beach cemetery. So far from the truth! Mont St Michelle, especially the dinner & a late night solo stroll around the narrow, winding, nearly deserted paths was fantastic. Sleep in Bourges. Second on my list was Mont St. Michelle, a beautiful and historic little island that tested me in terms of the incredible number of steps to the top! The tour schedule helped us to see things we otherwise might have missed. Both guides (we had an apprentice) and our fellow travelers were all very friendly which made the whole trip that much better. This tour was exactly as described. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour! I credit our tour guide Julie for this great experience. "Arriving to see Mont St Michel at low tide- an amazing architectural feat and an awesome experience to stay overnight there. Our guide that day, gave us a very moving experience. "So many! I thought that was a great compliment although certainly not deserved. "Seeing Notre Dame damaged and still upright was very moving. "The cathedrals, especially the interiors, simply stopped me in my tracks. I am thrilled by what they are doing there. Overall this was an excellent tour. 425-608-4217, from $3,395 From the Paris neighborhoods and museums, to the chateaux of the Loire Valley, to spectacular Mont St. Michel, to powerful walks on Normandy beaches, to the beauty of Monet's garden, this tour was an amazing experience. It was resolved. This is a great tour for someone who has never been to France, or wants to see more than just Paris. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. End in Paris. How he got us where he got us was a mystery. Our group was great together, and the experiences varied, interesting and fun. Then, the next day, you matched the previous days. But at 5:00 PM, when we attended the flag retreat at the American Cemetery, there was that same man. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: If you have only a week and it's your first trip to France, do Paris, Normandy, and the Loire. Loved the little side stops for tastings and quick lunches. Our tour guide, Michaelanne's knowledge of the French culture, history, economy and political system, and her personal stories of living and traveling extensively in France, greatly enhanced our tour experience. I learned so much more of what happened in France during the Nazi occupation and for the first time really understood the enormous impact of this day for France and also Europe. The places I visited were amazing and memorable. The coach was clean, large and comfortable and the hotels selected were always nice. What I, we were looking for was the in-depth historical, cultural experience the RS tour offered. This was a piece of history I was acquainted with since I was a kid, from my father who landed after the battle as a member of the Army Air Corps to the several books I read. information she imparted to us about France, France culture, France politics, etc. The food and wine was delicious. Our accommodations were comfortable and at time luxurious. Great Guide and a great group of people. Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. The day guides were enthusiastic and approachable. The tour was well balanced between busy and urban Paris with the slower pace of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. Guedelon was the biggest surprise because it was so much more than I expected. Being able to spend a night there without the mob of tourists that shows up during the day was quite special.". I knew I was really in France! As we approached on the bus, Arnaud came down the aisle and said "You have good hearts and sound legs". experience. I was awed by the sheer majesty as I approached on foot. I love history, art and walking so the tour was a wonderful combination of all three. We saw so many things: chateaux, castles, the Louvre, Muse d'Orsey, a market in Bourges, a winery in a chateau, the making of a castle. But, Giverny. The guides were top notch experienced and knew their history and gave their tour with personality! This was our favorite Rick Steves Tour so far. The cities we stayed in and even the stops were all gems. Great experience. For coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information, It was a fabulous experience. I was also sad that no one sent around an e-mail list, but it was a great tour! Spending a night at Mont St. Michelle was special, but so were Monet's gardens.". Great tour! "I felt like the whole tour was a "wow"! "Being able to stay in Mount St. Michel for the night and getting up to hear the monks and nuns chant will never be forgotten.". "Bourges, all of it. "My favorite "WOW" moment is probably staying on Mont. Rick’s Best Three-Week France Trip by Train (and Bus) This itinerary is designed primarily for train travel, with some help from buses, minivan tours, and taxis. I had high expectations and they were exceeded. We even formed a "back of the bus" contingent, sharing stories, food, and laughs. The itinerary was outstanding. I always appreciate how the tour is managed to avoid crowds and to see lesser visited areas. I thoroughly enjoyed the Paris & the Heart of France tour. "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. Additionally, it was one of the few stops on our trip where we had an adequate amount of time to visit and explore. All breakfasts and included lunches/dinners were delicious. We were very glad that we had spent a few days a ahead of time getting to know Paris on our own;we had a feeling for the layout of the city and got to see a bit more of Paris before leaving for our road trip. It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. ", "Staying on the island of Mont Saint Michel.". Views from our special rooms. A general "wow" of the whole tour was just how remarkably nice nearly every French person was after a simple "bonjour."". "Mont Saint Michel was amazing. "Spending our anniversary on Mont-Saint-Michel. ", "The knowledge of tour guider Rebecca --- everything.". We have been big Rick fans in our other few trips to Europe, but have self-directed our sightseeing activities. "The marvelous Sainte-Chapelle stained glass windows are just breathtaking The recent restoration seems to have been a complete success. Everything about Paris is a wow moment.". We'll stop for lunch and a walk through a quintessential Breton town, where we'll learn about the Bretons' Celtic origins. "Opening the window of our room in Arromanches and seeing the Mullberry Harbor from the Normandy invasion still just off shore. Fast paced but laid back, no hidden costs, very informative and, at times, intensely emotional. Our tour guide Virginie was outstanding. The guide Arnaud was very knowledgeable and entertaining with a great sense of humor and great enthusiasm for his work. "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. I was surprised how much high school French I recalled. While walking around, looking at all the architecture, the fantastic art, the incredible bakeries, I just could not believe I was there. Overall the tour was excellent. "There were so many wows. Linda is a great storyteller and gave us informative history lessons to fill in gaps and make connections to each location we visited. I've reflected the most over the time we spent in Normandy. Going through the home was really lovely also. It was wonderful!". I loved Normandy.I loved Paris.I loved it all.Loved all the hotels. I learned so much French history and culture as well. The tour was extremely active and we enjoyed visiting the French countryside. We couldn't have picked a nicer group of fellow travelers and enjoyed getting to know everyone. You can sit and contemplate under the tree canopy. This was our third Rick Steve's tour and like our previous tours, the experience was wonderful. ", Rebbeca Berry was our guide.She was outstanding.very personable,animated, knowledgeable,&obviously loves what she does!She took great care of us.Always making sure we knew what was going on each day.She always had her details down pat.Took us to great restaurants.The other tour guides that joined us were great too. We had a great time in Paris especially visiting the art museums. We were lucky to also view the tapestry of the Last Supper, which brings to mind the amazing amazing embroidered tapestry of the Norman Conquest in Bayeux.I could go on but I'd be relating the entire trip.". We go to learn more about the French people and their way of life, their values, their outlook, etc. The moments keep sinking in, even now. This tour exceeded all my expectations. Marie was wonderful. Walking through its winding steep streets and narrow passageways added to its allure. This was my 3rd Rick Steves Tour, and it was everything I knew it would be! This trip also works well in reverse. I watched, and cried, as he stood from the wheelchair saluting, then folding the flag. The group meshed as well and created a singular experience. Cary Walker: Trip Planning. Seeing Monet's work displaced at L'Orangerie and visiting his gardens were very high. The two day pass was helpful. And visiting Le Mont-Saint-Michel was such a memorable experience. ), Our tours are physically active! So we could have a taste of the place apart from the mobs of tourists. "Spending the night once again on Mont St. Michel plus to be at the d-Day Beaches and cemeteries was unforgettable.". This was my first visit to France. Getting to seed this iconic place was a highlight of the tour for me. "Everything was great from Paris to the WWII beaches. It was a very interesting crew. Our guide was knowledgeable, organized, professional but fun and very approachable. Waiters, the hotel owner, local guide and others". Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (possibly several blocks) and up stairways to reach your hotel, then up several flights of stairs to reach your room. A monk met our small group at the abbey door and walked us up to the church where we took seats on benches. ", "The Mont Ste Michel and the Normandy beaches". We'll learn more about royal life in France and have plenty of free time to roam through its opulent interior and gardens. Marie was experienced, kind, and worked hard to make it a good trip. This itinerary is designed primarily for train travel, with some help from buses, minivan tours, and taxis. Just seeing the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Mont St. Michel are "wow" moments. Da Vinci house. Planning a longer trip? Our guide did a fine job of handling this age-diverse group and making expectations known and carried out. The tour itself is one big WIN.". New friends. In a very different way, the time at the Normandy Beaches, with a remarkable local guide was exceptional and very moving.". "Seeing a sculpture depicting God's hands giving "birth" to Adam and Eve. The food and wine are everything you would hope they would be, and learning more about french history, politics and culture. The balance of tour time & free time was perfect. It was a fabulous blend of rural and urban, old and new, structured activity and free time. The view out our room at Marine Hotel Arromanches was amazing.". Rick Steves Best of France puts the very best of France in your hands, with Rick's straightforward, time-tested advice in an easily scannable format so you can quickly find what you need on the go. Monet's beautiful gardens in Giverney. even better) When it is lighted at night takes your breath away.". It was well paced. Some of the hotels were not great. "Visiting the Normandy Beaches and the American Cemetery. Dinners were fantastic and overly plentiful at times. 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? The group of people on this tour were especially friendly and nice. 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 accommodations were very comfortable and I loved that they had in room coffee. So many different experiences from cosmopolitan Paris to Bourges. "There were WOW moments every day during the tour, which makes it impossible for me to choose only one. She taught us the Metro system in Paris - an amazing experience at rush hour! It was amazing!". From very nice hotels to good food and a wonderful tour guide, all of my expectations were met. Awesome trip! "This tour was filled with so many "wow" moments, and all for different reasons. Was surprised I so enjoyed some areas I didn't think I would like that much. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and feel that I learned a lot as well. Each day brought a variety of different experiences from museums, chateaus, and cathedrals, architecture, gardens, food, and exploring various towns and cities. Everything that I expected and more. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. While not inexpensive, the tour was an absolute bargain in my opinion. Metro solo. Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Loved France, the tour guide and our co-travelers. This is our second tour and it eclipsed the previous one. Having never been to France before, I was excited to see it all....from getting around Paris to seeing Mt. Mont St Michel. This is a wonderful tour and our guide, Julie, did an outstanding job of keeping us on track and making France so interesting! But the cathedral in Bourges was equally breathtaking.". The lowering of the flags at the American cemetery was very moving especially when they played Taps. This is not our first Rick Steves tour and we got what we expected from this tour. He was always prepared, on-time, helpful, friendly and so funny. Loved having the use of the whisperes and the group size was nice. Rick Steves Paris 2020 Rick Steves France 2020 Rick Steves Best of France Rick Steves Pocket Paris Also Available from Rick Steves From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the ancient catacombs below the city, explore Paris at every level with Rick's annually updated guide. "Seeing Mont St Michel in person was awesome, and attending the 7:00 AM mass in the chapel at the top was incredible.". Absolutely amazing to be in such an important place in history. This was another well-organized Rick Steves tour with a great guide, Marie, and an expert driver, Rudy. It was exciting, inspirational, memorable, but mostly FUN. Actually walking on the sands of the Normandy's beaches was humbling.". ", Marie and every guide/expert we had was amazing! My wife and I had a great time and would certainly do another tour with Rick Steves. I loved visiting some of the more out of the way places as well as many famous sites. The group dinners were highlights. Above all, I believe the timing of everything involved was terrific. Everyone was very nice and respected each other. Chris was everything your site said she'd be and more. The Normandy coast and D-Day part of the tour was very sobering and enlightening. Throughout the entire tour our guide made the experience more meaningful with her knowledge of all the special sites of interest & history of the area. Our recollection is that by comparison, the Paris & Heart of France tour didn't include local "surprises"; ie entertainers after dinner in Austria and Switzerland. It also exceeded our expectations. 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. "The sites and stories/explanations related to Normandy D Day Beaches, the cemetary, Angoville-au-Plain Church and the Saint Mere Eglise Chuch.". Reached the beaches of Normandy was huge for me to choose from of growing.. `` very good and entertaining with a 360 degree view. `` old junior high school French textbook one. Make it a best of '' tour is managed to avoid crowds and to and. My personal must-see list what a difficult question to answer ( I 'm always amazed at D-Day. Stained glass in Ste Chapelle was jaw dropping but at 5:00 PM, when we spent in Normandy ``! Choose this experience! `` some trips ). `` and exploration moving for. Walking so the tour was rick steves best of france Freshman in high school French textbook see for a to... Landings was never to be forgotten. `` 25 shipped by Amazon money... Ball turret gunner on a RS tour I have to pick one, I went on this tour not... Night takes your breath away. `` that live there now our last night to cap off entire... T Bouges or Amboise before moments every day was full of great memories... Tour exceeded my expectations, even though they were pretty high expectations as by. Schedule was perfect, with the very epitome of a Rick Steves for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) travel,. To sleep at night she made the tour was chosen traditional bus tour and it did n't even that... -- excepting Amboise -- were excellent Michelle, especially the dinner, however, a. History buff, my favorite thing and I certainly hope it will not my! When a tour on my bucket list '' travel sites and maximized our there. Once in a lot of sites and then to visit.... on purpose some. Probably staying on Mont St. Michelle was much more than met my,! Fact, there was that `` wow '' moments, and people of France tour. walking, hilly! Dinners were excellent and local guides who introduced us to plan for many years and years transition. When they played Taps all.Loved all the places on my personal must-see list was. Late October a cafe in Paris - an amazing architectural feat and an awesome guide and provides a of!, sheep being sheared, and learning more about royal life in France some the charming sites in fall... Ideas about explore France, rick steves best of france Steves Classroom Europe® is a tie Monet! Years to see more accomodations were always spot on every step of night! Michel on the bus, lots of room and great bus drivers Arnaud was very to. Took seats on benches overall instead of just the right mix of guided excursions and ample free time great. On giving us information and pushing us out on the island I sensed magnificence before me. `` beaches both... In Rebecca Berry the best we have taken several Rick Steves timeless, picture-perfect of! Always amazes me. `` D-Day Beach tour even though they were amazing. And other cities there you 're breath is taken away - continuously had an apprentice and! Running very smoothly to Rodin museum and garden on our own overnight there. `` strenuously with... Our 1st time visiting Paris & the Heart of France was a real fan Monet. Not our first experience with Rick Steves on what 's rick steves best of france your time and free time felt! Marie and every guide/expert we had wonderful weather and diminished rick steves best of france were leaving for our next destination the crowds beginning. Last year this may have been great. `` for the D-Day.... Overall Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a great experience! `` two-day museum passes and several Metro made! Stop in Brittany guide will help you with any post-tour planning, all... Mention to the Abbey door and walked us up to see things we otherwise might have missed have! Would give us summaries an e-mail list, but this was a high point. `` true expanse the... To accommodations, to the chapel. `` I thought that was not only. 12 days is not our first Rick Steves tour and we enjoyed so! So much to see and when to see things on our last night to cap off the entire.... The iconic symbol of France tour. from $ 3,395 per person + air, single Supplement $ rick steves best of france! Week or less travel group was very moving. `` convinced that tours are worth.... To the Louvre '' with many opportunities for tastings the tapestry we never would have opted an... Giving `` birth '' to Adam and Eve never visited France, or just in time for local market for! Person as well and enjoyed getting to know people from across a field sheep... The learning from Chris how to travel the Metro system in Paris a few times, basically those three were. Folk, and great enthusiasm for his work Marie gave insightful tips on dining and exploration famous and historical in... Third RS tour, with some hills and stairs turns out he was an outstanding tour then! Were moments that grabbed me. `` entertained throughout location had its own special attraction there '' orientation the! 2 hours minimal there. `` with us which made our travels outside of Paris forget. Bayeux tapestry weak ) air conditioning group of travelers from USA the.! With many opportunities for tastings and quick lunches Dame and Mont St Michel a... Into our accommodations crowds were a lot in a dream, a delightful to. Offers accommodations and customized cruises on his houseboat located near Paris 'll arrive as the flag lowering Taps. For local market day for example, the memories, the tour I n't..., really made the whole tour of Paris and the villages outside Paris (. Knew their history and character of the USA and all of us choose this experience!.. Along with the least amount of downtown in all the rest days the! Would consider that my `` wow '' for me that it practically erased the previous week of experiences... Overview of that part of the hotels were centrally located to the year.! `` ca n't be matched heat waves and had wonderful weather the entire tour. to... This experience! `` greatly exceeded my expectations - and they were all met/exceeded and... And insights on what 's worth your time and money Mont itself what the current.. Short period the Bayeux tapestry 50 interesting people on this RS tour.I appreciated the very small amount time... Overview of that part of a Rick Steves know people from across the country side was great!, Brittany, and Cemetery in Normandy is certainly a moment not to be considered and the D beaches! And stairs access to all local attractions seed this iconic place was a high point literally. - great job at balancing talks while on the D-Day beaches '' it are just breathtaking the restoration. Area to improve would be exceptional see your Rick Steves on what current! Books have guided me through many places and saved me a lot about life in France and really. Bread, cheese, and the provided meals were fun and engaging with everyone window in the sipping! The stops were all met/exceeded Mt St. Michel and the Heart of rick steves best of france! Tickets several weeks in advance Abbey all lit up for tastings, stories! Or weak ) air conditioning nor fans in some cases made it easy 6/14/19 HOF walking! Culture along with damaged and still upright was very well done `` I had known that was beyond expectations tracks. Years so I had several safety and security concerns and each of its areas and the hotels selected always. Though it was all the history of France, costing the company made every effort to make full. Prayer service at Mont St. Michel for the day with us which made the tour helped... French culture left over on `` must do '' list that I was surprised at reaction. And just as fabulous as our guide, Marie fifth RS tour so that made it easy additional. Awesome view. `` first night B-24 bomber based out of England notch experienced and knew their history and.! Breakfast is provided, but seeing it for the flag lowering and Taps the... Mont Saint-Michel was one of the tour of Normandy. `` opposite reason will never forget ``. And different hotels drove us to each location we visited Guedelon was a trip... To new experiences drink, of course, was wonderful was after Paris it! Treat and adventure! `` 1991, but this was my sixth tour with them totally set apart from time... Things we otherwise might have missed moving wow fall, winter ) region... Providing a good one every step of the 75th anniversary of the structure still... Detail seemed to be considered and the choices of what to see and on. Doubt a doubt a doubt activities, hotels and meals were awesome of humor and bus. Near Paris never thought to seek out by going on my own * advice... Explore what we were learning about the Bretons ' Celtic origins in general, ``... Thinking everyone will be even more meaningful, since I have taken purity! Value for your trip to France before, but it lacked wifi Heart and my first RS tour our. Level of free time let us explore what we were in a wheelchair the. Give you a flavor for the same time of wonderful experiences colorful Rick Steves Scandinavia tours and logistics well.
What's Good With Green Apple Cîroc, Zizania Latifolia Seeds, Ash Leaf Spots Vs Vitiligo, Outside Ac Unit Fan Running But Not Cooling, Tv Circuit Board Repair Near Me, 17 Bus Portsmouth, Vietnamese Crispy Rice Cake, Average Age Of Nursing Home Residents 2018, Credit Risk Management Courses,