Wonders of Paris, Normandy and Tours Self Drive

6 daysDuration
Independent TourPrivate tour for one or two travelers
2 peopleMaximum group size
8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Relaxed
Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Highlights

Explore Paris's iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, at your own pace

Experience Normandy's historic charm at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery

Delight in the picturesque Loire Valley, with its stunning castles and world-renowned wineries

Discover Tours' medieval architecture, vibrant nightlife, and lush green spaces

Savor scenic drives through France's countryside, culture, history, and culinary indulgence

Itinerary

Set out on a captivating self-drive adventure through France, where each day is a new chapter in a storybook landscape. Begin in Paris, the City of Light, with its iconic sights—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame—and vibrant neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. As you journey westward, Normandy’s dramatic D-Day beaches and rolling countryside beckon, offering a poignant glimpse into history and a chance to sample delectable regional cuisine.

Your route leads to Tours, nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley. Here, medieval charm, grand cathedrals, and world-class wineries await, inviting you to linger amid architectural gems such as the Saint-Gatien Cathedral. The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Paris, allowing you to soak in the Loire’s timeless beauty once more.

Perfect for travelers who crave independence and a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, this trip stands out for its seamless mix of iconic landmarks and tranquil rural discoveries. It’s an invitation to explore France’s soul at your own pace, with comfort and style.

day 1 - Paris Arrival

Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the city's famous sights at your own pace. Visit charming neighborhoods like Montmartre or Le Marais, relax in the Luxembourg Gardens, or stroll along the Seine River. Whether you're into art, history, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Paris offers something for everyone.

Overnight in Paris

Optional: Paris Gourmet Dinner Seine River Cruise with onboard entertainment (2.5Hrs)
Board this panoramic yacht on the Seine River cruise & discover the iconic Parisian monuments while enjoying our chef's 3-course menu. We offer you a 2h30 cruise through Paris to discover its monuments and enjoy the glittering lights of the city. Take your time to go out and enjoy our panoramic terrace, accessible throughout the cruise. It's the perfect spot for selfies with the Eiffel Tower while sipping a cup of champagne or our chef's savourous cocktails.

day 2 - Paris

In the morning after breakfast, start your day exploring the major attractions of Paris. Experience the breathtaking views from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Then, you may visit the Louvre Museum (entrance not included) to admire renowned masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. Afterward, explore the historic Notre Dame Cathedral and wander through the artistic streets of Montmartre. You can also discover the vibrant Latin Quarter, known for its charming cafes and bookshops. Stroll along the Seine River, passing landmarks like the Musee d'Orsay and Pont Neuf. For lunch or a snack, indulge in French cuisine at local bistros and patisseries. Later, marvel at the architecture of the Arc de Triomphe and shop on the fashionable Champs-Elysees. To end your day, you might enjoy a relaxing walk in the Tuileries Garden or spend the evening at a lively cabaret. Perhaps you can choose to book our optional tours.

Overnight in Paris

Optional: Catacombs with Audio Guide (3Hrs)
Embark on a captivating journey through the Paris Catacombs, where you'll stroll amidst graves and cryptic inscriptions, delving into the rich history of this subterranean labyrinth. Escape the heat above ground and embrace the coolness of the 14°C tunnels as you uncover the secrets hidden beneath the bustling city.

Optional: Skip the line access to Versailles Palace with Gardens & Estate
Enjoy full access to the Versailles Palace, Gardens and complete estate with this priority access (ticket only) and learn about the history of the palace through audio guides. Experience the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of 18th-century French art crafted in classical Baroque style. Discover ornate State Apartments and opulent décor of the “Sun King” in the Hall of Mirrors.

Optional: Entrance and Guided Tour of Louvre Museum
Prepare to be inspired by some of the world’s most famous artists as you step inside the iconic Louvre Museum. Choose from a private or small-group tour and head straight to the front of the queue with skip-the-line entrance, then journey through art history. With the help of your expert guide, see masterpieces like the 'Venus de Milo' and the 'Mona Lisa,' learn about the evolution of art around the world, and discover little-known gems that many visitors miss.

day 3 - Paris – Normandy - Tours

After breakfast, begin your self-drive adventure in Paris, heading west toward the historic region of Normandy. Begin your journey by exploring the dramatic cliffs and hallowed beaches of the D-Day Landing sites in Normandy, where Allied forces landed during World War II on June 6, 1944. Visit Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, each of which holds deep significance in history, and explore the poignant American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Discover the town of Arromanches, known for its artificial harbor used during the invasion, and learn about the brave soldiers who fought here. Afterward, drive through the picturesque countryside of Normandy before heading south to the beautiful city of Tours, where you can relax and unwind, surrounded by the charm of the Loire Valley.

Overnight in Tours

day 4 - Tours

Today after breakfast, drive as you will have the opportunity to explore Tours, a beautiful city situated in the heart of the Loire Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site, that offers more than just access to the Loire Castles. Its historical charm, as Balzac's birthplace features narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the grand Saint-Gatien Cathedral. The Fine Arts Museum, Hotel Gouïn, Tours Castle, and Saint Martin Basilica are architectural highlights. Tours' green spaces, like the Prebendes d’Oe garden and the botanic garden, enhance its appeal. Nightlife thrives with shows, bars, and a light show at the Fine Arts Museum. In the afternoon you may visit famous wine regions to explore renowned wineries of Loire Valley such as Domaine des Baumard for Chenin Blanc, Château de la Grille in Chinon for Cabernet Franc, and Domaine Huet in Vouvray, each offering exceptional tastings and scenic vineyard tours before returning to your hotel in the evening. 

Overnight in Tours

Optional: Morning Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray & Montlouis from Tours (3.5Hrs)
No visit to the Loire Valley region is complete without a winery visit, and this experience makes it easy with guided tours and tastings at two local wine estates. With a regional wine expert as your host, you'll learn all about the 'terroir' as you walk through the vineyards, and discover the local food, too, with samples of cheese and other delicacies.

Optional: Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours (8Hrs)
The UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley are home to some of France’s most magnificent chateaux and this full-day tour from the cities of Tours or Amboise visits two of them in one day. The fairy-tale Chateau de Chenonceau with its famous stories and the marvel at the Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens of the Chateau de Chambord.

day 5 - Tours - Paris

After breakfast, drive back to Paris from Tours, enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Loire Valley and central France. Stop at charming towns, vineyards, or historic sites along the way. Upon arrival in Paris, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. Revisit favorite landmarks or discover hidden gems like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. End your day with a leisurely dinner at a traditional French bistro.

Overnight in Paris

day 6 - Paris –

In the morning after breakfast, depending on your departure flight timings, drive to Paris International Airport and return your vehicle before your flight home.

Wonders of Paris, Normandy and Tours Self Drive

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What's Included

Accommodation
05 nights accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Meals
Daily breakfast
Transport
One driver (drivers must be at least 25 years old)
Others
Car rental for 05 days including:Pick up and drop off at Paris International AirportCompact Manual transmission- Peugeot 208 or similar (Automatic transmission available for extra fees)Unlimited mileageTheft Protection. Unwaivable charges may applyCollision Damage Waiver Reduction (CDW). Unwaivable charges may applyAll currently applicable taxes

What's Excluded

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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

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Emmanuel

Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!
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