France’s Northern Gems: Loire Valley, Brittany & Normandy

9 days

|

From £3,915 pp

This nine-day journey through Northern France reveals a region of great contrast and character. In northern France, you will find grand châteaux rising from forested valleys, medieval towns beside the sea, and landscapes that have long inspired poets, painters and travellers alike.

At a glance...

From the Loire Valley to Brittany and Normandy, every stop brings its own unique character.

The itinerary moves at an unhurried pace, balancing private cultural encounters with time to wander and reflect. Stunning hotels, each chosen for their sense of place, offer space to rest and reconnect after days filled with art, history and culture.

Why France’s Northern Gems: Loire Valley, Brittany & Normandy

In detail

  • Days 1-3: Cheverny

    Days 1-3: Cheverny

    Begin your journey in the Loire Valley, a region of stunning natural beauty. Explore the region’s iconic châteaux – from the intricate turrets of Chambord to the graceful arches of Chenonceau spanning the River Cher. Each tells a story of innovation, artistry and ambition.

    Beyond the architecture, the valley offers plenty in the way of cuisine and fine wine. Stroll through morning markets, sample local cheeses and pastries, and enjoy private tastings at family-run vineyards surrounded by golden fields. Evenings are best spent over a glass of wine, watching the light fade over the vines.

    Stay in an elegant countryside retreat surrounded by woodland and vineyards.

  • Days 4-6: Dinard

    Days 4-6: Dinard

    Travel west to Brittany, where rugged cliffs and turquoise coves shape the coastline. 

    Visit nearby Saint-Malo, a walled city rich in maritime history. Walk its ramparts, wander through narrow stone streets, and sample Breton specialities like galettes and kouign-amann. Take a private excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel – one of France’s most remarkable landmarks – arriving before the crowds to experience its magic totally undisturbed.

    Return each evening to your coastal retreat, where the sound of the waves and the glow of the horizon set the tone for quiet evenings and unhurried dinners.

  • Days 7-9: Honfleur

    Days 7-9: Honfleur

    Your final days unfold in Honfleur, a harbour town of half-timbered houses complete with colourful facades. Spend your mornings exploring its cobbled lanes and art galleries, then venture further along the coast to see Étretat’s sculpted white cliffs.

    For those drawn to history, the nearby D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer offer moments of reflection amid striking natural beauty.

    Stay in a restored farmhouse overlooking the Seine estuary, once favoured by artists and poets. Here, gourmet dining, thoughtful service and a sense of history come together – a fitting reflection of France’s northern soul.

Add your Do Not Disturb moment

  • Discover the Louvre on a small group tour that goes beyond the basics. With skip-the-line access, expert commentary, and a curated route through the museum’s most iconic galleries, this experience offers clarity, insight, and a more thoughtful way to engage with one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions.

  • Discover a quieter side of Paris on a private Montmartre walking tour with an art historian. Explore hidden studios, historic sites, and the neighbourhood’s creative legacy.

  • Discover one of France’s best-kept cultural secrets with a private tour of the Musée Picasso in Antibes. Explore Picasso’s post-war works in a coastal setting.

  • Discover Bordeaux’s finest Grand Cru wines in a private masterclass. Expert-led tastings, rare vintages, and bespoke wine education await.

  • Private Loire Valley hot air balloon flights with views of châteaux and vineyards. A curated, quiet experience crafted by Do Not Disturb.

  • Experience Versailles with a private tour of the King’s Apartments. Exclusive access to hidden rooms reveals the personal worlds of Louis XV and Louis XVI.

  • Explore Les Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb on a private guided tour with skip-the-line access. A focused, expert-led journey into France’s military history.

  • Discover the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in private, with early access to its salons and themed gardens. A refined Riviera experience arranged seamlessly by Do Not Disturb.

  • Experience Château de Fontainebleau on a private tour with access to quieter rooms, hidden spaces and serene gardens. A curated cultural journey from Paris.

  • See the Musée d’Orsay without the crowds through a private early-morning tour. A refined Paris art experience arranged by Do Not Disturb.

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