Journey to the heart of France
Step back in time from the Gallo-Roman era to the 20th century
Detailed program
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
On arrival at Paris airport, your driver will meet you and take you to the city center. Enjoy a one-hour cruise on the Seine for a first glimpse of Paris from the water. You are heading towards Le Mans. On arrival, take a walking tour of the Gallo-Roman city before being driven to your accommodation.
Overnight in Le Mans.
Day 2: Mayenne and Sarthe (Gallo-Roman period and middle ages)
With a local guide, you’ll head to Jublains to discover the must-see monuments of this ancient city. Visit Sainte-Suzanne, a charming medieval village ranked among the most beautiful in France. After a stroll through its narrow streets, you’ll be treated to a theatrical performance that immerses you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages (except on Sundays).
Overnight in Le Mans.
Day 3: Le Mans – Angers (Middle Ages)
Return to Le Mans for a guided tour of the old town. Depart for Angers, where you visit the medieval castle housing the famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Afterwards, stroll through the historic center and discover the Maison d’Adam, a half-timbered house dating from 1500, a symbol of Angevine pride.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 4: Loire Valley Castles (The «Renaissance»)
Explore the Loire Valley and visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé in Amboise, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. You’ll then stroll through the ancient streets of Amboise. Then on to the Château de Chenonceau, a Renaissance gem, before returning to Angers.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 5: Puy du Fou
An entire day devoted to discovering the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou. Enjoy a unique experience, immersing yourself in different historical eras through grandiose shows and impressive stagings. In the late afternoon, transfer to your accommodation in the Nantes area.
Overnight stay in or near Nantes.
Day 6: Nantes – Anjou (Industrial Revolution)
In Nantes, visit the Machines de l’île, an artistic project combining the worlds of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci and local industrial history. From Noyant-la-Gravoyère, take a funicular down to the Mine Bleue, 126 meters below ground. You’ll explore the galleries on a small train and learn about the life of the miners. Transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight in Laval or surrounding area.
Day 7: Normandy (Second World War)
You leave for Normandy and a guided tour of the D-Day beaches, including the Colleville American cemetery. Stop at Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial harbor built in 1944, then visit the Caen Memorial, a must-see place to understand the Second World War and its consequences.
Overnight in or near Caen.
Day 8: The Somme (First World War)
Arrive in the Somme and meet your guide for a tour of the 1916 battlefront. Discover the mine crater at Ovillers-la-Boisselle and the Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont-Hamel. Visit the Thiepval Memorial, one of the largest in the world, and its interpretation center. At the end of the day, visit the “Somme 1916” museum in Albert.
Overnight in or near Amiens.
Day 9: Paris
In the morning, you return to Paris. The day is free to enjoy your last visits, do some shopping or stroll around the capital at your own pace.
Overnight in Paris.
Day 10: Departure
In the morning, load your luggage onto the coach and enjoy a panoramic tour of Paris before being driven to the airport for your return flight.
Services included
- Transportation by coach or minivan according to the number of participants
- 9 nights in a hotel, youth hostel or accommodation center
- Half-board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10
- Visits and excursions as described in the program
- Travel file for tour leader
- VOYEL assistance 24 hours a day
Good to know
Program duration and activities can be modified
Optional / supplement
- Services of a VOYEL guide
- Lunches