Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Paris.
Upon arrival we will enjoy a short tour including the Luxembourg Gardens and then proceed to our centrally-located hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure until this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Our city tour introduces you to the timeless beauty and elegance of Paris. Cross the ornate bridges of the Seine as we explore the Left and Right Banks, discovering celebrated landmarks including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. Visit the Eiffel Tower, enduring symbol of Paris, and the magnificent Opéra Garnier, one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses. Conclude at the renowned House of Fragonard, discovering the artistry and centuries-old traditions behind France’s finest perfumes.
This morning, join Parisians on the local métro to experience Paris’ efficient transport system en route to historic Les Halles. Once home to the city’s central food market for centuries, this lively quarter remains known for its myriad specialty food shops. Explore its historic streets and some of Paris’ finest culinary destinations, including its oldest pâtisserie, while sampling seasonal cheeses, pastries, chocolates, wines, and more.
Leave the city behind and journey to Giverny, the charming village where Claude Monet lived and created the magnificent gardens that inspired many of his most celebrated works. Discover his beautifully preserved home and gardens, where colourful pathways, tranquil ponds, and reflections on the water reveal his deep connection with nature and inspired masterpieces such as The Japanese Bridge and the Water Lilies series. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Musée des Impressionnismes, dedicated to the Impressionist movement, and take time to stroll through the picturesque village that shaped Monet’s artistic vision.
Today we’ll visit the Musée d’Orsay, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh and many other renowned artists. Housed in a magnificent former railway station built for the 1900 Exposition, the museum’s grand Beaux-Arts architecture and luminous galleries provide a stunning setting for these exceptional works of art. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine River, offering a memorable perspective of Paris’ iconic landmarks from the water.
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Paris at your own pace. This afternoon, discover on foot two of Paris’ most captivating neighbourhoods, beginning with the historic Marais. Once a marshland, it has evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant quarters, known for its elegant 17th- and 18th-century mansions, charming streets, and unique atmosphere. Visit beautiful Place des Vosges and explore the neighbourhood’s rich heritage, from historic landmarks and grand residences to the Jewish quarter around Rue des Rosiers, as well as its galleries, boutiques, and cafés. Continue to Montmartre and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. At Place du Tertre, admire artists capturing Paris’ timeless charm on canvas, before enjoying dinner in a traditional Montmartre restaurant.
During your free time in Paris, explore the historic heart of the city on Île de la Cité, where you may visit magnificent Sainte Chapelle, explore the Conciergerie, or admire Notre-Dame Cathedral’s restored interior. Continue across to charming Île Saint-Louis, with its elegant 17th-century mansions, picturesque quays, independent boutiques, and a taste of famous Maison Berthillon ice cream.
Discover the splendour of Versailles, the magnificent palace transformed by Louis XIV, the Sun King, into a symbol of royal power and elegance that inspired admiration throughout Europe. Enjoy a guided visit of this extraordinary palace, followed by time to stroll through the beautifully designed gardens, with their grand fountains, sculptures, and perfectly manicured landscapes. Return to Paris and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, celebrate the cherished memories made throughout your journey with a Farewell Dinner as we bid adieu to the enchanting “City of Light.”
Air Canada takes us home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
