Tour Code: 27NFR
Tour Manager & Tour Leader: Matt Daniel
Group Size: 8 - 14
Activity level: Moderate

We explore the best of Northern France, especially the ‘City of Lights’, Paris, along with visits to: the incredible Palace of Versailles; the somber WWII sites in Normand region; the inspiring Mont St. Michel; the picturesque castles of Loire Valley; and historical towns nearby.

Monday, April 12
Arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris. Meet your tour guides. Hop in our vans and drive to visit Chantilly Chateaux, one of the most beautiful and historic castles in France. Check in at the hotel and enjoy our welcome dinner. Overnight in Chantilly.

Tuesday, April 13
Check out of the hotel and head to Rouen for a quick lunch stop. See where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake as well as the burial of the great Viking chief, Rollo. Then, we drive to Bayeux, known primarily for the Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century masterpiece depicting the Norman Conquest of England, and it also boasts the stunning Gothic Bayeux Cathedral. Head to Arromanches, the gateway to many World War II sites. Check in at the hotel for 2 nights in Arromanches.

Wednesday, April 14
Today, it’s all about the D-Day / WWII sights: Starting with the museum in Arromanches, followed by the Longues-sur-Mer gun battery, Normandy American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, and Omaha Beach.

Thursday, April 15
Check out of the hotel and drive to Mont St. Michel, one of France’s most popular sights. Spend most of the day here to explore the interesting history of the island. Then continue to drive and arrive in St. Malo to check in at the hotel for 2 nights.  Around late afternoon, we walk inside St. Malo, a historic port city known for its walled citadel and pirate stories. 

Friday, April 16
Ready for a morning coastal scenic drive. See the picturesque Pointe du Chevet, Fort la Latte, and Cap Frehel.  Return to St. Malo.  Free time afterwards.

Saturday, April 17
Check out of the hotel early and enjoy a long scenic drive to Amboise, located deep in the Loire Valley. Visit the Chateaux of du Clos-Lucè where Leonardo Da Vinci worked. Stay for 3 nights in Amboise.

Sunday, April 18
Drive to visit a ‘feminine’ Chateau de Chenonceau, rich with women’s history, for the day. Return to Amboise with a stopover for wine tasting in a historic cellar / cave.  

Monday, April 19
Drive to visit the Chateau Cheverny to experience a 'millionaire' home.  See the uber-excited hound dogs.  Spend all afternoon at the Chambord Chateau, especially seeing Da Vinci's famous double helix staircase and the crazy rooftop.  Return to Amboise.  

Tuesday, April 20
Check out of the hotel and head to the Palace of Versailles! Explore all day inside the palace with a local Deaf guide as well as the extravagant gardens outside. Continue to Paris, the City of Lights, and check in at the hotel for 4 nights.

Wednesday, April 21
Head to International Visual Theater (IVT), a renowned deaf theater, and participate in a fun French Sign Language and Deaf Culture workshop. Do a walking tour inside the historic Montmartre district where Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and Picasso once lived. See Sacre-Coeur church atop the hill and view the city from above.

Thursday, April 22
Start your morning at the St. Jacques deaf school with a local Deaf guide, where Laurent Clerc spent his formative years under the tutelage of Abbe Sicard. Stroll through the picturesque Luxembourg Gardens nearby. Arrive in the heart of Paris, Ile de la Cité, and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle with a local Deaf guide. End your evening atop the Arc de Triomphe.

Friday, April 23
Kick off your entire day with a bang by going atop the Eiffel Tower! Walk over to the Invalides where we can see Napoleon’s tomb. Then, head to the Louvre Museum and get a close-up peek of the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more, with a local Deaf guide. Nearby, briefly see the Abbe de l’Epee cenotaph, the statue of Saint Joan of Arc, the Tuileries Gardens, and more. Have a farewell dinner before hopping on a late evening cruise to bid ‘adieu’ to Paris.

Saturday, April 24
Check out of the hotel anytime for your flight departure or to your next respective destination.

Updated as of 04/14/2025

Matt, born in the former GDR (German Democratic Republic), Matthias brings a wealth of experience to the table as a social worker, trainer, manager, and financial officer. His diverse background reflects his multifaceted personality and passion for connecting with others.

A seasoned traveler, Matthias finds his heart drawn to Japan and the Brittany region of France, which he considers his “heartland.” Now based in Paris, he shares his life with his French partner, Alexandre, who is proudly from Brittany. Known for his warm and radiant smile, Matthias loves meeting people from all walks of life. His motto: “Just smile and be happy!”

• 12 nights in 3/4-star accommodations.

• 14 meals: Breakfast (12), Dinner (2)

• Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.

• Services of local deaf guides.

• All transportation expenses.

• All city and/or tourist taxes. 

• Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.

• All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.

• Informative travel preparation packet.

• $100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.

• Domestic and/or international airfares.

• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.

• Travel Insurance.

• All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETIAS.

• Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides

• Tour begins in Paris, France and ends in Paris, France

• Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants

• When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits or payments may be required

• Significant walking is expected during the tour, and moderate physical fitness is required

• Hands On Travel recommends purchasing a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected

• Last but not least, please read Hands On Travel's Terms & Conditions.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Email: matt@handson.travel

With this tour confirmation, your $500 deposit is now non-refundable in any event you need to back out. However, it may be transferable to a future tour.