Tour Code: 27NFR

Tour Manager & Tour Leader: Matt Daniel

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.

• 12 nights in 3-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. 

• 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.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:  The itinerary and price are subject to change.

• Domestic and/or international airfares.
• Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.
• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.
• Travel Insurance.
• All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETA, ETIAS, etc.
• 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/payments may be required.
● Significant walking expected during the tour.  Moderate physical fitness is required.
● Please consult the most recent version of the HOT terms and conditions. Please click HERE.
● Hands on Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you
and your travel investment against the unexpected. To learn more, please click HERE.

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!”

Updated as of 04/14/2025

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.