DISCOVER Normandy and the Loire Valley: France Past and Present

Depart on an overnight flight to Paris and transfer to Rouen upon arrival. After time at leisure to get settled, gather with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, travel director, and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and a briefing about the journey ahead. (D)

The adventure begins in the heart of medieval Rouen, a key battleground between the English and French in the Hundred Years’ War. Having survived a brutal siege by the armies of King Henry V, Rouen became well known as the site where the English condemned Joan of Arc for heresy and put her to death at the age of 19, cementing her place in French history and folklore. Stroll the Place du Vieux Marché, where the divinely inspired teenager was burned at the stake, and follow winding lanes to the city’s 800-year-old cathedral, captured in many lights in a famous series of paintings by Claude Monet. Travel west along the banks of the River Seine to the harbor town of Honfleur, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own. Continue to your hotel, a farm estate in the village of Crépon, and enjoy dinner there together tonight. (B,D)

Begin your exploration of Normandy’s World War II history during a morning visit to the excellent Caen Memorial Museum, which commemorates both the Battle for Caen and the fragility of world peace in the 20th century. Next, head to the medieval town of Bayeux, miraculously spared from wartime bombing, and take a walking tour in its picturesque historic center. End the excursion in seaside Arromanches, where the remains of a Mulberry—an artificial harbor built by Allied forces to facilitate the Normandy landings—are still visible on the beach. Return to your hotel, where you’ll meet for dinner tonight. (B,D)

Spend the day immersed in the riveting history of D-Day and the Allied invasion of Normandy. Venture to the headland of Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs early on the morning of June 6, 1944. Wander the evocative site, where craters left by mortars remain and German bunkers still look out over the coast. Continue to the village of Saint-Mère-Église, where 82nd and 101st Airborne paratroopers dropped from the night skies on June 5. Learn about their daring mission at the Airborne Museum, and then head to Utah Beach, the westernmost landing point of the operation. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Omaha Beach, now a vast and tranquil stretch of sand, and meander amid thousands of simple grave markers at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Dine together at the hotel this evening. (B,L,D)

Journey south into the heart of the Loire Valley today, stopping en route for lunch on your own. During the Hundred Years’ War, when England controlled much of northern France, the French monarchy relocated to this region of fruit orchards and vineyards along the banks of the Loire River. Here they built more than 300 chateaux, often inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture. This afternoon, visit one of the most iconic of these palaces, the 16th-century Château de Chenonceau, built of radiant white limestone on arches over the Cher River. On a guided tour, learn its fascinating history, which features Catherine de Medici as well as wounded soldiers during World War I. Continue to your hotel in the town of Orléans and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Set out to explore Orléans, a city infused with the spirit and legend of Joan of Arc. In 1429, following a divine calling, the peasant girl led French forces to break the English siege, turning the tide of the Hundred Years’ War. Step into the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, home to a 17th-century organ and stained-glass windows that depict the life of Joan of Arc. See her statue at the Place du Martroi, and enjoy free time to meander along the pedestrian Rue de Bourgogne, flanked with centuries-old half-timbered houses. After lunch on your own, venture to a nearby winery for a tour and tasting of Loire Valley wines. Your evening is at leisure. (B)

Experience one of France’s most opulent châteaux during a morning visit to the Château de Chambord, a hunting lodge that was transformed into a 440-room palace by King Francis I in the 16th century. The largest of the Loire Valley’s magnificent châteaux, Chambord incorporates design by Leonardo da Vinci, who served for a time as an architect and engineer for the king. While the lavish interior was looted during the French Revolution, the elaborate architectural details are the real draw, from the chaos of turrets on the roof to the massive double-spiral staircase inside. After touring this royal retreat, travel to nearby Blois, where you’ll have free time to have lunch and explore the town and its imposing château.  Return to Orléans and toast our foray into French history and culture at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris for your flight home. (B)