Blooming buddies
A Post Garden Tour exploration of France
September 13-17, 2024
Prepare for an enchanting escapade to the mesmerizing sights of France, where history whispers in the sea breeze at Mont St. Michel and elegance flows through the streets of Paris.
Begin this unforgettable journey at the iconic island commune of Mont St. Michel, where medieval architecture and stunning vistas await. Then, meander through the heart of France, stopping in picturesque towns that boast cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques.
Culminate your adventure in the City of Light, Paris, where the allure of fashion, art, and cuisine beckons.
This trip promises to be a blend of relaxation and exploration set against the backdrop of France's most beautiful landscapes and vibrant cultures.
September 13:
Mont St. Michel
An early start is advantageous, particularly for those seeking to bypass the crowds.
Departing at 7:30 AM will ensure we can begin our exploration of Mont Saint Michel.
Here, you are invited to immerse yourselves fully in the captivating ambiance that permeates this historical island.
Begin your day with a guided tour of the abbey that sits majestically at the island's peak, offering insights into centuries of religious and military history.
The abbey, a marvel of medieval architecture nestled against the sky, narrates stories of devotion and resilience.
Wander through the winding streets lined with ancient buildings, each stone telling a tale of times long past.
Be sure to visit the local shops that offer unique artisanal crafts and souvenirs, perfect for capturing the essence of Mont St. Michel to take home.
The gastronomic delights of the island should not be missed! If possible, try sampling omelets at La Mère Poulard, renowned worldwide, to savoring fresh seafood dishes that reflect the island's coastal heritage.
After immersing in the medieval charm of Mont St. Michel, your next stop is the quaint town of Bayeux.
Nestled in the heart of Normandy, Bayeux appears as if plucked from a storybook, with its rich history and picturesque scenery.
Tonight, you'll have the opportunity to unwind in cozy, traditional French lodging, savoring the local cuisine that is both hearty and exquisite.
MEET YOUR TOUR GUIDE, Alain Baudoux
“Hello ! I'm a French Official National Guide-Lecturer.
I studied and graduated, . . and love, history of arts, history and journalism ; I love to show you the backstage of France and Europe, the heritage that we share with the world, the gastronomy, the culture, the beaches and the farms, the mountains and the traditions of this two-millennium old country. I served in army in the "Rivers Engineers" in Germany. I'll do everything to make your day worth, with a good vibe and humor ! :)
I'm a Licensed National Guide-Lecturer fully authorized to guide inside museums and historic sites.
My degree covers History, Architectural Heritage, Arts and History of Arts.”
CONTACT INFO:
Phone: +33620475140
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Guiding Services
Tickets
Private Transportation
Suggested Gratuity
$125/pp
As a gesture of appreciation for the exceptional service provided, we recommend a suggested gratuity of $125 per person for your guide. This amount acknowledges the guide's efforts in not only navigating and driving you throughout the tour but also ensuring a memorable experience over the course of two days. Your gratuity helps support the dedication and hard work that goes into delivering a fantastic adventure. Thank you for considering this contribution!
Villa Lara
September 13-14
Confirmation #: CJ74NNR5KLU9 1HTSRIH2
Breakfast not included
2 Deluxe rooms (double occupancy, 2 beds)
-Mary and Marlene
-Nancy and Karen
1 Executive room (single occupancy, 1 bed)
-Susan
Address:
6 Pl. de Québec, 14400 Bayeux, France
Phone:
+33231920055
This 5-star hotel is located in the very heart of Bayeux’s historic and medieval centre, across from the cathedral and a short distance from the famous tapestry and the D-Day beaches.
The hotel is composed of two neighbouring buildings, the Villa Lara, which opened in 2012, and the Villa Augustine, open since 2019. The Villa Lara houses the common spaces and 28 of our rooms, while the Villa Augustine houses our 4 presidential suites.
September 14:
Bayeux, Honfleur, Rouen
Awakening to the promise of a new adventure, your day begins in the historic town of Bayeux, nestled in the heart of Normandy. Here, the medieval streets whisper tales of the past, leading you to the renowned Bayeux Tapestry.
This extraordinary piece of embroidery, chronicling the Norman Conquest, unfolds before you in intricate detail, a testament to the meticulous artistry of the 11th century.
Your exploration continues as you meander toward the enchanting town of Honfleur. Known for its picturesque old port, surrounded by vibrantly painted houses, Honfleur feels like stepping into a living Impressionist painting. Strolling around the Vieux Bassin, you can glimpse the artistic soul of the town, lingering in cafes and galleries that line the waterfront, breathing in the sea-scented air that once inspired great artists like Boudin and Monet.
As afternoon fades, the road beckons you to Rouen, a city where the echoes of history and the pulse of modern life blend seamlessly. Walking through its ancient heart, you'll encounter the stunning Gothic architecture of Rouen Cathedral, a structure immortalized by Monet’s luminous series of paintings. The city's rich past is also palpably felt at the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc met her heroic end. Here, history is palpable, inviting contemplation and admiration in equal measure.
Finally, as dusk begins to envelop the landscape, you end your day in Paris, where the city’s nightly transformation is underway. The vibrant energy of the day gives way to a relaxed, enchanting evening ambiance.
Paris at night offers a different kind of magic, one that enchants the senses and invites exploration. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the Seine, admiring the brilliantly lit landmarks, or enjoying a quiet moment in one of the many bistros, the nocturnal beauty of Paris wraps the day's journey in a luminous glow, setting the stage for another day of discovery and awe.
Select Hotel - Rive Gauche
September 14-17
Confirmation #: IN1MY2
Breakfast not included
2 Executive rooms (double occupancy, 2 beds)
-Mary and Marlene
-Nancy and Karen
1 Small Double room (single occupancy, 1 bed)
-Susan
Address:
1 Place De La Sorbonne, Paris, Paris, 75005
Phone:
+33146341480
In the 5th arrondissement, one of the most popular in the capital, the Select Hotel in Paris is a haven of peace and light in the heart of the dynamic Latin Quarter. The lounges bathed in light, arranged around the atrium, are the perfect place to relax, read and daydream.
In this sophisticated ambiance, synonymous with travel, you will appreciate the comfort and services of our 4 star hotel in Paris' 5th arrondissement: a bar nestled in an alcove, a library, a lounge, vaulted stone rooms, in the spirit of the Saint Germain des Prés cellars, where you can take your breakfast...although, we suggest enjoying breakfast in one of Paris’ many local cafes, just steps from the hotel.
Opposite the famous Sorbonne university and within walking distance of the Pantheon, the Select Hotel invites you to partake in a delightful trip around literary Paris. Step over the threshold and discover a unique universe, both pure and colourful, where the works of contemporary artists have found their home.
And then there was light... Behind the hotel's 18th century façade, hides a surprisingly light designer interior with a glass roof crowning the two-tiered cactus garden.
The lounges, which open onto the glazed atrium, welcome you to an intimate and warm setting. A labyrinth of stone and granite leads you to 18th century vaulted breakfast rooms. For each moment of the day... there is a corresponding quiet spot: the hall, the lounge with its central chimney, the bar and its alcove, the library, the TV room, the winter garden and its sculptures...
September 15:
Montmartre
9:30am- Musée d'Orsay
(timed ticket)
4:15pm- Montmartre Experience with Private Vineyard Tasting, Museum Tour, & Sacré-Coeur
Montmartre NOTE: We strongly advise all visitors to carry a printed copy of their booking vouchers and a valid ID.
Montmartre Meeting Point: Meet your guide outside the Anvers Metro entrance. Your guide will be holding a green “Walks” sign with the fleur-de-lis.
Click HERE for a map of the meeting point
Musée d'Orsay
In Paris, the city's heartbeat synchronizes with your own as you awaken to a day unscripted by itineraries—a day to inhale Paris at your leisure.
Start your day with a timed entry ticket for the Musée d'Orsay.
Ensuring a seamless cultural experience, tickets for the Musée d'Orsay provide entry into a world where art speaks the language of revolution and beauty.
This remarkable museum, housed in the beaux-arts former Orsay railway station, showcases a stunning collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces that have profoundly influenced the art world.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the works of Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and many more, exploring the breadth of creativity that defined an era of artistic innovation.
Montmartre Experience
Later this afternoon (at 4:15pm), meet your guide outside the Anvers Metro entrance. Your guide will be holding a green “Walks” sign with the fleur-de-lis.
Click HERE for a map of the meeting point
Montmartre’s colorful artistic heritage and stunning scenery have placed it at the top of many a Paris bucket list. This means that it’s often hard to find your way around—especially earlier in the day, when it’s at its most crowded—not to mention have a truly authentic experience.
On this relaxed early evening Montmartre walking tour, you’ll explore the neighborhood with a local, following in the footsteps of artists, musicians, and activists who left a lasting mark on its cobblestoned streets.
From the top of the hill at the magnificent Sacré-Coeur to a private stroll among the vines at a hidden urban vineyard, this is the Montmartre so many visitors seek out, yet few can claim to have truly found.
You’ll visit these sites:
Place du Tertre
Square Louise Michel
Sacré Cœur
Moulin de la Galette (exterior)
Montmartre Museum
Suzanne Valadon and Renoir's studio
Clos Montmartre Vineyard
Lapin Agile Cabaret (exterior)
Statue of Saint-Denis
Dalida's Bust
Tour includes:
Private tour of the Montmartre vineyard
Exclusive wine tasting
Skip the line tickets to the Montmartre Museum
Funicular ticket to the steps of the Sacré Coeur
Local English-speaking guide
September 16:
Louvre & Seine River cruise
The Louvre, a former royal palace with roots reaching back to the 12th century, stands as a monumental beacon of culture and art in the heart of Paris.
Inside, visitors traverse through epochs of human creativity, from ancient civilizations to 19th-century European masterpieces. Its galleries house some of the world’s most celebrated works, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the graceful Venus de Milo.
An architectural marvel in itself, the Louvre's iconic glass pyramid juxtaposes the historical gravitas of its surroundings with a touch of modernity, inviting art lovers into a world where the past converses with the present.
River Seine Cruise
After a day absorbed in the rich tapestry of art and history, take a moment to savor a delightful late lunch or early dinner.
Then, as evening unfurls and Paris begins to twinkle under the onset of night, set sail on a serene cruise along the Seine River. This enchanting voyage offers a mesmerizing perspective of the city as its landmarks illuminate, casting a spellbinding glow that dances upon the water.
This experience encapsulates the essence of Paris—not just its visual delights but the unforgettable feeling of being at the heart of one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
September 17:
Depart for USA
As the sun rises over the Seine on our final day, the enchanting allure of Paris bids you a bittersweet farewell.
Your suitcases packed with memories, artisanal treasures, and the indelible spirit of France, you prepare for your departure back home.
The bustling city streets, once brimming with the possibility of new discoveries, now usher you toward the conclusion of your adventure.
(7:30AM Departure transfer is included in this package)
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, as you await your flight, the echoes of Parisian life—the laughter in cafés, the clink of glasses, and the soft whispers of the Seine—remain with you, a comforting reminder of the beauty and romance we've experienced.
In this moment of reflection, you understand that while your journey in France may be ending, the impressions it has left on you are everlasting.
You hopefully depart with a promise to yourselves to return, but until then, you’ll carry Paris in your hearts, letting its charm and elegance inspire you wherever you may find yourselves in the world.
TRAVEL DETAILS
TRANSFERS
September 13
7:30am pickup from Castel Beau Site (in Ploumanac'h) visiting Mont St. Michele, ending the day in Bayeux
September 14
9am departure from Bayeux, touring on the way to Paris
September 17
7:30 am departure from hotel to CDG airport
ACCOMODATION
Bayeux
Villa Lara
September 13-14
Executive room (single occupancy)
Deluxe room x2 (double occupancy)
Paris
Select Hotel - Rive Gauche
September 14-17
Small Double (single occupancy)
Executive Double x2 (double occupancy)
F.A.Q.
WHAT TIME IS THE CHECK IN TO THE ACCOMMODATIONS?
Check in at your accommodations will not be until 3pm.
If you arrive prior to your hotel being ready, the front desk will be able to hold your bags securely while you go out and enjoy the city.
Are meals INCLUDED?
No meals are not included.
Breakfast may be included at some hotels (this will be noted above with the hotel information)
Can I pay by Zelle?
Yes!
We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).
Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.
Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.
Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.
The Pros for using Zelle:
It is FREE (no processing fees)!
It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)
The Cons for using Zelle:
Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.
It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.
Can I pay by check?
Yes!
If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.
Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.
There are two ways to pay by check:
Mail the check
Deposit directly at a local branch
REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.
(Please submit one registration form per person)
Pricing details
package price:
(Price is per person)
Double occupancy
$2644/pp
Single occupancy
$3055
*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages.. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE
Ground transportation
as described above
Accommodations
Mont St. Michel tour
Transer to Paris w/touring
Louvre tickets
Most taxes and fees
Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Optional Tours
as described above
Ground transportation not listed in the itinerary (i.e. taxis, train, metro, etc.)
Incidental charges
Local Tax
4% processing fee per payment (only if paying w/credit card)
Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)
Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY
World Wide Trip Protector Edge ‘Basic’
World Wide Trip Protector ‘Premium’
Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.
REGISTRATION
A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)
If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.
FINAL PAYMENT
Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.
Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.
Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.
CANCELLATION
Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:
Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.
Zone Travel LLC and its cooperative destination incur unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 60 days before departure. Cancellations more than 60 days prior to departure are based on individual group bookings per the outlined confirmation document you receive.
We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.
Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.
By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.
Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT
Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.
Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."
Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.
EDGE PLAN:
(BASIC PROTECTION)
Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 14 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)
Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption
Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage
Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection
Medical and Evacuation coverage
WORLDWIDE TRIP PROTECTOR:
(PREMIUM PROTECTION)
Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 21 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)
Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption
Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage
Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection
Medical and Evacuation coverage
