Paris (2-4 nights)

Begin your journey on Île de la Cité, exploring Notre-Dame’s exterior, the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, and the historic Conciergerie. Wander through the Latin Quarter, passing the Panthéon and cafés that inspired Paris’s literary greats. Visit the Louvre, once a royal fortress, and reflect at Place de la Concorde and atop the Arc de Triomphe. Dive into the city’s darker history in the Catacombs. For a grand finale, take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles—relish the opulent Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens that tell the story of royal France before the Revolution.

Normandy (3-4 nights)

Normandy offers a poignant blend of history, countryside charm, and culinary delight. Walk the D-Day beaches and pay respects at the moving military cemeteries. Explore Bayeux’s medieval streets and the iconic Tapestry Museum, then continue to the island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel rising from tidal sands. In between, savor Normandy’s rural flavors at a local farm, sampling creamy cheeses and crisp ciders (or even a splash of calvados). Top it all off with a peaceful countryside drive along the cider route, passing apple orchards and pastoral villages that feel lifted from another era.

Champagne Region (2–4 nights)

Imagine wandering through the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, descending into centuries-old chalk cellars carved beneath the earth, and toasting with sparkling vintages at storied houses like Taittinger or family-run gems in Hautvillers. Wander through picture-perfect villages, where every street evokes timeless charm, then head into the vineyards for a gourmet picnic, complete with local cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly popped Champagne among the vines. Whether you’re sipping bubbly in grandiose caves or enjoying an authentic family-run tasting, Champagne offers a spirited blend of history, flavor, and French countryside romance.