La Belle France

What’s that huge white arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées? It’s the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Your licensed local guide will elaborate on this and other Parisian landmarks. See some of the city’s most famous sites, including the ornate 19th-century Opera, the presidential residence, and the Place de la Concorde—where, at the center, you’ll find the Obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in 1836. Spot chic locals (and plenty of tourists) strolling the Champs-Élysées. Look up at the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Visit Les Invalides (a refuge for war-wounded soldiers) and the École Militaire (Napoleon’s alma mater).

The world's largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a medieval fortress-turned-castle so grand it's worth a tour itself. You walk through the 71-foot glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei and added in 1989, and step into another world--one with carved ceilings, deep-set windows, and so many architectural details you could spend a week just admiring the rooms. The Mona Lisa is here, as well as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory (the headless statue, circa 200 BC, discovered at Samothrace). The Louvre has seven different departments of paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and antiquities. Don't miss the Egyptian collection, complete with creepy sarcophagi, or the collection of Greek ceramics, one of the largest in the world. Please note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.

Giverny visit (April-November only), Art Workshop, Art studio workshop class

A bohemian hub during the Belle Epoque era, Paris' Montmartre neighborhood is crowned by the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur. Explore one of Paris' most historic districts while you experience one of the best views of Paris from the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur.

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.

Built on an ancient holy site to house a relic of the Virgin Mary’s veil (still on display), this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known for its stained glass. With more than 20,000 square feet of windows, stepping inside feels like entering a jewel box. On the floor lies the only surviving medieval labyrinth, a 300-yard path once followed on pilgrims’ knees toward the image of paradise at the center.

Explore the lavish rooms of Château de Chenonceau, a 16th-century castle once home to Catherine de’ Medici. Stretching across the River Cher, its grounds feature a maze and stunning gardens with beautiful views.

Get an up-close view of this opulent castle that was once a residence for French kings during the Renaissance. Also the home for Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, this palace has a fascinating, rich history to share with all visitors.

Cooking class and dinner

Stop to see Mont-St-Michel, an enormous abbey that seems to rise up out of the water, completely isolated from any connecting land. Perched on an enormous rock just off the Normandy coast, the granite Abbey of Mont-St-Michel actually is linked to the mainland—by a narrow causeway that is covered with water during high tide. The Benedictine Abbey was founded in the 10th century, and has undergone many transformations since. Now it is a memorable complex of various buildings and styles—including rounded Romanesque arches and lacy Gothic vaulting—all culminating in a dramatic pointed spire. A major pilgrimage site for centuries, it was turned into a prison during the French Revolution, and the Benedictines did not return until 1966.

Dance Lesson

Stand atop the windswept cliffs of Pointe du Hoc and trace the path of U.S. Army Rangers who scaled its 100-foot face under enemy fire on D-Day. Carved into the earth by fierce combat, this site offers a powerful glimpse into the courage and sacrifice that helped turn the tide of World War II.

Ingenious engineering allowed the Allies to land at Arromanches on D-Day, when 600,000 tons of concrete were sunk to form an artificial harbor. Barges, jetties, and 10 miles of floating roadways brought troops ashore. At the Arromanches Museum, dioramas, models, and interactive displays bring this remarkable feat to life.

Step into the shoes of U.S. servicemen landing in Normandy on D-Day. Learn about their lives and experiences to gain both personal and historical perspective.

Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II.

Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-day excursion to Nice. Travel south on the TGV to the Riviera’s unofficial capital and explore Vieux Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Russian Church. Enjoy a free afternoon to soak in the charm of this coastal city before returning home.