Magic of France

Check-in at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Depart for Paris, France.

After a long transatlantic flight, you arrive in Paris – the City of Light, renowned for its art, fashion, and romance. In December, Paris is filled with the festive spirit: grand boulevards glowing with lights, shop windows adorned with elegant holiday decorations, and the sweet aroma of hot chocolate and hot wine (vin chaud). The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine appear even more enchanting under the crisp winter sky, evoking a feeling both warm and romantic. This is the perfect time to experience Paris in its timeless beauty and unique Christmas atmosphere. Check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner. (D)

Standing proudly on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Built in the 12th century, it is renowned for its magnificent rose windows, soaring towers, and intricate sculptures. After the devastating fire of 2019, the cathedral underwent a massive restoration project and was triumphantly reopened in December 2024. Notre-Dame is also immortalized in world literature through Victor Hugo’s famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which made the cathedral a symbol of Parisian spirit and history.
In the square in front of the cathedral lies Point Zéro des Routes de France (Kilometre Zero) – a bronze star-shaped marker that serves as the official starting point from which distances from Paris to all other cities and towns in France are measured. Visitors often pause here to take photos or make a wish.

Perched atop the Montmartre hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is an iconic landmark visible from many parts of the city. Built between 1875 and 1914 and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the basilica serves both as a place of worship and a symbol of hope and reconciliation. Visitors can admire its stunning mosaics, climb to the dome for panoramic views of Paris, or stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre – once home to famous artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh.

In the evening, enjoy a river cruise along the Seine, the lifeblood of Paris. Glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks, including the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay, with lights shimmering on the water. You will marvel at the Eiffel Tower sparkling every hour for five minutes, creating a magical and radiant spectacle. Paris is called the “City of Light” because it was one of the first cities to have street lighting and has long been a center of culture, knowledge, and the arts since the 17th century. (B/D)

Travel to Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous tidal island in Normandy, France. The medieval abbey, winding steep streets, and the surrounding tides create a spectacular natural wonder. This remarkable site is not only a historical landmark and a place of pilgrimage but also a unique tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Perched atop the island, the Benedictine Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, ingeniously designed to adapt to the rocky terrain. Construction began in 966 and continued from the 11th to the 16th centuries, dedicated to Archangel Michael. Over the centuries, Mont-Saint-Michel has served as a monastery, a formidable fortress, and even a prison during the French Revolution. After careful restoration, the site now welcomes visitors to explore its religious spaces, cloisters, and refectories, while enjoying panoramic views of the stunning bay.
Mont-Saint-Michel has also inspired countless artists and architects. It served as the model for the Kingdom of Corona in Disney’s animated film Tangled (2010), where Rapunzel is held captive. The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris also draws inspiration from Mont-Saint-Michel, combined with architectural elements from other iconic French landmarks.
Experiencing the dramatic tides is a must. During low tide, visitors can walk across the sands, while at high tide, the island emerges fully surrounded by water. Watching the majestic scenery at sunset and spending the night on the island offers an unforgettable experience. (B/D)

Discover one of Mont-Saint-Michel’s most iconic culinary treasures – La Mère Poulard. Founded in the late 19th century by Anne “Mère” Poulard, it quickly became famous for its soufflé omelettes, cooked over an open fire, light, fluffy, and melting in your mouth. Beyond being a bakery producing buttery pastries, caramel treats, and biscuits, La Mère Poulard also functions as a restaurant and hotel, offering a complete Mont-Saint-Michel experience. Before leaving this beautiful island, don’t forget to take home some biscuits or buttery pastries as souvenirs to keep the memories of this magical place.

Visit Normandy, in northern France, the historic site of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, during World War II. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation. Explore the beaches where the landings took place, including Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword, each carrying its own stories of courage and sacrifice.
In addition to the beaches, Normandy is home to numerous memorials, cemeteries, and museums honoring the soldiers who fought and fell, such as the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, the Normandy American Memorial, and the Caen Memorial Museum.
Return to Paris. (B/D)

The Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles), located about 20 km southwest of Paris, is one of the greatest monuments in the world and a symbol of the power of the French monarchy. Originally just a small hunting lodge under King Louis XIII, Versailles was expanded by King Louis XIV in the 17th century into a magnificent palace that became the political and artistic center of France. The Palace of Versailles is closely associated with King Louis XIV (1638–1715), the longest-reigning monarch in European history with 72 years on the throne. He was known as the “Sun King,” a symbol of absolute power and the grandeur of the French monarchy.
The architecture of the palace is a harmonious blend of Baroque and Rococo styles, highlighted by the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, lavish state apartments, and an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, and exquisite furnishings. The vast gardens of Versailles are laid out in perfect symmetry, adorned with fountains, canals, and long, straight pathways that stretch endlessly into the horizon.
In winter, especially during the Christmas season, Versailles becomes even more radiant with sparkling Christmas trees, concerts, and art exhibitions held within the palace, recreating the grandeur of royal life infused with the festive spirit of modern times.

Standing proudly on the Champs de Mars, the Eiffel Tower, at 334 meters tall, is considered a global symbol of France. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the tower initially received mixed reactions but quickly became an icon of French engineering and artistry. Your guide will take you inside the Eiffel Tower and up to the second floor, at a height of 115 meters, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.

Visit Place Vendôme, a prestigious square located in the first arrondissement, was created as a monument to the glory of the armies of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Visit the Latin Quarter, home to the Sorbonne University and student-filled cafes. Stroll through the Luxembourg Garden, admiring the flowers, fountains, and sculpted statues. Visit the Panthéon which houses a necropolis of well-known French figures: Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas.

Stop at Galeries Lafayette, one of Paris’s most famous department stores. The building is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau glass dome, luxurious fashion boutiques, and gourmet food sections. It attracts both locals and tourists seeking high-end fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, and French culinary delights. During the Christmas season, the store is beautifully decorated, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the rooftop terrace. (B/D)

Start the day with a relaxing stroll through the Tuileries Garden, a public garden featuring meticulously manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures, and vibrant Christmas decorations. Stop by the Christmas market to enjoy traditional French treats such as roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, or vin chaud – red wine infused with cinnamon, star anise, orange peel, and other spices, a seasonal specialty of autumn and winter in France.

Next, head to Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris. At its center stands the Luxor Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument over 3,000 years old, gifted to France in 1833. The obelisk is carved with hieroglyphs celebrating Pharaoh Ramses II, and its gilded tip glows beautifully under the festive lights.

Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues. During the Christmas season, the avenue sparkles with lights, luxury boutiques, and charming pop-up stalls. Visitors can shop to their heart’s content or sample French street food, pastries, and warm cider along the way.

End the walk at the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French army and completed in 1836. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, commemorating soldiers who died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. Capture memorable photos with the Arc framed by festive lights and the bustling avenue – a perfect conclusion to a day of sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the Christmas spirit in Paris. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner in the evening. (B/D)

Fly back to the United States. (B)