Paris & the Heart of France in 11 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the experience was amazing. There are going to be bumps in the road while traveling but, as always, Rick Steves does an amazing job putting together an amazing total package.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The D-Day beaches and guide! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful guide, fascinating sights, especially nice co-travelers

Favorite "WOW" moment

"“The ladies castle” at Chenonceau"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful tour. I appreciated the extras like the wine tasting and the sampling of calvados. All of the guides were outstanding - the walk around Les Halles, the Louvre, Mont St.Michel, and Normandy. They were knowledgeable, interesting and made each experience so much more meaningful. The Normandy guide's tour was an emotional experience. You could tell it was very personal for him. It was fittingly a somber day. Our tour director, Linda, was an absolute gem. Funny, knowledgeable

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chenanceau, Normandy, Mont St.Michel. It's difficult to narrow down. Every American should make a pilgrimage to Normandy. It's a reminder of the tragic cost of war. I was deeply grateful to the French people for the respect and reverence they still show for the Allies' sacrifice all these years later. That means a great deal to me. Each little town we visited I could have spent more time in - Bourges, Dinan, Amboise. Truly a beautiful country. Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved everything about this tour. Every day was outstanding and the places we visited were unforgettable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For us it was our view from room the two nights we spent in Normandy. But the guide for the D-Day tour was absolutely the best guide we've ever had at a site. His knowledge and storytelling made that day all the more special. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really enjoyed the tour overall. It was nice to have time on our own, and the ability to pick and choose what we participate in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views from hour hotel rooms on Mont St. Michel and Normandy."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour of Northern France was lovely. We covered a lot of ground and a taste of some wonderful village towns (Bourges, Amboise) wonderful places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Bourges - walking into the cathedral and hearing two young girls preparing for service with the voices of angels. Mont St Michel - Singing morning mass in the abbey. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic! Already shopping for the next Rick Steves Tour. Our guide Richard, provided information that was interesting and fun. He made the trip even more fun and memorable. The small group size was perfect. Liked the balance of time on our own and tour time. The hotels were all interesting and the food was good. I wondered several times how you could put Eve together for the price. Wish I was still in France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying and touring at Mt. St. Michelle and exploring parks and cafes and shopping in Paris. Favorite Castle visit was Chenonceau. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well organized and informative to the people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I enjoyed all the castles and gardens "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Veronique did a great job guiding us around the heart of France. She filled us in at each stop about the culture, food, sites, and experiences we had planned. She maintained a timely and organized tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sleeping on Mont Saint Michel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was very interesting and helpful to be on a guided tour. First time doing that. It was nice to not have to plan everything in advance.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont Saint Michel was an outstanding wow moment from the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful trip with a great guide in fantastic cities and towns.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don’t have one wow moment. There are so many moments to remember…. From the sunset on the Eiffel Tower to the amazing art in the Paris museum. From Giverny to the Normandy beaches. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A wonderful time seeing and experiencing parts of France with a great tour guide and friendly co-travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Mont St Michel for the first time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a great introduction to France. It hit the "must see" aspects of Paris and through the Loire region and in Normandy. Everything was very efficient, and our tour guide was great, as was our driver, and the various people we encountered along the way who were part of the tour experience. The opportunities to experience food and people were great, as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michel is definitely a "wow" experience, from the moment you first encounter it. I would say the very beginning, in Paris, from walking up to the Hotel de Ville to crossing the river to arriving at (and entering) Notre Dame were signature moments. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic trip. Exceeded our expectations. The itinerary, guide, travel, food and accommodations were excellent. Our guide(s) led us through many Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley sights and highlights, and we have many experiences we will forever cherish.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to single one out. Watching sunsets from the Eiffel Tower and the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains. Appreciating the restored Notre Dame. The joy of art at The Louve, Musee De L’Orangerie, Musee d’Orsay. Wandering around Mont Saint Michel. Strolling and eating in small French towns. Experiencing chateaus, churches and cathedrals. Touring Normandy beaches, cemeteries and museums. The peaceful beauty of Monet’s home in Giverny."

Everything went smoothly and better than I expected given a 'group' experience. I was impressed that all the participants were on time, every time. Several of the places I experienced I would not have on my own, and the smaller cities stood out more uniquely.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Attending morning prayers at Mont St Michel with the monk and the beautiful harmonies of the nuns. An ebike ride outside of Amboise and a string ensemble in Madeliene cathedral. All of those were personal 'add ons' but without the tour I wouldn't have had the opportunity. My tour wow - was the bakery inside the highway reststops!! Wow!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As usual, this RS tour has a nice mix of the big tourist attractions and out-of-the-way experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, it was standing on the beaches of Normandy and thinking about D-Day. It was quite emotional as I considered the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Veronique , our tour guide was a delight. Her quick wit combined with knowledge was over the top.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont ST Michel was truly a wow moment for us. Spending the night in it was an extra surprise "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well run with an excellent guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Spending the night at Mount St. Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The variety of different activities. From the chateau’s to D-day beaches. The history comes alive with guides well versed in their subject matter

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Chateau de Chenonceau was so impressive. Such a romantic location of palace arches over the Cher River and the fresh flower arrangements in the various rooms were lovely works of beauty. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a wonderful mix of big city (Paris), and villages. We loved being able to visit several different regions and learn more about the history and culture of each, and what makes them unique.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment was our day spent touring the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the American cemetery."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was excellent and far exceeded my expectations. I think a big part of this was due to having an exceptional tour guide. Linda was amazing. And fun. And patient. She provided detailed information about each stop along the way. Even giving us a lesson on how to navigate the train. Due to food allergies, I brought along some staples, as I didn't expect my dietary needs would be met. Instead, Linda was a "watch dog", making sure that accommodations were in place

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I didn't realize that at each site, we would have an additional guide with expertise in the area. A "wow" moment for me was being present in the abbey of St Mont Michel for the chanting and singing by the nuns and priests. Also, another concert I happened upon. For my husband, it was Normandy and our excellent guide, Dale Booth. The camaraderie of our group was amazing, as was Linda's facilitation of every detail along the way. A Paris traffic jam was a wow, along with a driver's skills."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Linda, our tour guide, was incredible. The tours were good. Overall, a great trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy beaches"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Linda, our tour guide, was excellent and provided us with great direction and information during the entire trip. Pascale, our driver, was very skilled and amazed us with his abilities. In addition, the local guides were knowledgable and provided such great details of the areas they covered.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The most meaningful moment to me was standing on the Utah and Omaha Beaches, Normandy and hearing our local guide, Dale, provide us with the details of how the German's prepared for the American landings and the efforts and actions of the paratroopers and soldiers to overcome and succeed in their mission, in spite of the confusion and difficulties. He helped me understand the circumstances the Americans faced on June 6, 1944 and enhanced my appreciation of their sacrifices."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Linda was fabulous as was the local guides. Plenty of free time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The night at Mont Saint Michel was incredible and the morning worhip at the Abby was meaningful"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A good mix of history, culture, and sites with architectural interest. Paris neighborhood walking tours were informative and fun, and we enjoyed exploring the French countryside, Loire Valley Châteaux, and small towns and villages. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey was good, but we were bothered by the heat and noise during our hotel stay. All in all, this was a great experience made even better with our wonderful tour guide. Linda’s knowledge, passion for France, and vibrant personality, made it special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"After touring nearby Notre-Dame cathedral (the "Grand Dame"), we ventured inside the smaller, royal chapel, Sainte-Chapelle. Standing there, surrounded by the chapel’s brilliant 13th century stained glass windows that reach up to the domed ceiling far above, was an experience that is hard to capture in words or photos. The transcendent feeling inspired by these walls of light was something that will stay with me long after our visit."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Incredible tour guide (Linda), knowledgeable local guides, notably our guide on the Normandy Beaches. Great food, culture & scenery.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Eiffel Tower at the top, view of Paris from Montmartre, and seeing the Eiffel Tower at night after a dinner cruise on the Seine."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Our guide, Linda, was top-notch with wonderful personal stories and a great sense of humor. She made the tour fun and educational We also had a great bus driver in Pascal. The local guides were all excellent, particularly Nicolas at the winery who was hilarious and Dale Booth who did our D day tour. He was exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was very moved by Normandy and the D Day experience. Our local guide, Dale, brought the events to life and I can still see his drawings in the sand in my head. His knowledge and explanations gave me a far deeper understanding of the events of that day. I have a deep level of appreciation for the planning and execution of those events and reverence for the lives that were lost."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide as always (Linda) and good use of time! Local guides were outstanding, particularly at the D Day beaches. I like the mix of group and free time, it’s a tour strength for me every time!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking up the steps into Saint Chappelle! I gasped out loud! I’ve seen it in pictures but in person it is just beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall positive experience with excellent lead and supplemental tour guides, great bus driver, and well organized, interesting itinerary. The amount of knowledge, history, architecture, and culture shared with our tour group was impressive - We learned a lot about Paris & France!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough choice. All the churches and chateaus were stunning. My 'wow' moment was standing in Monet's Gardens at Giverny, and feeling like I was transported into his paintings, especially after seeing his panels at Musee de l'Orangerie."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome guide/local guides, beautiful sites - wish the weather was better, but as they say, “que sera, sera”

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Eiffel Tower at night "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another RSE home run, in terms of itinerary, tour guide, local guides and geniality of the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was shocked by my emotional reaction to the American Military Cemetery and the Normandy D-Day beaches. Carrying many thoughts and feelings about it still."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fun, educational and Tasty! Marie orchestrated our group’s schedule & activities with knowledge, kindness and humor. I appreciate her very much. We had so many amazing local guides. Stuart’s vivid yet reverent telling of the events of D-Day morning as we stood on the beaches of Normandy and his ongoing personal effort to “not let us forget”. Our hilarious, yet very educational experience with our host Nicolas at his winery and the equally entertaining Anthony at the cider tasting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sometimes it’s the small things… • Returning to Paris and driving down Avenue des Champs-Élysées, singing Les Champs-Elysées (yes, it’s still stuck in my head, thank you very much Marie) as we circled the Arc de Triomphe. • The dawn climb to the Abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel, and the view as the sun rose • Twirling in the ballroom at Château de Chenonceau and the apple trees in the garden. Catching tour members in the double helix staircase window at Chambord. • New and old friends to laugh with."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved France, our guide Marie and all our local expert guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had apprehension traveling to France. Not just from the language barrier but because of the adage that the French are rude. I came home with a new perspective on the French culture. I enjoyed the sites, the food and interacting with the locals. I never felt uncomfortable or encountered rudeness. I would recommend that anyone who has not been to France should go and enjoy everything about it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The best memories are walking on Gold Beach in Normandy with my husband. Just being in that moment and thinking of what it must have been like during the war. The second best memory is listening the the monks and nuns at their morning prayer on Mont St Michel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great tour. Marie was an excellent guide who made the experience fun. The fellow Rick Steves' travelers were friendly and inquisitive

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The time learning about DDay beaches was solemn and reverent and our guide (Stuart Robertson) was exceptional. While Monet's garden was packed full of other tourists it was great to see the painting come to life. . The DaVinci house and garden tour was an unexpected surprise."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my third Rick Steves tour and it was everything I hoped for with a fabulous guide, Rebecca, and friendly group of fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The diversity of experiences is my wow: wine tasting with Nicolas at Chateau De Selles Sur Cher in the Loire Valley, visiting the fairytale Cheateau De Chenonceau, spending the night on Mont Saint Michel, touring the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, the gardens at Giverney . . . It’s hard to believe we did all of this (and more) in one trip! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our guide, Rebecca, was excellent! She was well prepared for each day with history, directions and helpful hints on language and French customs. The guides at Mt. Michel and Normandy were very excellent as well. The hotels in Bourges (Best Western) and Mt. St. Michel were okay, but the rest were sub-par. I suggest better hotel accommodations would enhance the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Louvre, Mt. St. Michel and the Normandy tour"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The people we traveled with our wonderful guide Rebecca and of course the fabulous places we visited and the food we ate. Rebecca taught us how to be a local riding the metro. Easy once you know how.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy was wonderful yet sobering. It's been on our bucket list for years. The local guide who spent 6 hours with us was outstanding to say the least. He gave us a deep dive into this special place that we could not have gotten on our own."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a great combination of a variety of experiences with a knowledgeable and friendly guide, a comfortable bus, decent accommodations and time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was definitely staying at Mont St. Michel. We arrived as the crowds were leaving, giving us the opportunity to experience this special place at our leisure. I appreciate the planning that went into visiting this location and the guidance from our tour guide Rebecca on packing lightly, available activities and orientation."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was an exceptional tour. Rebecca is a fabulous tour guide and enriched our France experience. The group of travelers got along very well together and seemed to have a lot in common. I loved the tips and tricks that Rebecca shared with us to help us be a respectful tourist in France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved Paris and loved Normandy - very impactful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First, all of the logistics, daily schedules, times to be on the bus, arrivals at various sites, et cetera were all perfect, easy to understand, clear instructions and information from the guide (Rebecca) -- it was virtually impossible not to understand what we were doing, when, and why. Rebecca did very well in getting the group to bond, be on time, and so forth. Second, the "surprise" stops for a wine-tasting, farm visit and a few things such as this were highlights.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A wine tasting at a chateau on the Cher river was excellent as was the cathedral at Bourges. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour group and super tour guide. The itinerary was a perfect mix of structured and unstructured time as well as small village and big city stops.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Attending the early morning Lauds service at Mont St. Michele. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So much to take in what now seems like a short amount of time. Such memorable experiences made all the better by our excellent tour guide Arnaud. It really helps to have someone with such deep knowledge of not only the history but the culture as can only be translated by a local and long time resident of the country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The renovated Notre Dame cathedral. The only other time I had been to Paris was about 25 years ago and I remember how dark it was inside. This time the gorgeous interior was so beautiful and lit in such a way that it not only inspired but enabled wonderful photographs. Commentary from Arnaud about the reconstruction and public reaction to decisions along the way was interesting and valuable. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great time with an outstanding guide, Arnaud. The sites that we visited were very good. We experienced small towns with a real French flair.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St Michel was my favorite. The abbey and getting to spend the night in a quaint hotel was interesting and once in a lifetime. The beaches and cemeteries of Normandy were inspiring and moving, especially since we were there for taps."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour is well run. It is an active busy tour but lots of free time to venture out on your own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a few WOW moments; The refurbished Norte Dame Catheral was beautiful to see and experience. Mont St Michael was a fun adventure. Arriving late and leaving early to avoid crowds was well timed. Driving around Normandy, D-day beaches and cemeteries was very emotional given the loss of life of all the young men and women. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Arnaud was excellent. The pace and depth of the tour was just what we have come to expect and appreciate from Rick Steves Tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our granddaughter'sdelight with the Eiffel Tower."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent itinerary of locations and points of interest. Excellent Tour Guide and Bus Driver. Comfortable small hotels.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St-Michel experience, and overnight stay on the island."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first RS tour was amazing. Most of the people had been on many trips which speaks highly of RS tours. Our guide Arnaud was very informative and had a great sense of humor. He learned everyone's name on the first day. The hotels were great and the sites were amazing. The local guides were awesome. I am ready to sign up for the next one!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to Normandy was to me a Wow moment. I learned so much and wanted to learn more. The local guide Mark was so knowledgeable. It was a history lesson. The prior week in London, I had attended the Churchhill War Room which was a nice prequel. Came home and watched Saving Private Ryan again over Memorial weekend. I now have a new and greater appreciation for all countries and men who participated. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my third Rick Steves tour and they never fail to disappoint! We visited so many nice places outside of Paris. Our guide, Arnaud, was wonderful!! He was an encyclopedia of French culture and history. I highly recommend this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Monet’s gardens at Giverny was like the scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (original movie) when the kids go into the candy room! I was mesmerized by the colors and scents from the garden. The Lilly pond was magical!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying at Mont Saint-Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a lovely tour with good company and an outstanding guide. I now love springtime in France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our night and early morning at Mont Saint Michel, including Lauds at dawn in the Abbey."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Linda was a wonderful guide!! Great having a local as our guide!! 3 days in Paris too long. SKIP the Louve! Not enjoyable with the crowds!! The Loire valley was so pretty. Loved the outdoor wine tasting!!! Monet’s gardens were so beautiful. You could feel his presence. Enjoyed all the group dinners and our fun tour mates! Pasqual was so nice… great driver!! His parking skills.. WOW!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Without a doubt NORMANDY!! It was everything and more! Take a day off Paris and add a day in Normandy. One day not enough!! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is a most active tour and I enjoyed every minute of it. Our tour guide, Linda, is outstanding and kept us well informed through her knowledge of her native France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sheer immensity of it all: particularly Bourges Cathedral, Mont Saint-Michel, Chateau Chambord, & Monet’s garden. France is indeed an amazing country. Tres magnifique!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a great blend of medieval and WW2 sites. Whether it is the grandeur of places like Chambord, the Bourges Cathedral, and Mont-Saint-Michel or the quiet beauty of the flowers lining the streets of Amboise and the paths of Monet’s garden, there is always something that will captivate you. Our lovely guide Linda was witty, personable, and knowledgeable, and she and all the other guides on this trip really helped bring the history of these places to life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Catching the first glimpses of Mont-Saint-Michel in the distance."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my first trip to France, and the 'Paris and the Heart of France' tour provided a great introduction to the country. The guides provided the 'what' and even more importantly the 'why' of the places, people and history. The small towns we stayed in allowed me to experience the 'real' France and French people outside the tourist areas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My 'wow' moment was seeing Mont Ste Michele for the first time. There's something ethereal about this rock and its monastery rising up from the flat terrain, and the colors of the water and mud flats around the island in the ever-changing light."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As always...an outstanding experience

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beaches of Normandy. They weren't so much a Wow moment as a humbling, conteipative, and reflective moment. The thousands of lives lost, they are the true Patriots. They paid the ultimate price so that we may live under the umbrella of freedom their sacrifice provides. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour. Guide Steve gave informative history lessons and interesting background on the sites we visited. He made a special meet up and dinners to introduce the group to each other. Steve gave us little treats, sweets, wine, cheese, a macaroni. We liked the info on the culture, history, and background. The hotels were great, set in the old town areas. We loved big breakfast brunches, which we worked off by hiking and climbing. This RS tour exceeded our high expectations!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Local guides were great. Especially loved Mark's informative comments on the bus and the D-day beaches, sites, and cemeteries. I took notes. I also loved Monet's gardens at Giverny and Leonardo da Vinci's home."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing. Everything was on the level and well plan.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Mont Saint Michel, Claude Monet's Estate and Leonard da Vinci residence plus all the country side. Beautiful! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very helpful and personable guide. I appreciated the timeline expectations so that we weren't always waiting for people. Good hotels (though I thought the breakfasts were boring). I like tour numbers smaller than ours -- 28 is a lot. Very knowledgeable local guides. Didn't care for the cider tasting but other tour stops were interesting. Should have had more stops/towns in Brittany, incl coast line.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not just one. Guide at the Louvre was terrific, loved overnight at Mont St Michel, St Mere Eglise on Normandy beaches (and guide was good), Monet's garden."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I loved the trip overall. Really great group of fellow travelers. Tour guide great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Normandy Beaches have stayed with me long after the trip was over. Mount St Michele was a close second. I purchased a D-Day bracelet that I still wear everyday. It’s a reminder of those that gave their lives for us. Monets Gardens were also amazing even though it was raining. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great itinerary with a mix of guided tours as well as time to explore on our own. Richard was an excellent tour guide. He was open to any and all questions, helpful when help was needed. He watched over us all without be intrusive. Loved his sense of humor. He even introduced us to stingray as an entire! I think that was a first for all of us. Each local tour guide at our different locations was excellent. The tour of the cidery was a fun, laid back afternoon. Anthony did an excellent job .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several actually. Viewing Mount Saint Michel and even staying overnight was unique and interesting. I loved everything about Paris."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a fun packed tour of France. We had a great interactive guides with a lot of knowledge and our overall tour guide was a lot of fun. They navigated us though some of the busiest places in Paris so we could take in the sites. Also a great group of people to share the adventure with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying in Mont Saint Michel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Paris and the heart of France was beautiful, fun, historical and interesting.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were actually 4 “wow” moments. Notre Dame was rebuilt beautifully - the cathedral was bright and so much easier to appreciate. The colors were so vibrant. The stained glass and murals were gorgeous. The Chateau de Chenonceau and the gardens were so beautiful and refreshing. Normandy was a very moving day with all the history, museum and. Cemeteries. Giverny was such a beautiful experience. We also enjoyed the museum that was celebrating 100 years since Monet’s death. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour was more than I expected. Richard is a great guide. He kept me smiling while providing a wealth of knowledge. Paris is wonderful, Mont St. Michel spectacular.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Normandy tour. I wish everyone could see the sacrifice those young men and even a few women made in 1944."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed the itinerary in that while we spent time in Paris, we also got out of the "big city" to see sights in smaller, more intimate places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Van Gogh's at the Orsay Museum"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour. The itinerary was so interesting and educational, including learning about French history, art, architecture, customs, food and of course wine. The landscape is beautiful and the balance of tour time and time left for our own exploring, with guidance from our guide Richard, was just right. All the hotel stays were enjoyable, as they were all well located, welcoming and charming. This was our fifth tour with Rick Steves, and we always feel like we're in good hands!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the D-day sites was absolutely memorable, and the local guide was excellent. Mont St. Michel was one of the most unique places I've ever visited and definitely a "wow" experience. The guided tour of the Louvre Museum was outstanding."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Magnifique! “Paris and the Heart of France” was my second Rick Steve’s tour and I am already planning number 3! This trip was like a fine glass of french wine: rich and silky smooth, with notes of beauty and color, balanced and complex with a zesty, lingering feel. Like a world class sommelier, our guide Veronique led us on a journey of discovery as we explored big cities and small towns, historic landmarks and sacred spaces. With grace, class and humor, she shared her love of France with us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting under an ancient tree in the garden of a chateau tasting perfectly paired wine and cheese on a postcard perfect day…that's a WOW! Waking up to watch the tide coming in on Mont Saint-Michel…another WOW! Sitting on the ledge of my window watching the sun set on Gold Beach in Normandy thinking about all I had learned about D-Day…a quiet wow. Running to the Eiffel Tower in the rain with new friends on our last night in Paris to watch her light up…yes, a WOW. So many WOWs!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Veronique, was amazing! She kept our group very well organized and was always available to address any questions we might have. The logistics for Mont Saint Michel were especially impressive. On drives through the countryside, she entertained us with lots of information about France. And our bus driver Jacques was friendly and an expert driver, maneuvering the bus through small streets in the many towns that we visited. The hotels we stayed in were well located in interesting areas.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a lot of ‘WOW’ moments throughout the trip including Mont Saint Michel and the Monet gardens in Giverny, and the wonderful historian that guided us through the beaches at Normandy, but I especially enjoyed the tour in the Louvre with our guide Marine. She really brought the history alive and presented the art from an important social perspective!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 5th Rick Steves tour and one of the absolute best. Was it the guide (Veronique), the itinerary, the local guides (D-day beach), the extra experiences (wine tasting at a chateau, cider tasting in Normandy), or just the camaraderie that developed with our fellow travelers? Or, all of the above. Normally, after a European trip the last thing we want to do is get back on a plane. This time we immediately got in touch with some of our new friends and started planning our next RS trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The D-day beaches with our excellent guide (Scott?). Despite the pouring rain, he gave us the stories behind the story. Of course, there was also Mont St. Michel, Chenonceau, guided tour of the Louvre, and the wine and cider tasting."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Vero was great as a guide! There are several meals included.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Monet's garden"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Paris and the Heart of France was an outstanding trip. Starting with the accommodations, to our excellent guide, Veronique, the pace of the trip and the sights that we experienced were awesome.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ok, this is a tough question. There were so many! Something I did not expect to love was the cider tasting. Our host at the orchard was wonderful! His sense of humor was delightful and the cheeses and tasting of the different ciders and calvados on the long picnic tables in the sheltered space was so much fun! They were very generous with both the delicious cheese and cider. Our host was warm, friendly, funny and I loved every minute there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was absolutely top notch, from the expertise and professionalism of our guide and driver, to the visits and experiences, to the food in our group lunches and dinners, everything was outstanding. My first experience in France was so much better than it would have been had I planned the trip myself. It is obvious that The Rick Steves experience is based on the best of the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting and staying on Mont St Michel. This was a bucket list moment. Sleeping on the Mont was magical and so peaceful. I would have enjoyed even longer to savour this special place. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour was wonderful. It was a nice mix of the city of Paris and the countryside.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy and the World War 2 towns and beaches"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic, not only because of the beautiful country and delicious food but really because of our wonderful guide Rebecca. She was so knowledgeable and fun. Our group was great and that was also what made the tour fun. This was our first trip to France and we were surprised at how green and lush it was. The food was incredible and we all enjoyed it so much that we can’t wait to go back. The pace of the tour was great too- we didn’t feel rushed. Highly recommend!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one moment. I think I was just blown away by the delicious food and the French forests! Really enjoyed guedelon castle"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a trip of a lifetime. We were able to hit all the sights that we wanted to see!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose one. Chenenceau and Monet's gardens!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fulfilled all my expectations

Favorite "WOW" moment

"D-day Normandy"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding tour guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Eiffel Tower, Mount San Michele"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The sites included in the Heart of France Tour are thoughtfully selected--historically interesting, varied, and enjoyable. They were also, in some cases, sites that we might not have been able to access on our own. We were very grateful for each experience, and for the opportunity to travel with a wonderful tour guide (Rebecca) who conveyed her appreciation for France as well as very informative background information regarding places we visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Spending the night on Mont St. Michel, attending an early morning mass, being present there on the island during quiet hours--that was the experience of a lifetime."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The convience of having everything scheduled for us. Hotels, food, transportation and guides were fabulous!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ability for stay overnight on Mont Saint Michel was an outstanding experience."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I enjoyed the tour very much. There were a variety of activities. I liked learning about French history and enjoyed the walking tours of central Paris. I have always wanted to visit a french Chateau and now have had that experience. I especially liked some of the tapestries. The hotels were comfortable. I am always amazed at how the bus driver is able to manage the narrow streets and tight corners.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I am not sure it was a "wow" moment. But for me the most impactful day was the day we did the tour of the D-day beaches. I particularly liked that we stayed in a hotel right on Gold beach, as it may have been the beach my father would have arrived at about a week after d-day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a WONDERFUL trip! We had a GREAT guide, Rebecca, who was helpful, had special things for us she shared so much knowledge about the country and our stops. Our group was very friendly we got to know everyone quite well. Thanks to Frank for our directory so we can keep in touch. There were 4 in my group we went to see Monet's very large scale canvases, on our own time, at museum d' Orangerie so that made getting to see the gardens and his home at Giverny extra special! I highly rec

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was the whole day at Normandy. I love history so being there on the beaches made it all so real. Our guide was excellent . The ceremony at the American cemetery was special and touching. I don't see how the Allies put it all together(and won the war) when you see what they had to go through on those beaches. It was an emotional day to say the least...I felt proud to be an AMERICAN!!!! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour exceeded our expectations. It was extremely well organized. We enjoyed the side trips and all the added knowledge that our tour guide, Rebecca, brought to the trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Honestly every day had it's own wow moment. Each day held it's own wonderful experiences."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything we were shown was wonderful, including surprise extras and treats, our Tour Guide, Rebecca, was caring and enegetic in her exemplary care of all of us, as well as each of us. Our driver was also primo, both were gregarious and fun!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michell was the shining star for me, and amazingly, we were booked there for the night! Fantastic!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic! It included unusual sites to see, such as Guedolon and Mont Saint Michel. Our guide, Steve, was very interesting and informative and really made the trip fun for all of us. He gave 100% of himself to make sure we were all having a good time! He was awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were many "wow" moments for me, from learning how to properly taste wine, to sleeping in Mont Saint Michel, to seeing an artist's studio in Bourges, as well as hearing "Taps" playing as the flags were being lowered at the American Cemetery in Normandy. What a moving experience that was!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First of all, our tour guide, Steve Kennedy was phenomenal! He was informative, engaged, organized, and just fun to be around! This tour was a great way to experience many of the beautiful sights of France. Each of the local guides really contributed to the experience, as they were very knowledgeable, and eager to share the local experience with our group. This tour exceeded my expectations, and could not have been a more perfect trip. Even the weather cooperated, with no rain the whole trip!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have been fascinated with Mont St. Michel since learning about it in junior high French class! The opportunity to spend the night at Mont St. Michel was a huge bonus on this trip. Being able to experience the village after the rush of people have left for the evening, and then wake up in the morning to empty streets and beautiful views was incredible. Such a difference from our late afternoon arrival! It is a magical place, and I will never forget our time there."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, it was fantastic! I enjoyed the Paris experience and then getting to spend time in the countryside. The hotels were very nice, the food was good, and all the activities were top-notch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The big places to see were great, but I especially enjoyed the "surprises." Especially enjoyed sharing wine on the bank of the Cher River one evening with other tour members. I'm glad we got to visit Sainte-Mere Eglise at the beginning of the Normandy experience. That was very moving."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first tour with the Rick Steves guide and itinerary and it was better than expected. There were extras thrown in that were not in the description provided on the website which were really nice surprises.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The castle being built at Guidelon was of special interest to me and it did not disappoint. Mount St. Michel also was a highlight."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Where do I begin? It was a dream vacation. I learned so much about France and had so much fun. Our time was well planned and always felt safe. The itinerary was a wonderful variety of places in France. The meals were excellent. The bus and the driver were great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved it all but Monet’s Garden in Giverny was amazingly beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Guide was great. Weather was very good tour locations very interesting

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Beaches at Normandy"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized, pacing was very good which allowed us to cover most all attractions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Loire Valley Chatears"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Beyond anyone's control but what a gift-not a drop of rain in 10 days. The tour was very busy with a nice blend of beautiful country vistas, spring blooms, historic sites, and busy Paris street scenes.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day we spent at Monet's house and gardens was lovely but the D-Day beaches and Mont St. Michel were tight contenders."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Rick Steves Best of France tour was magical. Each hotel, each stop, each meal together, each turn in the road absolutely delighted me. Everything was easier than we expected it to be. Our guide, William, educated us about French history, art, customs, food, wine, landscape in a low key, conversational way. The local guides were also fantastic: sharing their knowledge of “their” place with such enthusiasm. We were blessed by great weather and spring flowers everywhere we went!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me the “wow” moments were the unexpected stops, not on the itinerary. The wine tasting and picnic in Selles-sur-Cher, the lunch stop in stunning Fougere, and the cider tasting in Normandy felt like fantasies of France. The bright spring sunshine and blooming fields and flowers made each of these stops spectacular. Our very full visit to the D-Day sites was even more meaningful thanks to Sylvan, our terrific guide who provided context and shared heroic aspects of the and battles."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was FANTASTIC! The combination of hotels, transportation, restaurants, sites, cities were great and allowed us to enjoy the heart of France. Our tour guide, bus driver, local tour guides were all fabulous in addition to all of the staff at each of the hotels and restaurants.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I wanted to take this tour to visit Normandy and in particular the D-Day sites. It is hard for me to imagine what the calm serenity of today was like compared to the invasion 80+ years ago. We also appreciated the sites we were able to enjoy enroute to each of our destination cities. These all make a trip special. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Although I have to Paris several times, Normandy and Mont-Saint-Michel have been on my bucket kist for several years.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mass at Notre Dame was one. Another were the Beaches at Normandy in combination with the dinner the night before when one of our travel mates gave us background and strategies for D-Day from his West Point education. It was very interesting anf helpful for the next day's visit."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the tour! It was nice to have some free time around the planned activities. All the guides were great and very knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” moment was seeing the Eiffel Tower at dusk when it lit up the evening sky."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed this introduction to France. This tour was a nice balance of experiences in the big city of Paris and some smaller towns.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Monet gardens at Giverny were pretty spectacular. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd RS tour, but our first fully guided tour. We did a My Way tour in Italy but wanted to try a tour where all the work was done for us. I was apprehensive about being with the whole group all day every day, since we like our independence and ability to change course based on our own feelings. I appreciated the extra experiences that the fully guided tour gave us that we would not have had on our own...the cidery tour, private chateau wine and cheese tasting especially.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My wow moment was arriving at Mont Ste Michel. Breathtaking. Being there overnight was amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed the trip. Everything was planned and the guide, Julie, was perfect.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the two French cyclists arguing with the Italian pedestrian who walked in front of the bikes in the cycling lane. Nothing like 3 guys arguing in competing languages with hand gestures."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Having been on previos tours, I expected to be able mix with the other tour participants and the expectation was quickly met. From the first group walk around the hotel's neighborhood on the way to our first shared meal we could feel ourselves fitting in with all these people we had never met before. I believe it comes from a shared desire to get to know each other. Though we came from all over America we shared an interest in learning about France, and that stayed with us throughout the trip

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My first favorite was an outstanding guide leading us through the Egyption-Greek-Roman sections of the Louve explaining the evolution of the statuery over the centuries. The next was our walking tour of Bourges where the guide explained people from their considered their cathedral to be better than the Notre Dame based on such things as very slightly higher ceilings and the teaching content of windows. Finally, Normandy was a reminder of why we Americans must demand better leadership."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful experience with so many places of interest to see in Paris and in the countryside of France. It was a special experience to be able to go inside Notre Dame. Having a guided tour in the Louvre was extrememely helpful and made the time spent there worthwhile. All the places we visited in Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Brittany, Normandy, and Monet's gardens in Giverny made this tour memorable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many "wow " moments, but the one that stood out was visiting and staying overnight at Mont St-Michel. The Mont was very impressive, and the views were spectacular at the very top. We were able to take a picture of a beautiful sunrise from our hotel window."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guide (Julie), great excursions, great cohesiveness of our group, great regional guides, great restaurants and hotels!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Two were outstanding---Chenonceau and Monet's Gardens "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was very well organized. Some of the hotels were disappointing. Tour guide, Julie, was outstanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Hotels were located well, Food was excellent, Tour Guides were amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Normandy, Realizing the true scope of D Day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Terrific. It’s go-go-go; they promise to get as many meaningful experiences in as possible, and they deliver. But sometimes it felt rushed. That’s just how they do. Great, fun, enthusiastic group. The hotels: Amboise had the MOST RICK STEVES HOTEL ROOM EVER. Guide: Julie was amazing. Knowledgeable, outgoing, enthusiastic. She threaded a fine needle between relating to Americans and also thoroughly understanding the culture where we visited. I will always have fond memories of her.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I could have sat drinking cider and eating cheese all day at the cidery we visited, but alas… More stuff to see. :)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I experienced parts of France that I had always wanted to experience. The tour was well planned with no wasted time (I hope I can comment on that later). Our guide, Arnaud was wonderful. The group was very congenial. I am delighted with my trip but I have yet to determine whether I would do it again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really too many to find only one "wow" moment: the gardens at Giverny, walking on Omaha Beach by myself away from the tour group, Saint Chapelle, Chateau de Chenonceau, spending the night on Mont Saint Michel."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I had a good time. Guides were excellent food was ok to good

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Pointe du hoc"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Paris with a guide, after numerous independent visits, and seeing parts of France that were off the beaten track (Guédelon), extraordinary (a night on Mont St Michel) and emotionally moving (Normandy’s D-Day beaches). Our guide, Arnaud, is quintessentially French and steered our trip with elan. We had a super-congenial group, many on their first RS trip, that added to the overall good vibe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Mont St Michel from the tidal flats as we approached was unforgettable, and ending our trip at Monet’s gardens at Giverny in their vivid, springtime bloom was a delight. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic sites, AMAZING TOUR GUIDES, petite but comfortable quarters. The French are warm and accommodating. New friends! .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Ever site is a WOW."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was well run, and our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mount St. Michele was stunning."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a wonderful trip. It seemed to be a nice balance of learning, socializing, and free time. Some on-your-own lunches seemed a bit rushed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Giverny. The first signt of the garden was a take-your-breath-away explosion of color. The Normandy beaches were very touching."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Monet’s garden in full bloom!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Perfect

Favorite "WOW" moment

"D-day tour"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

For the most part, it was well organized and timed out well. But of course, I wanted more time in some parts and less time in others... but I find that to always be the case. You can't please everyone....

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The reason I signed up for this one... Mt de St Michele... Fabulous experience... I will also say that the "experimental archeology" experience was a surprise. I enjoyed that far more than I thought I would."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Met all expectations. Excellent guides so I learned a lot.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy and learning about the battles and visiting the American Cemetery."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well paced tour exposing us to both the culture and historic sites. Our guide was both personable and a wealth of knowledge. Accommodations and food were for the most part on par or exceeded our expectations. The tour also offered a fair amount of free time to explore on our own. We look forward to our next Rick Steves adventure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to narrow down to any single moment as each leg of the tour was so unique. Normandy was the most moving."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall, I felt that I was seeing once-in-a-lifetime sites every day, both experiences I had anticipated (Chateaus, Normandy) and experiences that were unexpected (Fougeres was gorgeous). The tour consistently hit the right balance of Paris vs. the countryside, group time vs. on-your-own time, etc. We really enjoyed meeting and spending time with everyone in our group. Our guide, Linda, was outstanding -- organized, friendly, and informative in both history and every-day French life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The stunning beauty of Monet's garden was an unexpected highlight. We loved the farmer's markets in Bourges and Amboise."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first Rick Steve's Tour and my first time to Europe. I am extremely pleased with the tour. It was so informative and delightful. We had a great group of merry travelers and we kept up an invigorating pace. Whew! We also had down time to do things on our own and rest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think being in Europe and France in particular was a wow. After that, probably Linda, our guide. I've been a big fan of Rick Steve's shows on tv, so I feel like I was an armchair traveler. I've read so many historical books about Europe, WWl, WWll, Medieval Europe and so on and forth as well as movies and just hearing of my parents and grandparents adventures, that I was way overdue to a trip fo Europe. So it was all a Wow. It seemed like every few feet was a Wow! THIS HAPPENED HERE! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, the tour was great. It was organized and well thought out with good tours nd plenty of free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Maybe the Normandy tour with Dale Booth. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We saw many amazing places and met wonderful people along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was staying overnight at Mont St-Michel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Richard was a great guide and the itinerary was exactly what I wanted.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoying a galette and cider at a small Paris cafe recommended by Richard and the "women's" castle."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour, "Paris and the Heart of France" was an exhilarating, whirlwind trip through a beautiful city and gorgeous countryside.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Monet's Garden at Giverny - such a WOW moment for a gardener like myself"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Another outstanding tour with Rick Steves. It was everything and more. New friends, amazing guide, wonderful food and adventures were just a few of the highlights.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michel was as beautiful as imagined. Staying on the Mont was a very special treat. Normandy beaches was very special but more sobering than wow, but so grateful to see them."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour is very organized and met our expectations. It was a nice mix of city and country stays. Patrick was entertaining as well as knowledgeable. He quickly came up with an alternative when we were unable to go to the Louvre.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is hard to answer. Normandy D Day beaches and Mont St Michel."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My first time in France and the pace of the tour was just right—perfectly balanced and filled with visits to fascinating places.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to Mont St. Michel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful first tour with Rick Steves. Our guide, Patrick, was so easy to be with, and so knowledgeable about the history and culture of France. The local tour guides were also excellent. Also, everyone in our group was so nice and friendly!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying the night on Mont St. Michel. Walking down the street there after all the tourists had left."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The individual sites we visited were fabulous and included places I had wanted to see and also included sites I did not know existed. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and fun to be with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Approaching the Le Mont San Michel. This was an unbelievable view and site. We stayed overnight on Le Mont San Michel and I was able to attend early Mass in the Abby. The village transported me back into time like I would not have imagined. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall the tour exceeded our expectations. The organized tour time to free time was very good. We were kept busy but not overly rushed. Our bus driver Dirk was very skilled behind the wheel, kept the bus in pristine condition and very pleasant to deal with. Our tour guide Patrick was exceptional, he was very entertaining, knowledgeable and able to think quickly when dealing with unexpected events (arriving to a closed Louvre due to a robbery). Local tour guilds were also very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Wow moments were several - from visiting the building site at Guedelon Castle, to the wine & cheese tasting at Chateau De Lelles Sur Cher, to Patrick's little hunting chateau at Chambord, to the ladies chateau at Chenonceau. Mont St-Michel was very unique and interesting and a highlight for me was Monet's Gardens at Giverny."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I really enjoyed this tour and the wide variety of experiences it offered. Some highlights were the excitement of Paris, art, the architecture, the beautiful countryside, the people, and the food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the first time I saw the Seine, with a boat passing under the bridge, the sun shining, and knowing that I was finally in Paris. A lifelong dream come true. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was our fifth tour with Rick Steves. As usual the trip was well organized, educational and just plain fun. Great tour group and good tour guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have three. The building of the chateau in Guedelon, Monet's Garden, the cemetery in Normandy. An unexpected experience, the robbery at the Louvre which we found out about after we arrived for our timed entry that day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was the first time I’ve been on vacation outside the US and my first time on this sort of tour arrangement. Overall, I feel the tour was very well planned. Our primary tour host, Patrick, made the tour enjoyable and he pas funny and pleasant. The people in France were very nice to us at each tour stop.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me, seeing the French countryside was very nice and seeing Normandy was were the “wow” factor kicked in for me. We need to teach the newer generations about those parts of our history. We should never forget the sacrifices. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Patrick was a good guide. He certainly knew all the places we went to. Unfortunately we were denied entry to the Louvre as we got there the morning of the heist. We had a very pleasant group, no one was a problem at all . This was my 3rd Rick Steves Tour and in the past the group meals have been a bit disappointing at times.This tour all the meals were good. Dirk was a very good bus driver. Montmartre area of our hotel not my favorite area of Paris

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was not expecting Guedolon to be as impressive as it was. Really great half day excursion.And both Chambord and Chenonceau were superb."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was amazing tour. Our guide Patrick was informative, funny, and helpful. He went out of his way to make the trip experience memorable, meaningful, and so much fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Every little detail. All the small details. Also, experiencing the country side of France, from Bourges to Amboise to Normandy ."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Let me start by saying tour groups are not my thing. I went to humor a friend. I was not looking forward to being on a tour bus or a pre-arranged schedule. Looking back on it, it's still not my favorite way to travel but it wasn't bad either. I enjoyed most of the activities and stops. The best part about it was going places I normally wouldn't have gone and meeting people I normally wouldn't have met. The tour guides provided tons of extra info about each locale that was very interesting!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So hard to choose, but Monet's gardens (& home) at Giverny were magical even in the rain."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I love Rick Steves tours because they're easy, informative and a decent price point. Easy in that, I'm not booking hotels, tickets, and creating an itinerary. The joy of the itinerary is we see places we wouldn't have thought of going to. Hotels: looking for a mid price point & something quaint, not a cookie cutter hotel room. The only two hotels that were lacking was the one in Amboise, but it appears to be getting done over, and at Mont St. Michel, but I kind of expected a spartan one there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably Normandy, I'd read a lot about it. Dale was an amazing guide, I would go back for a few more days just for more detail and more stops."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

One of the most important advantages of the RS Tours is having a guide who gives you the inside information about the culture. From the subtleties of why saying Bonjour immediately to someone matters so much to the French to what to look out for on the subway to be safe, our guide, Linda, provided us with that and much more. She also understood how to gauge the various needs of the group and also kept things lively and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably spending the night at Mont St. Michel. When I ran into some people from another tour at our hotel and told them we not only visited but spent the night, they were awestruck (and a little jealous.) A second favorite would be learning the history of Normandy beyond what just happened on Omaha Beach. Our local guide, Dale, was extremely passionate and knowledgable about the subject and literally brought many of us to tears during our related stops during the day. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Linda our tour guide was amazing due to her knowledge.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Notre Dame & Saint Chappelle."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful tour, as always with a Rick Steves tour—I see/learn/do more than I expected.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy with Stuart our guide bringing it to life, along with taps at the American cemetery and the three art museums in Paris—the Louvre with the group and D’Orsay and Orangerie on my own. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

What a fabulous time we had!! The sights were amazing, hotels were close to everything and our tour guide Richard Vidal was fantastic!He taught us so much, he answered every question ,and was so much fun to be with! Our group of 28 people all got along so well. I loved every minute! This was our 2nd Rick Steves tour and I am sure we will be taking another Rick Steves tour!!We absolutely loved Richard Vidal! He was the absolute best!!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St.Michel was so awesome and the stained glass windows at Sant Chapelle were breathtaking!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The itinerary was so well timed and executed. Tours were set so that we were able to bypass large crowds. The best example of this was the visit to Le Mont Saint Michel. Arriving in the late afternoon (as the crowds were leaving), spending the night, and touring early in the morning before the daily crowds arrived was perfect!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Everyday held a new "wow" moment. Stuart, our guide for the Beaches of Normandy, did an excellent job of painting the picture of what happened during that momentous event. His stories made it easy to visualize the soldiers and heroism of those days. Taps at the American Cemetery was the perfect culmination of the day. Second favorite "wow" moment was Giverny - the house and gardens. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was a very good tour experience. We have been on 10 RS Tours; this tour was our first and a repeat for number 10. This tour gives a very good view of the history of France, as well as an immersion into French life. The guide, Richard, did a good job conveying information and directing the group around. The accommodations and dining were good. Transportation (bus and driver) were excellent: safe, clean, and prompt. The tour content was interesting and well presented for the most part.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My most memorable memory is the Omaha Beach American Cemetery Flag and Taps ceremony. A "wow" moment was arrive at the Eiffel Tower just as the lights began to Sparkle. The credit for making these events goes to our main tour guide, Richard, and the D-Day guide, Stuart."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized with great hotels and restaurants and most importantly outstanding tour guide, Richard and local guides. Great suggestions on things to do and places to eat when we were on our own. John, the bus driver was the best.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy beaches especially with our local guide bringing the area to life."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My 2nd RS tour - and it was as good as the first. Our guide Richard was great, just the right amount of fun plus information, and very organized. Each day included interesting tours guided by local experts. Lots of group dinners included, which was a great way to get to know people. Overall was great experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day in Normandy, experiencing the history and incredible stories of what took place, ending with taps at the cemetery. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steve's Tour and we had a great experience. Everything was as described in the literature.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont Saint Michal and the D-Day sites, with Stuart Robinson as our guide."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was good. We had just finished Rick’s Eastern France tour, + a few days touring on our own, so it’s hard not to compare the two tours (guides, fellow travelers, sites, so many churches!). Our guide developed laryngitis on Day 4, which consumed a lot of her talking points and energy. She powered through and regained her full voice after a few days, but it was more of a distraction/ focus than it needed to be.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Renting e-bikes in Amboise and bicycling along the Loire River, through residential neighborhoods, and then next to vineyards. This activity was not on the itinerary, but our guide Claire suggested renting bikes for our free time. Helps that it was a crisp, clear October day! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was an excellent tour from start to finish. I credit our guide Claire, a true professional. She offered special insight through her own experience moving to France, while navigating a random group of travellers around Paris and the French countryside. I witnessed her going beyond her professional responsibilities to help individual tour members. She was flexible and resourceful when unforeseen issues arose. I have completed 11 RSE tours and count Claire in the top tier of guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Le Mont St-Michel was spectacular. Normandy--I will never forget the experience of the D-Day history lesson. Stuart's vivid storytelling, the beautiful beaches, the sacrifices that played out, right where we stood. The enduring importance of Allies, the solemnity and respect of an American cemetery on the French coast. It catches my breath still today. On a lighter note, Monet's gardens were delightful. I've ordered the book Monet:The Restless Vision for a solid winter read."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was simply an amazing trip. There was a good balance of activity, time in Paris and time in the countryside, as well as group vs independent time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't know if I can name just one "wow" moment on the tour. Each place we visited offered it's own unique experiences and vibe. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was a great way to visit a few different regions of France, interacting with locals and experiencing the culture first-hand. All of it was fairly "wow" for me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I have to list two items here: 1) watching the sun set and rise on Mont Saint-Michel and 2) standing upstairs in Claude Monet's house looking out the window at his gardens and realizing I was seeing essentially the same views that inspired him to create some of the most beautiful art in the world."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I enjoyed the variety of destinations and landscapes involved in this tour. We were very active and I was pleased that each stop felt like a truly different experience. The pace was good and there was a nice blend of tour activity and personal time. Our guide, Claire, also did a great job of choosing restaurants that provided a nice (sometimes unusual) variety of food for everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sunrise service at Mont St-Michel was a personal favorite but the WOW of this trip for me was the day we spent in Normandy along the D-Day beaches and landing zones. Our local guide Stuart Robertson provided so much color and emotion. The flyover and Taps ceremony at the American Cemetery really added to the experience. I am so grateful to have seen it all."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour members and guides were all very congenial. The sites (and sights) we saw were excellent. Even the driving parts of the tour were instructive about the terrain and geography of Northern France

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the gardens in Giverny. We had a perfect blue sky day and the gardens were stunning. It was a great way to end this lovely tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour. We enjoyed a nice balance between group activities (tours and meals) and time on our own to explore and try other food and wine opportunities. Our tour guide, Patrick, was outstanding and his expertise was supplemented on several occasions with excellent local tour guides with particular knowledge of specific areas. The restaurant selections for our group dinners was very good - both interesting and delicious.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michel was definitely a wow moment. I knew next to nothing of Mont St. Michel before our trip and was blown away at the beauty and history of this amazing place. Of course, Paris overall was a wow several days - especially seeing the nighttime view of the city from atop the Eifel Tower. The visit to the D-Day beaches and the American cemetery was a very different kind of moment - one every American should experience to better appreciate the bravery and sacrifice made by so many."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous first-time visit to France: so much art, architecture, culture, food experiences! I enjoyed the variety of sights, from Mont St. Michel to Bourges to Normandy beaches to Giverny. Seeing what I had studied in history is amazing. Patrick and the local tour guides did a fantastic job educating us about the history, the culture, and also travel/cultural skills like taking the Metro. I truly enjoyed walking in Paris—jam-packed with an astonishing array of museums, bakeries, and so much more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A tie. Mont St. Michel—a walk up to the abbey with a tour on a spectacular spot cut off at high tide. Peaceful without vehicles. A chance to walk up onto ramparts with terrific views. Giverny—a visit to Monet’s charming home and riotous gardens, inspiration for the art we had seen in Paris. A well-done visitor experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 2nd RS Tour following 2 prior trips where we constructed the trip using RS book. Much easier to click the website and have the tour plans done for you. There is a wonderful balance between group activities and personal free time. In our experiences, the RS Tour guides are wonderfully helpful, informative, and fun and Patrick was no exception on this trip. Similarly, the tour group was a bunch of great people all looking to have a great trip while sharing the experiences together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The D-Day Beaches in Normandy were an incredibly moving experience that every American should be witness to. Mont St-Michel was a very unique experience where the RS team made it even more special by securing enough of the limited beds on the island to provide for our overnight stay. All told, a nice combination of Paris city historical and cultural experiences together with countryside visits to the Loire wine region with all of its amazing Chateaus & stops in quaint villages along the way."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is a great tour that has a good variety of experiences. You see a bit of Paris, a castle construction, a couple of opulent chateaux, a wine tasting, medieval Mont St. Michel, D-day beaches, and an artist’s garden. I was never bored.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were two places that caused me to exclaim WOW at first sight. One was St. Chapelle’s stunning stained glass, and the other was the first glimpse of Mont St. Michel."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Was wonderful! Patrick, our guide, was superb, fun, funny, so knowledgeable. So well organized, yet lots of free time. Was my first tour experience and I’d likely be going again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont Saint Michele! Wow "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A terrific experience to go beyond Paris -- France is so much more.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Among numerous "wow" moments, a visit to the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci lived out his last years in Amboise, was one of the most memorable"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved Bourges and Giverny"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Trip was great. Our guide Lynda and all the local guides really enhanced the experience. Such a variety of experiences and sights to see, highly recommend this trip/RSE Tours. Thank You!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, hard to say. Seeing the inside of the restored Notre Dame Paris Cathedral, staying overnight at Mont St. Michel (full moon night), beautiful rural French towns/cathedrals and guided tour of Normandy/D-day beaches were really special. Many great memories."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Loved parts of the tour and other parts were just okay.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Both my husband and I thought the Normandy coast and excellent local guide were a WOW moment. IWe also thought the moon at night over Mont St Michel was a WOW moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was amazing! Our guide Linda was wonderful, the hotels were all very nice, the meals that were provided we’re all very good! Our bus driver Khalid was amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many!! the beautiful château’s, Leonardo da Vinci‘s home close Lucé, spends the night on Mont St Michael, Monet’s gardens, and home, the D-day tour with Dale and seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was fabulous. There were so many amazing experiences. We learned so much about France and the French people were incredible!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick just one moment but I suppose it was seeing Mont St. Michel for the first time. It was magical! The D-Day beaches were a very close second."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic. Every bit of the content was interesting and exciting. Linda was a wonderful guide, and the local guides, especially Dale for the D-Day locations, were all very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The moment that Chambord first came into view from the bus was my favorite wow moment."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour experience was all that we hoped it would be. The itinerary was well thought out, taking us places we would not have found on our own. The accommodations were centrally located, making it easy for us to explore on our own. They were also clean and welcoming. The meals were excellent and our guide was amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was simply bowled over by the French people, and how they enjoy and savor the small things. In the smaller cities and towns we visited, store fronts close at noon so that storekeepers can enjoy lunch with family and friends. Work ends at 6 and the restaurants open for dinner at 7 pm, giving people time to transition. In restaurants for dinner you are not rushed-you’re there for an experience that is not to be rushed. The sites and sounds of France were amazing, but their joie de vivre, WOW!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Terrific tour. No problems to note other than I was never able to catch up on sleep and was tired most of the time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont-Saint-Michel — Seeing it rising from the sea. Also being up high watching the sunset after the crowds had left and feeling a little like an ancient pilgrim ."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

These RS tours never disappoint! We had a great adventure, enjoyed the group and liked our guide, Marie, very much.The schedule is full, but did give us time to explore on our own, which we like. Marie always offered great suggestions to fill our free time. She was very patient with our group, as we sometimes moved at a different pace - but there was so much to see!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had 2 'wow' moments - I was excited to see the Guedelon and the construction of the medieval castle; very impressive and informative. (I would have even liked more time there.) I feel that for this tour especially, it helped me appreciate the chateaus and fortresses we saw later on. I have a new appreciation for how they are constructed! I was overwhelmed to see the D-day beaches of Normandy and the American cemetery, what a moving experience. Our guide was exceptional, great overview."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very entertaining tour, encompassing some aspects of Paris beyond what the "hit the highlights" tour would provide, and then exposure to the smaller towns and villages in NW France. Lots of history, from medieval to present, and visits to "humble" chateaus like Guedelon, and royal chateaus, fortresses, and gardens. Really enjoyed the winery and cidery visits, as well as the group dinners.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"D-Day beaches and standing and walking or driving through an area that had such impact on both the past and the present. It was our most exhausting day, and for me the most emotional and likely the place of long-lasting memories. Spiraling up the staircase and seeing the stained glass at Sainte Chapelle probably second "wow""

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

An interesting tour with a lot of history and beautiful areas of France that I had never been to.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of the D Day beaches with a fantastic local guide. Also Mont St. Michel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The overall tour was excellent, well run and informative. It had a nice balance between the guided tours and our free time to explore.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The stained glass at Sainte Chapelle was amazing and breathtaking. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Lots of fun, lots of history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the inside of the beautiful clean Notre Dame."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very unlike our usual travel experience, we were on our own a bit more than we usually are, but the structure and guidance provided by Rebecca kept us comfortably both within and outside of our usual comfort zone. The accommodations were very good, the itinerary first-rate. At each days’ portion of the tour that was conducted by Rebecca or another guide, we always felt enriched and rewarded by the experience. When we were left on our own, we found ourselves more challenged.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day spent in and around Normandy immersed in WWII history, guided by Dale who,was excellent."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As always, a RS tour opens your eyes to the world around you. France was beautiful, exciting, and delicious!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont Saint Michel at sunset was breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The time spent in Paris was well worth it, both with our tour guide and what we were able to see on our own. Most of the stops in the towns and villages were quite interesting and enjoyable to visit, thanks largely to the information and knowledge that was provided by Rebecca.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was the visit to Mont St-Michel. Seeing the island as we approached it was awe-inspiring, and being able to stay a night on the island and spend extra time there was a huge bonus. A close 2nd choice for my favorite tour stop would be the D-Day beaches with the local tour guide, Dale Booth."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour guides were all wonderful. Everything ran smoothly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The picture of my husband and I standing in front of the Eiffel Tower all lit up. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent, from pre-trip RS communication to our 1st day meeting with our guide Rebecca & our group to every day's activities and our final night celebration dinner!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"SO many... the enchanting surprise of Bourges (way exceeded what I expected) to staying ON Mont. St-Michel to D-Day with our expert speciality guide Dale to the final "extra" Rebecca gave us all by walking us to the 9 pm twinkling light-up of the Eiffel Tower... in the coin toss to pick my fav WOW - I'll go with D-Day in Normandy with the Brit guide Dale:) "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing tour, great traveling companions, excellent guide! Rebecca was prepared, providing days full of information and humor, offering local experiences she felt were essential, conveying her obvious love of France to us. We have toured often with RS, while every guide is excellent, Rebecca is one of our favorites thus far. Local guides were excellent to exceptional, Jacques our friendly affable bus driver a delight.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Attending Lauds at the Mont St Michel abbey was unexpectedly emotional for this lifelong Protestant and grumpy morning person. The beautiful voices in song as the sun rose brought tears to my eyes. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Busy and informative.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going into Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The overall experience was good but different than expected. More rushed and structured than anticipated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Notre Dame, St Michelle and a great wine tasting."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Claire, was fantastic, the fellow tour members were all fun to be with, and the itinerary covered a variety of sights, sounds, and tastes of France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Morning prayer (Laudes) at Mt St Michel, as the sun came up. Also, our entire day at the Normandy beaches was very moving, especially being there for Taps."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Claire was knowledgable and a great tour guide. We loved the variety of experiences--from Notre Dame to Mont-Saint-Michel to the beaches of Normandy. Great tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Morning prayers in the abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great place, great people, great tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Praying with the monks in Mt St Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent guide and a great range of places visited.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each of the meals were wonderful."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall the tour was good but I felt that we had too much structureless time in Paris.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Normandy tour was awesome!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

As usual the hotels were perfectly situated close to the historic areas in each city visited. Our guide, Claire, was knowledgeable, personable, and always available for questions or guidance. We had a good mix of guided and free time. The tour portion of Paris was disappointing. The keys sites and museums are not guided and were done on our own time. I would have made better use of my time in Paris entirely on my own. With multiple RS tours under our belt this a rare criticism.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying overnight on Mont St Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Busy, engaged and satisfied

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Paris"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was great! Our guide Julie was great! Seeing parts of France that I would have probably not seen on my own was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being on Mont Saint-Michel; the views were amazing. While not officially part of the tour, the group walked to the Eiffel Tower on our last night together and saw it lit up and then twinkle. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing. Loved Julie, our guide, and the outstanding local guides with their expert knowledge. Rich with experiences at each location and the stops along the way (wine, cheese, cider tastings). Great hotel locations/staff. We became a merry band as Rick promised. Enjoyed touring with our group and having time on our own. So well organized, efficient and felt welcomed wherever we went. Definitely planning another Rick Steves tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Staying on Mont-Saint-Michel & attending Lauds at sunrise Taps ceremony at the American Cemetary in Normandy Notre Dame Cathedral & Sainte-Chapelle with the knowledge Julie imparted regarding the Crown of Thorns and other relics. (Too many Wow moments to name.)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Start to finish the trip exceeded my already high expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Tough call, but the castle building at Guedelon was my wow."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Just loved the historicl connections , the beauty of the French countryside.Arnaud was so much fun and very knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tides at mt ste Michel"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

One word - Wonderful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Monet's house and pond. It gave us more of an appreciation for his talent."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour guide was very good. Very knowledgeable about the places we would see and made it interesting. 'Sometimes' for me anyway, he got into a little too much history. X person was the 3rd cousin to Y person who was married to Z person who had 3 sons. . . Nice to know the history behind things we'd see, but limit it. Hotels were all European good; small in size but charming. Breakfasts and suppers were very good. Missed that no one served 'Beef Bourguignon'. The local guides were very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Normandy district day. Great local guide telling us all about the various cemeteries, beaches, towns that had a lot of fighting and museum by Omaha Beach."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We chose a Rick Steve's tour for our 50th wedding anniversary with 9 family members. It couldn't have been better. From our guide, Arnoud, to local guides, and our tour group the whole experience was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beaches of Normandy and Spending the night at Mont St Michel were highlights for all of us. Hearing taps while the flag was lowered brought tears to my eyes."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 7th RS tour. Honestly, for a long time France was not high on my list of tour destinations since I went there on a high school French class tour. Glad I changed my mind. This tour was excellent. Good selection of sites and great food and wine. Our guide Arnoud is an outstanding guide. Great knowledge of the history of France and the sites and wonderfully amusing stories and interaction with the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I hate this question. Too hard to rank the history, beauty and culture we were exposed to. For me the Normandy beaches tour was very high on my list. The local guide (Karine?) gave a great explanation of France's role in the war and the history of the landings. When I saw Normandy 50 years ago, I was too young and ignorant to appreciate what was achieved. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour was a good mix of museums, learning about historical events and exploring social experiences. We saw such widely diverse slices of France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moments were Mont Saint-Michel and the Normandy beaches. These experiences were both breathtaking and thought provoking. Such history! Paris was also lovely and it was my first chance to really see the city. We even walked down a portion of the Eiffel Tower! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves' tour. We were impressed by how organized and thorough the tour was. It was highly educational and jam packed with historical information, shared in a fun and engaging manner. Our guide had rest stops perfectly timed during our time on the bus and we were encouraged to engage with the locals as often as possible. Our guide was never far away if someone needed support.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Wow moment for me was seeing Mont St. Michel come into view. It was truly a breath taking sight. The best part of our time there was being able to sleep on the island. Finding our hotel room way up high was an adventure and we even had an amazingly large outdoor patio overlooking the bay, which was totally unexpected. Our guide made it even more special by surprising us with cider to toast up on the ramparts. Our meal there was also delicious and a very fun evening ensued."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Rebecca did a superb job educating, entertaining, leading, and protecting us in unfamiliar surroundings. Mont St. Michel had to be the highlight of our tour and being able to spend a night there and then attend morning vespers was such an emotional experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St Michel of course."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Although I have traveled to France many times, this was my first tour. I discovered I am not a tour type, much preferring to see things on my own. Having said that, I think the Rick Steves tour was a good one, covering many sights of interest, with a great guide and bus driver. But too much standing around listening to background for my taste. I could have covered much more on my own time. Guess it was a good learning experience for me!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The American cemetery. Although I’ve seen it before, it still moves me thinking about the US men who gave their lives to bring freedom back to Europe. It also reminds me, once again, of the inanity and stupidity of war. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Second Rick Steves trip and, like the first, thoroughly enjoyed it - the itinerary, the accommodations, the sites, and, most of all, the tour guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michel, probably. But there were many."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guide Linda and driver Wim. Great itinerary and timing! Truly enjoyed it!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St. Michel and staying there was spectacular!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very much enjoyed the tour. It was our first trip to France. We had a wonderful guide and an excellent group of travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I truly had multiple wow moments, but to pick one, the day we spent on the Normandy beaches was very moving and educational. To see the beaches and cliffs that the allies conquered in person, and the ability to visit the actual German bunkers was amazing. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall I was pleased with the itinerary, the accommodations, the bus transport and the wonderful guides. There was much to see and also enough free time to select priorities to enjoy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Difficult to say, but I was most surprised by the inside of Notre Dame cathedral. Not sure what I expected but the towering stain glass windows inside up against the plain interior walls were just stunning. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

One of the most compatible and inclusive RS tour groups I’ve encountered

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several - listening to Nickolai (the Benny Hill of winemakers) give his outstanding wine making and wine tasting talk. Likewise, the visit to the cider farm in Normandy was a standout. As an engineer, I was fascinated by all the models of DaVinci’s inventions in his home. Kudos to Linda for taking us there! Finally, as for many in our group, visiting the Normandy beaches was a life list occasion."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

All was well planned and followed the itinerary with some special additions. Our guide, Linda, was professional, she kept us updated and explained each step. She also told us about France in detail. Thank you for having her as a guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Looking out our hotel window at StMichel in the morning. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Paris and Heart of France tour not only met my expectations, it exceeded them! Our guide, Linda, was so knowledgeable, kind, organized, witty, and fun to be with. I appreciated the variety of places this tour covered from the big city lights of Paris to the small charming towns of Amboise and Bayeux as well as iconic Mont St. Michel and the somber beaches of Normandy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is so hard to pick just one “wow” moment! Here are some favorites: Favorite garden - Giverny: I didn’t know that Monet was the gardener as well as the painter Favorite chateaux - Chenonceau: Beautiful setting on the river, tons of natural light, and flowers Favorite museum - Musee d’Orsay: Not part of tour but used the Rick Steves audio guide and it was great Favorite surprise- Going inside Notre Dame - Itinerary stated we would only see the outside. Our guide got us into the cathedral "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip was a definite 5 Star for us! We loved every moment. The tour is such a great mix…from magnificent and bustling Paris to the quiet charm of the small villages and beautiful French countryside. Our amazing guide Claire made sure every detail was covered and delighted so much in our “wow moments” which were numerous! Our travel buddies made it even better…engaging and lots of fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It was such a special experience to be able to spend the night on Mont Saint-Michel! We attended the early service before the sun came up. Amazing! Normandy was also a wow experience…so interesting and enlightening. The American Cemetery was breathtaking…a very touching experience for me."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was very organized, interesting and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Giverny and the WW 2 memorial and resting place."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned so much and got to experience France in a beautiful way. My colleagues were excellent travel companions and our tour leader was very knowledgeable, helpful and thoughtful. There is a lot of walking, and a lot of steps, and a lot of standing; We actually spent 2 months working out in preparation and I'm glad we did - We walked almost 5 mi daily. I loved learning about towns and their buildings and history. Paris was great, too

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The small towns, their markets and old buildings, and of course the medieval Mont St Michel were my favs. The outside tour guides were very knowledgeable and added a lot to the overall experience. Claire gave great overviews and history and summaries to tie things together."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This trip was part of a celebration of our son's recent personal achievement, and we aimed to share with him his first ever Rick Steves tour, which was quite successful. For family, loved ones, or friends who are travel-inclined, a tour with Rick Steves can be a moving, affirming, and memorable event.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A toss-up between Helen, our local Bourges guide, making me want to spend a chunk of my retirement indulging more in everything it had to offer versus the first tantalizing glimpse of Mont St. Michel beckoning in the distance."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our second tour, so we had high expectations for having another great experience, and we did. This is the right amount of group time and a nice itinerary for this part of the country. Guide Claire's deep passion and knowledge of history and her "reading of the group" really enhanced the experience. We had both expected and unexpected "wow" moments. While always on my list to visit, I did not expect to fall in love with France as much as I did Italy (now tied for favorites!).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our guide asked us the first day why we signed up/what we looked most forward to. I have wanted to visit Mont St Michel since my teens and experience the early morning service at the Abbye. Our guide knew this and we (being in good shape with good knees :) ) were rewarded with a breathtaking room high on Mont. The views, the history, hearing the service the next morning were indescribable. I expected a lot and my expectations were exceeded! Magical, magical, serene and beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a fabulous experience. Can not say a enough good things about our tour guide Clare. She provided a marvelous insight and context to every aspect of life in France.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was in Paris 50+years ago, but not beyond the city limits. Not much, save Notre Dame and the places I didn't see has changed, But this time there was explanations and historical perspective that aided my appreciation. Getting out of the city and to the other parts of France was a treasure. High marks were Mont-Saint-Michel and the Normandy beaches. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great tour, made even better with our fantastic guide. Claire went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible. There was a good balance of guided tours and time on our own, and we never felt rushed or like we missed out on anything. We also had a good group, which doesn't always happen .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a lot of "wow" moments on this trip! One particular one was going to market day in Bourges. Claire told us to find an old lady and follow her around, because the old ladies know all the best vendors to shop. There was an older gentleman walking to the market, so I struck up a conversation with him (in French) and we had a lovely chat! The market had tons of great stuff, and everyone from our group bought things to share for a picnic lunch later that day."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our overall experience was fantastic. We like many things about the RS experience and this trip lived up to those aspects of travel that we enjoy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being able to visit INSIDE a restored Notre Dame, Mont Saint Michel, and Normandy."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great group of people who were all invested in learning, having fun, and sharing with fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mine was our visit and picnic to Nickolas’ chateau. The private wine and cheese tasting was relaxing and spontaneous. My husband’s wow moment was the flag lowering and playing of Taps at the American Cemetery in Normandy. I was thrilled that we got to go into Notre Dame and without waiting in a long line Mont St Michel did not disappoint and was great to be there for a daybreak service As I retell our adventures, the castle building at Guédelon seems to fascinate my friends"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

VERY active and busy. No time was wasted. Packed with beautiful sights, interesting history and diverse sampling of French culture

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to say that one moment topped the rest. Chateau Chenonseau and gardens were spectacular. Went to the top of the Eiffel tower one evening at sunset, but that was not part of the tour. Passed through l'etoile and the Champs Elyse twice and l'arc de triumph is jaw dropping. Taps at the Flag Ceremony at Omaha Beach brought tears to my eyes."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Veronique, was outstanding. She knew everything about Paris and France in general. She was a great guide as she was French but also lived in the US for 23 years so her insight was spot on!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Mont St Michel and knowing we were going to be staying there overnight. Then opening the windows in our room and having natural a/c from the ocean breeze. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Veronique, was wonderful. I loved all the sites we visited, and enjoyed our fellow travelers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Months ain’t-Michel and Chateau Chenonceau were my favorite moments "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour overall was great. Got to see so many places both in Paris and out in the country. All the hotels were great. Our tour guide Veronique was a wonderful guide. She was a great leader and knew so much history of every place we visited. We had a great group of travelers and it was so much fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me the highlights were Mount St-Michel and getting to stay there, the Eiffel Tower and seeing it at night all lit up, and the beaches of Normandy. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was so much fun! We went to many many different towns and villages after spending a few days in Paris. I loved driving and walking through the towns and villages of this part of France. Its a beautiful country and the French people that I met were very friendly and welcoming. Veronique was the perfect tour guide!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Well, since my dad jumped out of one of those boats on DDay, seeing Normandy for myself was amazing. Being there for myself was probably my WOW moment but there was so much that I loved about the trip! I really enjoyed seeing the castle being made with middle ages techniques; Monet's gardens and home were so fun, so full of color; seeing the Moulin Rouge right in front of me on a walk in Paris; and just absorbing France and the language and personalities of the people! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our Tour called the Heart of France is aptly named, I came away with a great impression of France

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Beaux Tapestry"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First, our guide, Véro, was outstanding. She masterfully handled behind the scenes needs such as supporting medical care for one of our group and helping her to rejoin our tour. She was very informative about the places we visited and about French culture. Our local guides were also excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment was arriving at Château de Chenonceau early enough to take photographs of the castle in the morning light with still water in the river to provide a nice reflection. Just what I was hoping for. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My first ambulance ride!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Veronique was a wonderful, knowledgeable guide, well-organized and she had a good sense of humor. The accommodations were mostly good except for our hotel in Amboise which smelled of sewer gas. The group meals tended to me very noisy except for the last meal which was outstanding. The sights were very interesting and we learned a lot. The French people were kind and welcoming. However it was a very tiring trip since we had little time to regroup and we had very early mornings!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Actually it was going to the top of the Eifel Tower which we did on our own. And the Chateaux Chenonceau was pretty spectacular. We enjoyed the wine and goat cheese tasting and Mont Saint-Michel and Giverny. Also, Amboise and Leonardo Da Vinci s chateau "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 9th tour so we expected the normal Rick Steves efficiency and quality. We were not disappointed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont Saint-Michel! Staying overnight on the island was magical"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my second RS tour so I had appropriate expectations of the tour. All accommodations were nice. Good meals together balanced by reasonable free time for personalized exploring or rest time. Every destination was worthwhile. I would not cut anything from the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several occurred. Maybe Mont St Michel because of its unique location and history. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a great tour. Richard, our tour guide, was terrific. We packed a lot in during the 11 days!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont St-Michel and Normandy."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Tour was well organized

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed Bourges, France"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was great! The tour was well organized, our guide Richard, was fun, knowledgeable, helpful with excellent communication skills. I also really enjoyed each of the local guides. I learned so much about France. The hotels were very clean and comfortable although the hotel on Mont St Michel was a bit more of a challenge to navigate than I was expecting. Each meal provided was excellent and the company of my tour mates made each meal special

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So hard to pick, but driving up to Mont St Michel is so impressive. Also, the tour of Normandy more than met my expectations."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Extremely informative, scenic, and fun all together! Had an excellent tour guide, Arnaud, and bus driver, Wim!!! We truly felt the French flair and culture throughout our tour sites, restaurants, and hotel locations. Good balance of touring and free time. Highly recommend.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose! Cathedral of Notre Dame, Normandy, Mont St. Michel, Monet's Garden, the private wine/cheese tasting, and oysters in Cancale! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything on our tour went well. Our guide, Arnaud, was fantastic and so knowledgeable about everything.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow was walking on the ramparts of Mount St. Michael without the crowds. What an incredible place!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My tour experience was fantastic. Our guide Arnaud was top notch. He was so knowledgeable, helpful and witty. I really felt I saw so much of France and learned so much about its history and culture. I felt safe in every town we stopped at. I ate the most amazing food and saw some of the most iconic French sights there are. I highly recommend the Paris and the Heart of France tour!!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite wow moment, though I had so many, was getting out of the crowded shuttle bus and standing in the blue and sunny sky right in front of the magical Mont Saint-Michel. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

our guide was excellent! Arno !!! loved Paris, st Michele, and Normandy.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"St. Michele and Normandy "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was the perfect combination of big city sites & sights and smaller villages and their character, of history and of contemporary culture. Along with the sights, our fellow travelers were so compatible and supportive of each that we became family. To top it all off, our tour guide was delightful......a true local, well-versed & knowledgeable, organized and in charge, great fun and also helpful to anyone needing support with travel issues that arose. Overall, a wonderful experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is tough to choose one favorite, but I have to say our trek with most of our fellow travel mates after our official tour was over, to see the Eiffel Tower brightly lit and sparkling at 11:00 at night. It was more than seeing the lighted tower, it was choosing to stay together to enjoy one more moment together. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

our tour guide arnaud was exception at all he had prepared for us. from the initial meeting of the group, to the alerting us to need to pack a smaller bag to go to mont st michel, he was prepared at all times for all events, and handled surprises without stress.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"walking through the different jardins and coming across pieces of history from centuries ago. the juxtaposition of modern metro stations to medieval chapels was astonishing "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very interesting and enjoyable tour. We had a great fun group. We saw a variety of interesting sites. Our tour guide, Arnaud, was great. He was organized and very knowledgeable. He tried to show/teach us many things about French history, people, regions and food. I would have liked more time at Normandy. The local guide at Normandy was excellent. I enjoyed all the local guides. I also enjoyed the lunch/break stops, especially the wine and cheese tasting and the seaside town with the oysters.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Normandy WW2 sites"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful way to see France! Stress-free, entertaining and very informative. Our tour guide was exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Omaha Beach Cemetery "

Wonderful trip Great tour guide Fantastic group of new friends

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Mont-Saint-Michel Was an incredible experience and Normandy was extremely moving especially when Taps were played."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic tour with great guides, bus driver, hotels, and experiences.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our stay at Mont Saint-Michel was amazing. Staying overnight, waking up to the sound of the seagulls, and seeing the abbey in the early morning fog were incredible experiences."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rick’s tours are always filled with a great mix of pleasure along with fascinating history. This was our second tour with his group and we just thoroughly enjoyed both. It’s very good about pushing you to see enough things without exhausting you to the point of not wanting to see anything else.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of Omaha Beach was probably my highlight. To understand what it took to still take that stronghold, even through all the mishaps and disadvantages, was a true testament to courage and perseverance of the soldiers that day. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed the entire trip! A great introduction to France. Tour guides, Richard & Ellen and bus driver, Katleen were are fabulous as were the local guides.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For my husband, it was Mont St. Michel. For me, hard to say as there were so many but maybe my first sight of the Eiffel Tower!"