A palpable thrill hung in the air as we boarded our overnight flight to France, departing from Chicago O'Hare. The promise of Parisian cobblestones and the enchanting French countryside beckoned, whispering tales of an unforgettable adventure.

Touching down in Paris, the City of Light, felt like a dream come true. After a seamless transfer to our hotel, we had the rest of the day to explore at our leisure. Once settled in, we eagerly anticipated our evening plans—a captivating dinner cruise along the Seine River, where we would dine against the stunning backdrop of Parisian landmarks illuminated by the night sky. The perfect start to our Parisian adventure.

This morning was truly special as we had a photoshoot with a talented Parisian photographer named Paula.  We found Paula through the Viator app.  We spent the morning strolling through Paris, sipping champagne, and capturing beautiful memories—talk about feeling like celebrities! The photos turned out perfectly, and Paula’s skill and professionalism made her a five-star photographer in our eyes.

The morning started with a guided tour of Paris, taking us through iconic landmarks. We drove along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, marveled at the Eiffel Tower, and passed by Les Invalides and the lively Opera district. The afternoon was ours to enjoy, and some of us opted for a visit to the stunning Palace of Versailles, a testament to French classical architecture. The history of the Palace of Versailles, from the war declaration signing to the royalties that lived here, was fascinating. Looking through the central window in the Hall of Mirrors, we saw the Grande Perspective stretching away towards the horizon from the Water Parterre. This unique east-west perspective originally dates from before the reign of Louis XIV, but it was developed and extended by the gardener André Le Nôtre, who widened the Royal Way and dug the Grand Canal.

We left Paris behind and headed to Normandy, stopping first at Claude Monet's former home in Giverny. The gardens, bursting with color, were the inspiration for many of his masterpieces. Next, we visited the Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable piece of history depicting the Norman invasion of England. The day ended with a delicious dinner in Caen. We stayed at Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel Caen, France.

A poignant day spent exploring the D-Day landing sites. From St. Mere Eglise to Utah Beach and the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc, we were immersed in the history of the Allied invasion. Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery were particularly moving, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of so many. To be able to walk the shores where so many gave their lives during the invasion was so emotional. During most of our trip, we never saw rain. But the day we visited the D-Day landing sites, it began to mist, linger a light drizzle as if the sky was sad or crying.  After leaving the Normandy area, the sun once again began to shine.

Emerging from the mist like a mirage, Mont Saint-Michel stood as a testament to nature and faith intertwined. This eighth-century commune, born of legend and divine intervention, was our first stop. As the story goes, the Archangel Michael commanded the construction of a sanctuary on this rocky islet, a decree that birthed a pilgrimage site of unparalleled beauty.

The Loire Valley is a treasure trove of chateaux. We visited the Chateau de Chenonceau, stretching elegantly across the river Cher, and the Royal Chateau d'Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. The day ended with a delightful wine tasting at Vouvray, a perfect way to savor the region's offerings.

Our final full day in France began with a visit to the grand Chateau de Chambord, a masterpiece of the Loire Valley. Next, we explored the Gothic splendor of Chartres Cathedral, famous for its stained glass windows and sacred relics. Returning to Paris, we enjoyed a farewell dinner at a charming French bistro.