Sustainability in Northern France

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Paris

Bienvenue Paris! After a warm welcome from your ACIS Tour Manager, you’re free to start exploring this enchanting city's famous sites. Unlimited public transport is included throughout your tour for easy and environmentally conscious travel around these iconic places.

Day 3: Paris

Your day begins with a guided sightseeing tour that takes you past some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Your expert local guide will show you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Also, at some point during your stay in Paris, you’ll visit the Louvre at a time scheduled to best maximize your experience. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world's most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and it is home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. A timed entrance will let you breeze by the crowds, and insightful commentary from your local guide will highlight the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. In the afternoon, hop on a bike for a leisurely cycle along the Canal Saint Martin, which runs through several trendy and culturally-rich neighborhoods in the 10th and 11th Arrondissements. Arrive at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie and use the audio guide to discover this interactive museum’s Bio-Inspired exhibits on ecosystems, climate, environmental issues, sustainable solutions and more.

Day 4: Paris

This morning journey by train from Paris to the town of Fontainebleau, whose opulent château and vast hunting grounds were a favorite royal and imperial retreat. Begin with a special biodiversity tour of the ancient royal Fontainebleau Forest with a qualified forest guide. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve evolved as a place of inspiration and escape, as well as one of the hotspots of biodiversity in Europe as it provides refuge to thousands of animals and plant species. Learn about the history of this protected ecosystem during your guided forest walk and enjoy a picnic lunch out in nature. In the afternoon, visit inside the stunning Château Fontainebleau, walking in the footsteps of eight centuries of French monarchs and emperors. Return to Paris in time for dinner.

Day 5: Loire Valley

Journey today to the Loire Valley and marvel at the mighty Chambord, a sprawling creation commissioned by François I that towers over its deer-filled park. First visit the château, the largest in the Loire Valley and an excellent example of French Renaissance architecture. Then enjoy an additional guided tour of the surrounding nature reserve, gaining insight into the natural environment, forest management, and the many varied species of animals that inhabit the landscape. You’ll have time for lunch in the local village before continuing to visit an organic goat dairy farm. See the animals, learn about organic and sustainable farming practices in France and sample some cheese.

Day 6: Loire Valley

This morning gain a different perspective of the valley’s natural environment with a kayaking excursion along the Loire River, taking in the scenic countryside and watching for native wildlife (weather permitting; if unavailable, an alternative activity will be scheduled). Then enjoy time for lunch and exploring in Amboise, a charming, historic town that was once home to Leonardo da Vinci and whose skyline is dominated by its 15th century castle. If your visit falls on the right day of the week, don’t miss a stroll through the local market. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a sustainable kitchen for a French locavore cooking lesson that focuses on using fresh local ingredients, conscious consumption and reducing food waste.

Day 7: Loire Valley

A guided tour introduces you to the stunning château and gardens of Villandry this morning. Initially built during the Middle Ages as a fortress, it was redesigned during the Renaissance period and is home to renowned gardens with all-organic flora and many species of birds. Then travel to the small town of Azay-le-Rideau. After time to find lunch, hop aboard bicycles for a gentle bike tour of the scenic Loire Valley landscape. Stop in the troglodyte village of Villaines-les-Rochers, and learn how these unique, centuries-old caves carved into the tuffeau limestone were repurposed into residences, wine caves and more. Then take a guided visit of the Wicker and Basketry Museum to learn about the origins and traditional production of wicker. You’ll cycle past some of the willow trees that are integral to these local wickerworks as you complete the loop to finish your bike tour back in Azay-le-Rideau.

Day 8: Paris

Depart this morning for Chartres Cathedral to learn about its Gothic architecture and see the beautiful stained-glass windows and the veil of the Virgin Mary. Then continue to Paris’ Bois de Boulogne and visit the Good Planet Foundation. This public interest foundation was founded in 2005 by French photographer and director Yann Arthus-Bertrand to action environmental and solidarity field projects throughout the world, raise awareness, foster education on sustainable development and help companies implement environmentally responsible policies. You’ll engage in a hands-on workshop covering various topics such as sustainable agriculture, climate and energy, biodiversity, world cultures, waste reduction and more.

Day 9: Paris

This morning you’ll board an RER commuter train to visit the ornate Palace of Versailles, originally built as a hunting retreat by King Louis XIII in the early 1600s and then transformed into an opulent complex by his son King Louis XIV, the Sun King. Your visit includes the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the breathtaking surroundings. Don't worry if you don't have time to cover every room of this vast palace. The best stuff is in the gardens and grounds, which includes 1,976 acres of gardens, 200,000 trees, 50 fountains and 620 jets of water. Return to Paris and enjoy a final afternoon to explore more at your own pace.

Day 10: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of La Ville Lumière with an extra night in Paris, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.