6-Nights France: Normandy & Brittany

St. Malo

Saint Malo is a prime tourist destination in Brittany. Visitors flock to Saint Malo to experience the unique "intra-muros" (meaning within the walls) streets of the old citadel. Visit Saint Vincent Cathedral, noted for its medieval and modern stained glass windows. The museum in Château de Saint Malo has exhibits illustrating the city's prosperous time during its heydays of piracy, colonialism and slave trading. The ramparts afford great views over the roof tops and harbor. Saint Malo also serves as a gateway for excursions to legendary Mont Saint Michel - with the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel and its ensemble of buildings soaring high above the sea. As amazing as the abbey itself are extraordinary tide variations that leave the mount to look out on stretches of bare sand at low tide, while the same expanse of land is submerged during high tide. South of Saint Malo is the medieval town of Dinan. Once totally surrounded by ramparts, 14 towers and a good part of the walls are still standing, encircling beautiful 15th-century timbered houses.

Bayeux

Bayeux, one of Normandy's many great places, has retained its own history separate from the mystique of D-Day. Visit Bayeux's canal-laden downtown. Admire Bayeux Cathedral, a beautiful church modified to include a number of memorials from World War II. Most of Bayeux's war memorials are outside town. Other points of interest include museums dedicated to two very famous people: The museum of William the Conqueror contains Tapisserie - which depicts the region's history. The other museum is for Charles de Gaulle, who was the French leader during the German occupation. Outside town are two very significant war memorials - one of which is the Museum of the Battle of Normandy. Bayeux is within reach of a number of Normandy's other attraction, and has plenty of character of its own for those wishing to take a moment away from touring battlefields.

Paris

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.