Tailor-made Holiday · France
Northern Gems: Castles and Coastlines
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At a glance
Experience the captivating beauty and welcoming nature of Northern France with one of our most sought after itineraries. This carefully curated journey combines rich history, enchanting landscapes, and cultural treasures. From the grandeur of medieval castles to the dramatic coastal cliffs of Normandy, this adventure promises to enchant and inspire you.
Begin your journey in the Loire Valley, home to some of France’s most magnificent castles and lush vineyards. Stay at a charming château hotel in Cheverny, perfectly situated for exploring nearby estates. Visit the iconic Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, and the elegant Château de Chenonceau, famed for its arches over the Cher River.
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Travel to the stunning Breton coast and the resort town of Dinard, known for its Belle Époque villas and dramatic sea views. Explore the picturesque streets of Saint-Malo, a historic walled city, and enjoy a private excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Stay in a luxurious coastal retreat where you can unwind with ocean views, indulge in regional seafood delicacies, and soak up the refined yet relaxed atmosphere of this seaside haven.
Conclude your journey in Honfleur, a postcard-perfect port town that has inspired generations of artists. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with timber-framed houses, visit the historic Sainte-Catherine Church, and explore the region’s celebrated art galleries. Stay in an elegant boutique hotel, where the blend of modern comfort and historic charm creates the perfect end to your Northern France adventure.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Days 1-3: Cheverny
Your journey begins in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with architectural grandeur and lush landscapes. Here, you’ll explore some of the region’s most iconic castles, beginning with the awe-inspiring Château de Chambord. Its intricate architecture, complete with a double-helix staircase believed to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci, is as impressive as the sprawling forests that surround it. Beyond the castles, the Loire Valley is a gourmand’s delight. Days are spent meandering through quaint villages, sampling artisan cheeses and freshly baked breads at local markets, and savoring private wine tastings in sun-dappled vineyards.
We would highly recommend a stay at Les Sources de Cheverny. This luxurious retreat is surrounded by lush vineyards and centuries-old woodlands. Combining modern elegance with historic charm, this refined hotel offers exceptional dining, a serene spa, and an idyllic base for exploring the region’s iconic châteaux.
Days 4-6: Dinard
Leaving the Loire behind, you’ll travel to the rugged beauty of Brittany’s coastline. Your base in the sophisticated seaside town of Dinard offers a balance of refined luxury and natural splendor. The region is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, and provides a striking backdrop for exploration. The medieval walled city of Saint-Malo invites you to wander its cobblestone streets, admire its granite fortifications, and savor local specialties like buttery kouign-amann pastries.
The Castelbrac Hotel in Dinard is a stunning seaside retreat perched on Brittany’s rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. With its elegant design, world-class amenities, and an infinity pool overlooking the sea, it provides the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility for those visiting the area.
Days 7-9: Honfleur
Your final stop is Honfleur, a picturesque port town that has inspired artists for centuries. The town’s harbor, lined with colorful timber-framed houses, provides a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and café visits. From here, you’ll explore the dramatic cliffs of Étretat, whose natural arches and towering white limestone formations have been immortalized in countless paintings. Normandy’s historical significance comes alive as you visit the beaches of D-Day, reflecting on their role in shaping the world’s history. The poignant American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer offers a moment of quiet reverence amidst the natural beauty of the coastline.
La Ferme Saint Siméon in Honfleur is a historic luxury hotel set in a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse overlooking the Seine estuary. Renowned for its gourmet dining, indulgent spa, and connection to the Impressionist art movement, it offers an enchanting retreat steeped in charm and elegance that has long been a favorite choice amongst our travel experts.
Our Experts
It doesn't get more romantic than a trip to France. Whether you're dreaming of a Parisian escape or a French Riviera retreat, you're guaranteed a truly memorable adventure in stunning France.
Look no further than France for a European getaway that ticks all the boxes. Stunning cities, stretches of pristine coast, and some of the world's most mouthwatering wineries - France has it all.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
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