b'Best Times july RwandaRillettes with toastFRANCENORMANDY AND THE LOIRE VALLEYTheres plenty to see and do in Normandy and the Loire Valley between June and August when the weather is mild. Normandy isMountain gorillas, Rwandafamous for its crucial role in World War II, with D-Day landing locations, the American Cemetery, and theRWANDAGORILLAS AND Caen Memorial Museum providingCHIMPANZEES IN THE WILDdeep historical insights. Visit theRwandas remarkable biodiversity is unusual Abbey of Mont Saint-Michelspread across various ecosystems, built on a tidal island. The prettyfrom lowland and hilly forests town of Rouen has pedestrian-onlyto vast savanna woodlands and cobblestone streets, well-preservedgrasslands. Primate enthusiasts medieval houses and a Gothic- will be particularly thrilled with style cathedral. In Giverny village,the possibility of close encounters youll find Impressionist painterwith gorillas and chimpanzees. Claude Monets former home and aThe dry months (June to August) Japanese-style water garden whereare the best time to trek to see he produced his renowned waterlilythese wonderful primates, as series. Normandys fresh seafood,the forest trails are less slippery. Camembert cheese, and apple ciderNyungwe Forest National Park, are some culinary highlights to try. Inpart of Africas oldest rainforest, the Loire Valley, castles like ChteauNormandy American Cemeteryis home to over 500 chimpanzees. de Chambord and Chteau deand Memorial Experienced trackers guide guests Chenonceau showcase Renaissanceon treks through the rainforests architecture and plush gardens.to observe chimpanzees in their Historic fairy-tale towns likeMont Saint-Michel, Normandy natural habitat and learn about their Amboise, Blois, Tours, and Saumurbehavior and social structure. A are filled with medieval architecture.230-foot-high suspended canopy In Amboise, visit Chteau Clos Luc,walk offers astounding aerial Leonardo da Vincis residence fromviews of the lush forest, Nyungwes 1516-1519, and Chteau dAmboise,birds, and wildlife. Gorilla trekking where he is buried. The Loire Valleyin Volcanoes National Park is a is one of Frances premier wine- wonderful way to meet mountain producing regions, and its cuisinegorillas as they wander the forest features fresh, local ingredients,in groups of 5-30 individuals, led by with specialties like rillettes (a meat/ a majestic silverback (adult male). fish spread, like pt), tarte tatinAn experienced tracker and guide (upside-down apple tart), and goatwill lead you through hidden jungle cheese. Both regions host numerouspaths to observe these endangered cultural, historical, and musiccreatures as they groom, forage,festivals. and play. enchantingtravels.com/normandy enchantingtravels.com/gorilla-trekking16 \x1a BE ENCHANTED'