Best of Paris and Normandy

Welcome to France! A private transfer will be provided from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your Paris hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, an expert local guide will provide you with an orientation and go over your tour in detail. Your guide will contact you via WhatsApp before arrival to address any questions.

On this day, opt for a private or small group walking tour through Le Marais that combines food tastings with local history. Visit the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges (est. 1605) to sample fresh fish, oysters, cheeses, cured meats, and regional delicacies. The tour includes stops for wine, pastries, chocolates, and other sweet and savory surprises, guided by a local expert.

In the afternoon, join a guided group tour of historic Île de la Cité, or opt to make this a private guided experience. See the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore and view the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral survived the devastating fire of 2019, and a new page of its history has been opened thanks to the incredible renovations that have taken place. The cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024. This afternoon tour does not include the entry, but skip-the-line access to the Cathedral can be booked one day in advance. This afternoon's tour includes access to Sainte-Chapelle, featuring its stunning 13th-century stained glass. End the tour at the Conciergerie, the former royal palace and prison where Marie-Antoinette spent her final days.

After breakfast, head out on your chosen way to explore Versailles today. Discuss the following options in advance with your trip planner to determine the best fit for you.

Option 1: Spend a full day exploring Versailles. In the morning, take the train to join a small-group guided bike tour of Versailles and the grounds of the palace. Pedal leisurely through 2,000 acres of picturesque landscapes, pausing every 15 minutes to uncover intriguing historical anecdotes about Louis the 14th (the Sun King) and Marie-Antoinette. Your bike tour is followed by a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the palace. Complete your full day adventure on foot on a self-guided visit inside the Palace with an audio guide. Explore the lavish rooms at your own pace, immersing yourself in the stories and splendor of this iconic landmark, before heading outside to stroll through the famous French gardens attached to the Palace. 

Option 2:  A full day to explore Giverny and Versailles. This morning, head out on a transfer through the countryside to discover two of the most iconic homes and gardens in France on a guided tour. Let your trip planner know if you would like a private or group tour. First, visit Claud Monet's home and gardens in Giverny. Experience Monet’s private rooms as well as the studio where he added the finishing touches to thousands of his masterpieces. The home also features works by several renowned artist friends, including Renoir and Pissarro, along with an impressive collection of blue-toned Japanese woodblock prints adorning the walls. Next, continue to Versailles to explore the opulent Palace of King Louis the 14th and enjoy the Musical Fountain Show in the French Gardens. Marvel at the private domain of Marie Antoinette and take some free time to tour the grounds of the Palace before transferring back to Paris in the evening. 

Today, enjoy direct access to the Eiffel Tower with skip-the-line tickets and admire the panoramic views of Paris from the top. Explore the different levels at your leisure and see landmarks like the Louvre, La Défense, the Pompidou Museum, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. On your way down, take in the many exciting activities on the first floor. Test your courage by walking on the glass floor!
Please Note: The Eiffel Tower tour is not guided, and your host will accompany you until the ticket scan; then, make your way up to the summit, exploring independently. 

For lunch, enjoy a traditional French picnic in Champ de Mars with views of the Eiffel Tower. A cozy rug and wicker basket are set up in advance, featuring fresh baguettes, cured meats, cheeses, quiche, market salad, seasonal fruit, and a bottle of wine. Relax and savor the flavors and the moment.

In the evening, choose between a delicious dinner cruise on the Seine or a fabulous dinner show at the Moulin Rouge. The Seine cruise takes place on the first 100% electric boat, offering stunning views of Paris by night and a gourmet 4-course meal by chef Jean-Philippe Berens. Alternatively, enjoy an unforgettable evening at the iconic Moulin Rouge with a performance of Féerie. Witness 100 artists, including 60 Doris Girls, in dazzling costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. (Please discuss your tour preference in advance with your trip planner). 

After breakfast, you can either take the train from Paris Saint-Lazare rail station to Bayeux or opt for a private transfer through the picturesque Normandy countryside to your accommodation in Bayeux.

La Paresse en Ville is a charming accommodation and stylish boutique guesthouse just outside the historic center of Bayeux in Normandy. Set in a beautifully restored manor with lush gardens, this peaceful retreat blends classic French charm with modern comfort.

 

Discover Bayeux on a 2-hour private or small group walking tour with local guides Christèle and Marie-Noëlle. Explore half-timbered houses, historic mansions, and the grand cathedral while learning about medieval trades, expressions, and notable visitors. Visual aids enhance the experience as guides bring centuries of Bayeux’s rich, English-linked history to life.

Take a half-day small group tour (max. 8 people) of the Omaha Beach sector in the afternoon, ideal for those with limited time who want a meaningful D-Day experience. Departing from Bayeux, the tour includes the American Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc, where visitors explore bunkers and bomb craters while learning about the heroic actions of James Rudder’s Rangers. The guide ensures a rich, impactful visit before returning to Bayeux.

On this guided private or small-group foodie tour, your local driver-guide will take you through the picturesque Normandy countryside and the charming villages of the Pays d'Auge. Along the way, enjoy tastings of regional specialties and learn about the area's rich culinary traditions, architecture, and history.

The tour begins in Beuvron-en-Auge, one of France’s most beautiful villages, offering fantastic photo opportunities amid its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. From Beuvron-en-Auge, continue to the elegant seaside resort of Deauville, where your guide will share its rich and glamorous history. Then head to Pont-l’Évêque for lunch at a restaurant recommended by your guide, which will be payable directly.

In the afternoon, visit a local farm for a tasting of Normandy’s four signature cheeses, each paired with regional ciders. Then follow scenic country roads to Honfleur for a stop at the Christian Drouin Distillery and a tasting of their renowned Calvados apple brandy. Return to Bayeux by around 5:00 PM after a flavorful and enriching day.

Today, you can choose to spend the day exploring Bayeux on a private e-bike tour from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel or take a private tour in Mont Saint-Michel.

Option 1: On a guided e-bike tour from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel, travel a 1.5-hour drive, receive a quick briefing on how to utilize your e-bikes, and cycle quiet backroads through the Normandy countryside with your expert local guide. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint-Michel on your own for up to three hours after arrival, or pre-arrange a guided tour of the site with your Trip Planner. After a scenic and enriching day, return to your hotel in Bayeux.

Option 2:  Set off on a private day trip from Bayeux to the legendary Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks. After a scenic 1 hour and 45-minute drive, arrive at this striking island crowned by a dramatic abbey, perched above the tides of one of Europe’s largest bays. With your expert guide, uncover over 13 centuries of history—from its founding in 708 as a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Michael, to its role as a medieval center of pilgrimage and learning, and later, its transformation into a notorious prison during the French Revolution. 

After breakfast, take a direct train from Bayeux to the Paris Saint-Lazare rail station. Upon arrival, stay in a classic Parisian boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Marais district, set in a former 17th-century townhouse.

Take your time and enjoy a relaxed day of exploring Paris. Stroll along the Seine, visit iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame or the Louvre, and relax at a café with a coffee and croissant. Explore quaint areas like Le Marais or Montmartre, go shopping, or see the Luxembourg Gardens. The day is yours to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and romance of the City of Light.

Your visit to France ends with a smooth onward journey. Arrange a taxi or Uber to the airport or rail station for your onward journey.