08D7N Paris & Normandy Highlights by National Geographic Journeys

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

We recommended arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. The “City of Lights” is unlike any other place on earth. Known for its glorious monuments, museums, and markets, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris has something for everyone. Discover for yourself Paris’ “je ne sais quoi.”

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Hotel
Hotel Relais Monceau (or similar)

Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained. These served as inspiration for his celebrated water-lily series and have been named by National Geographic as one of the “10 most magnificent gardens in the world.”

Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.

Claude Monet’s Gardens
Enjoy a visit and walk through Claude Monet’s Garden, inspiration for the artist’s water-lily series and named as one of National Geographic’s “top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world.”

Free time
Enjoy free time for a walk and lunch in this pretty seaside Village.

Hotel
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)

Take in scenes of the D-Day landing which had a pivotal role in the history of the world. Visit the moving memorials and beaches and learn about the impact this event had on the direction of the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion.

Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries (including American, British, Canadian, French, German and Polish) hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.

D-Day Historical Experience
Here’s a day designed for those who can’t get enough of WWII history. In the Norman town of Bayeux, meet a recognized war historian who will lead a lecture about the Allied invasion and how it continues to shape this region in Northwest France. Visit a hands-on museum to view and touch relics such as weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and maps. Then board an authentic WWII transport to travel to the British War Cemetery at Secqueville-en-Bessin to walk the grounds and learn about the ultimate emblem of supreme sacrifice in war, the poppy.

D-Day Beaches & Memorials
With our CEO, visit some of the key landmarks from D-Day which can include; Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.

Hotel
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)

Go on an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the medieval fortress dates to the 6th century and is considered one of Europe’s most stunning and imposing sites. Get your bearings on an CEO led orientation walk and then explore on your own. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or simply wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.

Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval fortress is considered one of the most imposing sites in Europe, with origins dating back to the 6th century. After an orientation with our CEO, enjoy free time to wander the winding streets and ally’s or climb up to visit the Abbey church.

Free time
Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval fortress town.

Hotel
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)

Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Amble along its quaint streets, taking in the local scene at shops and cafés. Then opt to visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Bayeux, a Norman-Romanesque architectural gem, and see the famed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.

Free time
Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval town.

Hotel
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)

Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.

Free time
Take an orientation walk with our CEO and enjoy some free time to visits shops or have lunch.

Free time
Beautiful Paris, the “City of Lights”, is the capital of France and famous the world over for its magnificent architecture, glorious monuments, fine museums, and romantic ambiance. Check out L’Arc de Triomphe, Champs d’Elysees, Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Georges Pompidou, Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The most iconic sight is, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Take long walks on the famous “ponts de Paris” (bridges) and enjoy some fine French food.

Hotel
Hotel Relais Monceau (or similar)

Later this afternoon and evening, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city’s outstanding museums and churches, float down the River Seine on a cruise, or simply people-watch.

Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

French Wine and Cheese Pairing Lunch
Enjoy a presentation on French wines and the art of perfectly pairing them with cheese. Taste five wines presented by our local expert and learn the proper etiquette, terminology and appreciation of French wine.

Free time
Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.

Hotel
Hotel Relais Monceau (or similar)

Depart at any time.

Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.