Overview
Start your journey through Northern France along the Normandy coast—exploring historical WWII monuments and the majestic island castle of Mont Saint-Michel—and then travel inland for a taste of tradition in the Champagne region. Explore the medieval architecture of Strasbourg before diving into the charms of Paris, city of world famous art museums, distinctive monuments, and incredible cuisine.
Days: 11
Best time to visit: April-June, September-November
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive & Travel to Bayeux
Arrive in Paris in the morning and then drive northwest to the town of Bayeux in Normandy. On the way, stop in the village of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and worked for 43 years—visit the elegant gardens that inspired so many of his famous impressionist paintings. Continue to Bayeux and settle into this lovely old town, which is home to the famous 13th-century tapestry of William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion of England.
Day 2 – Normandy Beaches
Start exploring the region’s incredible coastline and stirring history on a full-day, private tour of Normandy’s beaches, museums, and WWII battlefields. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the intense history of the war comes to life as you walk along Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where allied forces landed on D-Day. Behind every monument and in every cemetery, there are a wealth of stories that will shape your understanding and appreciation of Normandy’s landscape.
Day 3 – Mont St. Michel
Join your private guide on a scenic drive southwest to visit the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel on the border between Normandy and Brittany. A strategic military location since ancient times and home to the 8th-century monastery that gives the island its name, this UNESCO-listed site is steeped in the vivid history of bygone battles, long years as a prison fortress, and provides a glimpse of the feudal society that built it.
Day 4 – Épernay & the Champagne Region
Today, drive east across the picturesque landscape north of Paris to the Champagne region of France. It’s about 4 hours between Bayeux and Épernay, and there will be plenty of time to stop along the way. Épernay itself is an elegant town on the Marne River, whose cellars and tunnels produce almost as much champagne as its much larger neighbor, Reims.
Day 5 – Champagne Tour
Start the day with a visit to the 13th-century Reims Cathedral, one of the most famous in France, which stands on the site of ancient Roman baths. Then set off on a private, full-day tour of vineyards and Champagne houses, learning the history and techniques of producing this distinguished sparkling wine.
Day 6 – Train to Strasbourg
This morning, board the train to Strasbourg, whose metropolitan area blends into the German city of Kehl across the Rhine River. A vibrant hub home to several European institutions, Strasbourg also boasts well-preserved 15th-century architecture and iconic structures like the Strasbourg Cathedral.
Day 7 – Explore Medieval Strasbourg
Join your local guide for a private walking tour of the Strasbourg. Explore different medieval districts peppered with magnificent half-timbered 16th and 17th-century houses and the city center, which is oriented around the cathedral. Walking along the Rhine to the Covered Bridges, which are presided over by 14th-century stone towers, you’ll get a sense of how water defines the city.
Day 8 – Travel to Paris & Tour the City
After breakfast, catch a morning train back to Paris, arriving around midday. Spend the afternoon visiting one of Paris’ renowned museums like the impressionist Musée d’Orsay—is housed in a Beaux-Arts railway station built at the turn of the 19th century—or the iconic Louvre. If you are looking to stretch your legs, climb up to the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre for hilltop views over the city.
Day 9 – Palace of Versailles
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel for a full-day tour of the Palace of Versailles and its world-renowned gardens. First built as a royal retreat in the early 17th century, the château was subsequently enlarged into a palatial display of opulence under the reign of Louis XIV—visit his private chapel, the iconic Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and more. Outside of the château, intricate fountains and the garden grounds unfurl in regal splendor.
Day 10 – Montmartre Food Tour & Cruise on the Seine
Embark on a guided culinary journey through Paris’s charming Montmartre neighborhood. You will sample local delicacies at a patisserie, an array of cheeses at a fromagerie, and decadent sweets at a classic chocolaterie. Visit a butcher shop to taste delicious French hams and cured sausages, and pair the whole experience with carefully selected wines to enhance this flavor-extravaganza. In the late afternoon, have dinner while floating along the Seine for an exciting new perspective of Paris.
Day 11 – Departure
It’s time to head home this morning, and your private transfer to the airport will make this last leg of the journey hassle-free.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
Keep on Looking
Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.