Normandy

Food & Drinks

On this full-day tour from Paris, you will discover Mont Saint-Michel, a traditional Norman village. On the drive through Normandy, your guide will recount the rich history of the region marked by invasions, first by the Romans and then the Barbarians, before the region was fought over in the Hundred Years’ War. You will tour the famous Abbey and admire the Gothic buildings built on top of each other over the centuries, such as the Cloister and the Monks’ dining hall. You will then be free to stroll around the village and let yourself be taken back to the medieval atmosphere in its narrow paved streets.

Take a fascinating excursion to 2 of the most impressive symbols of French culture, and discover the complex and rich history behind their walls. Start your excursion from Paris to Giverny with an audio guide or a guide (depending on option selected), a quaint village in Normandy that attracted several impressionist painters throughout the 19th century. See the home of Claude Monet, and be inspired by the touch of color and charm that influenced his work. Explore the colorful garden whose lilies, weeping willows, and flowerbeds are a vivid reminder of his masterful works. You will then enjoy a traditional lunch before visiting the stunning site of the Palace of Versailles. You will discover the masterful combination of classic and baroque architectural styles. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, walk by the hall of mirrors, and visit the Grands Appartements to get a sense of the grandeur that surrounded King Louis XIV. You will return back to Paris at around 6.00 pm.

A day of unforgettable impressions awaits you outside Paris at legendary Versailles and the home of Claude Monet. Select the private option, and you'll be whisked straight from your lobby or doorstep in downtown Paris to Giverny, the village where Monet produced some of the world's most beautiful landscape paintings. See the gardens the so-called Father of Impressionism magically recreated on canvas, with their trademark water lilies and Japanese bridge. A complimentary 3-course lunch at the renowned Moulin de Fourges restaurant will provide the perfect opportunity to rest and savor what you saw along with fine gourmet food. The second part of the day takes you to Versailles, where reality might exceed your idea of how kings and queens once lived. Spend an hour wandering about the Grand Apartments of the king and queen, and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Outside discover the famous palace gardens, the marble Grand Trianon palace retreat and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet.

Discover one of the most unique settlements in France on a day trip from Paris to the mountainous city island of Mont St-Michel on the Normandy coast. Transfer from Paris by comfortable minibus or van, and then enjoy some free time on arrival at the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising from the sea or sand (depending on the tide), the town is known for its soaring spires, imposing ramparts, and steep streets. Crowned by the fortified Abbaye du Mont St-Michel (dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel), Mont St-Michel remains little changed since the Middle Ages. Explore the village at your own pace, and the interior of the abbey (where Benedictine monks still hold early morning mass) by audio guide. Hear stories of the legends of a unusual jewel of France. Normandy is also known for it’s wonderful apple production and you’ll make a special stop to taste some of the famous Cider Pommeau and Calvados.

On June 6th, 1944 the largest seaborne invasion ever attempted in history took place. The Allied troops waged an extremely difficult attack on the German forces who were entrenched in bunkers along the coast of Normandy. More than 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed or parachuted into France on that day. Though the soldiers knew that they were fighting against the odds they carried on with courage and helped to win the battle for Normandy. During this insightful tour, you will take a guided journey through many of the historical landmarks that are pivotal to this moment in history. Take a walk on Juno Beach, just like the Canadian troops did in 1944, you can walk on the same sand they did on that very day. Whilst at Juno Beach, your guide will take you to see Juno Beach Center, the most comprehensive museum about the Canadian landings in Normandy. You will also get to visit the Canadian Cemetery in Beny-sur-Mer. Whilst here, you can stroll through the beautiful cemetery whilst paying your respects to the fallen Canadian soldiers. Your guide will take you to see 'Hell's Corner', the furthest advance inland taken by Canadian troops on D-Day, 5-miles from the city of Caen. Before you finish your tour of the day, you will also see the Atlantic Wall Museum: the command center for the German defenses and discover all kinds of objects, tanks, and landing craft used during the battle. Whether you’re a great admirer of military history or someone who is just curious about how the events really played out on D-Day, this tour will help you to better appreciate the remarkable acts of courage and bravery that took place on Juno Beach. For they are well worth learning about and being remembered by all free folk today.

The departure will be at 7:45 AM from a centrally located agency. It will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the idyllic location, the lovely Norman village of Giverny. Discover the place of inspiration where Claude Monet, master of the Impressionist movement, created his most beautiful works. By visiting the artist's house and gardens, still in its original look, you will let yourself be carried away in Monet's imagination. The house, pink and green outside and full of color inside, and the two gardens, covered in flowers from spring to autumn, are themselves an exceptional work of art. When crossing the Japanese bridge inside the water garden, you won’t miss the famous water lilies and the majestic weeping willows decorating the charming pond. In the paths of the Clos Normand (the Norman enclosed plot), the flower beds will dazzle your eyes with their endlessly varied colors and will lead you to daydream and romanticize. Stride along the streets of this charming little village, and stroll through the painters' and sculptors' galleries. Complete your day by visiting the museum of impressionism which has one of the most beautiful collections of Impressionist works.

Escape the busy city of Paris and immerse yourself in the French countryside on this 2 day trip. The tour departs the city and crosses the western districts of Paris along the Normandy motorway to reach your first destination. At Mont Saint-Michel, enjoy a fascinating guided visit of the abbey’s interior and marvel at the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the building. Spend some free time exploring the rest of the abbey and surrounding village. After the abbey, head towards Château d’Angers for your overnight stay. Check into your 4-star hotel for the night and relax before the second day of the tour. On the second day, wake up to a delicious breakfast and begin your journey to the breathtaking Loire Valley. Upon arrival in the valley, visit the Castle Langeais passing by Cunault and Saumur along the way. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and learn about the rich history of the people who lived here. Spend some time exploring the local town of Amboise and find a quaint cafe or restaurant to grab some lunch. In the afternoon continue onto Chenonceau Castle for wine tasting with a local wine expert, and taste the flavors of French wine. Finally, on the return to Paris, marvel at the stunning landscape of the countryside as you travel.

Aboard a spacious minibus, you will have access to Wi-Fi and educational tablets to prepare you for your visit. Your driver-guide will also be available for any questions you may have. Visit the famous cliffs of Étretat that inspired many artists, such as Coubert who produced over fifty paintings of the seascapes, cliffs and waves. Monet also appreciated the area in all weather conditions and returned there regularly. Lunch will be an opportunity to enjoy local specialties (seafood, fish, or pancakes for example) with an incredible view of the horizon. Discover the surprising architecture of the city of Le Havre post-war. Continue with a visit to see the magnificent impressionist collection of the Museum of Modern Art André Malraux (MuMa). This museum space by the sea, dedicated to light and reflection, presents an outstanding collection of artists, including Boudin, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Degas, Courbet and Corot. The charm of the place is undeniable. After your visit, you'll return to Paris by minibus.                                     

Beyond the experience I have for doing this tour, it is the love for the site and its history. Sometimes, I wish I could live on the Mont St Michel for the tranquility and the view. The nights I have spent on this island are always too short. On the way to Mt St-Michel, I will show you the beauty of the Emerald Coast, one of France most charming roads. Along the road, I will tell you all the history of the Mont, its well kept secrets and forbidden stories. On the "Mont ", you will explore the Abbey, the Church & the village. For lunch : local specialties "bien sur" in the best restaurant of the island. After the Mont St Michel, I'll drive you to Cancale, a lovely little village set in this bay, Cancale is the the best place in France and probably in Europe for oysters . (The famous "Belon of Cancale" ). Besides many tasting you will also see how oysters are raised. Then, if you still have time I will guide you in Saint Malo, where you will be back in the days of privateering and great discoverers. ---------------------------------- 9AM Saint Malo-Saint Michel Drive along the Emerald Coast Road - Time to learn about the history of the Mont St Michel. 10AM Stop at the Mont St Michel 11AM - 12AM Visit of the Abbey of the Mont St Michel Please note that there are about 625 steps up to get to the Abbey. No elevator. 12. 30AM 1. 30AM Lunch in the best restaurant facing the bay of the Mont St Michel - Local specialties : Mère Poulard Omelette and salted grass lamb. 3PM Stop at Cancale Oyster tastings and visit of the oyster farm at low tide. This stop can be replaced by the Pointe du Grouin, a lovely spot for bird watchers and landscape enthusiasts. Drive along the Emerald Coast Road 6 PM Return to Saint Malo-Saint Michel

Explore Normandy’s villages and discover the best food on this guided foodie tour perfect for food enthusiasts. Sightsee, learn about local cuisine, and enjoy many opportunities to taste local drinks and food. Visit Camembert, Lisieux, the seafood market in Trouville, and more. Get picked up from Bayeux, Caen, Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer, or Honfleur to start your adventure. During the tour, taste French Camembert (French cheese), hard cider, and Calvados (Normandy apple brandy), Normandy's liquid gold. While tasting local cuisine, enjoy driving and walking through the villages of the Pays d'Auge area. Learn about the architecture and history of these villages from your guide and digital resources. Later, get the opportunity to meet Jérome, the cheese producer and chairman of the Pont L'Evèque AOC Board. Learn everything about French cheese in Camembert. Afterward, have an optional lunch at a Michelin-rated restaurant by the river, admiring the Normandy cows and scenic views. The full tour includes: • A stop in Camembert • A quick stop at Orbec Ferme du Bec d'Or • A stop in Lisieux • A lunch at the Fossard (optional) • A stop at the Breuil en Auge Chateau and the distillery • A stop in Trouville & the seafood market • A stop at Deauville • A stop in Honfleur