Luxury Tour of Historic Paris & Normandy - 8 Days

Highlights

• See the lights of Paris from the summit of the Eiffel Tower
• Stroll the lush gardens and ornate grandeur of Versailles 
• Visit the shores of Normandy's Omaha Beach, one of the D-Day landing sites
• Cross the tidal causeway to the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Eiffel Tower Tour, Dinner Cruise on the Seine

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in the capital city of Paris, a thriving metropolis that blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, and where ancient architecture rubs shoulders with chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for transfer to your hotel, Hotel Pavillon de La Reine, a luxe retreat located in the lively Marais district. Blending historic charm with modern comforts, you'll find tastefully appointed rooms, high-end amenities, and a location that is just minutes from some of the city's top sites.

Start your Parisian adventure with a private tour of one of Paris' most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. Built by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, this 1,049-foot (320 m) spire has stood the test of time, and now, no one could imagine Paris without it. Meet your guide, a dedicated member of the Eiffel Tower guide team, and enjoy priority access tickets as you ascend to the second floor for panoramic views of the city. Continue to the summit for even better views, then walk down to the first floor, sipping a refreshing glass of Champagne at the finish.

This evening, see Paris by night with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Just before sunset, board your vessel and meet your captain. Sip a glass of bubbly as the cityscape passes by, taking in sights such as the Musée du Louvre, the triumphantly rebuilt Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Palais Garnier. Delight in a delectable menu of French specialties, all accompanied by delicious wine and live music.

Day 2: Discover Sainte-Chapelle, Louvre Museum, Palais Royal & Tuileries Gardens

Learn more about the city's medieval roots this morning with a private tour of Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century chapel originally built to house some of the most precious relics of Christianity within its golden arches and over 1,000 stained-glass windows. You'll have plenty of time to appreciate the chapel's Gothic architecture as your guide explains more about the chapel and its storied history. 

Then, take a deep dive into the home of some of the world's most renowned artistic works at the Musée du Louvre. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a royal residence, the Louvre was inaugurated as a museum in the late 1700s. Today, its collections are valued at more than 45 billion, with works that include the revered "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." Team up with a private art historian, who will help you learn about these masterpieces and others as you marvel at masters such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Delacroix.

Continue to the Palais Royal. Located just a couple minutes walk from the Louvre, this was the residence of the French royal family until their move to Versailles. Soak in the sumptuous architecture and admire boutiques and galleries nestled in the hallowed arcades nearby. End the day with a stroll in the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries, wandering through the local flora and fauna and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. 

Day 3: Visit the Palace of Versailles

Step back to the times of kings and queens today on a visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles. In the morning, meet your private guide and take a quick train ride to Versailles, where you'll exit the station and walk to the palace. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into an opulent and decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (the Great Century) by Louis XIV. You'll have the opportunity to see some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens. 

Your guide will whisk you past the waiting visitor queues and take you on an exclusive private tour that showcases the grandeur of the king and queen's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the incredible Gardens à la Française. View the Gallery of Great Battles, the many art collections, and the garden's endless fountains and groves. Return to Paris in time to do more sightseeing on our own.

Day 4: Train to Bayeux, Guided City Tour 

Your next destination is Bayeux. Located in northern France's Normandy region and nestled on the shores of the Aure River, this picturesque town is home to the Norman Romanesque Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The town is also notable for being the first French town to be liberated during World War II and for its proximity to the D-Day landing beaches.

Hop on a train in the morning for the 2.5-hour ride, meeting your driver on arrival for transfer to your hotel, the Villa Lara. Here, you'll find understated elegance and quiet luxury at its finest, with rooms and suites that feature refined decor, handcrafted furniture, and spacious marble bathrooms. The hotel is in the center of Bayeux's medieval Old Town, allowing easy access to some of the city's most important sites.

Once you've settled in, take a privately guided walking tour around the city. Visit the Tapestry Museum and step into the cathedral, where you'll find the famed Bayeux Tapestry. Your guide will share the story of the artwork and its origins, then make your way to the grandiose 13th-century Notre-Dame, a fine example of Gothic architecture. Stroll streets lined with traditional wooden-framed Norman houses as your guide regales you with tales about the city, ending at the Museum of Art and History Baron Gerard to learn about the lace and porcelain that made Bayeux so rich.

Day 5: Experience Normandy's D-Day Sites

Learn more about the Normandy region's history and role in World War II with a private tour of the D-Day beaches involved in Operation Overlord. Meet your guide, a local specialist on the battle, and make your first stop at Utah Beach, one of the five beaches of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Discover the history and heroics of the US 4th Infantry, who were the first to land on June 6, 1944, and went on to take the beach.

Next up is La Pointe du Hoc, a German battery whose 100-foot (30 m) cliffs were scaled by US Rangers who went on to seize the German artillery pieces. Take a walk on Omaha Beach and a chance to see the commemorative sculptures, then stop in at the D-Day Experience theater, where you can see an interactive 3D film chronicling the day's events. The tour concludes at the US Cemetery, where you'll have time to sit or walk in quiet contemplation before returning to your hotel. 

Day 6: Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Take a day trip to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of Normandy's most memorable sites. Located near the fortified city of Saint-Malo, which once served as a stronghold for privateers, this tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage Site sits in the Couesnon River estuary, crowned by the walls of a towering Benedictine abbey.  A pilgrimage site that dates back to the eighth century, the Dukes of Normandy and subsequent French kings helped develop the abbey, with several buildings added throughout the Middle Ages. 

Accompanied by your guide, walk across the causeway to the town on foot, or catch a ride with a horse-drawn wagon for a scenic approach. If the tide is out, your trained guide can take you across the sand and to the base of the fortifications like the pilgrims once did (note: it's not considered safe to try this alone!) Enter via the village's dual entrance, which features separate arched doorways for carts and pedestrians, and walk along the ancient streets, passing traditional timber-framed architecture.

Visit the vast abbey and its ramparts and admire the settings, which have inspired countless artists. During the tour, your guide will share lesser-known tales and legends about Mont-Saint-Michel through the ages—don't be surprised if you feel like you've fallen back in time to the medieval era! Head back to town where you'll find souvenir shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes where you can grab a bite to eat before returning to Bayeux. 

Day 7: Train to Paris, Explore Bohemian Montmartre

It's back to Paris today as you depart Bayeux via train and return to the city. Your private driver will drop you at your accommodations, Le Roch Hotel, a 5-star accommodation in the Montmartre district with luxurious rooms, courtyard gardens, and an onsite spa with a pool. Get checked in and take some time to absorb the elegant atmosphere, then step out for a private walking tour around Montmartre. 

This artists' haven once housed greats such as Picasso, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Together with your guide, you'll see the district's most well-known sites, including the Moulin Rouge, known for being the birthplace of the cancan dance, the Rue Lepic, the Moulin de la Galette, and the Montmartre Vineyard. End at Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic basilica sitting at the top of Montmartre's hill, taking in the panoramic views of the city. Along the way, stop in at local restaurants for sips and snacks, or do some last-minute shopping at trendy boutiques.

Day 8: Depart Paris

Your luxury tour of France ends today. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport where your departing flight awaits. Au revoir! 

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