Highlights
- Visit somber memorials to World War II on Normandy's D-Day beaches
- Taste Norman cheeses alongside fresh-made apple cider in the Pays d'Auge Region
- See views of Saint-Malo from your private balcony at the Grand Hôtel des Thermes
- Sip Champagne and dine on French cuisine while cruising the Seine at sunset
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Guided World War II Tour: Occupation, Resistance & Liberation | Paris |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Bayeux via Giverny & Claude Monet's House & Garden | Bayeux |
| Day 3 | D-Day Beaches & Memorial Tour: Utah, Omaha, Airborne Museum, US Cemetery | Bayeux |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Caen, Memorial Museum of World War II | Bayeux |
| Day 5 | Discover Normandy's Pays d'Auge Region | Bayeux |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Saint-Malo, Tour the Famed Mont-Saint-Michel | Saint-Malo |
| Day 7 | Saint-Malo City Tour, Driving Excursion Along the Emerald Coast | Saint-Malo |
| Day 8 | Visit the Villages of Dinan & Saint-Suliac, Free Afternoon in Saint-Malo | Saint-Malo |
| Day 9 | Train to Paris, Historic City Tour, Sunset Seine River Cruise with Dinner | Paris |
| Day 10 | Depart Paris |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Guided World War II Tour: Occupation, Resistance & Liberation
Welcome to France! Your flight lands in the capital city of Paris, otherwise known as the "city of lights" or the "city of love." This thriving metropolis blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, and designer boutiques.
Your private driver will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your accommodations at Hôtel du Louvre, a 5-star retreat in the sought-after 1st arrondissement, within walking distance of the Musée du Louvre. Offering elegant rooms decorated in classic Parisian style and suites with private terraces and glorious city views, you'll find yourself just steps away from some of the city's most important monuments.
Once you've settled in, take a private tour that navigates the somber history of Paris during World War II. You'll start with a stroll through the city's Jewish Quarter, where you'll visit the Deportation Memorial and the Holocaust Museum. Both are opportunities to remember, reflect, and understand the historical significance of each site. You'll finish at Notre-Dame Cathedral, where Paris celebrated its liberation from German occupation in 1944. Afterward, you'll be dropped off at your hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Bayeux via Giverny & Claude Monet's House & Garden
Get an early start to the day as you meet your guide for a private transfer to 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 cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The town's history is also notable for being the first French town to be liberated during World War II and its proximity to the D-Day beaches.
During the scenic three-hour drive, you'll have the opportunity to stop in the village of Giverny, a tiny hamlet once the home of famed impressionist artist Claude Monet. Visit the otherworldly beauty of Monet's home and gardens. Learn more about the artist and explore his house, stroll the paths of his flower gardens, and admire the garden lake, full of his renowned water lilies.
Arrive in Bayeux in the afternoon and check in at 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. Your afternoon is free to relax at the hotel, have a drink at the on-site bar, or step out for a stroll along the river.
Day 3: D-Day Beaches & Memorial Tour: Utah, Omaha, Airborne Museum, US Cemetery
Learn more about Normandy's history and role in World War II with a private tour of the D-Day beaches involved in Operation Overlord. Meet your guide at your hotel and head out, making 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.
Your next stop is the Airborne Museum, where you'll discover the heroic actions of the paratroopers in Sainte-Mère-Église, the first occupied town to be liberated. 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. You'll conclude your tour with a walk on Omaha Beach and a chance to see the commemorative sculptures before visiting the astonishing US Cemetery and visitor center nearby. You'll have time here to sit or walk in quiet contemplation before returning to your hotel.
Day 4: Day Trip to Caen, Memorial Museum of World War II
Today, you'll take a private tour of Caen, one of Normandy's most important cities and known as the hometown of William the Conqueror and for the town's role in World War II. Your guide will collect you from your hotel in the morning, ready for the 30-minute drive to the city. You'll start with a trip to the Château de Caen, built by William the Conqueror in 1060, and pass by the Romanesque abbeys of Saint-Étienne and Sainte-Trinité.
Afterward, you'll explore the Mémorial de Caen visitor center. A strategically important town during the war, the city endured intense bombing and was largely destroyed during the two-month Battle for Caen after D-Day. Spend time touring the displays and exhibitions, which serve as a tribute to those who suffered during the summer of 1944 and as a legacy for reconciliation. Conclude the tour with a walk through the Gardens of Remembrance, where you'll find plaques and memorials honoring the various countries and armed forces that fought for the liberation of Europe.
Day 5: Discover Normandy's Pays d'Auge Region
Discover Normandy's gastronomic reputation this morning as you head out on a private tour of the Pays d'Auge region. The day starts with a drive through scenic countryside and rolling hills, with glimpses of apple orchards and placid cows grazing the fields. Your first stop is a local farm, where you'll meet a cheese producer and taste traditional Norman cheeses alongside either freshly-pressed apple cider or pommeau, an apéritif made of calvados (apple brandy) mixed with apple juice.
From here, you'll make your way to the Côte Fleurie, a stretch of coast dotted with idyllic fishing villages that once attracted the Impressionist painters. See the gorgeous seaside vistas at Deauville and Trouville that have continued to inspire artists throughout the centuries, then stop at the mouth of the Seine River to stretch your legs and soak up the scenery.
Next is Honfleur, a quaint village where time seems to have stopped altogether. Architecture here dates back as far as the 15th century, and your guide will share information about the history and significance of the remains of the town's fortifications and the impressive Église Sainte-Catherine, one of the oldest wooden churches in France. You'll have free time for lunch and perhaps some shopping, then finish your trip in Beuvron-en-Auge, a Norman village with delightful half-timbered houses, craft stores, and antique shops.
Day 6: Transfer to Saint-Malo, Tour the Famed Mont-Saint-Michel
Your next destination is the fortified town of Saint-Malo. This port city once served as a stronghold for privateers, with tall granite walls still surrounding the old town. This is also the home of the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of Normandy's most memorable sites. Your driver will pick you up for the two-hour drive down the coast, dropping you at the Grand Hôtel des Thermes, a fabulous 5-star accommodation with Belle Époque-style design and beachfront views. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with options for private balconies, as well as a luxurious on-site spa and indoor pool.
Once you've had a chance to rest and regroup, step out on a private tour of Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.
Start from 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 beautiful 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! Tonight, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the excellent local restaurants.
Day 7: Saint-Malo City Tour, Driving Excursion Along the Emerald Coast
This morning, take a private tour around Sant-Malo, learning more about the history of this unusual city. Your guide will meet you after breakfast, and you'll start at the ramparts, which date back to the 12th century and are flanked by several towers. Visit the Château de Saint-Malo, originally built in the 1400s by the Duke of Brittany, the castle's Grand Tower houses the city's town hall, as well as the Museum of History. Finish back at your hotel, maybe snacking on a traditional Breton crêpe along the way.
In the afternoon, you'll take a driving tour along the Emerald Coast, traveling from Saint-Malo to Cancale and back. Bask in the spectacular seaside views as you go, stopping at endless white-sand beaches and dipping your toes in the sea. End the day at the nearby port of Cancale, which offers incredible views over the bay and is the location for some of France's most famous oyster farms.
Day 8: Visit the Villages of Dinan & Saint-Suliac, Free Afternoon in Saint-Malo
Your final day in Saint-Malo starts with a private tour of the nearby towns of Dinan and Saint-Suliac. After breakfast, meet your guide and make the 30-minute drive to Dinan, a medieval city that sits directly on the Rance River. Walk along charming cobbled streets and take in the timber-framed houses, with stops at the port, the basilica and its splendid stained glass windows, and the steep paths of the Rue du Jerzual, which links Dinan to the Port of Lanvallay.
Next, stop in Saint-Suliac, a former fishing port that also sits on the Rance River. Often referred to as one of France's most beautiful villages, you'll find riverfront granite houses here, a Gothic church with luminous stained glass windows, and a fortified tower that was once part of the town's defenses. Before returning to Saint-Malo, stop to see the Virgin of Grainfollet statue, which sits on the river and is said to have watched over the fishermen who once frequented the waters.
The rest of your day is free to explore Saint-Malo. Take a peaceful walk through the Old Town, sip wine, or grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, or check out the local beaches. Saint-Malo is a top destination for beachgoers, with options such as Grand Plage (Big Beach), a long stretch of white sand along the edge of town, or Plage du Mole, a smaller pebbled beach with gentle waves and warm water.
Day 9: Train to Paris, Historic City Tour, Sunset Seine River Cruise with Dinner
Check out of your hotel this morning and hop on the train for the trip back to Paris and your final full day in France. Your private transfer will collect you from the station and take you to the Hotel Napoleon, a stunning 5-star resort just steps from the renowned Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées. Rooms here are Parisian elegance at its finest, with sleek lines, a restful color palette, and the option for a private terrace with city views. Their on-site restaurant sits nestled behind tree-lined streets and is surrounded by a private hedge, creating an intimate, exclusive atmosphere.
After hotel check-in, discover historic Paris with a private city tour. With your expert guide, you'll visit the storied Notre-Dame, where you'll learn about the birth of Gothic art, and the Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century royal chapel with golden arches and over 1,000 stained glass windows. You'll also have a chance to see the Conciergerie, Paris' first royal palace. The palace was turned into a prison during the French Revolution and is the place where Marie Antoinette and thousands of others spent their final days.
Experience the best of the city of lights tonight as you embark on a river cruise along the Seine. You'll start at the base of the Eiffel Tower, where you'll board your luxury vessel and meet your captain. Sip a glass of Champagne as you watch the cityscape pass by, taking in sights such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais Garnier. Delight in a delectable menu of French specialties, all accompanied by delicious wine and live music, a perfect end to your travels.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 10: Depart Paris
The time has come to say goodbye to historic, romantic France. 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!
More Great France Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other France itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in France in luxury, or discover the best time to visit France.
Map
