7-Day Normandy Tour: WWII, Mont St Michel, Bayeux, Giverny & More
7-Day Normandy Tour: WWII, Mont St Michel, Bayeux, Giverny & More
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What’s On The Tour?
Bayeux
You’ll stay 5 nights in the heart of Bayeux, steps away from its charming shops, cafés, and museums. The city preserved its beautiful medieval archecture after narrowly avoiding destruction during WWII and became the first French city liberated on D-Day.
Mont-Saint-Michel
This iconic island abbey rises dramatically from the bay, surrounded by some of Europe’s highest tides. Its medieval streets, ancient stone homes, and 11th-century abbey offer spectacular views from the ramparts. A truly unforgettable highlight of Normandy.
American Cemetery & Omaha Beach
Walk the sands where American troops landed on D-Day and learn how the Allies broke through German defenses. The American Cemetery, overlooking the beach, honors the thousands who fell — a solemn and deeply moving experience.
Honfleur
A picture-perfect harbor town known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively waterfront cafés. Artists like Monet and Boudin once flocked here, and today Honfleur’s charm lives on in its galleries, old port, and timeless atmosphere.
The Bayeux Tapestry
Finished around 1077, the Bayeux Tapestry is 1.6 ft high and 224 ft long, displayed in a Bayeux museum. It depicts events from 1064–1066, from King Edward sending Harold to Normandy to Duke William’s invasion and the Battle of Hastings, with Latin captions along the panels.
Rouen
Rouen, capital of Normandy, boasts medieval half-timber houses, the Rouen Cathedral painted by Monet, and one of Europe’s oldest clocks. Visit the old market square marked by Joan of Arc’s execution and explore a city rich in history, including ties to Richard the Lionheart and Rollo.
Utah Beach
Visit one of the key D-Day landing beaches and learn how the US Army secured it while avoiding the heavy losses seen at Omaha. Discover the history of Operation Overlord and gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal events that shaped the Allied invasion on D-Day.
Pointe du Hoc
At Pointe du Hoc, US Army Rangers bravely scaled cliffs to capture this key position in one of D-Day’s most heroic actions. Today it is a powerful monument, where visitors can still see the bomb craters from the Normandy landings, offering a vivid glimpse into history.
Longues-Sur-Mer
The only German Battery in the Atlantic Wall to retain it’s original 150mm cannons still intact. This well preserved wartime site provides an up close learning experience and magnifies the challenge the Allies faced of breaking through the German coastline defenses.
Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches
At Arromanches-les-Bains, see remnants of the artificial Mulberry Harbor built after D-Day to bring in troops, supplies, and equipment. Learn about this massive engineering feat and its crucial role in the Allied operation to liberate France and defeat the Nazis.
Monet’s House in Giverny
Visit Monet’s home in Giverny, where vibrant gardens inspired his water and flower paintings. Explore his studio, charming blue sitting room, restored dining and kitchen, private apartments, and an extensive collection of Japanese prints, offering a glimpse into the artist’s life.
Normandy Airborne Museum
The interactive nature of the museum along with the information and stories presented with authentic artifacts such as planes, equipment and weapons, helps to live the experience of the soldiers and makes it a must see site in Normandy.
Sainte Mere Eglise
This town was the first liberated in France on D-Day. Paratrooper John Steele famously got stuck on its church in The Longest Day. Learn about the battle, why it was a key Allied objective, and the heroic actions of the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions.
Rouen Cathedral
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is a spectacular historical landmark and the tallest cathedral in France. Resting place of Rollo, William Longsword, and Richard the Lionheart, it features three distinct towers and was famously captured in Monet’s iconic series of paintings.
Calvados Distillery
A Normandy highlight is visiting a local Calvados distillery, famous for its apple brandy. Learn the art of distilling calvados and pommeau in oak casks, tour the cellars and stills, and enjoy a tasting—leaving you a true connoisseur of Normandy’s finest spirits.
French Market
Visit the local market to see the offerings of the farmers and artisans of the region and have the chance to find a souvenir or two and meet and talk with the locals. This is a great way to make a connection with French culture and support local small business, if you wish!
Fabulous Restaurants!
In a country so well known for its food, any trip to France should also include a culinary tour for your tastebuds! This is why we handpick restaurants that feature a variety of our favorite French dishes and make sure you have an excellent experience.
Local Guides!
Enjoy personal attention from a local expert guide and meet specialists at key sites who reveal intricate details of each location’s history. With years of experience living in France, we’ll show you the very best of the country and share our cultural knowledge.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to France!
Day 1
Today is the arrival day and we welcome you to France! You will make your own way to downtown Paris to the hotel listed on your tour and you will have a room for the night included in your tour package. There are no tour activities today as we are allowing everyone to come in and get settled in France. The hotel will have your name so you can check-in on your own and then you are free to enjoy Paris for the day. The hotel is located right downtown so it is easy to get to by public transportation, taxi, or Uber, and you can make the most of your time here. The following morning we will meet as a group and start the tour with breakfast and then head off to Normandy!
Arrival, Check in to hotel in Paris, Free day
Day 2
Off to Normandy!
Day 2
The tour officially starts as we meet the group over breakfast before checking out and boarding the bus for Normandy. Our first stop is Rouen, the historic capital, for lunch overlooking the magnificent Cathedral. We enjoy a walking tour to see the Gros Horloge, the Place du Vieux Marche (site of Joan of Arc’s execution), and the famous Cathedral, resting place of three Dukes of Normandy. Afterward, we travel to Bayeux, our charming medieval base for the next five nights. After checking in and settling at the hotel, we enjoy our first group dinner.
Departure, Lunch and walking tour in Rouen, Check in to hotel in Bayeux, Group Dinner
Day 3
WW2 tour part 1
Day 3
We begin our deep dive into WWII history at Sainte-Mère-Église, a key objective from the night of June 5th. We visit the excellent Airborne Museum and see the church made famous by the story of paratrooper John Steele. You will have time for lunch on your own in town before continuing to Utah Beach, one of the two American landing sites. We explore the beach and learn about its crucial, relatively easy capture during Operation Overlord. Our final stop is Pointe du Hoc, the site of the heroic Ranger assault led by Colonel James Rudder. We explore the German battery and see the monument amidst the remaining bombing craters.
Sainte Mere Eglise, Airborne Museum, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Group Dinner
Day 4
WW2 tour part 2
Day 4
We begin the day at Arromanches-les-Bains to view the remnants of the Mulberry Harbor, the essential temporary port built by the British. Next, we visit Longues-sur-Mer, the only German coastal artillery battery that retains its original guns intact in the bunkers, providing a close look at the formidable defenses. Following lunch at a local spot, we head to Omaha Beach, the site of the war’s bloodiest American landing. Above the beach, we visit the profoundly moving American Cemetery, dedicated to the thousands of US troops who perished here. The evening is free upon return to the hotel.
Arromanches-les-Bains, Longues-sur-Mer, Bayeux, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Free evening
Day 5
Bayeux, Cathedral, Calvados, WW2 museum (optional)
Day 5
We start the day discovering our medieval base, Bayeux, with a walking tour of the town followed by a visit to the historic Bayeux Cathedral, consecrated by William the Conqueror.
Next, we visit a local apple farm for a magnificent French lunch buffet. After lunch, we learn about cider production and enjoy a tasting of Calvados, the famous Normandy liquor.
The afternoon offers a choice:
– Option 1 (Museum): Travel to Caen with the guide to visit the Caen Memorial WW2 museum (return to Bayeux by 5:00 pm).
– Option 2 (Free Time): Return to Bayeux at 2:30 pm for more free time to explore the town and enjoy a free evening.
Bayeux Tapestry, Bayeux Cathedral, Farm visit with Buffet lunch and Calvados tasting, Free evening
Day 6
Mont St Michel
Day 6
We will leave early morning to visit one of the world’s most stunning attractions, Mont St Michel. This city on a rock dramatically soars into the sky just off the coast of Normandy in a shallow bay. We will start by making our way to the top of the hill to tour the Abbey. At the top we are rewarded for our climb with spectacular views and Gothic architecture dating back to the 11th-century, definitely the highlight of the trip. On our way down we will stop at a wonderful restaurant for lunch serving regional food. You will have a bit of free time to explore the village and pick up some souvenirs. Then we will head back to Bayeux where you will have a free evening to relax and enjoy the town.
Mont St Michel, Free evening
Day 7
Honfleur, Giverny, Farewell dinner
Day 7
After checking out of the Bayeux hotel, we begin our return journey toward Paris. Our first stop is Honfleur, the “City of the Artists.” You will have free time to explore the historic port, browse the local market, and visit the oldest standing wooden church, St. Catherine’s. Following lunch, we head to Giverny to tour the iconic House and Gardens of Claude Monet, the father of Impressionism. We then check into our airport area hotel for our final Farewell Dinner, concluding our tour adventures. (Departure is via hotel shuttle on Day 8.)
Honfleur, Market, Giverny, Fondation Claude Monet, Farewell dinner
Day 8
Depart from the CDG area hotel
Day 8
The tour ends with you checking out of the hotel after breakfast It is time to return home with new friends, great memories, and plenty of stories! We hope we will have succeeded our mission of sharing our culture and region for a trip full of good times and smiles and that you will join us again on one of our other tours! We will coordinate your hotel shuttle to drop you off at CDG airport before 12:00 pm.
Check out of hotel, Breakfast, Shuttle back to CDG airport
Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile
(1 night)
Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile is near the Arc de Triomphe and offers rooms with city views. It also features a seasonal restaurant. Metro located directly outside hotel for easy transportation in Paris. Buffet breakfast included.
Hotel Domaine de Bayeux
(5 nights)
Domaine de Bayeux is an 18th-century estate just minutes from Bayeux’s center. We will stay in the Orchard rooms with modern design, air conditioning, Wifi, standard amenities, and private terraces. Guests enjoy a local breakfast each morning.
Airport Hotel near CDG airport, Paris
(1 night)
Hotel located near CDG Airport offers rooms with free WiFi, a bar, and restaurant. Airport shuttle is available for easy departure when tour ends. Buffet breakfast included.
What's included
Included
Not included
Pictures are worth a thousand words
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Normandy?
The summer months are the best. The average high temperature in June, July, and August is 73 degrees Farenheit! The temperatures are mostly comfortable during the day and cool at night. May and September are great months to visit as well. April and October can be pleasant but also have the chance for cold temperatures.
Is Normandy crowded?
The sites, towns, and cities we visit on the Normandy tour are never too crowded. The WW2 sites are very large and spacious and the cities and towns are not densely populated or overrun with tourists. Mont St Michel can be very busy from April to October but we go there early in the morning to beat the crowds. Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverney are busy as well during the tourist season but you can still manage to enjoy the site.
How much walking is on the tour?
From waking up each morning to returning to your room at night, you will walk a total of 4-5 miles a day. If you are comfortable being on your feet for about an hour during a walking tour with frequent stops to observe points of interest, you should be ok to participate in the tour. Our tour guides lead the group at a relaxed pace and the ground is mostly flat but we do ask that you keep up with the group. There aren’t a lot of places with stairs either but you should be able to climb at least one flight without trouble.
If you are a really slow walker or have some difficulty and use walking aids, please call before booking to see if the tour is right for you. You do have the option to skip some of the walking tours and rejoin the group after exploring the site(s) on your own. The tours are not suitable for people who require wheelchairs or walkers.
What is the tour duration and which regions are covered?
The tour duration is 7 days and 7 nights. The itinerary covers the historic Normandy region including 2 full days of D-Day sites.
What are the accommodation details and room features?
Accommodation for the tour is primarily based in the historic town of Bayeux. All 7 nights are spent in comfortable, locally selected hotels featuring standard amenities, AC, Wifi, Hairdryer, TV, and elevators. A buffet breakfast is served daily.
What unique and cultural activities are included in the program?
Unique activities include a dedicated Calvados tasting session and specialist guided tours of the World War II sites. Cultural highlights feature visits to Mont Saint-Michel and Monet’s Gardens in Giverny.
What are the main historical sites visited on the route?
The itinerary includes iconic D-Day locations such as Sainte-Mère-Église, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetery, Longues-sur-Mer, Arromanches-les-Bains, Airborne Museum, Angoville-au-Plain, Caen Memorial. Other major sites are the medieval Mont Saint-Michel and historic Bayeux, Rouen, and Honfleur.
What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in the Paris CDG Airport area. Transfers to/from the airport or the local hotel on Day 1 and Day 8 are included in the tour price.
What are the payment and cancellation policies?
A deposit of $500 per person is due upon booking. The full remaining balance is due 180 days before the tour starts. A full refund is available if cancellation notice is received more than 180 days before the tour start date.
Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes, there will always be at least one vegetarian option available. Tour organizers work closely with partner restaurants to ensure special diets, including vegan options, and allergies can be accommodated for guests.
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