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  3. 7 day Paris Must-Do Normandy History Culture D Day Small Group15

7 day Paris Must-Do Normandy History Culture D Day Small Group15

7 days (ID: 167794)
France
Mercedes

Overview
Live-guided 7-day trip for max 15 people to the most desired sights of Normandy and Highlights of Paris. You will learn Pairs incl Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Giverny, Loire Castles and Normandy's highlights, not only 8 most significant sights of Omaha and Utah Beach but also French culture and nature including Giverny, Etretat Chalk cliffs, Honfleur, Mont Saint-Michel and more.
Just 4 to 6 couples and families are travelling together, easy communication, nice atmosphere. Our own comfortable air-conditioned Mercedes minibuses. Live Guided during the whole trip by one of our skilled guides. This tour can be booked for a CLOSED PARTY as well.
This tour can be booked and customised for a CLOSED PARTY as well.

Important Notice N1: All sightseeings and entrance tickets in Normandy are included but not the Entrance tickets in Paris. You can pay them directly on spot or buy our Paris Tickets Package including Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc Etoile, Versailles, Giverny, 3 Loire Castles EUR 185 

Important Notice N2: Regarding Hotel accommodation you can reserve it Yourself or purchase Hotel Package for 6 nights in a 3* hotels EUR 520 or in 4* hotels EUR 770. This Package includes Hotels in Paris 4 nights, in Bayeux 2 nights.

Itinerary

DAY 1. Sunday:  Paris — Giverny  Claude Monet— Etretat Chalk Cliffs — Honfleur harbour city— Bayeux

 

07:00 - 07:30 Boarding and Departure to Giverny

MEETING POINT N 1:  07:00am to 07:10am boarding at our Mercedes minibus at the OPERA GARNIER STEPS, it is a main facade of Opera building in front of Metro OPERA

MEETING POINT N 2:  07:20am to 07:30am boarding at our Mercedes minibus at the Arch de Triumph Etoile, first 10 meters of the avenue FRIEDLAND

07:30 Departure destination Giverny, the country home of Claude Monet. Our Guide will welcome You and give on the way general Information about the French history and Impressionism. It takes about 1,5 hour (70 km).
Important Notice: All entrance tickets and visits are included. Regarding Hotel accommodation you can reserve it Yourself or purchase our Hotel Package of a 3* or 4* star hotel in Bayeux for 2 overnights.
 

09:00 - 11:00 Giverny Claude Monet's house

09:00 - 11:00 Arrival in Giverny and visit to Claude Monet's historic house to admire the nature that inspired one of the most famous French painters and founder of Impressionism. Step into Claude Monet’s studio, where the magic of his artistic genius came to life, wander through the enchanting Norman flower gardens, marvel at the iconic water lilies in the picturesque Pond.
11:00 Departure to Etretat. It take about 2,5 hours (155 km)
 

13:30 - 16:00 Etretat. Lunch break and Walking to the famous Chalk cliffs

13:30 - 16:00 Arrival at Etretat. Walking to the beach & famous Chalk Cliffs. Free time for Lunch. You will enjoy breath taking views and relax.  

Étretat is famous for its chalk cliffs, including three natural arches and the Needle, which rises 70 meters (230 ft) above the sea. Etretat was a popular spot in the past for impressionist artists including Claude Monet. Today it is a classical seaside resort nestled between two sets of Chalk cliffs. You can walk on the beach and climb for excellent views to both Chalk cliffs sets. 

16:00 Departure to Honfleur. It take about 1 hour (45 km)
 

17:00 - 18:30  Walking tour Honfleur. Free time

17:00 - 18:30 Walking tour in Honfleur with its famous port. Honfleur - the main defensive port of Normandy of the XV century, transformed into a charming resort town with a picturesque Bay, much-loved by the artists of the XIX century. Honfleur was first mentioned in 1027, when it belonged to the Norman Duke Richard III.

The owners of the city changed several times during The Hundred Years War. In the XV century, there were French pirates - corsairs who ravaged the English coast. Later, in the XVII—XVIII centuries, the city became significantly rich in trade with the American colonies. After the port was closed, the city's economy declined and Honfleur became a suburb of Le Havre. Today it is one of the most known tourist cities in Normandy with 5,2 Million visitors a year.The walking city tour takes about 1 hour.

18:30 Departure to Bayeux. It take 1,5 hour (95 km).
 

20:00  Arrival in Bayeux. Hotel Accommodation.

20:00 Hotel accommodation in Bayeux according to the chosen option.

 

DAY 2. Monday: Bayeux — Utah Beach — Utah Beach Landing Museum — Sainte-Mere-Eglise — Airborne Museum — Pointe du Hoc — Normandy American Cemetery — Overlord Museum — Omaha Beach — German Gun Battery 

 

07:30  Departure from Bayeux to Utah Beach

07:30  Departure from Bayeux to Utah Beach. It takes one hour (60 km).

 

08:30 - 09:00  Utah Beach and its Monuments

08:30 - 09:00  Arrival at Utah Beach. Free time for learning on Utah Beach. Utah Beach is the next to Omaha Beach and the westernmost of the Five Normandy D-Day Beaches containing nowadays many museums, memorials and monuments. Utah Beach was the first beach to be stormed by 23,000 American soldiers on 6 June 1944 in order to capture the town of Cherbourg and its deep water port. 
Utah Beach casualties were relatively light with 197 (including 60 missing). The units that landed on Utah Beach include: 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, VII Corps,  4th Infantry Division, 90th Infantry Division, 4th Cavalry Regiment and 70th Tank Battalion.

Near the UTAH BEACH Landing Museum You can discover many important monuments. Normandy’s Utah Beach is wide and clear and make it easy to imagine the events of 1944. You can spend here some time strolling the beach, thinking about the events of WW2. In the same general area at the Landing Museum you’ll find a collection of monuments:                                                                                  

1. Higgins Boat Monument. On D-Day, Americans landed in amphibious crafts used for all ladings and known as Higgins Boats, named for its inventor.                                                                               

2. U.S. Navy Monument, the only outside the US consisting of three figures meant to represent: leadership, sailors, and combat units. Inscribed on the base of this statue are the names of the American ships that participated in Operation Overlord.                                                                                   

3. 90th Infantry Division Monument. After landing on Utah Beach, the 90th continued inland through Northern France, then onto Belgium, the Ardennes and helped liberating the Nazi concentration camp at Flossenbürg in Bavaria.

 

09:00 - 10:15 Utah Beach Landing Museum visit

09:00 - 10:20  Utah Beach Landing Museum visit, created atop a former German bunker and having a big collection of historical artifacts, military vehicles and the original B26 bomber — one of only six left in existence. 
10:20 Departure to Sainte-Mère-Église town and Airborne Museum. It takes just 25 minutes (13 km).
 

10:40  - 12:30  Airborne Museum visit

10:40  - 12:30 Arrival at Airborne museum. This visitors of Normandy favourite museum is dedicated to the U.S. paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. The Airborne Museum comprises five separate buildings, two of which resemble open parachutes. Inside you’ll find an incredible collection of World War II aircraft and thanks to the touch pad You will experience the highlights of the Normandy landings.
The first WACO building of the Museum is dedicated to the gliders and presents the only copy of a WACO glider in France. You will join a dozen soldiers in the glider few moments before the take off. More than 500 gliders were deployed to carriy on About 4 400 soldiers, vehicles, ammunitions and other equipments.
The C-47 building with the original legendary C-47 aircraft sits proudly at the centre of a spectacular scenography made of deployed parachutes, suspended mannequins and realistic statues that question the visitor!
 

12:30 - 13:15  Lunch break in Sainte-Mère-Église  

12:30 - 13:15  Lunch break in Sainte-Mère-Église in front of the Airborne Museum.

13:15 Departure to Pointe Du Hoc. It take 45minutes (40 lm)

 

14:00 - 14:45  Pointe du Hoc 

14:00 - 14:45 Arrival at Pointe du Hoc, a prominent cliff between Utah and Omaha Beach. This point was important because it was the highest land between Omaha and Utah beaches and could thus fire upon both of them. The site was a gun battery, fortified with concrete casemates and gun pits, forming part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defences. Visiting the Pointe du Hoc You will learn about the 2nd Ranger battalion sacrifice to take this crucial gun battery on the cliffs of Omaha Beach on June 6th 1944. Many of the original fortifications and bunkers remain on the site and are open to the public, including the fire control casemate, on top of which there is a monument to the 2nd Ranger Battalion.
14:45 Departure to Normandy American Cemetery. It takes about 25 minutes (14 km).
 

15:10 - 16:10  Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer

15:10 - 16:10 Arrival and Visit of the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center, located in Colleville-sur-Mer and overlooking Omaha Beach. It contains 9,387 U.S. soldiers, most of whom were killed during the Normandy Landings and the Wall of the Missed in Action with the names of 1,557 soldiers. 
At Normandy American Cemetery you’ll see as well the semicircular memorial colonnade with the sculpture “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves” and large maps of military operations; and the most beautiful, idyllic spot on Planet Earth. 

At the Visitors Center You will find a very nice small Museum with a lot of informations about Battle of Normandy.

16:10 Departure to the close located Overlord Museum.

 

16:15 - 17:00 Overlord Museum visit

16:15 - 17:00 Overlord Museum visit. Located just few hundred meters away from the Normandy American Cemetery this museum contains many WW2 artefacts and installations like tanks, weapons, guns, many military vehicles, V-1 missile, personal belongings and more. It gives You a personal feeling about D-Day.

16:45 Departure to Omaha Beach. It takes just 10 minutes (5 km).

 

17:00 - 17:30 Omaha Beach Signal Monument

17:00 - 17:30 Arrival at Omaha Beaches Signal Monument. Learn about the huge sacrifice made by the 34 000 men who landed here on D-Day. Omaha Beach is the most popular travellers destination of the D-Day Beaches.

17:30 Departure to German Gun Battery. I takes 30 minutes (17 km).

 

18:00 - 18:30 German Gun Battery

18:00 - 18:30 German Gun Battery.

18:30 Departure to Bayeux. It takes 20 minutes (10 rm).

 

19:00 Arrival in Bayeux

 19:00 Arrival in Bayeux. Hotel accommodation in Bayeux according to the chosen option.

 

DAY 3. Tuesday: Bayeux — Mont Saint-Michel — Cancale Oysters Capital — Pointe du Grouin — Paris

 

07:30  Departure from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel

07:30 Departure from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel. There are 130 km to drive on a highway from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel. It takes 2 hours (120 km).

 

09:30 - 12:30  Mont Saint-Michel. Abbey visit

09:30 - 12:30 Arrival at Mont Saint-Michel. As a rule we manage to join the Guided visit organised by the Abbey itself. When ii is not possible we provide audio-guides for the Abbey's visit.
Our guide-driver bring you up the narrow streets of the medieval village toward the top to the Abbey. On the top of the Island, you can admire panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and bay. First settled by man in the year 709 it contains Medieval village & beautiful Abbey fortress dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. The construction of the Benedictine Abbey started in the 700’s and continued through the 1200s. It remains practically the same since the Middle Ages as it was the goal of pilgrims from all over the world. Mont Saint Michel remains the most visited site in France.
After the Abbey visit You'll have free time to enjoy Mont Saint-Michel city and time for Lunch.
12:30 Departure to Cancale. It takes 1 hour (45 km)
 

13:30 - 15:00 Lunch break in Cancale, Oysters Capital of France

13:30 - 15:00 Lunch break in in Cancale, Oysters Capital of France. You will visit the Oysters Market of Cancale where You can buy and eat Frech catch oysters size N 1, 2, 3 etc. Several restaurants along the embankment offer see food dishes for Lunch.
15:00  Departure to Pointe du Grouin. It takes 15 minutes (5 km).
 

15:15 - 16:00 Pointe du Grouin

15:15 - 16:00 Arrival at Pointe du Grouin which is located in Brittany. Pointe du Grouin is dominated by a Lighthouse offering a breathtaking view of the Normandy coast, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the coastline of the Emerald Coast. 
16:00 Departure to Paris. It takes 5,5 hours (430 km). One stop at a rest area will be made.
 

21:30  Coming back to Paris

21:30 Coming back to Paris. Drop off at Arc de Triumph Etoile.
 

DAY 4. Wednesday:  Paris — Quartier Latin — Arc Etoile — Eiffel Tower — Louvre 

 

07:30 - 10:00  Live Guided Paris Sightseeing city tour

07:30 - 10:00 Live Guided Paris Sightseeing city tour starts. The Guide will give You general Information about the French history and a lot of interesting things about France, its culture, architecture and history. You will see all the most important sights of Paris: Luxembourg Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides and Alexander III bridge, Place Vendome, Sainte-Chapelle, Place des Vosges, Trocadéro square with its magnificent Viewpoint at the Eiffel Tower. Duration 2,5 to 3 hours.
 

10:15 - 11:30 The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile

10:15 - 11:30 The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. You will take 250 steps to go to the top of the 50 meters high Arch to admire the panoramic views. 12 streets form the shape of a star and give the site its more common Parisian name, l'Étoile (the star).
The Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The names of all French victories and generals You can see on its inner and outer surfaces. The construction was started by Napoleon Bonaparte 1806, halted during Bourbon Restoration and completed 1836 by the last French King Louis-Philippe. On 15 December 1840 Napoleon's remains brought from Saint Helena island passed under Arc de Triomphe on their way to Hotel des Invalides, where Napoleon Bonaparte was buried.
 

11:45- 12:45 Walking tour Latin Quarter

11:45- 12:45 Walking tour Latin Quarter incl. Notre Dame de Paris. Duration about 1 hour. The Latin Quarter of Paris or Quartier latin situated on the left bank of the Seine river close to Notre-Dame de Paris is known for its University, high schools, student life, lively atmosphere, and numerous bistros. Its name is related to the Latin language which was widely spoken during the Middle Ages in and around the University. 
 

14:15 - 15:30 Eiffel tower 

14:15 - 15:30 After arrival at the Eiffel tower You get the Skip the line access to the 2-nd floor by lift, the most popular among tourists. 
 

16:00 - 18:00  Louvres Museum

16:00 - 18:00 Louvres Museum visit with audio-guide. Our guide will make a walking tour around Louvre explaining its long history, architecture and most important facts. Afterwards You will be brought to theMuseum itself to start Your audio-guided Louvre Museum visit.
 

DAY 5. Thursday: Loire Valley Da Vinci Castles trip Chenonceau — Amboise — Clos Luce

 

07:00 - 07:30 Boarding 

MEETING POINT N 1: 07:00am to 07:10am boarding at our Mercedes bus at the OPERA GARNIER STEPS, it is a main facade of Opera building in front of Metro OPERA

MEETING POINT N 2: 07:20am to 07:30am boarding at our Mercedes minibus at the Arch de Triumph Etoile, first 10 meters of the avenue Friedland.

 Departure to Loire Valley. It takes about 3 to 3,5 hours (245 km).

 

11:00 - 12:30 Chateau Chenonceau and its Gardens Guided visit

11:00 - 12:30 Chateau Chenonceau and its Gardens Guided visit. The Guide will tell You the history of the Castle and its construction. You will get as well the brochure with explanations of each room. Chenonceau nicknamed the "ladies’ castle" is remarkable for its feminine history of famous women of France such as Catherine de Medici as well as for its stunning architecture as well as unique aches over the River Cher. The Renaissance-style gardens Gardens of Chenonceau with their more than 130,000 flowerings plants will impress You as well. 

12:30 Departure to Amboise city. It takes 20 minutes.

 

12:50 -14:00 Lunch break

12:50 -14:00 Lunch break in Amboise city where You'll find many restaurants and cafes. We can as well recommend You or make a table reservation at a good restaurant.

 

14:00 - 15:15 Chateau Royal d’Amboise

14:00 - 15:15 Chateau Royal d’Amboise with Histopad explaining to You the history of this Castle and of each room.
Amboise is the grand 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII and an example of the transition of Gothic to Renaissance architecture. Learn the history of the castle Amboise which is known as birth place of princes, the reign of Kings, and the death of the greatest Renaissance master, Leonardo Da Vinci! You can see his grave in the chapel.
15:15 Departure to the Chateau Clos Luce which is located just 5 minutes drive.

 

15:30 - 17:00  Leonardo da Vinci Chateau Clos Luce.

15:30 - 17:00 Leonardo da Vinci Chateau Clos Luce.
The Château du Clos Lucé is a castle located just 400 meters away from Château Royal d'Amboise to which it is connected by an underground passageway. Built by Hugues d'Amboise in 1471, the palace belonged once to the French king Charles VIII and afterwards to Leonardo da Vinci who lived there at the invitation of Francis I from 1516 until his death on 2 May 1519. Today it is a museum about Leonardo da Vinci's life, work and memory.
17:00 Departure to Paris. It takes 3 to 3,5 hours depending on traffic situation (250 km).

 

20:00 - 20:30 Coming back to Paris.

20:00 - 20:30 Coming back to Paris. Drop off at Arch Etoile.

 

DAY 6. Friday: Giverny — Versailles Day trip

 

07:00 - 07:30 Boarding 

MEETING POINT N 1: 07:00am to 07:10am boarding at our Mercedes bus at the OPERA GARNIER STEPS, it is a main facade of Opera building in front of Metro OPERA

MEETING POINT N 2: 07:20am to 07:30am boarding at our Mercedes minibus at the Arch de Triumph Etoile, first 10 meters of the avenue Friedland.

Departure to Giverny. It takes about 1,5 hour. During Your trip the Guide will make explanations about the rich history of Versailles and its inhabitants telling You a lot of interesting facts.

 

09:15 - 11:00  Giverny Claude Monet's house

09:15 - 11:00 Arrival in Giverny and visit to Claude Monet's historic house to admire the nature that inspired one of the most famous French painters and founder of Impressionism. Step into Claude Monet’s studio, where the magic of his artistic genius came to life, wander through the enchanting Norman flower gardens, marvel at the iconic water lilies in the picturesque Pond.

 

11:00 - 12:00 Free time in Giverny

11:00 - 12:00 Free time for walking in the Giverny village to admire flowered houses, art galleries and cafes. We recommend You as well to visit Museum of Impressionism Giverny. Not too big with very nice collection including some of Claude Monet's paintings.
 

12:00 - 13:00  Lunch break in Giverny

12:00 - 13:00 Lunch break in Giverny.
13:00 Departure to Versailles. It takes about 1 hour (70 km). During Your trip from Giverny the Guide will make explanations about the rich history of Versailles and its inhabitants telling You a lot of interesting facts.

14:00 - 15:30 Versailles Palace

14:00 - 15:30 Versailles Palace visit with audio-guide. Versailles Palace is a timeless symbol of French grandeur. Enhance your Versailles Palace experience with audio-guide after having got enough back ground informations from Your Live Guide. Pause at any spot you desire for as long as you wish, allowing you to form your own personal impressions. You will visit as well  the legendary Hall of Mirrors and the magnificent Royal Apartments. All in all this will be your personalised and informative adventure.

 

15:45 - 16:30 Guided visit to the Big Trianon

15:45 - 16:30 Guided visit to the Big Trianon, a historical masterpiece, once the private retreat of French royalty. Enjoy neoclassical architecture and captivating tales of the past visiting lavish rooms and picturesque grounds of the Big Trianon, a symbol of elegance and prestige.

 

16:30 - 17:30 Small Trianon Guided visit and walking around Hamlet de la Reine

16:30 - 17:30 Small Trianon Guided visit and walking around Hamlet de la Reine. Guided visit to the exquisite Small Trianon with its elegant architecture, favored by Marie Antoinette. Walk around the charming idyllic Hamlet de la Reine, a quaint village created for the queen's pleasure. Enjoy pastoral beauty of this unique retreat, featuring rustic cottages, a picturesque lake, and gardens.

 

17:30 - 18:30 Versailles Gardens

17:30 - 18:30 You 'll have free time for walking around the Versailles Gardens taking pictures. Walking around the iconic Versailles Gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design and historical significance, You will learn the beauty of meticulously manicured lawns, ornate fountains, enchanting groves, hidden corners and statues.

18:30: Departure to Paris. It takes between 40 minutes to 1 hour depending of traffic. 

 

19:30 Arrival in Paris

19:30: Arrival in Paris. Drop off at Arc Etoile.

 

DAY 7. Saturday: Paris Day Off for Optional Sightseeings

 

We can offer You Day trips to

  • Bruges
  • Champagne day trips
  • Chablis Wine Tastings day trips
  • or visiting of different Museums in Paris
 
What's Included
  • Omaha Beach and Singal Monument, Overlord Museum
  • Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Pointe du Hoc Rangers Monument
  • Utah Beach Landing Museum, Stop at Utah Beach to see many D-Day Monuments
  • Airborne Museum visit, German Gun Battery visit
  • Mont Saint-Michel with entrance tickets to the Abbey and English guided tour
  • Claude Monet's Giverny House visit with tickets and guided tour
  • Honfleur waling tour, Etretat Chalk Cliffs walking
  • Oysters tasting in Cancale, Pointe du Grouin visit, Versailles trip
  • Paris Full Day Sightseeing, Quartier Latin, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre
  • Loire Valley Da Vinci Castles Day trip, Giverny - Versailles trip
  • Mercedes bus for max 15 passengers, Live-guided during the whole trip

Exclusions

  • Hotels you can reserve Yourself or purchase Hotel Package for 6 nights in a 3* hotels EUR 520 or in 4* hotels EUR 770. This Package includes Hotels in Paris 4 nights, in Bayeux 2 nights.
  • Paris Tickets Package including Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc Etoile, Versailles, Giverny, 3 Loire Castles EUR 185 
  • Meals and Drinks, Gratitudes and Souvenirs