Compare Paris & Normandy Highlights by G Adventures vs Paris Getaway by TripMasters

Day 1 Paris

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommended arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. The "City of Lights" is unlike any other place on earth. Known for its glorious monuments, museums, and markets, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris has something for everyone. Discover for yourself Paris’ “je ne sais quoi.”

Day 2 Paris/Bayeux

Travel to Giverny for an enchanting visit to artist Claude Monet's garden, inspiration for his famed series of water lily paintings and declared one of National Geographic's “top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world.” Continue to the pretty port town of Honfleur for a CEO led walk and some free time in this historic harbour where the Seine River meets the English Channel. This evening, arrive in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie.

Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained. These served as inspiration for his celebrated water-lily series and have been named by National Geographic as one of the "10 most magnificent gardens in the world." Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.

Day 3 Bayeux

Delve into World War II history alongside a recognized war historian. Gain insights during a lecture on the Allied invasion of Normandy, and examine and handle wartime relics such as vintage weapons, uniforms, and maps at a local museum. Then board a transport vehicle and head to Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies—the ultimate emblem of military sacrifice. This afternoon, conjure scenes of the D-Day landing at notable Normandy sites including Omaha Beach, the cratered cliff-top at Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.

Take in scenes of the D-Day landing which had a pivotal role in the history of the world. Visit the moving memorials and beaches and learn about the impact this event had on the direction of the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries (including American, British, Canadian, French, German and Polish) hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.

Day 4 Bayeux

Go on an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the medieval fortress dates to the 6th century and is considered one of Europe’s most stunning and imposing sites. Get your bearings on an CEO led orientation walk and then explore on your own. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or simply wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.

Day 5 Bayeux

Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Amble along its quaint streets, taking in the local scene at shops and cafés. Then opt to visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Bayeux, a Norman-Romanesque architectural gem, and see the famed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.

Day 6 Bayeux/Paris

Depart for riverside Rouen and set out around the port city on foot. Discover the beautiful city centre, noted for its Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses, and hear about its place in history as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy. Enjoy free time here before heading back to Paris to spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the City of Lights.

Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.

Day 7 Paris

Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk this morning in the medieval centre of Paris; the Île de la Cité. Opt to step inside Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic chapel that dazzles with 1,113 stained glass windows. Afterwards, indulge in a guided lunch presentation of French wine and cheese pairings, then take advantage of more free time to visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.

Later this afternoon and evening, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's outstanding museums and churches, float down the River Seine on a cruise, or simply people-watch.

Day 8 Paris

Depart at any time.

Day 1 in Paris

Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin the afternoon with a pleasant lunch in any of the charming streetside cafes to be found throughout Paris. Afterwards, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by choosing an optional tour such as Hop-on Hop-off Tour, showcasing the main sights of the French capital.

As night falls, enjoy the Trocadéro scene and a twilight ride up the Eiffel Tower as it glitters with lights to mark the change from one hour to the next; or dine on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, followed by a romantic cruise on the Seine River. Either way you're sure to fall in love with the `City of Light.`

Day 2 in Paris

Wake up early today and head for the Ile de la Cité to visit 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle. This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely breathtaking.

No more than ten minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle is Paris`s most famous religious building, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the major Catholic cathedral in Paris.*

*Note that on April 15th 2019 a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame. We believe the cathedral will be closed for the foreseeable future as a result of this tragic incident.

A midday visit to the Luxembourg Gardens and lunch at `Cafe de Flore` on Boulevard Saint-Germain will revive you for an afternoon tour of the Louvre Museum. You may want to purchase an optional guided tour which will allow you to avoid the lengthy queues and visit the main works including the `Venus de Milo`, the `Winged Victory of Samothrace` and the `Mona Lisa`. You will then be free to explore other sections of the museum at your leisure.

After a busy day of sightseeing, board a relaxing river cruise from Pont Neuf. Then grab a bite to eat before heading back to the Latin Quarter for drinks and dancing at the famous `Le `Caveau de la Huchette` jazz club. The dance floor is located in an underground cave and the atmosphere is intoxicating. It`s sure to be a night you won`t forget!

Day 3 in Paris

Begin your day at the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Emperor Napoléon I to commemorate the victories of his Grande Armée. Continue with a stroll down the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elysées - don`t forget to stop for coffee and macarons at Ladurée - before visiting the Jardin des Tuileries, a classic example of intricate and typical Parisian landscaping.

Cross the pedestrian bridge from the Tuileries Garden and tour the Orsay Museum, housing the world`s most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas, Gaugin and Delacroix. This afternoon, tour the Rodin Museum and the Hôtel des Invalides or take the train from Orsay directly to Versailles.

On your final night in Paris, make your way to Odéon metro station, which will lead you straight to the Montmartre hill (or take the funicular up with a metro ticket) where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama over the city and its monuments illuminated at night. Stop at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre then enjoy dinner at one of the charming cafes in Place du Tertre or consider a traditional Parisian cabaret at the legendary Moulin Rouge.

Additional Days in Paris

Should you be able to spend additional days in Paris be sure to visit the Marais district, including the Centre Georges Pompidou, a modern art museum, considered by Parisians to be the cultural pulse of the city. While in the area it is also worth visiting the Musée Picasso, Musée Carnavalet and Place des Voges, Paris`s oldest public square and a charming place to stop for lunch. Strangely obscure for such a renowned building, the remnats of the Bastille, the famous prison, lie almost forgotten at the edge of a tiny park. Marked only by a small plaque and usually missed by visitors to Paris, this is one gem worth seeing!

For sights from the modern to the macabre, we suggest Montparnasse Tower, an office skyscraper constructed from 1969 to 1973. The top floor terrace is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the city. In contrast, descent deep into the tunnels of Paris with a walking tour of the Catacombs. You will descend deep into the tunnels to explore over 1025 miles of Catacombs, dating back to 2 BC, that are decorated with human skulls and bones. You will discover the extraordinary history of the Catacombs and listen to the haunting stories and legends that embody these galleries of skeletons. If the catacombs are too creepy then you may want to visit the peaceful and park-like Père Lachaise cemetery - famous as the final resting place of The Doors lead singer, Jim Morrison, and French playwright Molière as well as composer Frédéric Chopin, author Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Edith Piaf and many more.

Day trips from Paris are also popular and we offer a wide selection from Versailles Palace and Gardens Walking Tour and Mont-Saint-Michel Day Trip to Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip. Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Giverny are also great choices so be sure to check our sightseeing tours for availability and prices.

Your Last Day in Paris

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.