Northern France Tour Overview
Northern France reveals itself slowly on this journey through Normandy and Brittany, where dramatic coastlines, centuries of history and deeply rooted traditions shape every stop. Walk through Monet’s gardens in Giverny, follow the white cliffs of Étretat, wander the harbor streets of Honfleur and stand along the shores that witnessed the events of D-Day. Along the way, taste cider, Calvados, local cheeses and fresh oysters, before discovering the unforgettable silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel and crossing into Brittany for medieval towns and peaceful waterways. A journey rich in stories, landscapes and flavors, with time to experience the character of northern France beyond its landmarks.
Tour Price: €8,150
Tour price includes:
- Group airport transfers between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and the Paris hotel on arrival and departure days
- 12 nights in selected 3- and 4-star hotels: Paris (2), Rouen (2), Honfleur (3), Bayeux (2) and Saint-Malo (3)
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners and selected regional meals
- Professional English-speaking Tour Leader throughout the journey, accommodated at the same hotels as the group
- Private coach transportation for the included touring, from Paris through Normandy and Brittany and back to Paris
- Professional English-speaking local guides in Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Le Havre, the D-Day landing beaches, Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel and Rennes, with audio headsets for included visits
- Guided visit to Monet's House and Gardens and the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny, followed by lunch at a local restaurant
- Guided visit to Les Jardins d'Étretat, with time to walk the clifftop paths and admire the dramatic Normandy coastline
- Visit to a local Calvados and cider distillery with tasting, plus time to discover Honfleur independently
- Guided visit to the Caen Memorial, full-day guided exploration of the D-Day landing beaches, and entrance to the D-Day Museum in Arromanches-sur-Mer
- Oyster farm visit with tasting on the Normandy coast, plus a guided tour of Bayeux ending with a local cheese tasting
- Guided visit to Mont Saint-Michel, including its medieval village and abbey, followed by a cruise along the Ille-et-Rance Canal the next day
- Guided exploration of Rennes and entrance to Chartres Cathedral before returning to Paris for a farewell dinner
- VAT, city taxes and gratuities for the included guides, tour managers, hotel staff, servers and local drivers
Tour price is per person based on a minimum of 6 participants and double occupancy. A single supplement of EUR 1,620 is available for those traveling alone who would like their own room.
*International airfare is not included, but Olde Ipswich Tours can assist with booking flights.
Northern France Tour Itinerary
BEGINS: Paris, France | ENDS: Paris, France *
DAY 1-2, PARIS, GIVERNY & ROUEN: Arrive in Paris and begin with a guided walk through the République district and Le Marais before celebrating the start of the journey with a welcome dinner cruise on the Seine (to be reconfirmed). The next day, leave the capital for Giverny to visit Monet's House and Gardens and the Museum of Impressionism, followed by lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Rouen.
DAYS 3-4, ROUEN, ÉTRETAT & HONFLEUR: Explore Rouen's medieval center, cathedral, Gros-Horloge and sites connected with Joan of Arc, followed by a panoramic view over the Seine and the Armada of Rouen. Continue the next day to Étretat for a guided visit to Les Jardins d'Étretat and a walk along the clifftop paths before reaching Honfleur.
DAYS 5-6, HONFLEUR & LE HAVRE: Discover Honfleur's Vieux Bassin and artistic heritage independently, then experience one of Normandy's signature traditions with a visit and tasting at a local Calvados and cider distillery. The following day, explore UNESCO-listed Le Havre with a local guide, including its post-war architecture, St. Joseph's Church and waterfront, before returning to Honfleur for a free afternoon.
DAYS 7-8, DEAUVILLE, CABOURG, CAEN & THE D-DAY BEACHES: Travel through the Belle Époque seaside resorts of Deauville and Cabourg before a guided visit to the Caen Memorial. The next day is dedicated to the D-Day landing beaches, including the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, followed by lunch, the Arromanches museum and a visit to a local oyster farm with a tasting of freshly harvested oysters.
DAYS 9-10, BAYEUX, SAINT-MALO & MONT SAINT-MICHEL: Discover Bayeux on a guided walk through its medieval center, ending with a tasting of local Normandy cheeses before continuing to Saint-Malo. The following day, explore Mont Saint-Michel with a local guide, climbing through the medieval village to the abbey, with free time in the afternoon to continue discovering the island at your own pace.
DAY 11, BRITTANY'S WATERWAYS & DINAN: Cruise along the peaceful Ille-et-Rance Canal through the Breton countryside, then continue to Dinan to explore its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, medieval center and historic ramparts overlooking the Rance River.
DAYS 12-13, RENNES, CHARTRES, PARIS & DEPARTURE: Visit Rennes with a local guide, discovering its elegant squares, colorful half-timbered houses and Breton identity. Continue to Chartres for a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, then return to Paris to share a farewell dinner together. The following morning, a group transfer takes you to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for your flight home.
*Transfers to other airports can be arranged at an additional cost.
