Normandy

Meet your private driver-guide at your hotel and depart on a full-day tour to Normandy’s D-Day Beaches, where you will follow in the footsteps of the Allies during the World War II. The tour gives an overview of an important historical event in France — the landing of American troops in Normandy to liberate France and Europe through operation Overload during the WWII on June 6, 1944, now recognized as «The Longest Day».

Enjoy as the driver-guide takes you along the coast and appreciate the charm of the small villages exploring the beautiful countryside of Normandy. Start to visit Arromanches, a historic town, where you will see the remains of the artificial harbor that was built during the World War II to assist the Normandy landings. Now it is the home to the D-Day Landing Museum.

 Visit Omaha Beach and the place where the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions, approximately 34,000 soldiers, landed under enemy fire. Continue to the German positions on the west end of the Beach and you will see the model for D-Day scenes from the film Saving Private Ryan by Steven Spielberg. Just over a mile west along the beach from Omaha is the American Military Cemetery, the largest World War II American cemetery in France. Here the graves of 9,386 American soldiers can be found including the tomb of Theodore Roosvelt, Jr., son of President Roosevelt. Pay tribute to fallen American soldiers before leaving the beach.

Today with your driver-guide discover the Pays d’Auge, which consists of two departments: Calvados and Orne with a principal town of Lisieux. Learn about its rich history, art, and cuisine. You will have an opportunity to try local specialties like a heady cider, calvados, salted caramel, creamy milk, and a variety of spicy cheeses.

The tour follows the valley of the Touques River. You will admire wonderful landscapes as the Touques meanders through apple orchards bordering old manors and wooden steepled churches.You will pass through Lisieux, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France with its Carmelite convent, a home of Sainte-Therese also known as St.Theresa of the Infant Jesus, where the basilica shrine was built to honour her. 

From the windows of your car, you will explore the Chateau of St. Germain de Livet. It is a magnificent example of Norman architecture complete with a fabulous, glazed tile façade, turrets, and a moat. For cheese tasting you will stop in Livarot. Their unique flavours so highly coveted that they merit a national protective branding label. Try some of them and you will be convinced that the quality of the dairy products in Normandy is unique in the world.

Once again, the Touques river leads us across the country through the heart of the Pays d’Auge and its charming rural landscapes to Coudray-Rabut, where you will indulge in a welcome pear brandy, sip of hard cider or the famous apple brandy: Calvados. After tasting with your guide, you will head to one of the local restaurants in Deauville. This glamorous beach town is famous for its American Film Festival and numerous equestrian events.

To round up the day, you will take the stunning coast road to Honfleur, located at the mouth of the Seine River. Honfleur is considered as the jewel of Normandy. Its colorful, quiet port gave inspiration to numerous impressionists such as Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin. The town houses a museum dedicated to the latter. You will stroll on cobblestone streets, along the Quai Saint Catherine with its elegant, medieval, half-timbered façade buildings, before visiting the largest wooden church in France: Saint Catherine’s Church.

On a full-day trip you will explore the fascinating fortified city of Mont Saint-Michel, including the magnificent Abbey and foundry where the bells are made. Meet your English-speaking driver-guide, sit back in your comfortable vehicle, relax, and admire the picturesque views of the countryside along your way through Normandy.

The Mont Saint Michel is one of the world’s great marvels, located on the border between Normandy and Brittany. The location’s history may be traced back to the 9th century when it was a very popular pilgrimage destination. In the 11th century, Normans founded a Roman Abbey church. During the centuries, the island served as pilgrimage center, prison and now it is the most visited attraction inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Next, visit the bell foundry known since 19th century as a manufactory with some traditional techniques mixed with modern technology. The new bells of Notre Dame in Paris were made here. At the end of the visit, you can ring the bells with a mallet to create some melodies or listen to the range of little bells.

Embark on a guided half-day tour of the seaside towns of Deauville and Trouville.You will get to explore two fashionable beach resorts, a favourite escape for the wealthy and famous people in France — Deauville and Trouville situated at the Touques River. 

Start your tour by visiting Deauville. The guide will unveil the history of its exponential rise from the small village on a hillside to the prestigious seaside resort. Your expert guide will give you an overview of the destiny of the town during the WWII when it was occupied by the German forces. For a long time, the town was a source of inspiration for many creative professionals, such as Coco Chanel, who opened one of her first boutiques here, the already renowned couturier Paul Poiret, some painters such as Dufy and Van Dongen, and many writers and poets. Since 1975, Deauville has been hosting the Deauville American Film Festival dedicated to American cinema.

Continue your tour to Trouville, one of the first French seaside resorts and port on the English Channel. It is less formal than its fashionable neighbour Deauville. The port offers a long stretch of golden sand backed up by a 19th century boardwalk. Originally it was a fishing port, but from the mid- 19th century, it became a very popular seaside resort attracting artists, painters, and people of high society. They rented here splendid mansions and magnificent palaces for entertainment.Visit a covered fish market listed as the historical building in 1992 or one of numerous restaurants where you can savour local seafood specialties. Strolling alongside the port, you will discover typical seaside shops.

You can choose to stay in the lively area of the picturesque port or wander around the winding lanes, relaxing at the quiet side of Trouville and admiring the typical 19th century architecture. Art lovers can find numerous art galleries in the center of town. 
Complete your visit walking at the beach which was declared ‘Queen of Beaches’ in the past and until now it is highly appreciated by tourists and local people.

Your private guide will escort you for a walking tour through the medieval city of Bayeux where you will be introduced to the city and its main sights.

Start your tour by visiting the 11th-century Cathedral of Notre Dame. It is a mixture of Norman Romanesque and Gothic styles. You will learn the rich history of the cathedral marvelling at stained-glass windows inside and the 16th century organ considered as the Historical Monument of France. Continue to stroll through cosy streets with a number of well-preserved timber-framed houses, mansions flanked with towers, Renaissance town houses and elegant private residences.Finish your tour admiring the famous 70 meters long embroidery, the Bayeux Tapestry, dating back to the 11th century in the Museum of Bayeux Tapestry. This terrific work of art depicts the story of the conquest of England in 1066. In the museum you will learn about the secrets of its creation, as well as an overview of the historical events and get an information about the Anglo-Norman kingdom in the 11th century.

There are several reasons to visit this splendid seaside town. First, you visit its unusually white cliffs carved by nature that are spectacular and have attracted many Impressionist painters like Monet, Boudin, Courbet, Isabey, and many others. They reproduced the cliffs on their numerous canvases. Enjoy a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean and then go to explore a fantastic 18-hole golf course on one cliff with the panoramic views over the Aiguille. Afterwards, spend time wandering around the incredible Les Jardins d’Etretat with its variety of amazing gardens and visit permanent and temporal collections of modern artworks. From the high point of the gardens, you can marvel at Etretat and take memorable pictures. 

Despite the beautiful scenes, Etretat provides a great number of restaurants and shops, while the amazing wooden covered market and the 19th-century villa Le Clos Lupin are both worth a visit.Continue visiting the Coast of Normandy and discover an ancient Fecamp, also surrounded by wonderful high cliffs. In the early Middle Ages here a Benedictine Abbey was founded, and many Dukes of Normandy spent money to support it. 

The town is also famous for its fishing traditions. During the centuries, its port was number one in France providing the cod to ships for long distance expeditions. Walking along the harbor, you can enjoy the old fishermen’s houses and a chapel located on the clifftop. 

In the downtown area you will admire the amazing Palais Bénédictine (Benedictine Palace) built for Alexandre Le Grand, a wine merchant and industrialist of the 19th century. Explore its neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance style, while the guide tells you the interesting story about the development of aromatic herbal beverage by Catholic monks in the Benedictine Abbey of Normandy in the 16th century, and how Alexandre Le Grand rediscovered the recipe of this herbal liqueur. With your knowledgeable guide you will visit the art museum and palace of the Benedictine and discover artifacts as well as rare objects hidden from the public eye. You will see the one-of-a-kind distillery and cellars.

Adorned with delicately woven Toile de Jouy textiles that complement the wood of its half-timbered architecture, Hotel Le Normandy exudes a captivating Anglo-Norman aesthetic, conveniently located just two hours away from Paris. The textured patterns of the armchairs and the luxurious king-size bed envelop guests in a gentle cocoon of comfort. Intimate bars and sophisticated brasseries effortlessly perpetuate the enchanting elegance of the Belle Époque era. Immerse yourself in the private pool, daydream along the Planches boardwalk, try your luck at the Casino, and partake in the American Film Festival – all of Deauville's allure is at your doorstep.

The luxury 5-star Hotel Barrière Le Royal Deauville is situated by the sea in the heart of Deauville. It offers a heated outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a sauna. Elegant and adorned with refined decor, the rooms and suites blend traditional and contemporary styles. Some provide a sea view. Boasting grand windows, intricate pleats, elegant canopies, and generous king-size beds, Hotel Le Royal Deauville exudes a regal magnificence reminiscent of the finest castles, conveniently located just a short two-hour journey from Paris. The inviting lobby, exceptionally spacious rooms, and breathtaking view of the English Channel have earned this hotel the favor of celebrities.

Giverny Claude Monet Museum and Garden is a famous tourist attraction located in Giverny, France. It is a place of great significance for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The museum and garden are dedicated to the life and work of the renowned French painter, Claude Monet. The museum showcases a collection of Monet's artworks, including his famous Water Lilies series and other Impressionist masterpieces.
Visitors can explore the museum and admire Monet's paintings, which beautifully depict the beauty of nature and the play of light and color. The main highlight of the Giverny Museum and Garden is the stunning garden that inspired many of Monet's paintings. The garden is meticulously designed and features a wide variety of flowers, plants, and water features. The iconic Japanese bridge and the water lily pond are among the most famous features of the garden.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, enjoying the vibrant colors and peaceful atmosphere that inspired Monet.
The Giverny Museum and Garden is a true haven for nature lovers and art enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Claude Monet.
This tour is only available during the summer season from April to October.