In 13 days, this tour will take you from Paris to the Somme region, and on to Lille at the Belgium border.
You will then drive your way south-east to the Verdun area and the surrounding WWI sites. You will end your journey in Alsace, on the border with Germany.
My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical …
My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical tour-bus day-tour and the crowds that come along with these kinds of tours – we wanted something more personalized that would allow us to go at our own pace. I found the France Just For You website and the ‘Bayeux and World War II Sites in a Day’ tour seemed to be exactly the type of thing we were looking for, as we’re both really interested in history. On a personal note, this tour appealed to me because my grandfather fought in Normandy in World War II. I filled up the contact form on the website and Emilie got back to me the same day. She organized every little detail to make it the perfect tour for us: she booked our return train tickets from Paris, organized for us to spend the morning on our own in the picturesque old town of Bayeux, where we enjoyed exploring the cathedral and saw the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Emilie sent over maps and directions and recommended a fantastic restaurant for lunch. After lunch, our private guide Christophe met us at the agreed meeting point in Bayeux and took us to the Normandy landing sites. I had explained to Emilie that I specifically wanted to visit this site as my grandpa had fought for one of the American infantry divisions that landed in Normandy in 1944. Christophe was extremely knowledgeable (and very patient with all of my questions!) and took us to the sites where my grandpa’s battalion would have fought. It was a very moving experience, especially when I thought back to the stories that my grandpa used to tell me about the war.
I really couldn’t have chosen a better tour option. It was perfectly customized to the preferences that I had given to Emilie, and she was very thorough and asked all of the right questions to help her plan the perfect day for us. We knew how to contact her in case there were any problems on the day (which there weren't), and the fact that everything was planned for us meant that we could just focus on enjoying the day. Thank you so much, I wouldn’t hesitate to book with you again!
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtA family owned Boutique-Hotel in the Latin Quarter
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtStay in a comfortable room...
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin district...with a balcony and nice view over one of Paris most famous landmarks
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtSavor breakfast in the historical vaulted cellars
#2 - A premium B&B between Amiens & the Battle sitesDiscover the Somme region with your lovely hosts
#2 - A premium B&B between Amiens & the Battle sitesRelax in a luxury Bed & Breakfast
#2 - A premium B&B between Amiens & the Battle sitesWith classical and comfortable rooms
#3 - A Boutique-Hotel in the old center of LilleA charming 4* Boutique-Hotel
#3 - A Boutique-Hotel in the old center of LilleWith well equipped and nicely decorated rooms
#3 - A Boutique-Hotel in the old center of LilleOpening on to Lille main square
#4 - A comfortable Hotel in the very center of VerdunThis old military mansion was restored a few years ago
#4 - A comfortable Hotel in the very center of Verdun...to become a very modern and comfortable hotel
#4 - A comfortable Hotel in the very center of VerdunThere is also a bar and restaurant or you can walk to any place in Verdun
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, AlsaceStay in the heart of Colmar historical district
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, AlsaceEnjoy the Little Venice ambiance
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, AlsaceEnjoy a very comfortable room
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, Alsaceand why not a drink at the bar or dinner in a nearby Winstub !
Step by step
Oh...Paris !
For the first 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Comfortably accommodated in a charming boutique-hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter, in the Sorbonne area, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based a 10 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with unique and different itineraries we have prepared for you.
We plan for you to get oriented with a Parisian guide for a half-day, discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history while having a lot of fun. One night, you will attend a very fun show (in English) . . . a good opportunity to enjoy Paris nightlife.
On the fourth morning, you will pick up the rental car near your hotel and drive north about 1hr30 to the Somme region.
Amiens & the Somme region
Your premium B&B is the perfect place to spend 2 nights to explore the war sites as well as the old town of Amiens and its amazing Cathedral.
We have included in this trip a day with a private English-speaking guide who will explain military strategy and drive you to the main WWI and WWII sites of the Somme region.
Many different nationalities fought in this part of France and we can definitely craft your day based on your country of origin or any specific interests you may have.
Downtown Lille
On Day 6, drive 1hr30 to Lille, at the northern tip of France. The old center of Lille is very pleasant for spending a night and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
We plan for you to stay in a comfortable 4* Boutique-Hotel which opens on to the famous main square of Lille, with all the typical buildings, cafés and restaurants.
Travelers who may be interested in the World War Flanders region sites (such as Ypres Salient or Poperinghe, Vimy Ridge or Passchendaele), please let us know and we can plan a day there with a private guide or on your own.
Verdun
On Day 7, drive 3hrs to the Verdun region. On the way, you may stop in Reims and enjoy a "coupe de Champagne" at lunch and a nice walk we will recommend to digest before getting back on the road.
Spend the next 2 nights in a newly redesigned 4* Boutique-Hotel in the very heart of Verdun. You can walk everywhere in town from your hotel.
We will craft your days for you to explore the WWI war sites based on your interests, what you already know and what you would like to discover.
In the Verdun region, you will also taste delicious local products, relax in nice bars by the Meuse canal and why not even taste some Côte de Meuse wine.
Gorgeous Alsace
Your last step is in Alsace: spend 4 nights in a 4* Boutique-Hotel in the very center of Colmar in the little Venice District, walking distance to all bar, shops and restaurants. This hotel is in a 16th century building which was renovated mixing new and old materials - resulting as a charming and cozy ambiance.
Discover the gorgeous town of Colmar, its canal maybe on a barge tour and enjoy a meal in a typical Winstub with a nice beer.
Another day, drive along the Alsatian Wine Road, stop in some of the most beautiful villages of France with their typical colorful half-timbered houses and the stork nests. Enjoy the Alsatian wines visiting a family-run winery and tasting 3 of their white wines paired with local products.
You may end the trip in Strasbourg or Colmar and return the car there before getting on a train or flight . . . or drive to your next destination for more adventures !
Activities included
Paris Orientation Tour
Discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history...having a lot of fun.
Comedy Show in Paris
What about spending a night in a Parisian theater and enjoy a very fun show...in English. You'll have a great time!
Private Guide on the Somme War sites
Discover the War Sites of the Somme around Amiens with a private guide for a full day. We will make recommendations and can customize your day if you wish.
Winery Visit & Tasting in Alsace
Visit a family-run wine estate on the Alsace Wine Trail, run by the 3rd generation.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
My daughter and I went to Paris and Provence area for her college graduation. France for You provided a tremendous amount of information, maps, advice etc to book us the perfect trip. The B&Bs were charming and very convenient to beautiful sites and shopping. They are the experts on Traveling through France!! You will not be disappointed if you use …
My daughter and I went to Paris and Provence area for her college graduation. France for You provided a tremendous amount of information, maps, advice etc to book us the perfect trip. The B&Bs were charming and very convenient to beautiful sites and shopping. They are the experts on Traveling through France!! You will not be disappointed if you use their services!!
Daisy
We had an amazing experience visiting Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne in June 2018. We were a group of eight wine freaks and Emile & Laura organized an amazing itinerary with awesome attention to details. We definitely recommend FJFY!!
We had an amazing experience visiting Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne in June 2018. We were a group of eight wine freaks and Emile & Laura organized an amazing itinerary with awesome attention to details. We definitely recommend FJFY!!
Elizabeth
My husband and I just returned from two magnificent weeks in France that included four nights in Paris, four nights in the Loire Valley, two nights near Mont Saint Michel, three nights in Bayeux, near the WWII Landing Beaches and one night at a CDG airport hôtel. We stayed in charming B&Bs with equally charming hosts who recommended great places to …
My husband and I just returned from two magnificent weeks in France that included four nights in Paris, four nights in the Loire Valley, two nights near Mont Saint Michel, three nights in Bayeux, near the WWII Landing Beaches and one night at a CDG airport hôtel. We stayed in charming B&Bs with equally charming hosts who recommended great places to eat and were very knowledgeable about the local area. Emilie provides exceptional services that includes a guidebook, complete with GPS coordinates for all accommodations, activities, restaurants and even parking! We could not have had a more perfect experience and heartily recommend Emilie's services at France Just For You!
