Your French journey starts in Normandy where you will share your time between Honfleur lovely port and Bayeux historical area. Then, enjoy Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
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!
Paris City & the Norman Countryside
tour
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A comfortable B&B downtown HonfleurYou can relax on the terrace on a sunny day
#1 - A comfortable B&B downtown HonfleurRest in a large and comfortable room
#1 - A comfortable B&B downtown HonfleurEnjoy a Norman decoration
#1 - A comfortable B&B downtown HonfleurStart the day with a delicious and bio homemade breakfast
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideA medieval manor between Bayeux and the landing beaches
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideAfter a day visiting, relax in the Norman countryside
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideEnjoy a very spacious room with all the modern amenities
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countryside...and amazing home-made breakfasts
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtThe hotel in on one of Paris most famous squares
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtEnjoy a lavishly decorated room with view...
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin district...over one of Paris nicest square
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtWhat about a drink "at home" to rest a bit ?
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtyou can rely on the lovely reception team to make the most of your stay
Step by step
Giverny & Honfleur
We plan for you to arrive in CDG airport and pick up the rental car there.
You will drive for about 1 hour to get to Monet's house and garden in Giverny. You will explore the site with cut-the-line tickets.
In the afternoon, drive a 1hr30 more and reach the seaside. Honfleur is a very typical half-timbered port where you will recover from jetlag for 2 nights and enjoy the Norman countryside.
From Rouen cathedral to Etretat Cliffs, from the Pays d'Auge cheeses to its apple ciders : you'll get a great introduction to eastern Normandy.
Bayeux area
On the 3rd day, drive about 1hr30 to reach Bayeux area.
For 2 nights you will experience the Norman tranquility in an 11th-century manor. Immerse yourself in a medieval environment while enjoying all the modern amenities, as well as amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
Perfectly located between Bayeux and the WWII beaches, you will get a real feel for Norman history, from William the Conqueror to the Second World War.
We also plan for you to spend a morning with a private guide who will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests as you visit the WWII beaches and memorial sites.
Ah...Paris
For the last 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* 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. One night, you will attend a very fun show (in English) . . . a good opportunity to enjoy Paris nightlife.
We plan for you to spend a very fun moment with a French Chef making your own Croissants & Baguette. So French !
On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.
Activities included
Monet's House & Garden
Avoid wasting time standing in line, use the by-pass line to visit the house of Monet and its famous gardens. Follow in the footsteps of this painter and the American Impressionists in the small town of Giverny.
Private Guide on the WWII sites
Spend a half day with a private guide who will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests. A must do to better understand what happened on D-Day.
From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime! We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and …
From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime!
We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and cell phone package. Emilie provided all of the details, maps, recommendations that you could ever want and never hope to experience all of them -- but, what excellent choices!
We have travelled in France on our own before and on tours. This was number One! We are in our mid 70's and were able to mange this trip with ease. Thanks for everything, Emilie!
Suzanne & Bill
Cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Emilie and France Just for You. They attended to every detail and request. The B&Bs were welcoming and attractive - quaint and with modern conveniences. The table-d'hotes were very special and a chance to taste authentic, regional cuisine and wines. We were very thankful to discover this wonderful …
Cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Emilie and France Just for You. They attended to every detail and request. The B&Bs were welcoming and attractive - quaint and with modern conveniences. The table-d'hotes were very special and a chance to taste authentic, regional cuisine and wines. We were very thankful to discover this wonderful service. My husband has mobility issues and everyone was very accommodating. Also, felt it was good value. Bon voyage.
Dan
An experience OF France, not just a trip TO France. For over 30 years my wife has dreamed of visiting the Loire region of France. Emilie and Laura not only made this a reality, they made it truly a dream trip. The multi-hundred page guidebook not only guided our daily itinerary, it prepared us for what we needed to know for a successful self-guided …
An experience OF France, not just a trip TO France.
For over 30 years my wife has dreamed of visiting the Loire region of France. Emilie and Laura not only made this a reality, they made it truly a dream trip.
The multi-hundred page guidebook not only guided our daily itinerary, it prepared us for what we needed to know for a successful self-guided tour throughout the region. This was invaluable, as we learned many of the cultural things we needed to know to most fully participate in the experience of French life.
And to speak of the itinerary... WOW! The choices and details, from how to see Chenonceau from every angle, to the private vineyard tour and wine tasting, to the little-known liqueur distillery, to the personal touches based on our wishes. Even now, as we look back at our pictures and think on our memories, it seems a dream. Friends, some of whom had visited France, marveled at our pictures and stories.
We can't wait for our next experience of France. And we look forward to Emilie and Laura being our guides.
