Your unforgettable journey begins with three enchanting days in Paris, the City of Light. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, ascend the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views, and wander the halls of the Louvre Museum, home to timeless masterpieces including the Mona Lisa.

Next, escape into nature with visits to two serene botanical gardens inspired by Claude Monet, where vibrant blooms and tranquil paths offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s energy.

Your adventure continues in Normandy, a region steeped in history and charm. Walk the hallowed shores of the D-Day beaches, explore poignant memorials, and gain insight into the pivotal events of the 1944 invasion that shaped the course of history.

Finally, return to Paris for a grand finale! Along the way, we will stop in Chartres.

This is one of our most popular tours and fills up quickly.

Departure from the USA!

Your journey begins as you depart from your hometown airport. Relax, and let the excitement build—tomorrow you’ll awaken in Paris to start your adventure.

Arrival in Paris

Welcome to the City of Lights! Paris became known as La Ville-Lumiere during the reign of Louis XIV, when lanterns were placed on nearly every main street to usher in the Age of Enlightenment. Today, there are over 296 illuminated sites in Paris, including the most famous landmark, the glittering Eiffel Tower, which shines each night with garlands containing over 20,000 light bulbs. In this magnificent setting, guests will arrive at the airport and will be given a private transfer to your hotel.

This evening, you are invited to join our welcome reception followed by dinner in the hotel. 

Hotel Le Nest, Paris (D)

City Tour of Paris, Louvre

After a restful night in our Paris hotel, we’ll kick off the day with a buffet breakfast before embarking on a guided city tour. Highlights include the Medieval Quarter, Notre-Dame, and Trocadéro Square. The day’s centerpiece will be a visit to the Louvre Museum.

Hotel Le Nest, Paris (B)

Optional Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise

On your third day in Paris, you will have a free day to explore and discover some of the esteemed jewels of Paris on your own. Your tour director will suggest several exciting alternatives, ranging from shopping and exploring on your own to planning a day at one of Paris’s incredible museums.  

Optional: An optional excursion will be offered.  This will include a visit to the Eiffel Tower, offering breathtaking views of Paris, followed by a scenic cruise along the Seine River through the city.

Tonight, we will have dinner at the iconic Le Train Bleu, featured on the hit series "Emily in Paris".

Hotel Le Nest, Paris (B, D)

Mantes-Gassicourt, Giverny Gardens

This morning, you will indulge in fresh croissants and delicious French-pressed coffee for breakfast in our hotel, before departing for La Havre. Along the way, we will visit Mantes-Gassicourt, the historical site where General George Patton’s Third Army was the first of the Allied troops to cross the Seine River and set the stage for the Liberation of Paris. Expect to witness the historical landscapes firsthand, with numerous opportunities for capturing photos of the sites. Additionally, we will stop in Giverny to explore the breathtaking Monet gardens.

This evening, your tour director will join you for a specially prepared dinner at our 4-star hotel in Le Havre.

Eastern Garden Inn, Le Havre (*or similar) (B, D)

Le Havre City Tour, Ètretat Gardens

Today, we explore Le Havre on the far northern coast of France. This ancient city boasts a beautifully restored city center, a gorgeous alabaster coastline, and picturesque fishing villages. Significantly, Le Havre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its key role as part of the Atlantic Wall fortifications during World War II. The city was devastated during the Battle of Normandy when 5,000 of its inhabitants were killed, and family homes and medieval architectural structures were demolished. The rebuilding of the city center was overseen by the modernist architect Auguste Perret. In the afternoon, we'll head a short distance north along the Atlantic coastline to visit the acclaimed Ètretat Gardens, inspired by Claude Monet.  You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Cliffs of Ètretat, which inspired Monet to create his painting of the same name.  

Upon returning to our hotel, we will have a casual dinner of traditional foods of Normandy. 

Eastern Garden Inn, Le Havre (*or similar) (B, D)

Caen, Bayeux

History buffs will relish today's agenda. On our way to the city of Bayeux, we will make a morning stop at Caen, the notable city of William the Conqueror, who is buried there. Like Le Havre, much of the town was destroyed during the Battle of Normandy. To honor the site and its people lost, a memorial museum, Memorial de Caen, was erected in the name of peace. Prepare to experience this moving, historical memorial dedicated to peace. Interestingly, the monument aims to represent both the Allied and German points of view.
In the afternoon, a short drive will take us to the historical city of Bayeux, a place that witnessed both the landing of William the Conqueror and the city's first liberation by the Allies on June 16, 1944. Once arrived, we will meet up with a local tour guide who will take us on a lovely walk to visit the renowned Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the historic events leading to the Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror.

For dinner this evening, you may choose to have a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional fare or stay at the hotel for an early dinner and time to rest before tomorrow's busy agenda in Normandy. 

Mercure Omaha Beach, Bayeux (*or similar) (B)

Normandy, American Cemetery

Prepare yourselves for today’s full immersion into the history of World War II as we visit the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, which is located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery and overlooks Omaha Beach, France. As aficionados of this crucial period in Western history are aware, this site marks the spot at which U.S. Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs and seized German artillery that could easily have fired on American landing troops at Omaha and Utah beaches.

While visiting Pointe du Hoc, our group will have a local tour guide show us the exact battle-scarred sites that helped determine the end of the War. During today’s tour, we will observe first-hand views of the left flank of Omaha Beach, the American cemetery and monument, and the Cannons of Longues-sur-Mer.

Tonight, expect a beautiful French meal in the hotel's dining room.

Mercure Omaha Beach, Bayeux (*or similar) (B, D)

Arromanches, Colleville

Our tour of this area and our study of World War II historic sites continue today. We will explore Arromanches-les-Bains, a seaside resort at which liberating Allied troops installed an artificial port to be able to supply 9,000 tons of supporting material to the previously landed troops. An expert local guide will weave together an on-site narrative to help us understand the significance and meanings of the landing of the American troops and the Battle of Normandy at a deeper level.
After our extensive tour of Arromanches, prepare for a slight change of pace as we head to the lovely town of Colleville-Montgomery. Here, we will revisit the momentous events of June 6, 1944, as seen through the eyes of French Resistance fighters and the role of William “Bill” Millin on that day. As told in the 1962 film The Longest Day, we will see the places where the soldier Millin became a singular figure in D-Day lore, as he stood on the bow of his landing battleship and started to play “Road to the Isles” as a clarion call to all in the area. Played over a loudspeaker, this touching tribute from the Scotsman drew cheers from accompanying ships and earned Millin the nickname of “the Mad Piper of Sword Beach.”  In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Le Grand Bunker or the Museum of the Atlantic Wall on Sword Beach.  This unique museum is devoted entirely to the history of the Atlantic Wall and displays five levels of the former German bunker at Ouistreham. The bunker is completely renovated to appear as it would have looked in June of 1944 and is the last visible evidence of one of the most significant battles of World War II.

Tonight, we will dine in the hotel’s restaurant. 

Mercure Omaha Beach, Bayeux (*or similar) (B, D)

Mont-Saint-Michel

Today, we head southwest toward the enchanting island of Mon-Saint-Michel. Expect lots of free time on the island to explore the historic monuments, its famous 11th-century Abbey, and the extraordinary regional restaurants featuring the legendary meats produced by local cattle grazing on salt marsh meadows.  

Tonight, we have prepared a locally sourced dinner complete with distinctive wine, desserts, and music of the region.

Hôtel Le D'Avaugour, Dinan (B, D)

Tour of Historic Dinan

As our trip begins to wind down, we will still have a full day of adventure in store for us as we explore the medieval hilltop town of Dinan. Among the sites we’ll see are the Gothic St. Malo’s Church, the Jacobins Theatre, the Romanesque St. Saviour’s Basilica, and the Chateau de Dinan. You will have free time to walk along the walled perimeter of the town or walk along the charming town streets along the river Rance. A local tour guide will be on hand to offer historical walking tours during our day.

Our last night in Dinan will be spent in a local restaurant to experience a typical night out on the town.

Hôtel Le D'Avaugour, Dinan (B, D)

Chartres, Château de Maintenon

We’ll depart Dinan early this morning and head toward Paris, with a stop in Chartres to visit the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the charming cafés nearby.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Château de Maintenon — a lesser-known treasure of 17th-century France. Once home to Madame de Maintenon, the secret wife of King Louis XIV, this elegant residence features opulent salons, rich tapestries, and beautifully restored gardens inspired by André Le Nôtre. It’s a peaceful retreat steeped in royal history.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our Paris hotel. After settling in, we’ll gather for a festive farewell gala — a night of delicious French cuisine, fine wine, music, and dancing to celebrate the end of our journey in grand style.

Pentahotel Paris CDG Airport, (B, D)

Departure Day

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, take some time to savor the last moments of your trip. Then, transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport, where you will prepare for your return flight home. As you reflect on your memorable adventure, we hope you carry with you the wonderful experiences you had along the way.

Thank you for traveling with Wherever Tours. We look forward to welcoming you on your next journey!

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