France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond
France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond
9 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Giverny, Honfleur, Bayeux, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Mont-Saint-Michel, Loire Valley, Blois, Chenonceaux, Amboise, Versailles
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25175
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
7-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating family adventure through France with the "France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond." This cultural tour offers a blend of history, art, and natural beauty, starting in the heart of Paris with a guided tour of Île de la Cité. Explore the enchanting gardens of Monet in Giverny, the historic D-Day beaches in Normandy, and the majestic Mont-Saint-Michel. Discover the Loire Valley's troglodyte caves and the stunning Château de Chenonceau. Experience the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles and enjoy a canoeing excursion on the Cher River. With private transport and comfortable hotel stays, this small group journey promises an unforgettable exploration of France's rich heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel Ampere Paris
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ampere Paris
Welcome to Paris–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel Ampere Paris
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ampere Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head straight to the heart of Paris on a walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the city was first settled. Cross the stone arches of the Pont Neuf, or New Bridge—which is actually the oldest bridge in Paris! The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Light. Choose to climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower, float down the River Seine, or explore inside the iconic pyramid of the Louvre, home to treasures such as the "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus de Milo."
Additional Information: If you wish to visit the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, we recommend booking admission tickets online, prior to your departure. Many popular attractions in Europe have a timed ticketing system, so please ensure you are booking admission for the afternoon of this day. Without reserved tickets, there is the risk of waiting in long queues - a little planning goes a long way.
ACTIVITY: Head to the medieval centre of Paris on a guided tour of Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the city was first settled. Cross the Pont Neuf, which is the oldest bridge in Paris. Pass the stunning Palais de la Cité, the first royal palace in Paris; and home to Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie, which was used as a prison to house Marie Antoinette during the French revolution.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
Day 3: Giverny/Honfleur/Bayeux
Location: Giverny, Honfleur, Bayeux
Accommodation: Churchill Hotel Bayeux
Accommodation Name: Churchill Hotel Bayeux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel outside the city to the village of Giverny, and visit the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Wander around weeping willows and green lily ponds in the gardens that inspired some of his greatest works of art. Then head to Honfleur, a colorful port town sitting where the Seine meets the English Channel. Enjoy lunch and stroll the streets of this seaside community, where many great artists have painted the rainbow of fishing boats afloat in the harbor. Later, continue to Bayeux, an ancient city that has been sacked by Vikings, conquered by the English, and occupied by the Germans in World War II.
Visit a historic estate cider farm for a guided tour of the orchards, processing workshops and calvados cellar. Then enjoy a tasting of apple and pear juice, as well as ciders, pommeau and calvados for the adults.
Depart for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny; where Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit and walk through Claude Monet's Garden, inspiration for the artist's water-lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world."
FREE TIME: Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.
ACTIVITY: Discover the Vergers de Ducy cider house on a guided tour of the orchard, cider farm, and calvados cellar. You will visit the press machine and enjoy a tasting of their products (apple juice, ciders, Pommeau de Normandie and Calvados).
This cider estate is a traditional family business devoted to the cultivation and production of apple products in France. The Domaine is entirely cultivated in compliance with the standards of Organic Agriculture, an essential aspect of the cider house's values. They believe in organic agriculture, sustainable development and short or direct distribution circuits.
Day 4: Bayeux
Location: Bayeux, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Accommodation: Churchill Hotel Bayeux
Accommodation Name: Churchill Hotel Bayeux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, delve into the story of D-Day and the battle to liberate France during a hands-on, sensorial World War II history experience. Feel the weight of real GI equipment, try on a field jacket, and taste the chocolate bars carried in soldiers’ kits. Climb aboard a military vehicle and drive to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the first American World War II cemetery established on European soil. Later, gather for a delicious crepe dinner.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: D-Day is the largest seaborne military attack in history. Begin with a short introduction to this historic day that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. Then, embark on a hands-on sensorial D-Day experience. Smell military equipment, oils, and delicate Parisian perfumes from the 1940s, feel the weight of D-Day equipment and try on a 1941 field jacket, and taste the chocolate bars carried in the haversacks. Following this, jump in a military truck and transfer to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
Day 5: Bayeux/Mont-Saint-Michel
Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Bayeux
Accommodation: Churchill Hotel Bayeux
Accommodation Name: Churchill Hotel Bayeux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture to the amazing Mont-Saint-Michel, an island stronghold perched on a rock off the Normandy coast. Built in the eighth century, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been attacked and besieged, but rarely captured—perhaps due to the quicksand that surrounds the fortress at low tide! Head out on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to wander winding lanes and cobbled streets, climbing from the base of the mountain to its crowning medieval abbey. Meander through the cloister of the monastery or discover the island’s history at a museum. Return to Bayeux and choose to view the incredible Bayeux Tapestry, tracing the Norman conquest of England in colorful embroidery.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit Mont-Saint-Michel a UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval fortress is considered one of the most imposing sites in Europe, with origins dating back to the 8th century. After an orientation with our CEO, enjoy free time to wander the winding streets and ally's or climb up to visit the Abbey church.
FREE TIME: Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval fortress town.
Day 6: Loire Valley/Blois
Location: Loire Valley, Blois
Accommodation: Novotel Blois Centre
Accommodation Name: Novotel Blois Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Say au revoir to Normandy and enter the lush green Loire Valley. Set foot inside the amazing cave dwellings known as troglodyte homes—charming houses built in and around cliff-side caverns. On an underground walk, delve into the geological history of the region and learn about the local troglodyte lifestyle. Continue to the ancient city of Blois, perched above the lovely Loire River, and enjoy a free evening to relax or explore this hillside city’s many staircases.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: One of the most complete remaining examples of underground or cave living is the Troglodyte village of Rochemenier. Part of the troglodyte village has been retained as a museum to a way of life that was still in existence in the 1930’s. Walk through the twenty rooms of the village consisting of two ancient farms with out-buildings and houses plus a spectacular underground chapel carved out of the rock.
Day 7: Chenonceaux/Amboise/Blois
Location: Chenonceaux, Amboise, Blois
Accommodation: Novotel Blois Centre
Accommodation Name: Novotel Blois Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up this morning and head out on the water for a canoeing excursion along the Cher River. Paddle past picturesque medieval towns to the incredible Château de Chenonceau. This fairy-tale castle spans the river, while the gardens enclose sculpted hedges, a fantastic fountain, and a tricky maze. Later, venture to the last home of Leonardo da Vinci—the spectacular Château du Clos Lucé. Young travelers can pick up a special "inventor’s notebook" and set out to invent a machine using da Vinci’s ingenious tips and tricks.
Additional Information: You must be able to swim to take part in canoeing; if anyone in your family cannot swim, or if you choose to opt out of the canoeing, that is not a problem. We can transport you directly to the castle where you will have more time to explore.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Board a canoe for a leisurely paddle down the Cher River. Reach the Château de Chenonceau, an icon of the Loire Valley, perched atop impressive stone arches that span the river's width. Enjoy a private tour of the castle's interiors, art collection and gardens.
ACTIVITY: Visit the official residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, where he lived from 1516 until his death in 1519. Learn about the genius of da Vinci and his inventions and art in an interactive and fun visit to this historic Chateau.
Day 8: Versailles/Paris
Location: Versailles, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel Relais Monceau
Accommodation Name: Hotel Relais Monceau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, be amazed by the Hall of Mirrors in the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a World Heritage site. Imagine yourself decked out in velvet and gold as you stride between sparkling rooms on a guided tour, or explore the endless winding pathways in Versailles’ vast gardens. Return to Paris and enjoy a free afternoon to wander the banks of the Seine, munch on macarons, or shop in elegant boutiques. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the stunning Palace of Versailles on a guided tour designed for young travellers. Stop by the Hall of Mirrors and picture yourself as a guest at a lavish French banquet - in this room, nearly all that glitters is gold. Step into the surrounding galleries and tour the magnificent gardens, learning about French history and culture along the way.
FREE TIME: Beautiful Paris, the "City of Lights", is famous the world over for its magnificent architecture, glorious monuments, fine museums, and romantic ambiance. Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
Day 9: Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts) -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners -
Family Journeys Moments
Experience unique family moments with visits to La Flaguerie Cider Farm, D-Day Family Experience and Memorial, and Palace of Versailles.
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Arrival Transfer
Enjoy a convenient arrival transfer to your hotel in Paris.
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Guided Paris Île de la Cité Walking Tour
Explore the heart of Paris with a guided walking tour of Île de la Cité.
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Giverny and Monet Gardens Visit
Visit the beautiful village of Giverny and the inspiring Monet Gardens.
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Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel
Take an excursion to the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel.
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Short Bayeux Orientation Walk
Get acquainted with Bayeux on a short orientation walk.
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Troglodyte Cave Visit
Discover the fascinating troglodyte caves.
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Canoeing on the Cher River
Enjoy a canoeing adventure on the Cher River.
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Chenonceaux Castle Visit
Visit the enchanting Chenonceaux Castle.
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Visit Clos Lucé
Explore Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Transport
Private vehicle, antique WWII vehicle, canoe, walking
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 8 nights, including Hotel Ampere Paris, Churchill Hotel Bayeux, Novotel Blois Centre, and Hotel Relais Monceau, offering a mix of traditional character and central locations for easy exploration.
Group Size
Max 20, avg 18
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private vehicles, antique WWII vehicles, canoes, and walking tours, ensuring a seamless and immersive journey through the picturesque landscapes and historic sites of France.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
Important Notes
1. All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour and may not leave their child under the supervision of the CEO, local guides, drivers, etc. Children are not to be left unattended.
Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend.
2. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
3. OLYMPIC GAMES SUMMER 2024
Please note the Olympic Games will be held in Paris during the summer of 2024. All pre/post services & optional activities must be booked independently, and reserved well in advance.
4. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
5. RESERVE TICKETS
Please note that if you wish to visit popular museums or sites such as the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially in high season May-September when it could be a question of hours!), it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. Tickets can be reserved online at various websites. There may be the possibility of arranging tickets on arrival on Day 1, with the help of your CEO, but availability cannot be guaranteed at such short notice.
6. FAMILY INSURANCE
Options for family travel insurance are available. Please enquire with your Family Trip Specialist for more information.
7. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
8. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
Group Leader
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
About Accommodation
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
It is important to note that accommodations in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but houses of the rich, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual or small room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.
On this trip you can expect to stay in hotels which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but have traditional character, and are in central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service, but a smile and a thank you can go a long way.
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transport will be used during the tour?
The tour will use a variety of transport methods including a private vehicle, antique WWII vehicle, canoe, and walking.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 7 years.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in hotels for 8 nights. The accommodations are based on double occupancy, and while they may vary in standard and facilities, they are generally clean, safe, and in central locations.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a guided Paris Île de la Cité walking tour, a visit to Giverny and Monet Gardens, an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, a troglodyte cave visit, canoeing on the Cher River, a visit to Chenonceaux Castle, and a visit to Clos Lucé.
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Is there a private option available for this tour?
The information provided does not specify if there is a private option available for this tour.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 20, with an average of 18 participants.
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What should I know about luggage during the tour?
You are responsible for carrying your own luggage as porters are not often available. It is advised to pack lightly and use a soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items.
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What is the policy for solo travelers on this tour?
Solo travelers will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip, as the tour is designed for shared accommodation and does not involve a single supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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