Paris, Normandy & Brittany: A Journey Through Iconic France

8 Day Tour of Paris, Bayeux and Rennes

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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View of the river and bridge in the French town of Dinan, Brittany.

8 Days 7 Nights

Best Time: Apr-Oct

Exploring Scenic Countryside

Churches & Sacred Sites

Discover France's iconic beauty, from Paris's lively streets to Normandy's historic shores and Brittany's medieval charm. Begin with a private guided tour in Paris, and spend three-and-a-half days visiting the Eiffel Tower, cruising the Seine, and seeing other storied sights in the City of Light. Travel to Normandy to reflect on D-Day history at its beaches, and savor local flavors in Bayeux. Conclude with a scenic stop at Mont Saint Michel and explore the vibrant streets of Rennes. Experience a blend of big-city splendor and coastal tranquility, with detailed travel guidance available through our mobile app.

Ascend the Eiffel Tower for stunning views of the Paris skyline.
Explore the charming artists' enclave of Montmartre & enjoy the bohemian atmosphere in a cozy café.
Visit the historic Normandy Beaches and reflect on D-Day history.
Wander the medieval streets of Rennes, steeped in Breton culture.
Discover the wave-swept Mont Saint Michel monastery during a scenic stop.

Ascend the Eiffel Tower for stunning views of the Paris skyline.
Explore the charming artists' enclave of Montmartre & enjoy the bohemian atmosphere in a cozy café.
Visit the historic Normandy Beaches and reflect on D-Day history.
Wander the medieval streets of Rennes, steeped in Breton culture.
Discover the wave-swept Mont Saint Michel monastery during a scenic stop.

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

D-Day Tour

The Great War & WWII

The Bayeux Tapestry

European History

Historic Bayeux

European History

Mont-Saint-Michel

Churches & Monasteries

Dinan

Small Towns

Saint-Malo

Natural Beauty

Must see sights

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

D-Day Tour

The Great War & WWII

The Bayeux Tapestry

European History

Historic Bayeux

European History

Mont-Saint-Michel

Churches & Monasteries

Dinan

Small Towns

Saint-Malo

Natural Beauty

Starting from

$2375

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Upon arrival at one of Paris's Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports, it's fairly easy to catch a taxi from outside the main terminal building to your hotel. This is cheaper than a pre-arranged private transfer, although that option is also available if you wish - just ask your consultant. Parisien taxi drivers are generally reliable and honest, but we will provide you with instructions on how to avoid possible scammers and charlatans. If you want to save money, and often quite a lot of time as well, we will also give you alternative instructions on taking public transport into the city center. Details are contained in the full itinerary and mobile app available to our travelers. If on the other hand, you are arriving at Paris's third airport, Beauvais Airport (BVA), then you should always take the shuttle bus. The taxi fare might cost more than the flight - it's nearly 50 miles (75km) outside the city.

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined:

Airport Taxi Pick-Up

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Hôtel des Invalides

Late Afternoon:

Tuileries Gardens & Nearby Museums

Early Evening:

Arc de Triomphe

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Invade the Hôtel des Invalides

The Eglise du Dome Church close to the Eiffel Tower is where you observe the gilded tomb of the historic French General and Emperor, Napoleon, but his bones are just a miniscule part of the gigantic Hôtel des Invalides housing the French National Army Museum. Spend some time learning about French warfare from the earliest times to the wax and wane of the Napoloenic Wars and on to the modern French army and a new section dedicated to the life of General Charles de Gaulle.

Late Afternoon

A Jaunt Through the Tuileries Garden & Nearby Art Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Early Evening

Survey the Lights from the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Center of Paris

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from your accommodation, you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Tour Paris' Heart, Notre Dame and the Île de la Cité

Discover the origins of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, it's glorious heart. The original settlement from which Paris grew overwhelms with the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Revolutionary history of the Conciergerie, the numinous kaleidoscope of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, and a plethora of other interesting sights. This island is a captivating blend of Parisian history and beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. A visit here traverses the river Seine and centuries, perfect for capturing the spirit of Paris.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Discover Montmartre: Paris's Bohemian Village

Montmartre, Paris's bohemian heart, where countless artists have whiled away their time, beckons with its cobblestone streets and vibrant history. Ascend the butte to find the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a white-domed sentinel offering breathtaking views of the city below. Wander through Place du Tertre, where artists capture the essence of Paris on canvas. Delve into the nightlife at the Moulin Rouge, a testament to the area's hedonistic past. Montmartre, a blend of artistic legacy and lively modern culture, offers a captivating escape into the soul of Paris, where every corner tells a story, and every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of the city.

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Morning

The Eiffel Tower From Above and Below

Maybe the most recognized landmark in the world, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress and inspire. Its elegance has always drawn crowds, and it demands a little logistical planning in order to expedite the security checks and avoid the crowds. We'll provide you with very detailed information on how to do this in the Full Itinerary, along with how to purchase tickets to speed up your visit. Let your consultant know if you wish to have your Eiffel Tower tickets purchased for you - they require a very specific time slot. We will also provide you with information on the other grand sights to visit nearby, including the famous Museum of Man across the river at Trocadero, and the Quai Branly Museum.

2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monet in Giverny Privately Guided Excursion

With a private guide, Giverny, the long-time residence of the artist Claude Monet, reveals it genius loci, and its attraction to this 'Father of Impressionism'. Filled with life, color, and artworks, Monet's house is a special experience; moreso, the gardens at Giverny are truly sumptuous. Lovers of Monet's paintings will quickly recognize the bridge and pond that inspired Monet's Water Lilies series, some of the most beautiful and famous paintings of all time. This excursion takes half a day and includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel in Paris with a fully-licensed guide.

Evening

Cruising Along the Seine's Waters

Embark on an enchanting Seine River Boat Cruise that offers an unparalleled view of the City of Light. Glide past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, all while basking in Paris' famed romantic ambiance. Whether you choose a daytime voyage to admire the city in its full glory or a nighttime excursion to see Paris illuminated against the night sky, a Seine River Boat Cruise is an unforgettable highlight that offers a new perspective on the timeless beauty of Paris.

Day 4

Paris to Bayeux

Day 4

Paris to Bayeux

Day 4

Paris to Bayeux

Day 4

Paris to Bayeux

Early Morning/Morning

All You Need is Louvre - A Visit to the World's Largest Art Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days. And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

To Be Determined

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Parisian streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up one hour and 15 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

14:59 - 17:17

Rail Journey from Paris to Bayeux

Tickets and seat reservations for this approximately 2h20min rail journey from Paris to Bayeux (sometimes via a change of trains in Caen) are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

5:17 PM

Gare de Bayeux Rail Pick-up by Taxi

Bayeux taxis are very reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Detailed information on navigating your way around the station and finding a taxi can be found in the Full Itinerary.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Bayeux

As a well populated tourist town in the heart of Normandy, the dining scene in Bayeux is replete with bars, restaurants, and cafes. One of the delights of dining in France is sampling the regional specialities; in Normandy these are seafood, dairy, and apples. You’ll find all three in one of the region’s classic dishes, Marmite Dieppoise. This is a shellfish stew cooked in crème fraîche, butter, and cider. Cider is also served with the meal. If you like apple-based drinks, you’re in for a treat. As well as producing some of the best cider in the world, the Normans love a glass of calvados, a strong apple brandy. You may also be offered a ‘trou Normand’, a dessert or digestif of apple sorbet with some calvados poured over the top. You’ll find apple tarts, pies, and pastries in abundance here. Regional cheeses include the infamous soft and creamy camembert, named for the local town where it was first made. A few tips: on Sundays many eateries in Bayeux may be closed. Make a reservation to avoid disappointment, especially in the busy season, and be advised opening hours may change.

Day 5

Bayeux

Day 5

Bayeux

Day 5

Bayeux

Day 5

Bayeux

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Commonwealth Sites of the D-Day Beaches

Normandy's beaches, cemeteries, and museums are hallowed ground for those versed in WWII history. For those from Britain, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries, the beaches codenamed Juno, Sword, and Gold hold special significance, as this is where Commonwealth forces landed. Normandy also has a number of Commonwealth military cemeteries, including the Ranville War Cemetery, and the Canadian Military Cemetery. For logistical reasons, and to give you the best experience, we strongly recommend a guided tour of these points of interest. Please speak to your consultant about arranging a guided tour. If you do wish to visit the sites independently, either by private car or public transport, please be warned it is very difficult to access many of the sites in a single day, and many sites may be inaccessible to you entirely.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Exploring Bayeux's Old Town

The center of Bayeux survived WWII miraculously unscathed, leaving a medieval town with roads built as far back as Roman times. From your arrival in Bayeux, you're sure to have noticed its Gothic Romanesque Cathedral, picturesque river, and striking stone buildings. This self-guided walk around Bayeux outlines the history of Bayeux, and points out some sites of interest you may wish to explore.

Day 6

Bayeux to Rennes

Day 6

Bayeux to Rennes

Day 6

Bayeux to Rennes

Day 6

Bayeux to Rennes

8:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Private Shuttle from Bayeux to Rennes with Stop in Mont-St.-Michel

Your own, personal, English-speaking driver will pick you up promptly at the designated time from your hotel. This is a pre-paid transfer, so you only need to sit back and enjoy the ride while your driver answers any questions you may have. While the drive takes about two hours, you have the opportunity for a three-hour self-guided stop at the breathtaking Mont-St.-Michel. One of the most evocative towns in France, this island / abbey / fortress repelled medieval England but has has captured thousands of hearts with its ambiance and views towards the sea. Should you prefer a different stop, we can also suggest other options, Fougères and its castle, or Granville.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Discover Medieval Rennes

"Une tête des Bretons," or, "A head like the people of Brittany," means, "stubborn, hard-headed," in colloquial French. True to this image, Rennes, the capital of Brittany rest at the Eastern extreme of the region, facing head-first the France it long resisted (And still does, a bit). In Rennes, Parisian French will start to blend with the very distict Breton language: It's demat instead of bonjour. One starts to find more seafood on the menu, and salty butter intstead of a myriad local cheeses. Rennes medieval half-timbered houses and the grand Rennes Cathedral have also endured, worth a look along with the tranquil Parc du Thabor. The city's museum of fine arts truly merits a visit. In the end, Rennes offers the visitor a chance to visit modern France and see how that modernity has its roots in the past.

Day 7

Rennes

Day 7

Rennes

Day 7

Rennes

Day 7

Rennes

Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Dinan

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Day 8

Depart Rennes

Day 8

Depart Rennes

Day 8

Depart Rennes

Day 8

Depart Rennes

To Be Determined

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

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Paris, Normandy & Brittany: A Journey Through Iconic France

8 Day Tour of Paris, Bayeux and Rennes

$2375

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.