Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)

Your first port of call is the town of Les Andelys, poised at a picturesque bend in the river. On a morning tour, uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine. Those who seek a more active excursion may go on a guided bike ride or opt to hike from the river to the fortress, taking in the sweeping views along the way. Admire the lovely landscapes of Normandy during a relaxing afternoon sail on the meandering Seine. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Château Gaillard tour OR Château Gaillard hike OR Les Andelys bike tour
• Scenic cruising

The Seine empties into the English Channel at Le Havre, France's second largest port after Marseille. Cross to the river's southern bank on an excursion to Honfleur, a fishing town with a picturesque harbor that was a popular retreat for artists such as Camille Corot, Claude Monet and Honfleur native Eugène Boudin.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in quintessential Normandy in the Pays d'Auge region, where cider and Calvados outrank wine and timeless villages brim with colorful half-timbered houses. If you wish, instead return to Le Havre for an afternoon bike ride or a city tour, or examine the city's reconstruction after World War II, exploring the architecture and urban planning of Auguste Perret, which earned Le Havre UNESCO designation. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Honfleur excursion
• Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour OR Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour to Post WWII Architectural Tour, including Apartment Temoin - Smithsonian Exclusive OR Bike tour

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Normandy on the excursion of your choice today. Trace the harrowing events of the D-Day invasion on a tour focused on the American experience, with visits to Omaha Beach; the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer; the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer; and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the landings can still be seen.

Alternatively, visit the Renaissance Château d'Ételan, which hosted the likes of Voltaire and Catherine de Medici, and tour the Musée Victor Hugo, set within the elegant 19th-century home of the writer's in-laws. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Normandy US Landing Beaches OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches OR Victor Hugo Museum + Chateau d'Etelan – Smithsonian Exclusive OR Full-day Pays d'Auge OR Seine Museum

Spend the morning exploring the Norman capital of Rouen on a variety of tours. Venture into the medieval center on a guided walk, discovering the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Great Clock, and the cathedral immortalized by Monet. Delve into the history of the city's Jewish population with a visit to the Maison Sublime, a Romanesque ruin considered the oldest Jewish monument in France. Or savor the delicious flavors of the region on a tasting tour featuring local chocolate, cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, get acquainted with the city on a guided bike ride. Later, visit the Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural gem lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Enhanced Medieval Rouen walking tour (Jewish History) - Smithsonian Exclusive OR Rouen bike tour OR Tastes of Normandy
• Bonnemare Castle Visit

A morning of scenic cruising brings you to Vernon, where you'll embark on one of three excursions. Visit Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny where the artist lived and painted for 43 years. On a tour of the house, designed by Monet and little changed since his death, view his studio-sitting room and apartments and admire his exceptional collection of Japanese prints. Wander through exquisite gardens, where the artist planned out striking interplays of light, color, texture and reflection, even diverting a narrow arm of the River Epte to create his spectacular water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the French countryside or a guided visit to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, a privately owned palace with expansive gardens inspired by the opulence of Versailles. (B/L/D)

*Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Monet's home and gardens in Giverny* OR Château de Bizy Tour OR Giverny bike tour*

Travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific last days, painting more than 70 works in less than three months. Step into the Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived—and died—in an attic room. You may instead choose to spend the day in Paris and view the world's largest Monet collection on a visit to the acclaimed Musée Marmottan or follow in the footsteps of legendary American-French entertainer Josephine Baker on a city tour focused on Black history. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Artist's walk of Auvers-sur-Oise OR Château Malmaison excursion OR Guided visit of Musee Marmottan Monet – Smithsonian Exclusive OR Josephine Baker (Black History) Walking Tour – Smithsonian Exclusive OR Bike tour
• Bateaux Parisiens