Journeys: Paris & Normandy Highlights

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommended arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. The "City of Lights" is unlike any other place on earth. Known for its glorious monuments, museums, and markets, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris has something for everyone. Discover for yourself Paris’ “je ne sais quoi.”

Included Experiences

• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Travel to Giverny for an enchanting visit to artist Claude Monet's garden (seasonal*), inspiration for his famed series of water lily paintings and declared one of National Geographic's “top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world.” Continue to the pretty port town of Honfleur for a National Geographic Expedition Leader led walk and some free time in this historic harbour where the Seine River meets the English Channel. This evening, arrive in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie. *Monet Gardens is closed from Nov 1 through April 1 yearly. As a result, any departures falling over that time will alternatively visit the Musée de l'Orangerie. At this premiere Gallery in Paris you can view Monet's Waterlilies and many other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings from a number of famed artists. Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here 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. These served as inspiration for his celebrated water-lily series and have been named by National Geographic as one of the "10 most magnificent gardens in the world." 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.

Included Experiences

• Claude Monet's Gardens: 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: Enjoy free time for a walk and lunch in this pretty seaside Village.

Delve into World War II history alongside a recognized war historian. Gain insights during a lecture on the Allied invasion of Normandy, and examine and handle wartime relics such as vintage weapons, uniforms, and maps at a local museum. Then board a transport vehicle and head to Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies—the ultimate emblem of military sacrifice. This afternoon, conjure scenes of the D-Day landing at notable Normandy sites including Omaha Beach, the cratered cliff-top at Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial. Take in scenes of the D-Day landing which had a pivotal role in the history of the world. Visit the moving memorials and beaches and learn about the impact this event had on the direction of the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries (including American, British, Canadian, French, German and Polish) hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.

Included Experiences

• D-Day Historical Experience: Here’s a day designed for those who can’t get enough of WWII history. In the Norman town of Bayeux, meet a recognized war historian who will lead a lecture about the Allied invasion and how it continues to shape this region in Northwest France. Visit a hands-on museum to view and touch relics such as weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and maps. Then board an authentic WWII transport to travel to the British War Cemetery at Secqueville-en-Bessin to walk the grounds and learn about the ultimate emblem of supreme sacrifice in war, the poppy.
• D-Day Beaches & Memorials: With our National Geographic Expedition Leader, visit some of the key landmarks from D-Day which can include; Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.

Go on an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the medieval fortress dates to the 8th century and is considered one of Europe’s most stunning and imposing sites. Get your bearings on an National Geographic Expedition Leader led orientation walk and then explore on your own. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or simply wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.

Included Experiences

• Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel: 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 National Geographic Expedition Leader, 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.

Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Amble along its quaint streets, taking in the local scene at shops and cafés. Then opt to visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Bayeux, a Norman-Romanesque architectural gem, and see the famed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Explore the cobblestone streets of this medieval town.

Depart for riverside Rouen and set out around the port city on foot. Discover the beautiful city centre, noted for its Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses, and hear about its place in history as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy. Enjoy free time here before heading back to Paris to spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the City of Lights. Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Take an orientation walk with our National Geographic Expedition Leader and enjoy some free time to visits shops or have lunch.

Enjoy a National Geographic Expedition Leader led orientation walk this morning in the medieval centre of Paris, where you'll stroll by legendary sites like the Pyramide du Louvre, the Pont Neuf, the Conciergerie, and the majestic Notre Dame de Paris. Afterwards, indulge in a guided lunch presentation of French wine and cheese pairings, then take advantage of more free time to visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. Later this afternoon and evening, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's outstanding museums and churches, or simply people-watch. Please note, pre-bookings are required for most optional activities, with tickets being available for purchase virtually.

Included Experiences

• French Wine and Cheese Pairing Lunch: Enjoy a presentation on French wines and the art of perfectly pairing them with cheese. Taste five wines presented by our local expert and learn the proper etiquette, terminology and appreciation of French wine.
• Free Time: Being the art, fashion, and gastronomy centre of France, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
• Orientation with Expedition Leader: Enjoy a brief walk with your Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Optional Experiences

• Musée d'Orsay Visit: Tour through The Musée d'Orsay, a must-see museum in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the beautiful building is the perfect setting to display some of the world's most revered Impressionist art. Wander from room to room in awe at the works on display by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin. Marvel at Degas' ballerinas and Van Gogh's swirling colours.
• Sacre Coeur Visit: Visit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, located in the Montmartre neighbourhood. This Roman Catholic church was completed in 1914 and stands on the highest point of the city. Climb up 200 stairs to reach the dome of the basilica to get an amazing view of the Paris skyline.
• The Louvre Visit: Examine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around. (12-16 EUR per person)
• Eiffel Tower Visit: Visit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.

Depart at any time.