Highlights
- See the lights of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower
- Go on a treasure hunt through the world's largest art museum
- Experience the moving legacy of Normandy's D-Day sites
- Explore the cobbled streets of the "pirate" city of Saint-Malo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Evening Eiffel Tower Tour | Paris |
| Day 2 | Louvre Treasure Hunt & Patisserie Tour | Paris |
| Day 3 | Drive to Caen, Segway Tour | Caen |
| Day 4 | Family Tour of D-Day Sites | Caen |
| Day 5 | Drive to Saint-Malo via Mont-Saint-Michel | Saint-Malo |
| Day 6 | Family Sand Yachting, Drive to Paris | Saint-Malo |
| Day 7 | Depart France |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Evening Eiffel Tower Tour
Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! After you've settled into your accommodation, step out into streets steeped in centuries of history, art, fashion, and, of course, romance. Thriving with activity, day and night, there is something to please every family member. Shop in world-famous department stores like Lafayette or Printemps, explore one or two of the smaller museums, or for a charming playground and garden complete with a carousel, pony rides, and toy sailboats, try le Jardin du Luxembourg.
Day 2: Louvre Treasure Hunt & Patisserie Tour
Begin your day at the world's largest art museum —Le Louvre. Although it is tempting simply to stand lost in wonder at the masterpieces before you, there is also work to be done: a family treasure hunt, culminating in a prize hidden under the glass pyramid! This is a guided tour that will bring art history to life for the whole family as you go on a scavenger hunt through a range of collections—Egypt and the Near East, ancient Greece and Rome, and the Renaissance.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Drive to Caen, Segway Tour
After a fortifying family breakfast, pick up your rental car and drive west to Caen, Normandy. The city of Caen has become closely associated with World War II, specifically the D-Day and Normandy Landings, but its history stretches back over 1,000 years. A fun way to show the kids through the old town and its monuments, ruins, and squares is via a two-hour segway tour.
Highlights include the River Orne, the two famous abbeys (l'Abbaye-aux-Hommes and l'Abbaye-aux-Dames), and the castle. After your tour, consider taking a closer look at the Church of Saint-Étienne and the Hospice of the Good Saviour (Bon Saveur). The kids will be amazed to learn that thousands of people sheltered and lived in these buildings during the months of bombings in 1944. While these buildings were spared, sadly, many others were destroyed, and much of the city you see has been reconstructed.
Day 4: Family Tour of D-Day Sites
Today brings an extraordinary opportunity for your whole family to learn about some of the most world-changing events of the last century. Walk through history as your guided tour takes you to the actual sites of scenes of war memorialized in films such as "The Longest Day" by Darryl Zanuck or "Saving Private Ryan" by Steven Spielberg.
Day 5: Drive to Saint-Malo via Mont-Saint-Michel
In the morning, head southwest toward Saint-Malo, stopping at Mont-Saint-Michel en route. Strikingly located high on an island surrounded by a natural tidal moat, you can head across the causeway on foot or take the kids by horse and cart. Spend some time exploring the remarkable abbey by guided tour before heading down into town to refresh yourselves at a café, browse the art galleries, or purchase souvenirs.
Day 6: Family Sand Yachting, Drive to Paris
Today you'll drive back to Paris, but for a change of pace, stop again at Mont-Saint-Michel on the way and spend the morning sand yachting! Enjoy the speed and agility of yachting combined with the security of staying on land. Suitable for just about any age, double-seaters are available for families with kids under eight, so the youngest can share all the thrills—without any spills!
Once you've worked up an appetite, have lunch at Mont-Saint-Michel and take another look around before hitting the road. Drive straight on to Paris to be in time for dinner, or break up the journey by stopping at Le Mans and visiting the 24 Hours of Le Mans museum to view 120 cars associated with this legendary race—a must for any racecar fans in the family.
Day 7: Depart France
More Great France Itineraries
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