Best of Normandy

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Normandy
Containing so many of France's most iconic sights that it is hard to list them all in one place, Normandy is what many French people imagine when they think of quintessential France: fertile rolling countryside of dairy farms and orchards which yield fine cider, charming centuries-old half-timbered villages and towns and a coastline of long sandy beaches and dramatic chalky cliffs. But there is so much more to its distinguished heritage.

Visit vital historic sights like Rouen Cathedral, its trio of towers respectively representing early Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance, Bayeux, home to the stunning 230-foot (70-meter) 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry and Mont Saint-Michel, a hilly tidal island beautifully crowned by an abbey with its origins in the 8th century. Normandy's beauty became famous enough to attract some of the world's best painters: see the likes of Giverny, the home and major inspiration of Monet, and the Côte Fleurie coast to which many impressionist painters once flocked for the striking light. But the region's history is poignant as well as pretty, as you can discover on a visit to the Normandy Landings beaches where the allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France took place in 1944.  

Exploring the bucolic hinterland is also important. Here, discover delightful villages like Beuvron-en-Auge and sample the region's nationally outstanding cheeses (like camembert), cider and other products on one of the excellent local food tours.
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Normandy Essentials

The old port of Honfleur in Normandy, France
Best Time of Year to Visit Normandy

Normandy offers beautiful beaches and mild temperatures, a lovely combination. In spring, especially later in the season, expect beautiful flowers, sunny days, and manageable crowds, making it one of the nicest times to visit. The pleasant summer weather brings big crowds, especially paired with the D-Day commemorations in June, while autumn is rainy and winter is quiet. Read on for advice and information on the best times of the year to visit Normandy.

Wine tasting in France
Top Culinary Experiences in France

France has always been the center of culinary envy, known worldwide for its signature cuisine consisting of traditional techniques, ancestral secrets, and home-cooked comfort dictated by high-quality standards. From morning pastries to afternoon macrons, farm-fresh cheeses to wine, cider, and olive oil, and fresh food markets offering the freshest produce to unique dishes like snails and frog legs, you can truly enjoy it all in France.

The harbor town of Honfleur
Best Things to Do in Normandy

Set in northern France along the coast of the English Channel, Normandy is known for its chalky-white cliffs and beaches, the famous Mont-Saint-Michel island, the WWII D-Day landings, and picturesque half-timbered houses surrounded by dairy farms. History is the region's highlight, but you'll also find treasured towns like Honfleur and the Pays d'Auge, gourmet cheese, cider farms, and many sites of famous Impressionist works of art, plus the home and gardens of Claude Monet.

Photo courtesy of Hôtel Tardif - Noble Guesthouse
The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Normandy

Visitors to Normandy have many options to choose from when it comes to accommodations. If you're looking for medieval history, stay at an indulgent guesthouse in the medieval center of Bayeux, with its famous tapestry. Travel to the seaside at the harbor of Honfleur or the beach at Cabourg for a shoreline stay, or opt for a romantic garden park at one of these hotels.

A family visiting Paris
Best Family Experiences in France

Because France is a large and diverse country, it's an ideal location for a family trip. From art-centric and foodie cities like Paris to outdoor playgrounds like the French Riviera and the beaches of northern France, there's always something to do with activities appealing to various ages and interests. Along the way, make unique family memories that you can only experience in France, such as riding horses through the surf at Mont-Saint-Michel, learning to bake macrons, or enjoying a treasure hunt at the Louvre.

Claude Monet's Gardens
Top Cultural Experiences in France

Many travelers choose France specifically for its unique and diverse culture. Explore Paris for its food, literature, and cabaret, visit Normandy for its art (including Claude Monet's gardens), and escape to the Loire Valley for chateaus, palaces, castles, and more. When ready, head to the south and peruse the unique cuisine and culture of the French Riviera and Provence, plus romantic hilltop villages and medieval riverside hamlets.

The French Alps
Top Active Experiences in France

France is an active traveler's dream, with sandy beaches in the north, the towering Alps in the southeast, several river valleys across its heartland, and a rocky southern coastline dotted with inlets, caves, and coves. You can easily spend your time cycling through vineyards and from one chateau to another, riding horses in the surf, kayaking the famous Calanques, and hiking in the mountains. Or, if you're more of a city person, add a bike tour or vineyard stroll to your exploration of hubs like Paris.

Bordeaux's stunning architecture
Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Known for its signature wine, Bordeaux's surrounding vineyards and La Cité du Vin museum might be its biggest draws, but there's plenty to enjoy in the city and beyond. With the Garonne River weaving through Bordeaux's center, you can explore the city by foot and boat. Stop at vibrant markets and wine shops, tasting gourmet goodies like canelé, oysters, cheese, chocolate, and, of course, a glass of red. Then, enjoy discovering the countryside havens of Gironde and Dordogne, full of picturesque hamlets and vineyards.

Normandy Itineraries

Mont Saint Michel dating back to the 8th century
Map of Normandy Coast Excursion - 5 Days
Normandy Coast Excursion - 5 Days

Ideal for history buffs, this Northern France itinerary spans an impressive timeline from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to the D-Day landings of 1944. With the help of local guides, you'll experience the island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, pay respects at transfixing World War II memorials and museums, and enjoy free time in the evenings to explore the charming city of Bayeux—your home base for the trip.

View of Bayeux
Map of Bayeux: Best Itinerary Ideas
Bayeux: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Bayeux spend about seven to nine days in France, which usually includes some time in Paris as well. For travelers wanting to visit Bayeux exclusively, plan about five days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries, including Bayeux, keep reading below.

Coastal landscape near Etretat village in Normandy
Map of Normandy Discovery Tour - 7 Days
Normandy Discovery Tour - 7 Days

History buffs will love this Northern France itinerary, which spans an impressive timeline from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to the D-Day landings of 1944. With the help of local guides, you'll experience the island monastery of Mont Saint Michel, visit transfixing WWII memorials, photograph spectacular cliffs, and enjoy free time in the evenings to dine in a range of charming port cities.

Traditional Mussels with Cider
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Normandy & Brittany - 5 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Normandy & Brittany - 5 Days

Get away from it all on this luxurious 5-day trip to Normandy and Brittany. Fly in to Paris, then head to Bayeux on the coast. Check out the tapestry, tour Mont-Saint-Michel, and explore World War II history. At night, relax over fresh seafood dinners paired with chilled white wine at your neighborhood brasserie.

The enchanting Mont-Saint-Michel seems to rise out of its tidal estuary
Map of Luxury Tour Through Normandy & Brittany: Bayeux & Saint-Malo - 7 Days
Luxury Tour Through Normandy & Brittany: Bayeux & Saint-Malo - 7 Days

Travel in luxury as you spend a week exploring the wild coastline and rich history of northwestern France. Begin in Normandy to tour historic Bayeux, admire its eponymous tapestry, and visit windswept D-Day beaches. Then it's on to Brittany and the walled city of Saint-Malo, where you'll experience the awe-inspiring Mont-Saint-Michel, take a private sailing cruise along the Emerald Coast, and end your trip with a tour of the charming medieval villages of Dinan and Saint-Suliac.

Water mill and Aure River in Bayeux, France
Map of Paris & Bayeux: Best Itinerary Ideas
Paris & Bayeux: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that seven to nine days is perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in both Paris and Bayeux. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as five or six days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Amboise, Tours, or Saint-Malo. See more ideas for Paris and Bayeux itineraries below.

Explore the culture and history of northwestern France on this exclusive tour
Map of Luxury Tour Through Normandy & Brittany: Paris, Bayeux & Saint-Malo - 10 Days
Luxury Tour Through Normandy & Brittany: Paris, Bayeux & Saint-Malo - 10 Days

World history meets French culture on this lavish 10-day tour. It starts in the capital city of Paris, where you'll see sobering World War II reminders, such as the Deportation Memorial and the Holocaust Museum. Then, head to Normandy for the infamous D-Day beaches and Caen's Memorial Museum. Experience the island and abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, drive along the Emerald Coast, and visit the charming villages of Dinan and Saint-Suliac before returning to Paris for a Seine dinner cruise.

Medieval Bayeux is your base to explore the Normandy coast
Map of Luxury Tour of Historic Paris & Normandy - 8 Days
Luxury Tour of Historic Paris & Normandy - 8 Days

Spend eight days in luxury as you explore Paris' grandest sites and Normandy's historic treasures. Sip Champagne on the Eiffel Tower, walk the medieval halls of Sainte-Chapelle, and roam the Louvre with a private art historian. Hop a train to Bayeux and step into the past as you learn about the Norman invasion via the Bayeux Tapestry and pay your respects at the D-Day landing beaches. After a day on the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll return to Paris for a stroll around enchanting Montmartre.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 6 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 6 Days

Enjoy a quick getaway to Paris and the Normandy coast without sacrificing luxury on this six-day trip. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll learn about Parisian history in the heart of the city, stroll the gilded halls of Versaille, and take a nighttime cruise on the Seine. Spend your last day on the Normandy coast to see the Bayeux Tapestry and tour Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island.

Spend two leisurely days driving around the Brittany region
Map of Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley - 14 Days
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley - 14 Days

This epic trip loops around three beloved regions in France with a nice mix of free time and guided tours. Start in Normandy to visit historical sites—spanning 900 years—between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Next is Brittany, where you'll have free time (and a car) to explore the wild, rugged coastline at your own pace. Then experience UNESCO-listed villages and castles in the Loire Valley before finishing with two days in Paris.

Beach in Deauville
Map of Western France Road Trip: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 16 Days
Western France Road Trip: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 16 Days

Spend sixteen days exploring everything western France has to offer, from the metropolitan culture of Paris to the peaceful countryside of Bordeaux. See art at the Louvre, take a day trip to the gilded halls of Versailles, and vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel—the abbey on an island—before continuing south to the land of resplendent châteaus and free-flowing wine.

The Famed Iron Lady
Map of Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 7 Days
Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 7 Days

See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic coast, and more on this weeklong itinerary to Western France. Learn to bake bread the authentic French way and visit the Opéra Garnier in the City of Lights, then enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo and see the Bayeux Tapestry.

Take the kids to explore Saint-Malo
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Caen & Saint-Malo - 7 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Caen & Saint-Malo - 7 Days

For a family road trip that leads you through the diversity of French culture and history, look no further than this week-long itinerary. Start in Paris to savor its highlights and cuisine before driving to Normandy to encounter the moving legacy of the D-Day landings. See architectural and religious history on display in the abbeys of Caen and Mont-Saint-Michel, and learn about rogues of the past in Saint-Malo, all while you enjoy the fun of touring by segway and learning to "sand yacht" together.

Saint-Malo at dusk
Map of Paris, Bayeux & Saint-Malo: Best Itinerary Ideas
Paris, Bayeux & Saint-Malo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to France typically plan a trip for 11 to 14 days when combining Paris, Bayeux, and Saint-Malo with Amboise. For travelers wanting to visit Paris, Bayeux, and Saint-Malo exclusively, plan 8 to 10 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in five to seven days for travelers with limited time. For the best itineraries, including Paris, Bayeux, and Saint-Malo, keep reading below.

Timbered houses in Amboise, France
Map of Paris, Bayeux & Amboise: Best Itinerary Ideas
Paris, Bayeux & Amboise: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 12 days is a great length for a France trip with stops in Paris, Bayeux, and Amboise. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week or eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Saint-Malo and Tours. Get inspired with kimkim's Paris, Bayeux, and Amboise trip ideas below.

Water Mill and Aure River in Bayeux, France
Map of Paris, Bayeux & Tours: Best Itinerary Ideas
Paris, Bayeux & Tours: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 8 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Paris, Bayeux, and Tours. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in six or seven days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Bordeaux or Saint-Malo. Keep reading for more inspiring Paris, Bayeux, and Tours itineraries.

Richelieu quay of Garonne river in Bordeaux
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 17 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 17 Days

From the streetside cafes of Paris to the fresh seafood markets of Normandy, this seventeen-day road trip through western France has it all. Spend a few days in the capital viewing art and eating your weight in pastries, then head west along the coast to vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, famous for their countryside castles, 18th-century farmer's markets, and the freshest oysters in France.

Mont-Saint-Michel
Map of Explore France's Western Route- 21 Days
Explore France's Western Route- 21 Days

Take the back roads of western France to discover a splendor of highlights and hidden gems on this three-week adventure. Start in Paris, where you'll climb the Eiffel Tower and visit Versailles. Head to the northern coasts and see the most beautiful spots of Brittany and Normandy. Go south to the Loire Valley to live the fairy tale life surrounded by castles and vineyards, and activate your taste buds as you savor cognac and wine amid the country's most famous vineyards and medieval villages.

Low Tide in Arcachon Bay
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & More - 18 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & More - 18 Days

If spending eighteen days driving from France's capital down the western Atlantic Coast sounds like the perfect getaway, this itinerary is for you. Start in Paris for flaky croissants and strong espresso, then hit the road for the coast. Vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside as you explore medieval and WWII history, then continue to the Loire Valley to see resplendent châteaus. End in Bordeaux, where the wine and oysters are unparalleled. 

Dancing in the Paris Sunlight
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 8 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 8 Days

Pack the family and hit the road for a self-drive trip through western France. Spend eight days seeing art in Paris, learning about history in Normandy, and vacationing on the seaside like the French. See Paris from the eyes of your kids with a treasure hunt at the Louvre, tour D-Day sites, and get an adrenaline rush when you try sand yachting 

Water mill in the Old Town of Bayeux
Map of Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 8 Days
Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 8 Days

Eight days is enough time to see the highlights of western France at a leisurely pace—and this road trip does just that. Spend three days in Paris, exploring the city's history and secrets—both at street level and underground. Continue west to the Atlantic coast for a vacation on Normandy's seaside, then head to Loire Valley, where 300-plus castles line the peaceful country roads.

Colorful parasols on Deauville Beach
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Bordeaux & More - 15 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Bordeaux & More - 15 Days

Fifteen days is enough time to get off the beaten path in western France on this road trip from Paris to Bordeaux. Start in the capital city, where you'll visit the Louvre and enjoy afternoon walks along the Seine River. Head west along the Atlantic Coast to explore World War II history and explore small fishing villages and beaches, then continue south for countryside castles, Bordeaux wine, and the famed Arcachon oysters.

Stars on the beach in Saint-Malo
Map of Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 8 Days
Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 8 Days

Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside on this luxurious eight-day getaway. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles and cruise along the Seine at night, then head west along the coast for medieval abbeys, fresh seafood, and World War II sites.

Vieux Port in Honfleur
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac, Bordeaux, & More - 19 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac, Bordeaux, & More - 19 Days

Drive along the Atlantic Coast on this nineteen-day road trip through western France. Start in Paris to see world-famous galleries at the Louvre and walk along the Seine River, then head west to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel, the abbey on an island, and enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie. End the trip in Bordeaux to sample the best of France’s wine and cuisine.

Normandy Countryside
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac, Bordeaux, & More - 20 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac, Bordeaux, & More - 20 Days

Vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside on this 20-day road trip through western France. You'll walk through the gilded halls of Versailles, immerse yourself in history on the D-Day beaches, and sample the best of France’s wine and cuisine in Bordeaux. For a taste of authentic western France life, haggle with vendors for your lunch at an 18th-century market, then head to the beach to enjoy wine and seafood on the water.

Enjoying the views
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 9 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy, & Brittany - 9 Days

See the Eiffel Tower in Paris, explore tidal pools on the beaches of Normandy, and learn about pirates and seafaring history in the walled city on this packed 9-day family road trip. From delicious French pastries in the capital city to fresh-caught seafood in the neighborhood brasserie, there's no shortage of culinary delights. For young travelers, treasure hunts, sand yachting, and more up the adventure. 

Pont Neuf across the Seine in Paris
Highlights of France: Paris, Bayeux, Marseille & Nice - 9 Days

This diverse 9-day itinerary introduces you to four distinct and enchanting regions of France. Begin in iconic Paris to stroll elegant avenues and cruise down the Seine—then catch a train west to Normandy to explore the medieval history and D-Day beaches of Bayeux. Continue to Provence, where you'll discover the ancient port of Marseille and the colorful market town of Aix-en-Provence, then hop over to the sun-soaked Riviera to end your adventure on a gastronomic tour of Nice.

Water mill in the Old Town of Bayeux
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, & Loire Valley - 9 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, & Loire Valley - 9 Days

From the gilded halls of Versailles to the resplendent Châteaus of the Loire Valley, explore Western France in all its luxury on this 9-day getaway. Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with a tour of the resplendent Châteaus de Chambord and Chenonceau.

Aerial view of Saint Malo, Britanny, France
Map of Paris, Bayeux, Saint-Malo & Amboise: Best Itinerary Ideas
Paris, Bayeux, Saint-Malo & Amboise: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 11 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a France trip with stops in Paris, Bayeux, Saint-Malo, and Amboise. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 7 to 10 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region. Get inspired with the below Paris, Bayeux, Saint-Malo, and Amboise trip ideas.

One of the famous perched villages in Dordogne
Map of Western France Road Trip - 14 Days
Western France Road Trip - 14 Days

This spectacular road-trip adventure through Western France provides a subtle mix of history, culture, cuisine, wine, and outdoor activity—and plenty of picturesque landscapes between stops. Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne region with a combination of tours led by English-speaking local guides and free time to explore on your own.

Dordogne perched village
Map of Discover France: Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, the Dordogne Region - 14 Days
Discover France: Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, the Dordogne Region - 14 Days

You will be delighted by this trip in Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux and the Dordogne region. This is a subtle mix of French history and culture, wine and flavors, and some bucolic landscapes such as the Atlantic coast and Dordogne perched villages. A great road trip adventure for the whole family!

Chenonceau at Sunset
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 14 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring the highlights of western France, from the City of Lights to the quiet villages of the Loire Valley. Sample pastries in Paris and head underground to see the catacombs, then hit the road for the beaches on the Normandy coast. End the trip in Bordeaux, where you'll haggle with vendors for fresh seafood at an 18th-century market.

Get to know the lesser-visited coastal city of La Rochelle on this two-week exploration of western France
Map of Highlights of Western France: Coastal Waters, Historic Sites & Famed Gastronomy - 14 Days
Highlights of Western France: Coastal Waters, Historic Sites & Famed Gastronomy - 14 Days

Perfect for connoisseurs of food, wine, and history, this 14-day tour focuses on the cities, coastlines, and countryside of western France. Start in Bayeux to visit Normandy's D-Day beaches and the tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel, then taste your way through Les Halles market and uncover the mysteries of the Louvre in Paris. Head south to coastal La Rochelle for a sunset cruise, and end in Bordeaux to taste vintages at family-run wine estates and savor oysters at Arcachon Bay.

Famous medieval castle Sully sur Loire at sunset
Map of Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 10 Days
Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 10 Days

This epic 10-day French sojourn kicks off in Paris with three days of culture and cuisine in the "City of Lights." Then, hit the road to the Normandy coast to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel tidal island, medieval Bayeux, and Omaha Beach. Next is the Loire Valley, where you'll explore the charming towns and gorgeous castles of this famous wine region before returning to Paris for one more Belle Époque adventure.

Young child enjoying autumn in Paris
Map of Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 10 Days
Family Road Trip in Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 10 Days

From the big city lights and historical museums of Paris to the quiet beaches of Western France, there's something on this 10-day road trip to delight everyone in the family, regardless of age. Start your journey in the capital city to explore highlights like the Louvre and Versailles, then rent a car and head west. Sample fresh seafood, try sand yachting, and learn about D-Day history on the beaches of Normandy. 

Chenonceau at Sunset
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 10 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 10 Days

Dive into French culture and settle into a quieter pace of life on this 10-day luxury trip to Western France. Start in Paris, where you'll learn history in the l’Ile de la Cité and take a day trip to the gilded halls of Versailles. Head west to tour D-Day sites in Normandy and explore Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. Round out the trip with two days in the Loire Valley, famous for castles and wine alike.

The City of Lights at Dusk
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 15 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 15 Days

Spend fifteen days exploring Paris and the western regions on this luxurious itinerary. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and eat your weight in croissants. Head to the coast for apple cider tours, fresh seafood, and the famed Normandy beaches. End the trip in the Loire Valley to go wine tasting and see where Da Vinci spent his last years.

Quiet Streets in Le Marais
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 11 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 11 Days

From the Opéra Garnier in Paris to the quiet countryside of the Loire Valley, this luxurious 11-day itinerary covers the highlights—and much more. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with wine tasting in the Loire Valley and see where Da Vinci spent his final years.

Bayeux at Night
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 16 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 16 Days

From the Paris Opera to the beaches of Brittany, explore Western France in luxury on this 16-day itinerary. Learn to bake bread the French way and stroll through Versaille's resplendent halls, then head to the coast to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo, then end the trip in the Loire valley, where fairytale castles and vineyards abound.

Venture into the Loire Valley and explore historic treasures like the Château de Chenonceau
Map of Grand Tour Through Historic France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 16 Days
Grand Tour Through Historic France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 16 Days

This 16-day tour takes you through France's past and present, showcasing its history, culture, and heritage. Start in Paris, where you'll glide down the Seine on an evening cruise and walk the paths of kings in Versaille. Then, head to the Normandy region for a visit to the ethereal Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and an e-bike tour of D-Day beaches. See the châteaux and wineries of the Loire Valley, learn all about wine at Bordeaux's Cité du Vin museum, and end back in Paris for an evening of fine French gastronomy.

Selection of French Cider
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 12 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 12 Days

Twelve days enjoying Parisian architecture, Normandy seafood, and Loire Valley wine—what could be sweeter? See the Eiffel Tower and learn to bake authentic French baguettes in the capital, then head to the coast for medieval ruins, fresh mussels, and World War II history. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley, where stately chateaus line the quiet country lanes and vineyards stretch out of sight.

In front of the Louvre
Map of Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy, & the Loire Valley - 7 Days
Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy, & the Loire Valley - 7 Days

If you have a week and want to explore western France, this quick road trip is perfect. Begin your journey in Paris, where you'll spend equal amounts of time exploring the city's history and savoring pastries. Continue to Normandy to visit the preserved city of Bayeux and see D-Day sites. End the trip in the Loire Valley to discover its famed castles and châteaus.

Bayeux
Map of Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 13 Days
Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 13 Days

If spending thirteen days driving from Paris through Normandy to Bordeaux sounds like your perfect getaway, this trip is for you. Get to know the sweet side of France on a pastry tour in Paris, breathe in the fresh ocean air in Normandy, and view castles (including da Vinci’s former residence) in the Loire Valley. End in Bordeaux to sample the best of France’s wine and cuisine.

Beach in Deauville
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 19 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 19 Days

Spend nineteen days exploring Paris and western France with the family on this comprehensive itinerary. Start in Paris where a Louvre scavenger hunt will entertain kids of all ages, then head west along the coast. Follow your nose to the paella booths at small-town farmer's markets, visit the 1,000-year-old Mont-Saint-Michel, then end your trip near Bordeaux to see prehistoric caves and medieval villages.

Caen city skyline
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 13 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 13 Days

If you've got thirteen days off and a family that wants to head to France, consider yourself lucky. Start in Paris, where art museum scavenger hunts and delicious treats keep youngsters entertained, then head west to the windswept beaches of Normandy to see the D-Day landing site and tour the 1,000-year-old Mont-Saint-Michel, among other ancient castles.

Colorful French macarons
Map of Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 13 Days
Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 13 Days

Spend thirteen lucky days luxuriating in some of France's finest regions, from Paris to the Loire Valley. Kick things off in the City of Lights, where you'll explore history and take a day trip to Versailles. From there, head to Normandy on the coast, where small fishing villages and D-Day sites dot the landscape. End in the Loire Valley, where you'll relax in peaceful vineyards and tour elegant chateaus.

Dock at Concarneau
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 20 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, Basque, & More - 20 Days

Dive into history, culture, and nature on this comprehensive 20-day family itinerary of western France. Start in Paris for city highlights, like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, then head west to see the site of D-Day and tour medieval castles. Round your trip out with canoeing on the Dordogne, traveling back to the time of Cro Magnon in the Lascaux Caves, and sampling seafood on the Brittany coast.

Baby enjoying the beach in Saint-Malo
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo & Bordeaux - 14 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo & Bordeaux - 14 Days

Two weeks is the perfect time to dive deeper into some of France's western regions with the family. Start in Paris to see the highlights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, then head off the beaten path in the west. Older kids will enjoy learning about history at the D-Day site and canoeing in Dordogne before traveling back in time to explore the prehistoric Lascaux cave.

The stunning stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle within Paris' Île de la Cité
Map of Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 14 Days
Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 14 Days

If you dream of spending two weeks exploring history and cuisine in western France, this itinerary is for you. Visit the Louvre and Versailles and learn to bake bread the authentic French way. Continue to Normandy and Brittany on the coast to explore medieval abbeys and sample fresh-caught seafood. Wrap things up in the Loire Valley, where resplendent Châteaux and endless vineyards await.

The self-drive portion of your adventure takes you from Bayeux in Normandy to the Loire Valley and historic Amboise
Map of France from North to South: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & French Riviera - 14 Days
France from North to South: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & French Riviera - 14 Days

Get a taste of the best of France over two special weeks as you travel from top to toe, starting and ending in Paris. Explore the sights of the capital and take a day trip to the Champagne region, then venture north to Normandy to explore historic towns like Bayeux and connect with D-Day stories. From here, you'll rent a car and travel across the Loire Valley, visiting fairy-tale châteaux before taking the train to Aix-en-Provence and Nice, where Provençal and Riviera adventures await.

Aerial view of Saint-Malo
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Normandy, Basque Country, & More - 21 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Normandy, Basque Country, & More - 21 Days

From art museums in Paris and WWII history in Normandy to the pirate's haunt of Saint-Malo and the beaches of Southern Brittany, there's plenty for kids and young adults alike to do on this three-week adventure through France. And if your family likes to drink wine together, you'll especially look forward to the days in Bordeaux—one of the world's leading winemaking regions.

Carcassonne
Map of France Scenic Self-Drive Getaway: Castles, Forts & Vineyards - 21 Days
France Scenic Self-Drive Getaway: Castles, Forts & Vineyards - 21 Days

Discover all the things that fairy tales are made of on this comprehensive, three-week tour of France. Start in Normandy, where you'll explore the rugged coastline and massive fortresses. Head to the Loire Valley for lavish châteaux, gardens, and vineyards, then turn south into the Dordogne and discover its unusual natural scenery. Continue to Lyon and immerse yourself in its "foodie" culture before embarking on a wine-tasting extravaganza between Châteauneuf and Burgundy.

Canoeing on the Dordogne River
Map of Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 15 Days
Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Caen, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux, & More - 15 Days

Your fifteen-year-olds might smell like Cro Magnon man, but they've never seen anything like the prehistoric Lascaux cave—a perfect recreation of the original. See this and more on this fifteen-day tour, including ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, viewing a D-Day documentary film in Normandy, and learning to make Bordeaux caneles (the sweet cakes) as a family.

See France's best vineyards and try delicious wines on this tour
Map of Self-Drive Journey Through Burgundy, the Loire Valley & Brittany - 11 Days
Self-Drive Journey Through Burgundy, the Loire Valley & Brittany - 11 Days

This 11-day French road trip charts a path from Burgundy to the Brittany coast, winding through the best of the Loire Valley's grand châteaux and historic wineries along the way. Start in Beaune to sample Beaujolais wines and bike across Burgundy vineyards, then follow the Loire west through Amboise, Saumur, and Nantes. Turn north to feast on crêpes and cider in the walled city of Saint-Malo, and end in the tiny hamlet of Giverny, exploring the world of famed Impressionist artist Claude Monet.

Discover the countryside of Normandy
Map of Best of the Veloscenic Bikeway - 7 Days
Best of the Veloscenic Bikeway - 7 Days

The newest bikeway in France, la Véloscénie (the Veloscenic) cycle route links Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel via some of the country's most scenic landscapes. Spend a week exploring the secrets of northern France as you cycle along greenways, bike paths, and quiet secondary roads, through the hedgerow fields of the Bocage Normand, forests of oak and pine, and the nature parks of La Perche and Normandie-Maine, sampling Normandy's gastronomic heritage along the way.

Mont-Saint-Michel Countryside Cycling Tour - 6 Days
Map of Mont-Saint-Michel Countryside Cycling Tour - 6 Days
Mont-Saint-Michel Countryside Cycling Tour - 6 Days

Imagine cycling across expanses of farmland as you spot something floating in the distance—a spire reaching toward the sky, extending above tiers of weathered stone resting on a rocky island. The towering island of Mont-Saint-Michel, its ancient abbey, and its serene bay are the major highlight of this six-day cycling tour, but the rest of the region has plenty to recommend it. You'll start and end in the walled port city of Saint-Malo, making your way through the countryside of Brittany and Normandy to destinations including the fishing port of Cancale and the village of Dinan.