nat geo journeys:
Paris & normandy
may 18-25, 2028
PRIVATE TRIP
Connect with the rich history and culture of France, journeying from evocative gardens at Giverny to hallowed battlegrounds in Normandy. Marvel at the medieval cities of Bayeux and Rouen, touch World War II uniforms and other D-Day relics, and discover the gravity-defying monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cap off your adventure exploring the sights and sounds of Paris—and toasting the captivating capital with fine French wine and cheese.
Highlights + Inclusions + Not Included + Map + Terrain + Mileage
Cost: $3799 per person/double occupancy; land only
Non-Refundable Deposit: $550
Single Supplement: $1419 (limited availability)
Final Balance Due: March 19, 2028
Comfort Level: Upgraded; “Quality accommodations and more inclusions, like meals, private transport, and activities.
National Geographic Journeys offers greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.”
CHALLENGE LEVEL 2/5: Light; “Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.”
What's Included
Accommodation Hotels – 7 nts.
Meals Included 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport Private vehicle, antique WWII vehicle, walking.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: D-Day Historical Experience, Bayeux
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: French Wine and Cheese Pairing Lunch, Paris
Visit of Monet Gardens
Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel
Paris orientation walk
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What's Not Included
Travel insurance (REQUIRED): Must have a minimum of $250,000 coverage for emergency medical treatment and medical transportation.
International flights
Single accommodation (must be requested)
Visas or vaccinations
THURSDAY MAY 18
arrive paris
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
I always recommended arriving a day or two early to acclimate and to mitigate possible travel disruptions. Plus—PARIS! 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.”
No meals included
Hotel Relais Monceau (or similar)
friday may 19
paris/bayeux
Travel to Giverny for an enchanting visit to artist Claude Monet's garden, 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 harbor where the Seine River meets the English Channel. This evening, arrive in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie.
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 harbor and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.
Meals included breakfast | dinner
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)
friday may 20
bayeux
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.
Meals included breakfast
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)
saturday may 21
bayeux
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.
Meals included breakfast
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)
sunday may 22
BAYEUX: Free Day
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.
Meals included breakfast
Churchill Hotel Bayeux (or similar)
monday may 23
BAYEUX/PARIS
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.
Meals included breakfast
Hotel Relais Monceau (or similar)
tuesday may 24
paris
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.
Meals included breakfast | lunch
Hotel Relais Monceau (or similar)
wednesday may 25
paris
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Let me know, and I can help you extend your adventure!
Meals included breakfast
Join us on this extraordinary experience!