Beauties of Paris and the Normandy Coast

A panoramic tour of Paris through its most emblematic monuments, a visit to the capital is a dazzling experience at every turn.
Stroll along the banks of the Seine and the bridges of Paris. Discover the capital in a different way on this stroll. The banks... more+ of the Seine make for a romantic and cultural stroll, as you stroll past prestigious monuments, bookshops, squares and gardens, and over the many bridges that span the river and are steeped in history and legend. less-

Set out on foot for an unequaled tour of the magnificent palace gardens. An alternative experience at Versailles will bring you face to face with groves, sculptures, thriving greenery, and abundant water sources. In 1661, King Louis XIV authorized... more+ André Le Nôtre to create a French-style garden that would be the envy of all in the great European courts through the 18th century. The Sun King took such great pleasure in exploring his gardens, he wrote a book explaining how to give tours of the immense grounds. This tour will follow the king’s recommendations, and your guides will let you in on the secrets and tales of this unique site—one of the most beautiful open-air museums in the world.PLEASE NOTEThe order of the visits can change.Times are approximate. less-

Visit the Claude Monet Foundation. The famous Impressionist painter lived at his home in Giverny for forty-three years. This avant-garde artist is recognized as one of the creators of the Impressionist movement, and made light the "main character" of his... more+ sublime landscapes. His long career and colorful works embody the transition from tradition to modernity. Between the famous artist's studio and his "water garden", visitors are carried away by the magic of the place, the moment and the elements. less-

Leave Honfleur by coach for the excursion to the Alabaster Coast, classified as a Natura 2000 site since 2009. This trip will be your chance to discover the natural heritage of the Pays de Caux and the Seine estuary. We will pass by Le Havre. The high cliffs... more+ of white chalk and stone beaches were popularised by the paintings of Claude Monet. The suspended valleys of the little coastal rivers, the Normandy bridge and Etretat, sights not to be missed bordering a coast that you will see in a fresh light after this trip. Marvel at the beauty of the Alabaster Coast and the diversity of its plant and animal life. Stop at Etretat. Once a fishing village, Etretat transformed itself into a seaside resort in the 19th century and became a place of inspiration for artists (Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet), writers (Gustave Flaubert and Guy de Maupassant, Maurice Leblanc) and famous people (J. Michelet, F. Faure, the Queens of Spain, J. Bonaparte...). Etretat was the holiday spot of numerous famous opera composers and singers of the 19th century who had villas there or stayed there regularly in a comic-opera decor. The town has several remarkable chateaus, manor houses and villas, such as the Manoir de la Salamandre (a house admired by tourists and located in the main street near the hall), The Clos Lupin and the Château des Aygues which were the seaside residences of the Spanish queens Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies and Isabel II. Return by coach to Honfleur. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Good walking shoes are recommended. There is a 20min-walk between the parking lot and the cliffs (to and from). The stop in Etretat depends on suitable weather conditions.  less-

The Côte fleurie, offers a succession of beaches, cliffs and charming seaside resorts, like Deauville, "Grande dame of the seaside" symbolizing elegance, prestige and refinement. Between blue seas, green countryside and golden sand, this little corner of... more+ paradise with its poetic name has inspired many an artist to indulge (in moderation) in a delicious eau-de-vie called calvados...Pass through Trouville and Deauville and visit a distillery where the famous Calvados is made. less-

The Normandy landing beaches (pre-booking required before departure). The Allied landings on the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944 were the largest amphibious and airborne operation of all time, and marked a decisive turning point in the Second World War. The... more+ Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer and its American cemetery..., not forgetting Arromanches and its circular cinema where you can watch the film: The 100 Days of the Battle of Normandy. A visit to these places steeped in history is an emotional experience. less-

Morning guided tour of Honfleur. At one time a market town of the Duchy of Normandy, at another a military fortress, a port of departure for great explorers and the land of Impressionist painters, Honfleur, a charming town with an incomparable cachet, has... more+ always fascinated people. Its charming little port, rich museums and small cafés invite you to take a moment out of time. less-

Le patrimoine de la "ville aux cent clochers" est particulièrement important et son histoire est aussi riche que passionnante. Jeanne d’Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille, Claude Monet ou Guillaume Le Conquérant ont contribué à rendre célèbre... more+ cette ville qui propose un ensemble unique de monuments civils et religieux s’échelonnant du Moyen Âge à nos jours. La cathédrale, le Gros-Horloge ou encore l’église Sainte Jeanne d’Arc conjuguent harmonieusement tradition et modernité. less-

Jacques Le Pelletier, a shipowner from Rouen, had the château built in the 16th century. Later, his nephew, who inherited his entire fortune, undertook major renovation work, and the château became one of the very first buildings of the Norman Renaissance.... more+ Today, it houses the Musée des Traditions et Arts Normands, and its exceptional collections trace the history of folk arts and traditions in Upper Normandy. More than 15,000 works are on permanent display. less-

Overlooking a bend in the Seine at Les Andelys, this imposing medieval fortress was built on a cliff by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. The walk will take you to the foot of the castle, where you'll enjoy a magnificent view over the Seine valley.