Normandy Tours from Paris

Written by Viator, November 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Good Place to Eat, Tip - What to See & Do

Between Paris and the English Channel lies the region of Normandy, abounding in historic sites, moody countryside and culinary hotspots. You can visit some of the area’s highlights on a day trip from the French capital, or take your time and let the Normans conquer you with charm.

One of the region’s premier sights is the breathtaking tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel. The island is connected to the coastline via a causeway, ringed with a defensive wall and dominated by the soaring spire of its abbey which dates back to the 8th century. The town of Saint Malo, although in neighboring Brittany, offers a similarly well-preserved center within forbidding walls.

The charming town of Honfleur, with its unique wooden church and jumble of houses surrounding a peaceful harbor, was passed back and forth between the English and the French in the Middle Ages. More recent history is remembered in the sands of Normandy’s beaches, where the tides of the Channel brought Allied troops to the European mainland on D-Day and the tide of history turned against tyranny.

But Normandy has more to offer than its coastline. The regional capital Rouen is a lively center with rich historical and artistic associations. Joan of Arc met her fiery fate here, while the intricate, asymmetrical façade of the gothic Notre Dame cathedral was a favorite subject of Claude Monet. The Impressionist painter also made much of a scene closer to home, his exquisite garden at Giverny. Here you can still see the graceful willows and serene water-lilies which filled his enormous late canvasses, among the world’s best-loved works of art.

Just looking at a map of Normandy can get the taste buds working, abounding as it is with place names like Camembert, Pont-l'Évêque and Calvados. Apples are big around here, served up in delicious tarts and poured out as cider or brandy. Whatever your fancy, make sure your visit allows time to indulge in Normandy’s renowned cuisine.

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All Normandy Tours from Paris Reviews

Reply by Viator, November 2012
Doing what: Mont Saint Michel Day Trip

I worried that this tour would have too lengthy of a bus ride, but it was not. The ride through Normandy was in a nice bus with one 30 minute stop. The tour guide was knowledgable, helpful, and went out of her way to make us comfortable and to answer questions. The tour of the Mont was perfect. The included lunch was mediocre, because the restaurant is not quaint and the food very average. I saw some participants who came on this tour and did not pay for the guide. I felt that they really missed out on her commentary. I was glad that I had bought the guided version. All in all, this is not too long or too hard of a day trip from Paris. Very worth it!

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Reply by Viator, November 2012
Doing what: 3-Day Normandy, St Malo, Mont St Michel, Chateaux Country Tour from Paris

Initially,I was only interested in this tour, so that I could see the D-Day sites and Mont St. Michel. It turned out to be so much more than that. The French country side and Normandy villages that we visited during the tour were charming and interesting, and made us feel that we had experienced much more in France,than just Paris. The guides ( Adrien)were excellent, the hotels were very good, and the itinerary was very well planned and executed. Thank you!

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Reply by Viator, November 2012
Doing what: Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip

Our day in Normandy with Christian as our guide was such a worthwhile experience. From the on time pick up to the drop off at his recommended restaurant back in Paris every aspect in between was efficient, informative and most comfortable. The schedule allowed sufficient time to investigate and absorb in most cases. We would very much have liked more time at the US Museum and cemetary, however.We will recommend as well as use Viatour on our next trip.

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