Paris and Normandy Short Break - 5 Days

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris, the romantic city known as ‘the City of Lights’. Your trip kicks off with a welcome meeting at 9.30 am this morning. After, set off on an orientation walk to see some of the main sites of the city, like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde, Jardin de Tuileries and the Notre Dame. For lunch, stop in at Le Reflect – an Intrepid Foundation partner that works with and employs people living with cognitive impairments and learning disabilities. This afternoon, fuel your heart and soul with a buttery croissant on a Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure, where a local will show you around the artsy district, then visit the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, and wander through the last remaining vineyards in Paris, opposite one of the most iconic cabaret clubs: Agile! In the evening maybe go in search of a local restaurant for dinner with your fellow travellers.

This morning, visit Monet's Garden and House in Giverny. Discover his beautifully restored home, including the yellow dining room, then wander through the Japanese inspired water garden and flower garden ‘Clos Normand,’ which featured in many of Monet’s artworks. Then, enjoy some free time to maybe find a local cafe for lunch before travelling to Pont L’Eveque. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk in this very small Norman town, known as the birthplace of Calvados – the famous apple brandy. Later stop for a cheese and cider pairing workshop and taste Normandy's best worldwide exports. In the evening, you’ll travel on to Deauville – a seaside commune known for its beautiful beaches and half-timbered houses.

Today, you'll visit the well-known D-Day Beaches, starting at the American Cemetery. This site, overlooking Omaha Beach, serves as the final resting place for nearly 9400 American military personnel who died in World War II. After, visit Omaha Beach – one of the five landing areas. Spend some time exploring the area with your local guide and learn about the historical significance of this beach. After, you’ll have free time for lunch before travelling back to Deauville, passing through Arromanches and Mulberry Harbour. When you arrive back in town, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

This morning, travel to Etretat. When you arrive, visit the Jardin d’Etretat – a neo-futuristic garden that stretches across the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast. Then, hike up the Falaise d’Amont to its cliffside chapel and take in the panoramic views from the beach promenade. From here, maybe set off on an optional hike to the Falaise d’Aval, for more views of white cliffs and sea arches. Next, travel to Honfleur for a walk along the cobbled streets, steeped in history. After, enjoy some free time for lunch and maybe browse the art galleries, sip coffee by the harbor or simply soak in the town’s atmosphere. When you arrive back in Paris this evening, maybe join your group for a final dinner together and toast a trip well-traveled!

As there are no further activities, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to explore Paris some more – and it’s recommended you do – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.