Paris & Normandy: From Royal Splendor to Coastal Legacy

Experience France through the elegance of Paris and the layered history of Normandy, where grand boulevards, medieval streets, a tidal island, and pivotal moments in world history unfold across a single journey. Our tour begins in Paris, exploring by panoramic coach, on foot, and by Metro. Guided walks introduce us to Montmartre’s artistic heritage and the distinctive neighborhoods of Le Marais, Île de la Cité, Saint-Germain, and Les Halles, while a food tour offers a taste of French culinary traditions. At Notre-Dame, we’ll hear commentary outside before entering the cathedral independently.

Leaving Paris, we visit the Palace of Versailles before continuing into Normandy. A short guided walking tour introduces Rouen’s medieval streets and landmarks, followed the next day by time to explore the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur. At the Caen Memorial Museum, we examine the history of World War II and the D-Day landings before settling into Bayeux. A full day at Mont-Saint-Michel takes us to a centuries-old abbey rising dramatically above the surrounding tidal landscape.

Our journey concludes with visits to Normandy’s D-Day beaches, bunkers, and the Normandy American Cemetery, offering an opportunity to reflect on the events of June 1944 and the significance of the Allied landings. We return to Paris for our final night at an airport hotel, bringing together a journey through France’s city life, royal residences, coastal landscapes, and enduring history.

Itinerary

June 13 – Arrival  Arrive in Paris and settle in at our hotel. After check-in, the afternoon is yours to rest or explore the neighborhood at your own pace — perhaps with a stroll or a café stop nearby. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, meeting fellow travelers and beginning our time in Paris together.

June 14 – Paris  This morning, we’ll set out on a panoramic coach tour of Paris, offering an introduction to the city’s grand boulevards, historic landmarks, and distinctive neighborhoods. Our coach tour concludes in Montmartre, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch on your own before joining a guided walking tour of this storied hilltop district, exploring its winding streets, artistic heritage, and village-like charm.

June 15 – Paris  Today, we’ll discover Paris on a guided city and food tour, exploring the historic streets of Le Marais, Île de la Cité, Saint-Germain, and the area around Les Halles. Along the way, we’ll experience the city’s distinctive neighborhoods and culinary traditions. At Notre-Dame, our guide will share commentary outside the cathedral before we enter independently.

June 16 – Versailles & Rouen  This morning, we depart Paris and travel to Versailles, where we’ll visit the palace and grounds to explore one of France’s most iconic royal residences. After time at Versailles, we continue onward to Rouen, where a short guided walking tour introduces us to this historic Norman city, its medieval streets, and enduring landmarks before we settle in for the evening.

June 17 – Honfluer, Caen & Bayeux  We depart Rouen and travel to the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur, where you’ll have time to explore its historic waterfront, browse small shops, and enjoy lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we continue to the Caen Memorial Museum to explore the history of World War II and the D-Day landings before traveling onward to Bayeux, where we’ll settle in for the evening.

June 18 – Mont-Saint-Michel  Today is devoted to Mont-Saint-Michel, the island commune that rises dramatically from the tidal waters off the Normandy coast. We’ll visit the abbey at its summit, exploring the church, cloisters, and monastic spaces that reflect centuries of history and architecture. There will also be time to walk the narrow streets of the village below and take in views of the surrounding bay before returning for the evening.

June 19 – D-Day  Today, we explore Normandy’s D-Day beaches, bunkers, and the Normandy American Cemetery, gaining insight into the events of June 1944 and the significance of the Allied landings. In the evening, we return to Paris, concluding at our airport hotel.

June 20 - Depart  Today guests depart for home, transferring to the airport for their return flights. For those choosing to extend their journey, the day offers the opportunity to continue exploring Paris or other regions of France independently.

This tour includes daily walking and guided exploration at a steady pace, with periods of standing. In Paris, we will explore neighborhoods on foot and travel by Metro, which may involve stairs. Travelers should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and cobblestones, including slopes in Montmartre. The visit to Mont-Saint-Michel involves uphill walking and numerous stairs to reach and explore the abbey.

                                                         

Private bus, metro                                           English speaking guide(s)

Guided tours with all listed admissions
Food tour with wine

No optionals currently available

Not Included
Airfare, Travel Insurance, Additional Meals and Drinks, Souvenirs, Tips

Standard Pricing  $4,000 per person, based on a shared room.
Single Supplement  Additional $1,000 for those requesting a single room.

Reservation Fee  $100 required to secure spot (included in total tour cost).
Deposit  $2,000 due by January 1, 2027
Final Payment  Remaining balance due by March 15, 2027

Note: All guests are responsible for booking their own airfare, in order to best ensure their travel preferences and comfortability are met.  Once registration is closed, the museum will provide a recommended flight(s) or times in order to accommodate airport pick-up and drop-off.

Questions?  Give us a call at (419) 994-4050 or email us.  We're happy to chat!

Terms and Conditions

1. Payment Terms  A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Deposits may be paid by credit card with no additional fee. Remaining balances must be paid by check (payable to CRF Museum) or by credit card with an additional 3% processing fee.

2. Cancellation Policy  Participants may cancel at any time; however, all payments made to date are non-refundable. If a participant cancels and we are able to fill the vacated space with another traveler, the CRF Museum will refund the amount recoverable based on payments received and any unrecoverable expenses. In the event of circumstances beyond our control — including but not limited to nationwide lockdowns, natural disasters, war, government actions, or other emergencies — the CRF Museum reserves the right to cancel the tour. In such cases, the museum will refund the maximum amount recoverable according to agreements with our travel partners.

3. Minimum Participation Requirement  A minimum of 10 participants is required for the tour to operate. Registrations are confirmed in the order payment is received. Guests will be notified once the minimum has been met. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour will be canceled and all payments made will be fully refunded.

4. Itinerary Changes  While we intend to follow the published itinerary, schedules, accommodations, transportation, and activities are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Any adjustments will be made with care and in the best interest of the group.

5. Travel Documentation & Requirements  All guests are responsible for ensuring passport status and meeting all travel requirements. The CRF Museum and our travel partners cannot be held liable if your trip is impacted by health, legal, or other issues out of our control. If you need to renew or apply for a new passport, visit here. 

6. Travel Insurance  We encourage guests to purchase travel insurance or use a credit card with automatic coverage when purchasing airfare. CRF Museum and travel partners cannot be held liable for any loss of funds due to termination or changes to your trip.

7. Independent Travel Arrangements  Guests arranging additional travel components — including pre- or post-tour hotel stays, optional activities, or travel insurance — may do so independently. For those seeking assistance, our partner Seven League Travel can assist with arrangements. Any such services are separate from the CRF Museum and may result in advisors receiving commission. The CRF Museum is not responsible for independently arranged services.

8. Travel Agreement & Waiver  All participants are required to complete and sign a Travel Agreement and Waiver Release prior to departure. Documents will be provided following registration. Participation is contingent upon receipt of these signed forms.