Jewels of the North – Delve into France’s northern historical and culinary heritage

After checking in and meeting your Travel director at our 4-star Hotel, we’ll get to know each other over a delicious welcome dinner. Bon appétit! Seek out the glittering Eiffel Tower!

As there is not much time in Paris we suggest you arrive a few days early so you can get under the skin of the city of love (and also to get over the jet lag!)

France Travel Solutions can arrange extra nights’ accommodation pre and post-tour for those that require more time in the lovely capital. If you are seeking a longer tour itinerary, our wonderful La Belle Vie tour runs directly before this one, meaning you can easily experience both tours one after the other!

Today, we drive to the town of Giverny where Claude Monet spent the last 40 years of his life. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the house and gardens, which inspired his famous series of water-lily paintings. See the Japanese bridge that leads over the pond, and visit the studio where the artist worked, and the bedroom where he slept. Walk through his garden and his house and feel the atmosphere that reigned in the master of Impressionism and marvel at the flower compositions, ponds, and the water lilies that were his sources of inspiration.

You will have free time to explore the rest of the village of Giverny which is beautiful in its own right. Perhaps pay tribute at the cemetery down the street where Monet rests among the flowers and stop at a scenic café for lunch. You might wish to visit the Museum of Impressionism or shop for souvenirs – or maybe you will choose to do it all!

We will then drive back to Paris with the scent of the blooms and images of the heavenly colourful painting forever in our minds…

Our colourful dreams will be cut short this morning. We will travel to the Somme region, which is most known for The Battle of the Somme, but frequently forgotten to be a region of significance and unique culture. We’ll visit the Australian National War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux where our ancestors, in that very town, lost their lives for our country during WWI. We’ll take time to honour the memory of those who have fallen, and to further discover the story of Australians at the Western Front by visiting the Sir John Monash Centre.

In the afternoon, you will have some free time in the ideal city of famed French Novelist Jules Verne… Amiens. Known as a city of art and history it conceals many treasures!

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedrale, famous for being the largest Gothic building in France, and admire its stunning facade and interior decor. Fall back a little through history while walking the narrow ‘rues’ of the Saint-Leu district and wonder at the colourful houses lined up along the canals of the ‘Little Venice of the North.’ This stunning town is perfect for an afternoon of wandering, history, and discovering!

We are settling in for 3 days in Normandy in the small port town of Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine river. Flowing into the English Channel, Honfleur which is also called the cradle of Impressionism seems untouched by the passage of time. Honfleur has retained over the years many landmarks of its rich past. The harbour at this seaside town has been the subject of paintings by Monet, Courbet, Eugène Boudin, and many others. Along the Cote fleurie we will have free time to experience the rich history and the food, as cheeses, seafood, and cider the region is famous for.

Today we will take a coastal drive to see the white cliffs and the three rock arches of Etretat, a striking natural wonder famous of the Normandy seaside. This is a day of beautiful sights – after the cliffs we will wind down and spend a leisurely period of time strolling around one of the picture-perfect little villages of France.

Explore the market at the historic port in Honfleur this morning, tasting the specialities of Normandy. Visit the Saint Catherine’s church, the largest wooden church in France exploring the pleasures of the provincial town at your own pace.

In the afternoon we will embark along the phenomenal Pont de Normandie that spans the Seine estuary, to the Côte Fleurie on our way to the luxury holiday destination of Parisians, Deauville, one of the most prestigious seaside resorts in all of France. Stroll along the famous 1923 boardwalk and try your luck at the Casino, one of the most popular attractions in town. Admire the beautiful architecture, shop the iconic luxury designer fashion brands or perhaps settle yourself somewhere and take in the people and rhythms of the French lifestyle.

Bid farewell to Normandy with a taste of its signature specialty before heading to Brittany. Along the way, we stop in Calvados for an immersive journey into the region’s famous apple brandy, complete with a tasting experience.

Step back in time at the D-Day Beaches with a powerful 3D cinematic experience, reliving the harrowing preparations of American paratroopers. Feel the intensity of history as you board a real C-47 flight simulator before exploring dramatic dioramas of the Battle of Carentan.

By afternoon, arrive in the medieval gem of Dinan, your home for the next three nights. Stroll its cobbled streets, admire the half-timbered houses, and indulge in the region’s famous crêpes. This charming town is full of surprises, just waiting to be discovered!

Here is the highlight of our wonderful time in north of France.

Today we will soak in the incredible beauty and background of one of France’s most recognizable landmarks, the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel. After Crossing the walkway to wander the enchanting Island village, you will embark on a guided tour with an expert to tell you everything you could want to know and lead you through this storybook place, including the most famous Abbey in the world perched upon the island.

Visit “the Marvel” and go back to the dark ages for a day. We’ll have lunch together here, and after lunch you can explore to your hearts content.

Enjoy independent exploration in the morning – there is always more to discover in Dinan! Perhaps sample some cider and try the crepes of Breton which are known for being the best in France.

Later In the day we will continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places In France. At your leisure you can wander the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night you will see the town’s medieval maze and winding streets abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional experience to Cancale for a delicious meal of fresh seafood, especially oysters, and other Breton specialties.

After a final breakfast it will be time to return to Paris. Take in the beauty of France on the final drive back to the Capital and reminiscing your favourite experiences. Your hearts full of rich memories, your minds of history, culture and laughter and your taste buds fulfilled of the best cuisine France has to offer, we know you will be replenished of Joie de Vivre!

If you want to stay a little longer to this amazing country, we can absolutely organise a personalise bespoke tour or pre and post accommodation in Paris!