Historic Normandy (1 day)

This tour will allow you to delve deeper into the history of the Normandy, beyond the sheen of World War II, showcasing the many elements of its medieval and renaissance architecture.

You will start your discovery with a visit of the city of ROUEN, the capital of Upper Normandy since the Roman era. Starting at the Place du Vieux Marché (Old Market Square), where Joan of Ark was burnt at the stake, you will continue to the House of Exchequer, the 15th century Archbishop Palace, the splendid Renaissance Palace of Justice and the "Grosse Horloge", Rouen's most popular monument, a clock dating from 1527 with its superb belfry topped by a dome. You will finish your visit of Rouen with a private guided visit of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Rouen, one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic, immortalized over 20 times by Claude Monet.

After the discovery of Rouen, you will continue your journey driving to the lovely, romantic town of HONFLEUR, located on the Seine estuary, that has a holiday feeling all year around. Its character and ambiance have inspired painters, writers and musicians for centuries.You will delight in walking around the old dock, the narrow winding streets where the fishing fleet unloads fresh fish and shellfish every day, stopping to admire the slate facades of the old houses. After enjoying lunch in one of the typical bistros on the picturesque quayside of the old dock, you will have a closer look at the St Catherine's church, a rare example in Western Europe constructed entirely of wood with its narrow massive oak belfry covered in chestnut wood.

Then onto your 3rd destination: BAYEUX, the first French town to be liberated by the Allies on June 7th 1944.

You will visit the beautiful 12th century Cathedral that still keeps watch over this charming, old fashioned town with its stone and timber framed medieval houses, nicely restored. You will stroll with your guide through the pedestrian precinct to the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant (William the Conqueror's Center) for your visit of the Tapestry of Bayeux, the oldest tapestry in the world. This jewel of Romanesque, 203 feet long, relates in a very realistic account the events of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is without a doubt, one of the most accurate and lively documents to survive from the Middle Ages, providing detailed information of the clothes, ships, arms and general lifestyle of that period.

Then, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in Paris.

Entrance tickets included.
Lunch not included

Extra charge for a pick up and/or a drop off outside Paris