France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

G Adventures · 9 days
France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond
France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond
France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond
9 Days
From AUD $6399
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(1 reviews)

France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

G Adventures · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore the wonderful history, art, and culture of France on an adventure from iconic monuments in Paris to amazing cave dwellings in the Loire Valley.

Highlights

  • Experience the magic of medieval cities
  • Delight in a visit to a sustainable Cider Farm with an included tasting
  • Learn about the history of World War II and D-Day
  • Explore the Château de Chenonceau and its winding hedge maze.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, antique WWII vehicle, canoe, walking

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Paris, France

Finishes

Paris, France

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Paris

Welcome to Paris–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
2

Day 2: Paris

Head straight to the heart of Paris on a walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the city was first settled. Cross the stone arches of the Pont Neuf, or New Bridge—which is actually the oldest bridge in Paris! The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Light. Choose to climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower, float down the River Seine, or explore inside the iconic pyramid of the Louvre, home to treasures such as the "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus de Milo."
3

Day 3: Giverny/Honfleur/Bayeux

Travel outside the city to the village of Giverny, and visit the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Wander around weeping willows and green lily ponds in the gardens that inspired some of his greatest works of art. Then head to Honfleur, a colorful port town sitting where the Seine meets the English Channel. Enjoy lunch and stroll the streets of this seaside community, where many great artists have painted the rainbow of fishing boats afloat in the harbor. Later, continue to Bayeux, an ancient city that has been sacked by Vikings, conquered by the English, and occupied by the Germans in World War II.

Visit a historic estate cider farm for a guided tour of the orchards, processing workshops and calvados cellar. Then enjoy a tasting of apple and pear juice, as well as ciders, pommeau and calvados for the adults.
Depart for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny; where Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained.
4

Day 4: Bayeux

This morning, delve into the story of D-Day and the battle to liberate France during a hands-on, sensorial World War II history experience. Feel the weight of real GI equipment, try on a field jacket, and taste the chocolate bars carried in soldiers' kits. Climb aboard a military vehicle and drive to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the first American World War II cemetery established on European soil. Later, gather for a delicious crepe dinner.
5

Day 5: Bayeux/Mont-Saint-Michel

Venture to the amazing Mont-Saint-Michel, an island stronghold perched on a rock off the Normandy coast. Built in the eighth century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been attacked and besieged, but rarely captured—perhaps due to the quicksand that surrounds the fortress at low tide! Head out on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to wander winding lanes and cobbled streets, climbing from the base of the mountain to its crowning medieval abbey. Meander through the cloister of the monastery or discover the island's history at a museum. Return to Bayeux and choose to view the incredible Bayeux Tapestry, tracing the Norman conquest of England in colorful embroidery.
6

Day 6: Loire Valley/Blois

Say au revoir to Normandy and enter the lush green Loire Valley. Set foot inside the amazing cave dwellings known as troglodyte homes—charming houses built in and around cliff-side caverns. On an underground walk, delve into the geological history of the region and learn about the local troglodyte lifestyle. Continue to the ancient city of Blois, perched above the lovely Loire River, and enjoy a free evening to relax or explore this hillside city's many staircases.
7

Day 7: Chenonceaux/Amboise/Blois

Wake up this morning and head out on the water for a canoeing excursion along the Cher River. Paddle past picturesque medieval towns to the incredible Château de Chenonceau. This fairy-tale castle spans the river, while the gardens enclose sculpted hedges, a fantastic fountain, and a tricky maze. Later, venture to the last home of Leonardo da Vinci—the spectacular Château du Clos Lucé. Young travelers can pick up a special "inventor's notebook" and set out to invent a machine using da Vinci's ingenious tips and tricks.
8

Day 8: Versailles/Paris

Today, be amazed by the Hall of Mirrors in the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a World Heritage Site. Imagine yourself decked out in velvet and gold as you stride between sparkling rooms on a guided tour, or explore the endless winding pathways in Versailles' vast gardens. Return to Paris and enjoy a free afternoon to wander the banks of the Seine, munch on macarons, or shop in elegant boutiques. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.
9

Day 9: Paris

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $6,399
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Explore the wonderful history, art, and culture of France on an adventure from iconic monuments in Paris to amazing cave dwellings in the Loire Valley.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Aug 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
3.5
Tanya
Traveled, July 2023

07/18/2023

The tour was interesting, fun, and just the right balance of group and independent activities. The tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and very organized!

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990