Things to do in Normandy, France: The Best Cultural Tours

January 15, 2022 Lean Nau

Normandy (/ˈnɔːrməndi/; French: Normandie, pronounced [nɔʁmɑ̃di] ( listen), Norman: Normaundie, from Old French Normanz, plural of Normant, originally from the word for "northman" in several Scandinavian languages) is one of the 18 regions of France, roughly corresponding to the historical Duchy of Normandy.
Restaurants in Normandy

1. 2 Day Mont Saint Michel & D-Day Normandy Private Day Tour from Paris

Best of France Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Visit the Mont Saint Michel UNESCO World Heritage site on Day 1 and explore the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy on Day 2 and gain insight into World War II history on this private day trip from Paris. Travel with a private guide to key WWII battle sites including : Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, and gain insight into the sacrifices made on both sides. Then, visit the American Cemetery — where a great many soldiers are laid to rest. This tour can be adapted and includes pickup and drop-off at your Paris hotel or apartment.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private guide and guide's hotel, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Clients hotel, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By tjdotson

My husband and I were on a short trip to Paris for his work. On the day he had mostly off, we had Frederic drive us to Bruges since we had never been to Belgium and the pictures looked amazing. After a very comfortable ride there, Frederic started a walking tour with us in the morning and we quickly realized the pictures did not do this quaint city justice! We felt like Disney had created this perfect little town for people to see. Frederic walked us around before we stopped for lunch together. He was going to leave us to dine alone but we asked him to join us because we enjoyed his company so much and we wanted to hear more about the city. After lunch, he gave us the option of having him continue to walk us around or we could explore on our own. We chose to explore on our own since we felt he had given us such a good overview that morning. We had plans to tour the Chocolate Museum but when we arrived, it was closed due to the time of year. We actually didn't mind much and we just spent the day wandering the beautiful streets around the canals and stopping for hot chocolate and waffles. I would highly suggest a visit to Bruges to feel like you have stepped back in time. Speaking of time, we toured in January and lucked out that it wasn't extremely cold. The crowds were very low so it was easy to wander the streets and sometimes we found ourselves the only ones exploring the small alleyways. I would definitely return to Bruges one day and would highly suggest taking this tour especially if it is your first visit or if you have very limited time in the city.

2. Retro excursion Great escape Deauville, Trouville and Honfleur

TOURIST INTERCOMMUNAL DEAUVILLE, Quai de l'impératrice Eugénie, 14800 Deauville, France RETRO TOUR NORMANDY
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Come live the Retro Tour adventure ! Just relax and get seduced by the wonderful view from the seaside called the « Côte Fleurie ». Our Gentlemen Siders will take you to the greatest treasures and secrets of those wonderful cities.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off, Local Guide, Professional Driver, Use of Helmet, Gloves and Goggles (if necessary)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By EstherJ253

We did the tour with our guide Romain. He was really nice. He took the time to explain everything and answerd all our questions. It was so much fun to do! I would recommend it to every body. You learn alot about the village. Thank you Romain for the nice tour!

3. Private day tour to Normandy D-day beaches from Paris

Private Trip
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5.0 based on 48 reviews

Visit the D-day beaches of Normandy and delve into France’s World War II history on this private day tour from Paris. Explore the WWII landings battlegrounds around Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc with your private guide, and learn of the sacrifices made by the opposing Allied and German soldiers. Pay your respects at the American Cemetery with its Visitor Center and visit other top sites of interest including the Pointe du Hoc, German coastal battery and the Pegasus bridge "Hold until relieved". This private tour includes round-trip travel from your central Paris accommodation in a air conditioned van.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch (approx EUR 20)

Reviewed By tnkbstr55

Let me add to the list of glowing reviews for this tour service. At the outset, setting up the tour with Deborah was smooth and professional. All of my questions were answered promptly. The day before the tour I received a text from Jozef to confirm arrangements and to advise on Normandy weather conditions. Jozef met us at our Paris hotel at 6:30 AM. He has a comfortable van which easily held the 4 of us. As we drove to Normandy we got to know each other and Jozef began to give us background on the events surrounding D Day. We marveled at Jozef's depth and breadth of knowledge. He is a treasure trove of information, and conveyed that information with passion and respect for the subject matter. It is impossible in a short post to review the entirety of the day. Suffice to say we started with the events in the zone in which American paratroopers deployed, moved to the D Day beaches and ended at the American cemetery. A very moving day. We all agreed the the tour with Jozef was the highlight of our 18 days in France! Jozef has even provided me with a list of follow up books on the subject. Can I give 6 stars? When we return to France we will be using PT/Jozef for other tours.

4. Mont Saint Michel Amazing Day Trip from Paris

Visit France
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take this tour and explore the island  Le Mont-Saint-Michel(a UNESCO Heritage). The island has fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery. Between the fifth to the eighth century, Mont Saint-Michel belonged to the territory of Neustria and remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War and the King Louis XI turned it into a prison. The legend says that the archangel Michael appeared in 708 to Aubert of Avranches, the bishop of Avranches, and instructed him to build a church on the rocky island.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Transport by car or minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By DortB

Stephanie worked with us to set up an itinerary that included what we wanted to see but worked within our time constraints. Stephanie was so knowledgeable and easy to travel with it made for a very enjoyable day. I highly recommend this tour if you’d like a taste of the Loire valley and want a little help to make it happen.

5. Giverny Afternoon Small Group Tour with Monet's House, Gardens & Museum

Normandy Melody
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy a half-day trip outside of Paris to Giverny, formerly home to Impressionist master Claude Monet. Accompanied by a guide, you'll see the house, garden, and water lily pond where he lived and painted, plus visit Musée des Impressionnismes, dedicated to the history of the Impressionist movement. Hotel pickup and drop-off is provided.

Inclusions: Licensed Professional Driver Guide, VIP Skip-the-Line access & Priority admission., Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Pick up and drop off from your accommodation / hotels in Paris, Small Group Tour - Exclusive Services

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By twokids246

I booked a full day tour of Versailles with my daughter and it was just perfect. I had many questions through email prior to our outing and they were always answered in a timely manner. They were always there to help. Our morning started out with a very nice Mercedes van picking us up and taking us to Versailles to meet our wonderful guide, Anna. Anna was very knowledgeable on every aspect of Versailles. My daughter and I learned so much and had the most magnificent time with Anna. If we had done this tour alone we would have been amazed still, but doing it with a guide makes a world of difference. There were so many details and things we would have never known if we didn’t have Anna. When the day was over our driver was right there ready to take us back to our hotel. It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this company, they were top notch and did everything with ease and class. What an incredible experience!!!

6. Giverny Monet's House & Versailles Palace Private Day Trip from Paris

Normandy Melody
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Private and exclusive experience to discover Giverny & Versailles with a private professional guide. Two of the most popular day trip destinations outside the French capital – Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles and Monet's gardens and house in Giverny. > Private Tour - 9 hours > Exclusive services > Licensed Professional Driver Guide > Skip the line entrances > Admission to Monet's house & gardens > Admission to Versailles Palace and Gardens even when Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens > Headsets if necessary > Hotel pick up & drop off

Inclusions: Private Tour, Exclusive services, Licensed Professional Driver Guide, Pick up and drop off from your accommodation / hotels in Paris, Transport by air-conditioned minibus, Skip-the-Line access & Priority admission., Guided visit: Monet's house and gardens & Versailles's palace and gardens

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By twokids246

I booked a full day tour of Versailles with my daughter and it was just perfect. I had many questions through email prior to our outing and they were always answered in a timely manner. They were always there to help. Our morning started out with a very nice Mercedes van picking us up and taking us to Versailles to meet our wonderful guide, Anna. Anna was very knowledgeable on every aspect of Versailles. My daughter and I learned so much and had the most magnificent time with Anna. If we had done this tour alone we would have been amazed still, but doing it with a guide makes a world of difference. There were so many details and things we would have never known if we didn’t have Anna. When the day was over our driver was right there ready to take us back to our hotel. It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this company, they were top notch and did everything with ease and class. What an incredible experience!!!

7. Versailles Skip-the-Line & Giverny Small Group Day Trip from Paris

La Flamme, 6 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France Blue Fox Travel - Blue Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 34 reviews

Discover two of the most iconic homes and gardens in French culture on this small group day trip from Paris! You’ll explore King Louis the 14th Palace and outstanding French Gardens in Versailles and also discover the inspiration Claude Monet found in his colorful home and Clos Normand gardens in Giverny.

Inclusions: Small Group Tour of 8 people maximum, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food

Reviewed By Pjrour995

the guide very well known as locals, we walked to the village of Marie Antoinette, we saw the lyon I absolutely enjoyed my time.

8. Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip with Juno Beach, Canadian Cemetery & House

La Flamme, 6 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France Blue Fox Travel - Blue Bike Tours
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4.9 based on 32 reviews

Retrace the footsteps of the Canadian troops who fought for the liberation of France on this small group day trip to Juno Beach and the D-Day sites of Normandy. On this tour you’ll walk the sands of Juno Beach, explore inside German bunkers, visit the Juno Beach Center, and pay your respects to those who sacrificed everything at the Bény-Sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Return transport from Paris by A/C minivan, Small Group Tour of 8 people maximum, All entrance fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food

Reviewed By Pjrour995

the guide very well known as locals, we walked to the village of Marie Antoinette, we saw the lyon I absolutely enjoyed my time.

9. Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting

6 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France Blue Fox Travel - Blue Bike Tours
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4.9 based on 469 reviews

Take a 12-hour day trip from Paris to Normandy to visit the D-Day landing beaches, where the end of World War II began at sites such as Omaha Beach. You'll see German bunkers, the Operation Overlord Museum, and Pointe du Hoc, plus visit the Normandy American Cemetery, where 10,000 white crosses stand in perfect rows next to the waters of the English Channel. This tour is limited to eight people to provide a small-group experience with a guide.

Inclusions: Small Group Tour of 8 people maximum, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food

Reviewed By Pjrour995

the guide very well known as locals, we walked to the village of Marie Antoinette, we saw the lyon I absolutely enjoyed my time.

10. Omaha Afternoon Half Day Tour to Visit the Landing Areas at Omaha Beach

Place de Québec, 14400 Bayeux, France OverlordTour
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4.9 based on 42 reviews

Tour # 1 (Afternoon tour) is intended for visitors having only half a day to visit the landing areas at Omaha Beach. Half Day Afternoon Tours depart from Place de Quebec, central Bayeux, Normandy (from 1.45pm to 5.30/6pm)– Near the Tapestry. They run from the beginning of March to the end of October.

Inclusions: Local guide, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By carinisaacs

This was the highlight of our trip to France! Our guide was knowledgeable & my teenage & college age boys loved it. Highly recommend.

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