Northern France tour: Paris, Normandy and Brittany
Plan and book with vetted France experts
FranceOn our Northern France tour, your days unfold in a rhythm shaped by the tides, local tables, and the glow of Parisian evenings. This is one of our France trips crafted for a slower, more immersive way to travel.
Wake to sea air in characterful Brittany ports. Follow cobbled lanes to small bistros known mostly to locals. In Normandy, feel history in the quiet of clifftop paths, then return to a charming inn chosen for its story as much as its comfort.
Back in Paris, linger in intimate galleries and wine bars that reflect the city’s creative soul. This journey is designed around your tastes and tempo, so you can slip into everyday French life, meet the people who shape each place, and collect moments that could only happen along this coastline and in this city.
Northern France tour highlights
- From Parisian boulevards to wild Atlantic shores: Savor the contrast between elegant city neighborhoods and rugged coastal villages.
- Authentic coastal towns and fishing harbors: Stroll colorful harbors, watch local fish auctions, and dine in family-run bistros that reveal the slower, salt-tinged rhythm of life along France’s northern coast.
- Immersive food and wine experiences: Sample Normandy ciders, creamy cheeses, and ultra-fresh seafood in hand-picked venues.
- History-rich landscapes and hidden villages: Walk between half-timbered houses, medieval lanes, and evocative coastal viewpoints, discovering lesser-known stops.
- Flexible, privately crafted journey: Enjoy a trip shaped around your pace and passions, with thoughtful local recommendations that balance must-see highlights and authentic encounters.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris | • Airport transfer from Paris CDG or Orly • Private transfer to the hotel • Free time to explore Paris • Cafés, wine bars, and local atmosphere | Paris |
| 2 | Saint-Malo | • Private transfer to the train station • High-speed train to Saint-Malo (first class) • Private guided tour of Saint-Malo • Fortified city and port | Saint-Malo |
| 3 | Saint-Malo | • Coastal cruise by traditional boat • Visit Dinard and Dinan • Explore streets, shops, and galleries | Saint-Malo |
| 4 | Saint-Malo | • Pink Granite Coast excursion • Visit Ploumanac’h and Perros-Guirec • Coastal walks and viewpoints | Saint-Malo |
| 5 | Bayeux | • Transfer to Mont-Saint-Michel • Guided abbey and village visit • Continue to Bayeux | Bayeux |
| 6 | Saint-Malo | • Explore Bayeux and tapestry • Option: D-Day beaches tour • Option: Normandy food experience • Transfer to Saint-Malo | Saint-Malo |
| 7 | Rouen | • Côte Fleurie scenic drive • Visit Honfleur • Transfer to Rouen | Rouen |
| 8 | Paris | • Guided tour of Rouen • Visit Giverny • Transfer to Paris | Paris |
| 9 | Paris | • Free day in Paris • Iconic sights and exploration | Paris |
| 10 | Paris | • Free morning • Private airport transfer | — |
Arrival in Paris
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport and meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to your hotel, the perfect start to your Northern France tour. This introduction to France travel sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Settle in, then step out into nearby Parisian streets. Pause at a café for your first espresso or glass of wine, and take in the atmosphere as your journey begins, before continuing toward the coastlines of northern France.
Paris to Saint-Malo and private city tour
Transfer privately to the Paris train station and board your high-speed train to Saint-Malo, traveling in the comfort of first class as the landscapes of Northern France unfold along the way.
On arrival, meet your private guide at the station for a tailored introduction to Saint-Malo. Explore the fortified city and its historic port, uncovering local stories, maritime heritage, and lesser-known viewpoints.
Enjoy the evening at your own pace before returning to your charming hotel in Saint-Malo for an overnight stay.
Saint-Malo coast cruise and Dinard and Dinan exploration
Cruise along the Saint-Malo coastline aboard a traditional sailing boat, taking in wide views of the bay and its rugged shores.
Continue with a private transfer to the elegant seaside towns of Dinard and Dinan. Wander cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, browse local galleries and artisan shops, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Return to your hotel in Saint-Malo for a quiet evening by the sea.
Pink Granite Coast and Brittany seaside villages
Continue your journey with a private transfer to Brittany’s Pink Granite Coast, known for its striking natural beauty. Explore Ploumanac’h, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, along with the seaside town of Perros-Guirec.
Follow coastal paths, wander along sandy beaches, and take in the dramatic pink rock formations shaped by the Atlantic. Enjoy time to pause for photos, relax at a café, and take in the sea views at your own pace.
Later, sit back and enjoy the return transfer to Saint-Malo, arriving in time for a relaxed evening by the coast.
Mont-Saint-Michel guided visit and transfer to Bayeux
Leave the city behind and enjoy a private transfer to the Mont-Saint-Michel peninsula, one of the best places to visit in France.
Meet your expert guide for an immersive visit through the medieval village and its iconic abbey, uncovering stories of pilgrims, shifting tides, and local life. After your guided tour, take time to explore at your own pace, walking along the dramatic bay and taking in wide coastal views.
Later, continue by private transfer to Bayeux, where your journey through Northern France carries on.
Bayeux exploration with D-Day or Normandy food experience
Spend the morning in Bayeux exploring its charming old town and visiting its museums, including the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry.
In the afternoon, choose between two experiences. Take a private half-day tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches for a deeper understanding of the events of June 1944, visiting key sites along the coast. Or enjoy a gastronomic journey through the Pays d’Auge, with tastings of artisan cider, local cheeses, and calvados.
Later, travel by private transfer along the Normandy coastline to your hotel in Saint-Malo, arriving for a relaxed evening by the sea.
Côte Fleurie drive, Honfleur visit, and arrival in Rouen
Travel by private car along the scenic Côte Fleurie, tracing some of the most picturesque stretches of the Normandy coastline, a highlight of any France itinerary.
Stop in Honfleur to wander its cobbled streets, admire the half-timbered houses, and explore small galleries and artisan boutiques. Pause by the old harbor for a drink, watching fishing boats drift gently on the water.
Continue by private transfer to Rouen, where you settle into your hotel and spend the evening discovering the city’s historic charm.
Rouen guided tour, Giverny visit, and return to Paris
Begin your day in Rouen with a private guided tour through its historic streets and grand cathedral, gaining a deeper understanding of Normandy’s past.
Continue to Giverny, where you explore Monet’s house and gardens at your own pace. Wander through the flower-filled paths and pause on the iconic bridge above the water lilies, taking in the setting that inspired some of his most celebrated works.
In the afternoon, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Paris and settle into your hotel for the night.
Paris at leisure and iconic sights
Enjoy a full day in Paris at your own pace, taking in the city’s most iconic sights. Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, and explore the galleries of the Louvre.
Wander through elegant boulevards, discover tucked-away cafés, and take in views along the Seine as you experience the atmosphere of the City of Lights. Shape the day around your interests and enjoy the freedom to explore as you wish.
Return to your hotel for your final night in Paris.
Departure from Paris
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Paris, taking time for a final stroll or a quiet café stop.
After checking out of your boutique hotel, meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to the airport, timed to your departure.
Leave with lasting memories of your Northern France tour, from coastal landscapes to the charm of Paris, and the inspiration for your next journey.
