Historic Normandy Road Exploration

Arrival to Paris
As they say, Paris is always a good idea! Bonjour and welcome to the most romantic city in the world and the charming capital of France - Paris!

Upon arrival, check-in at your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

What’s Included:
Your program features carefully selected accommodations with daily breakfast and curated guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary.

As this is a self-drive journey, car rental is tailored to your preferred vehicle category and travel dates and is added to the final package price upon confirmation.

You may also enhance your experience with optional add-on activities and private local guide services available throughout your trip.

Paris to Rouen Scenic Route

Leave Paris and travel northwest into the Seine Valley. This route serves as a direct introduction to Normandy, crossing through the countryside, chalk cliffs, and villages central to the Impressionist movement, with several historical sites to visit along the way.

Scenic stops en route:

• Auvers-sur-Oise – Visit the village where Vincent van Gogh lived and worked during his final months, featuring sites depicted in his late paintings.
• La Roche-Guyon – View the medieval castle and its keep built into the chalk cliffs overlooking a prominent bend in the River Seine.
• Giverny – Explore Claude Monet’s former home and gardens, including the water lily pond and Japanese bridge that inspired his famous series.
• Les Andelys & Château Gaillard – Visit the ruins of Richard the Lionheart’s 12th-century fortress for panoramic views across the Seine Valley.

Driving distance: approx. 90 miles / 145 km

Estimated time: approx. 2 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival to Rouen
Arrive in Rouen, Normandy's historic capital, where medieval cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the towering Notre-Dame Cathedral await.

You check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Departure from Rouen & Scenic Drive to Deauville

Leave Rouen and follow the Seine Valley toward Normandy’s elegant coastline. The journey leads through pastoral countryside and historic maritime towns before reaching the stylish seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie.

Scenic stops en route:

• Honfleur – Wander through this charming harbor town, famous for its colorful old port, narrow streets, and the distinctive wooden Church of Saint Catherine.
• Pont de Normandie – Cross this striking cable-stayed bridge offering panoramic views over the wide Seine estuary.
• Trouville-sur-Mer – A classic Normandy fishing town known for its lively harbor, seafood restaurants, and Belle Époque villas.

Driving distance: approx. 90 miles / 145 km
Estimated time: approx. 1.5 hours (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival to Deauville

Welcome to Deauville, one of Normandy’s most elegant seaside resorts. Stroll along its famous wooden boardwalk, admire the Belle Époque villas, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere that has attracted artists, filmmakers, and travelers for generations.

Departure from Deauville & Scenic Drive to Caen

Depart the chic seaside resort of Deauville and follow the Normandy coast before turning inland toward Caen. This short route blends coastal charm with peaceful countryside landscapes.

Scenic stops en route:

• Cabourg – A graceful seaside town with a long promenade and grand Belle Époque hotels overlooking the beach.
• Pegasus Bridge – A historic bridge captured by Allied forces during the early hours of the Normandy Landings.
• Ouistreham – A pleasant coastal port with a lighthouse, marina, and wide sandy beaches.

Driving distance: approx. 40 miles / 65 km
Estimated time: approx. 1 hour (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival to Caen

Welcome to Caen, a historic Norman city founded by William the Conqueror. Known for its pale limestone architecture, impressive abbeys, and deep historical significance, Caen serves as an excellent gateway to the D-Day landing beaches.

Departure from Caen & Scenic Drive to Bayeux

Leave Caen and travel through Normandy’s peaceful countryside toward the charming medieval town of Bayeux. The route passes through landscapes that played a key role during the events of 1944.

Scenic stops en route:

• Arromanches-les-Bains – Visit the seaside village where the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbor can still be seen offshore.
• Gold Beach – One of the historic landing sites of the Allied forces during the Normandy Landings.
• Longues-sur-Mer Battery – Explore the preserved German coastal artillery positions overlooking the Channel.

Driving distance: approx. 20 miles / 30 km
Estimated time: approx. 30 minutes (excluding scenic stops)

Arrival to Bayeux

Welcome to Bayeux, one of the few Norman towns largely spared during World War II. Its beautifully preserved center and grand cathedral make it an ideal base for exploring the region’s history and the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

Departure from Bayeux & Return Drive to Paris

Depart Bayeux and head east across Normandy’s gentle farmland toward the French capital. The drive passes through quiet villages and historic towns before reaching Paris.

Scenic stops en route:

• Lisieux – A major pilgrimage town known for the impressive Basilica of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
• Giverny – Visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet, where many of his famous paintings were inspired.
• Vernon – A picturesque riverside town along the Seine with half-timbered houses and a charming historic bridge.

Driving distance: approx. 170 miles / 275 km
Estimated time: approx. 3 hours (excluding scenic stops)