France
The Best of Northern France: Paris and Normandy
Program No. 21095RJ
Alongside scholars and local experts, find out how the history, architecture, cafés and cuisine makes these two regions both so unique and both so distinctly French.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 62 Reviews
SHOWING
Favorites of the trip included Monet's Garden, riding through the Normandy countryside full of apple orchards, tasting apple cider and calvados at an ancient farmhouse, the Bayeux tapestry, Saint Chappelle, the old town of Rouen. We had excellent local guides and our leader, Jerome, was great (a walking history book). I was excited to see the interior of the Versailles Palace but the crowds made the experience stressful. We also enjoyed a river cruise on the Seine.
— Review left May 7, 2025
Everyone should try to visit Normandy and this tour was a wonderful opportunity to experience that
— Review left April 28, 2025
Road Scholar is for people who wish to expand their understanding of history and the world that we currently experience, not just where we live.
— Review left April 14, 2025
It was a wonderful experience! Food, expert teachers and activities were outstanding. Tom, our Road Scholar guide, was fabulous!
— Review left January 14, 2025
This was my seventh RS tour. Like all of them, this one fulfilled many of my "bucket list" adventures. Paris, Versailles, Monet's house and gardens, Normandy, Mont Saint Michel; were all checked off and whetted my appetite for more. Emmanuelle, our tour guide, and Mouhi, our bus driver, were "magnifique". Emmanuelle was extraordinary and I would like to go on another one of her tours. I highly recommend this fast-paced tour. Be prepared to walk, walk, and more walking on cobble stone streets and lots of steps like to the top of Mont Saint Michel. Notre Dame Cathedral recently opened to the public after the tour was completed. Perhaps the next tour will include it. My only complaint, being a retired military person, is that the tour was too heavy on art museums, especially in Paris, with not enough time in Normandy, on the beaches and in the many small museums in the area. That is what whetted my appetite for a more intimate look at Normandy beaches, small towns, and museums with stays on or nearer the beaches instead of in Bayeux. Perhaps RS will come up with such a tour in the future. I highly recommend this tour. If you are hesitant to go to France because you don't speak the language, just make an effort to speak the French version of hello, good day, goodbye, etc. When you do, the French people will sense you don't speak French and immediately start speaking English. Also, forget that old rumor that the French people, especially in Paris, are unfriendly. Not true. I did not meet one unfriendly person in France. Hint: Get some Euros before you leave the airport in Paris. You will need some for taxies or tips, etc. There are ATMs in the airport that are typically cheaper than money exchangers. I used Uber while there instead of official taxis and when using your credit card no cash is needed. Take the tour. You will love it like I did.
FIVE STARS!!
— Review left November 15, 2024
This trip was a moving and informative reminder of the sacrifices and horror of WWII - yet the alliances forever formed by it. And a reminder of the horrors of authoritarianism that should be being discussed more resoundingly than ever in today's world. Balancing that somber theme were visits to marvelous museums, Versailles, and the opportunity to see the actual Bayeux Tapestry - a rare treat that is off the beaten path from cruises and most trips.
— Review left November 4, 2024
This trip exceeded my expections. I enjoyed everything, from the landmarks and art museums in Paris to the smaller cities in Normandy, Giverny, and the D-Day beaches. Our group leader Ian and the expert guides were knowledgeable, and their lectures greatly enhanced our visits to the tour sites. All the hotel breakfasts and restaurant lunches and dinners were delicious. Be ready to walk, if you take this tour. Believe me, it's worth the effort!
— Review left October 28, 2024
This was a wonderful trip! I learned so much about Paris, Bayeux, Honfleur and of the course the Normandy beaches and the American cemetery. It exceeded my expectations.
— Review left October 28, 2024
All of the guides were excellent. Ian Tucker was exceptional. Les Jardins du Marais hotel was well situated and the accommodations were adequate. Breakfast was very good. The Churchill Hotel had very tiny rooms and the quality of the amenities was low — poor towels (ragged and thin). Hole in the bathroom door from a hook that must have fallen off. Hallways were dark and you needed to turn on the hallway light including by the steps which was a safety hazard; there wasn’t a reliable motion light by the steps. Breakfast was adequate, but really no place to sit in the lobby to relax, although you you could sit in the dining area and on the last night we discovered a couple of couches in the hotel rear. Location was good, however. Paris airport hotel was excellent.
Versailles should monitor how many people allowed in each room or add flexible gates like at airport lines to allow for tours and people to move through orderly. I liked the overall pace, but maybe a few more hours of free time to shop or explore in the day vs. night. Seeing Paris at night maybe dinner cruise?
Road Scholar and communication about room sharing: my husband died in March and you gave me the choice to cancel or go onto a single/roommate sharing. Given my circumstances I really did not want to share, but could not cancel since I had invited my brother to go on this trip. I was never told that you gave me a roommate. I was in the room at Les Jardins having just changed and someone entered the room. She too was shocked to see me! This was very frightening— what if I was in the shower? Also the room was very tiny for strangers to share. It was like sleeping in same bed. Really bad policy to not introduce roommates before so small details could be worked out. We are not college students! Ian helped us arrange separate rooms and we were able to pay additional fee in the second hotel. We shared at the Paris airport hotel- one night, bigger room and we had time to discuss our sleeping habits.
— Review left October 19, 2024
The French Road Scholar Team were outstanding.
— Review left October 19, 2024
This was our first Road Scholar tour and my expectations were exceeded! Loved all the sites that were chosen for us to visit and the guides were outstanding. Our group was a mixture of couples and singles and got along very well. We will definitely be booking another trip through Road Scholar. It is so enjoyable to not spend time and energy on decisions of which places to visit and how to get there!
— Review left October 17, 2024
This was a great trip. Tom was a great guide. Very informative and fun.
— Review left September 28, 2024
This trip had a well planned and diverse exposure to get to know a little bit of France. Walking in the streets of Paris, learning their history, admiring their iconic buildings, visiting Museums, Cathedrals, Chateaux de Versailles, Claude Monet home and gardens, Mount St Michael, etc., it did expand my knowledge.
Loved Montmartre for their bohemian artistic culture. By the way this is a good place to get souvenirs as they are more merchants. We paid our respects to the fallen soldiers at the Normandy cemetery it was very emotional, as the American National anthem was being played. Although we tour Omaha beach, and Arromanches on September 10th the wind and cold was intense, a warm jacket and even a hat may be useful. The hotels, meals, transportation, tour leader, instructors, were Top-notch.
— Review left September 25, 2024
Great overview of this part of France. Our group leader, Tom, was fantastic and made it a wonderful experience.
— Review left September 25, 2024
Believe the activity level described for this program. There are many cobblestones and stairs. However, it is well worthwhile to attend if you can meet the physical requirements. Very interesting itinerary and enjoyed not having to move to a new hotel every day.
— Review left September 21, 2024
Incredible experience! This was our first Road Scholar trip. We saw so much … and ate so much! We loved every minute! Our time in Paris, Bayeux, Normandy, Giverny, Mont St Michel and Honfleur was all perfectly planned and executed. The Churchill Hotel in Bayeux was very charming and in easy walking distance from everything, including the Bayeux Tapestry, which was amazing. Our time in Normandy will always be special to us. The local guide for the D-Day area was so informative. Our tour Leader, Christo, was incredible. He was knowledgeable, smart, funny and full of surprises. His love for France was absolutely contagious.
— Review left July 3, 2024
It was a wonderful trip. Tom our host was very informative and made the trip very enjoyable. The meals we had were great with lots of great wine. There is enough free time to browse on your own. We were not rushed and had plenty of time at all the venues. The guest tour guides were very informative and enjoyable. I would recommend this tour for anyone. We were very fortunate to be at Normandy Beach right before the 80th anniversary of D-Day. That was very memorable. Thank you for a very great tour!!!
— Review left June 18, 2024
Wonderful experience as my first Road Scholar trip and first group travel trip! I’m a solo traveler and it was great. Fantastic Group Leader and experts! Highly recommended!
— Review left June 15, 2024
Excellent trip; good pace; enjoyable people; amazing guide. Great sights to see and experience.
— Review left June 4, 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. I love France and Paris! Oiyanna was fantastic! She was always prepared yet patient. Always informed and informative. She was a delight. I cannot imagine a better tour leader. Whatever you pay her, she is worth more!
— Review left June 1, 2024
The trip to Paris and Normandy was fantastic - especially the trips to Giverny and Honfleur in Normandy. It was like walking in an Impressionist painting!
— Review left May 18, 2024
This was our first experience taking a trip with Road Scholar. We had high expectations and all of our expectations were exceeded. The trip was very well thought out and went as planned, our tour guide Caroline B. was absolutely the very best. She was very knowledgeable, well organized, and personable.
The trip was exceptional we enjoyed the hotels and the included meals were all more than adequate. The sights we saw were so amazing and interesting , we also had a local guide in Normandy who was fantastic.
Our group of 23 participants were all very nice and overall it was a great trip!
Thank you
— Review left May 17, 2024
What a wonderful experience with Road Scholar trip to Paris and Northern France. Our tour guide Caroline was exceptional and made our trip so enjoyable! many thanks to everyone at Road Scholar who put this program together, it has exceeded our expectations!
— Review left April 20, 2024
Paris to Normandy and Northern France was a great trip. Great hotels. Wonderful food. We got to see the city and the country with lots of charming small historic towns. I love that things are planned, yet there is free time.
— Review left April 13, 2024
Libby was an outstanding guide, and overall the trip was excellent. However, I have 2 comments. 1) I wish I had know the Churchill Hotel was so close to the English Cemetery & WWII museum. A friend who had taken this trip in June visited both of these in her free time. Libby & the trip materials mentioned the Bayeau Tapestry, which was excellent, but had I known about these other 2 options, I may have visited them . I will add though that Libby worked very hard to get us in to see the tapestry, as I understand you need to order tickets in advance. the other concern I have is regarding safety. our Churchill Hotel room had a key lock, which was very cumbersome & difficult to use. We had to use the key to lock the door from the inside & since we were on the ground floor facing a courtyard, we didn't feel safe with the door unlocked. This is very unsafe for 2 women in their 70's, unfamiliar with how the fire alarms work, difficult to unlock the door in a panic. And what made no sense at all is we found that other members in our group had key cards that you insert in the door, one even had a 'modern' card that you wave without inserting in the door. Since Road Scholar trip attendees are mostly seniors, I felt this was extremely unsafe and quite frankly was both surprised and disappointed that there wasn't more concern for our safety. This is my 3rd Road Scholar trip, the first 2 had excellent accommodations which is why I chose RS for this trip.
— Review left November 5, 2023
Road Scholar provided a fantastic Paris and Normandy experience tailored to Veterans!
— Review left October 25, 2023
This was a great, albeit very quick trip to this part of France - don't do this trip if you want to experience all that Paris has to offer because you will get just a short sample of the city. It did hit some of the highlights and we had a wonderful Paris-based guide, Amber, who made it all very enjoyable. Giverny and Versailles were both visited early enough in the day that we had the chance to see them before the hordes of visitors descended (which was a great thing!)
The Normandy-based part of the trip was the highlight for me and if you are fortunate enough to have Anne as your guide for your D-Day beaches day, you will be lucky. She covered the military operations that took place there along with the significant stages of the fighting and the day-by-day advances of the forces involved. Adding the American cemetery and the ceremony there made the day very moving. The visit to Mont St Michel was impressive and Bayeux, the lovely little town where we stayed, was very charming.
Try to pair this trip with one to the south of France and you will be a very happy visitor.
— Review left October 24, 2023
The Best of Northern France: Paris and Normandy was wonderful, informative & enjoyable. Our Tour Leader, Libby Chandler, was very organized, engaged & informative with a sense of humor. The pace of the tour was right on a great balance of learning, adventures & variety. This is our five tour & this one maintain the excellent standards of the others. Looking forward to our next tour.
— Review left October 9, 2023
It was a great program. Very informative and lots of fun!!
— Review left September 30, 2023
Outstanding tours and sites, excellent organization of the program, great tour guide... This program was overall a pleasant and interesting experience of a lifetime.
— Review left September 17, 2023
Thomas, our guide what very knowledgeable about the history and areas we visited. He was very personable and made us feel comfortable. Our group was lots of fun as we shared time during meals and free time in the evenings. Paris was experiencing a heat wave at the time which made walking during the day difficult but still well worth it. The history and architecture was amazing, a step back in time. There is a lot of walking but well worth it.
— Review left September 16, 2023
This trip was the perfect mixture of Paris and the French countryside. The lovely impressionist art was the ideal balance to the somber history of the D Day beaches. Mont Sant Michel was magical. Our group leader, Laurent, was both expert on French art and culture and also kind with gentle humor. This trip was a great introduction to Road Scholar and we will definitely travel with them again.
— Review left September 14, 2023
First Road Scholar tour and it won't be my last. Our tour of Paris and Normandy was incredible, we wanted for nothing and were shown and provided with more than advertised and anticipated. Our tour guide and supporting guides for museums and Normandy provided more than I could possibly absorb. Highly recommend.
— Review left July 15, 2023
The tour guides, the itinerary, the size of the group and many of the meals were excellent. The Best Western Hotel in Paris was unsatisfactory due to the broken elevator, the unavailability of wi-fi and the water leaking in the lobby. The hotel in Bayeaux was better but the wi-fi was sporadic. In general, the accommodations need to be improved.
— Review left May 29, 2023
A trip to Normandy should be on every Road Scholar traveler's agenda.
— Review left May 22, 2023
Both fun and educational. I wish school had been like this.
— Review left May 15, 2023
We had a wonderful time in France. The itinerary kept us very busy and the guides were engaging. We could not have planned a trip like this ourselves.
— Review left May 14, 2023
This trip was terrific. It met all my expectations. I’d do the whole tour again tomorrow! That is if I knew Laurent would be our guide. Kudos to him for making it so very interesting and enjoyable.
This was my 15th Road Scholar tour and each one has been excellent in every way. Thank you Road Scholar
— Review left May 6, 2023
If you would like to be exposed to another culture, learn about yourself, go back in time in Normandy, this is the excursion for you.
— Review left May 1, 2023
Our experience to Paris and Normandy was extraordinary! Our guide, Libby, and our instructors were all of the caliber I have come to expect from Road Scholar! Our experience at the D-Day invasion beaches and the American cemetery at Arromanches, where 3 veterans from our group presented a bouquet in commemoration of the American soldiers who sacrificed their lives to free France from Nazism, was exceptional! Also we saw Versailles with fountains and music - a rare experience indeed! We are looking forward to our next, hopefully yearly, experience with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 31, 2022
We loved this program! We learned so much about the sites we visited in and around Paris. Then the time in Normandy fulfilled a years-long dream to find out more about my father-in-law's experience of serving during World War II. This tour was the perfect combination of history and art, kings and churches!
— Review left October 25, 2022
The activity level of the program was exactly as described, the guide was well informed and helpful, the sites were well chosen, and I met wonderful fellow travelers. I came away with a deeper knowledge of both French and American history. There was an excellent balance between organized activities and free time. As a first time solo traveler I felt included in all aspects of the program and feel confident in planning future trips with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 24, 2022
This program was consecutive to my trip to Southern France, arranged by RS. I arrived therefore to this program with a positive covid finding and was never allowed to participate in the tour. I did not receive adequate assistance from RS and greatly want to discuss the details of my experience with someone who can effectuate change. As things are I would never recommend the use of RS to anyone. I have been promised I would be contacted by someone who has the power to effectuate change. If that is not forthcoming I would feel obligated to utilize whatever forums I can find to warn potential travelers of the not so obvious shortcomings of the RS approach to travel in this era of covid
— Review left October 19, 2022
A good overview of Paris and the Normandy region of France. It was well led and with good local guides. Sparks an interest in coming back again to learn more.
— Review left October 17, 2022
Great trip. All will enjoy. Recomended for all ages.
— Review left October 17, 2022
Best of Northern France is a very active and enjoyable tour.
— Review left October 8, 2022
This program is perfect for those who only have a week and for whom the significant sites on the itinerary are a priority--personally I think an added day or two would improve the experience, but one is never going to see everything however much time there is. For me, the visit to Monet's home and garden was the main highlight, but there were others. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the side trips to Rouen and Honfleur. The activity level was as advertised--some long walks and cobblestones--and our group had no difficulties. The group leader Tom was excellent, and so were the instructors. The logistics were handled perfectly as has been my experience with other RS trips.
— Review left September 3, 2022
An unforgettable experience! Highly recommended!
— Review left June 27, 2022
This was a very moving program with the visit to the landing beaches at Normandy. The mix of history and art was excellent.
— Review left May 14, 2022
The trip to Normandy could not have been more perfect. After no travel for what seemed like forever this was my first out of the country trip since 11/2019. France and Road Scholar took all the precautions to make sure everyone on the trip was safe and healthy. Out guide Nicole was delightful and we enjoyed her cheerful presence and French insights every single day.
The itinerary was perfect. I would encourage everyone to visit Normandy. According to Nicole though, we were extremely lucky in that there were no crowds. September and October are low tourist months anyway but with Covid there were even less than usual. So we had beautiful weather and less than usual crowding.
I wish I could pick a favorite place but every city we visited was beautiful and I look forward to going back to visit some of the sites but with more time.
I am already looking at what my next Road Scholar adventure will be for next year. I am so happy to be able to travel again even with the restrictions and mask wearing required during these trying times.
— Review left September 15, 2021
Amazing trip! I got to see and learn about places and events I have always wanted to go to!
— Review left January 4, 2020
Great way to travel if you are not an experienced traveler or you want someone else to handle the management of travel, so you can enjoy it more! Also, good way to make a trip if you are solo or with one friend. There is security in numbers, that mattered to me.
— Review left September 22, 2019
We’ve been to Paris and other parts of France many times on our own. The inside knowledge we received on our tour plus the benefits of arranged visits to museums without standing in long lines was a definite plus for us.
Tom and Nancy
— Review left July 8, 2019
My first Road Scholar tour. Based on our experience I am sure there will be others. The experiences were amazing and our guide was excellent! The other participants were terrific as well.
— Review left June 26, 2019
My recent trip to Paris and Normandy were an absolute delight. It was exciting, educational, stimulating and inspiring. I highly recommend Road Scholar.
— Review left June 12, 2019
The program was excellent overall!!
I only complaint with road scholar is that they mail too many brochures to us. We get something every week and I’m sure this must be extremely expensive. If they could cut back on the mailings, maybe they could cut back on the price of trips.
— Review left June 9, 2019
A fantastic program offering the best of Paris and the emotional attachment to Normandy. When Road Scholar classifies the trip at Let's Go they mean it. Be prepared for the activities of traveling on the Paris metro, walking stairs in numerous tourist sites, especially Mont St. Michele. A wonderful experience!
— Review left June 8, 2019
This program combines a lot of destinations that are important to different people, and gets you there pretty easily. It's only a sampler of Paris, but that might be an excellent fit for many people.
— Review left May 26, 2019
Fine.
— Review left May 20, 2019
Our trip from Paris to Normandy was all that we dreamed and more. The flexibility built into the program permitted us the freedom to experience things as we wished. Being in a foreign country for the first time, Road Scholar's handling of all the small details, tickets, tips, etc. let us enjoy the experience worry free. The accommodations and places to dine were wonderful. The best part of the trip was the knowledge and expertise of the guides who made sure that hopefully our "once in a lifetime trip" may become only our first one with more to follow from Road Scholar.
— Review left May 16, 2019
The time span (7 full days) was just the right amount for us. Each day was full of wonderful experiences, but still gave us time to our self. Everybody with whom we came in touch was friendly and happy to talk to us. And the food..oh lala.
— Review left May 10, 2019
What a wonderful trip! Our guide, Caroline, was amazing, and I hope to travel with her again.
We enjoyed all of the places we visited--Monet's garden especially stands out. The sights of Paris were fantastic--with just enough free time to see others. Normandy, Bayeux, Rouen--all must sees.
This is a great trip with beautiful scenes and interesting history.
— Review left April 22, 2019