2-day Private Mont Saint-Michel, D-Day, Normandy by Mercedes

Traveling through Normandy becomes an effortless journey with this 2-day private trip designed for groups of 2 to 7 people. For $1,703 per person, this tour offers a seamless combination of iconic sights, from the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel to the historic D-Day beaches. Led by a professional guide and travelling in a Mercedes E220 or a minivan, travelers enjoy comfort, flexibility, and expert narration.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive Normandy experience, with hotel accommodation and pick-up included. While it covers many highlights efficiently, be prepared for a busy schedule that involves walking and some driving. Overall, it’s a well-rounded choice for those who value personalized guidance and luxury transport, with a pace that balances sightseeing and free time.

Key Points

• Private group experience for 2 to 7 people, ensuring personalized attention
• All-inclusive with hotel accommodation, transfers, and guided tours
• Visits to Mont Saint-Michel, Honfleur, Rouen, and Etretat Chalk Cliffs
• Immersive stops at D-Day beaches, including Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery
• Comfortable Mercedes E220 or minivan transportation with a professional driver
• Timing and pacing designed to maximize sightseeing without rushing

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Starting the Normandy Journey in a Mercedes Comfort

This 2-day private trip begins early in Paris, with a hotel pick-up and an air-conditioned Mercedes. The tour starts at 7:30 AM, heading westward toward the Normandy coast, covering approximately 213 km to reach Etretat. The journey includes a rest stop at a rest area, making the long drive more comfortable. The tour is live-guided, so detailed commentary accompanies the entire trip.

The choice of transport—Mercedes E220 for smaller groups or a minivan for larger groups—ensures travelers travel in style and comfort. This setup maximizes flexibility, allowing easy access to scenic stops and making the long drives less tiring.

Exploring the Iconic Chalk Cliffs of Etretat

Upon arrival at Etretat, travelers enjoy a walking tour of its famous chalk cliffs, which are known for their dramatic natural arches and the Needle—a 70-meter-high stone formation visible from afar. Etretat has inspired many impressionist painters, and its landscape remains strikingly unchanged since the artists’ days. Visitors have free time to walk along the cliffs and take photos of the natural beauty.

The cliffs are a highlight for their unique geological features, offering stunning views over the English Channel. The visit is brief but impactful, setting a scenic tone for the day.

Discovering the Charming Port Town of Honfleur

Leaving Etretat, the tour heads to Honfleur, an hour away by road. The walking tour of this picturesque port town takes about an hour, highlighting its historic harbor and quaint streets. Known as a main defensive port of XV-century Normandy, Honfleur has transformed into a charming resort with a bay that attracts artists and visitors alike.

During the free time, visitors can appreciate the colorful buildings lining the harbor, explore local shops, or enjoy a quick lunch (not included). The town’s artistic heritage and serene atmosphere make it a perfect stop for a gentle stroll.

Visiting the D-Day Landings and War Memorials

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a drive to Collville-sur-Mer, home to the Normandy American Cemetery. This memorial site hosts 9,387 U.S. soldiers who fell during the Normandy Landings, with the Wall of the Missing bearing the names of 1,557 soldiers. The visit offers a solemn reflection on the sacrifices made during World War II.

Next, the Overlord Museum is just a few minutes away. Here, visitors see a rich collection of WWII artifacts, providing context and history about the D-Day invasion. The museum’s exhibits deepen understanding of the events that unfolded on the beaches nearby.

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Honoring the Sacrifice at Omaha Beach

A short drive from the museum brings visitors to Omaha Beach, where the Signal Monument stands as a tribute to the 34,000 men who landed here on D-Day. The site offers a poignant setting for reflection on the huge sacrifices involved in the operation. The beach itself remains largely unchanged, with remnants of the landing still visible.

This stop underscores the historical significance of the day and provides a chance to appreciate the scale of the military effort involved. The entire visit here typically lasts around 30 minutes, enough to absorb the atmosphere and take photos.

Evening Transfer to Mont Saint-Michel Area

After completing the D-Day sightseeing, the journey continues inland toward Mont Saint-Michel, with a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The tour arrives at the Mont Saint-Michel area by 8:15 PM, where comfortable hotel accommodation awaits for the night. The arrangement includes hotel pick-up and overnight stay, simplifying logistics for travelers.

This setup allows for a relaxed evening, preparing for the next day’s exploration of the abbey and island.

Visiting Mont Saint-Michel and Its Benedictine Abbey

The second day begins early, with a 20-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint-Michel. The guided tour starts at 9:00 AM, with tickets and an official guide leading visitors through the medieval abbey and the entire island. The site’s architecture and rich history attract pilgrims and travelers alike, with the abbey remaining remarkably unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Visitors should expect to spend around 3 hours exploring the basilica, cloisters, and panoramic views of the bay. The tour provides insightful narration about the history and significance of this iconic site.

Exploring the Caen Memorial and Museum

After visiting Mont Saint-Michel, the tour proceeds to Caen, about 1.5 hours away. The Caen Memorial and Museum is a highlight for those interested in World War II history. Located in the British Sword Beach sector, the museum offers detailed exhibits covering the war, D-Day landings, and the Normandy campaign.

The visit lasts until around 4:00 PM, providing ample time to absorb the exhibits and reflect on the war’s impact. The museum’s reputation as the best WWII museum in France makes it a significant part of this tour.

Walking Tour of Historic Rouen

From Caen, the trip moves to Rouen, a city renowned for its Gothic cathedrals and medieval architecture. Arriving around 5:30 PM, travelers enjoy a walking tour of the city’s hundred bell-towers and historic sites. The city’s Duke of Normandy heritage and artistic connections add depth to the visit.

The tour of Rouen lasts about 1.5 hours, showcasing its cultural and architectural treasures. It’s a fitting way to conclude the sightseeing before heading back to Paris.

Returning to Paris and Final Drop-off

The last leg of the journey starts around 7:00 PM, with a 2-hour drive back to Paris. The tour concludes with drop-off at the hotel in the capital city around 9:00 PM, providing a convenient end to the trip.

This tour balances sights, driving, and free time, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy a comprehensive, guided experience without the hassle of planning multiple logistics.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The private group setting ensures personalized attention and flexibility, while the inclusion of hotel accommodation simplifies logistics. The expert live guide enhances understanding of the sites, especially at historic locations like Mont Saint-Michel and D-Day beaches.

Transportation in luxury Mercedes cars guarantees a comfortable ride, and carefully selected stops offer a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. The tour’s tiered pricing allows some flexibility depending on group size, making it adaptable for different groups.

Considerations and Limitations

While the itinerary is packed with highlights, it involves a lot of walking at sites like Honfleur, Rouen, and Mont Saint-Michel. Visitors should prepare with comfortable shoes and clothing. The schedule is tight, and some stops are brief, which means the pace may feel rushed for those wanting more leisurely exploration.

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 or for wheelchair users, due to the nature of some locations and walking requirements. Meals and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan for their own dining.

Final Thoughts on the Normandy Private Tour

This 2-day private tour offers a well-organized way to explore some of the most significant sights in Normandy with luxury transport and expert guidance. The combination of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural stops makes it a compelling choice for those wanting an in-depth overview without the stress of self-planning.

The hotel accommodation and pick-up service add convenience, making this a practical option for visitors aiming to maximize their time. The tiered pricing helps accommodate different group sizes, ensuring a personalized experience.

While it demands a busy schedule, the tour delivers a balanced mix of sightseeing, reflection, and culture. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided narration and comfortable transportation in discovering Normandy’s most iconic locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel accommodation at a 3+/4 hotel, all guided tours, transportation in Mercedes vehicles, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What transportation is used?
Travel is in a Mercedes E220 for groups of 2-3 or a Mercedes minivan for groups of 3-7, ensuring comfort and style.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years and wheelchair users due to site accessibility and walking requirements.

What is the duration of each day’s activities?
The first day involves visits from 7:30 AM to around 8:30 PM, including sightseeing and drive time. The second day runs from 8:00 AM to approximately 9:00 PM.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel accommodation in Mont Saint-Michel included?
Yes, hotel stay is included on the night after the first day, near Mont Saint-Michel.

Are the guides fluent in English?
Yes, the tour features live-guided narration in English.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The tour follows a set schedule, but as a private experience, there’s some flexibility within the framework.

Where do I meet the guide for pickup?
The guide picks up guests from their Paris hotel, making the start convenient.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of luxury transport, comprehensive itinerary, and hotel accommodation makes this a highly convenient way to see Normandy’s key sights in two days.

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