Advice for adding on Normandy & Paris to Rhône River Cruise

[sayhello]

Well, I've purchased my airfare for my Rhône River Cruise in May. What I'm thinking of doing is, once arriving in Paris CDG, taking the train up to Normandy, and getting a hotel up there for a couple of nights.

I'm hoping over the next 2 days to do a tour of Mont St. Michel and the Normandy Beaches. Then the plan is to head back to Paris for a couple of days, then head to Lyon for one pre-day, and then to the ship the next day. This could be re-arranged a bit (ie, do Paris first, then Normandy area, etc). The only set parameters so far are arriving CDG 6 days ahead of the river cruise, and planning one pre-night in Lyon. So five days to play with, one of which is the arrival day at CDG. Planning on taking the train to get from place to place.

Anyways, I'm looking for suggestions. For the order, for tours/tour guides, for hotels in the Normandy area, hotels in Paris, etc.

I've gotten a tour guide suggestion from @tgeorge that I'm going to explore for Normandy, but I'm still looking for more options, as that one is fairly expensive for a solo traveler. I also just realized I had a suggestion from @Snyders22000, also, so I'm going to look into that.

Any and all suggestions welcome! Thanks in advance!

Sayhello

 

[aggiedog]

We used France Just For You for our trip 2 years ago and have been working with them for next June. They do scheduled group tours and can also arrange private self guided trips. They were fabulous.

 

[Woodview]

Here are 2 Hotels near Mont St. Michel

The Best Western Hotel Montgomery 13 Rue Couesnon 50170 Pontorson Phone L.L. + 0033 233 600009

Or Les Vieilles Digues Route Du Mont St. Michel 50170 Beauvoir Phone L.L. 0033 233585530


Both are about 1 hour & 30 min WALK to the start of the causeway to Mont St. Michel

 

[Wayland10]

Make sure that you visit Monet's garden, and if you're heading towards Lyon stop at Guedelon Castle for a really unique experience!

 

[sayhello]

We used France Just For You for our trip 2 years ago and have been working with them for next June. They do scheduled group tours and can also arrange private self guided trips. They were fabulous.

Thanks! I'll check them out!

Make sure that you visit Monet's garden, and if you're heading towards Lyon stop at Guedelon Castle for a really unique experience!

Where is Monet's garden? Guess I should research that. I've never heard of Guedelon Castle. I will research that, too! Thanks!

Sayhello

 

[RSM]

If you are interested in D-Day Beach tours check out Battle of Normandy Tours. Eddie Robinson gives the tours and is a great storyteller as well as an expert on WW2 history. One of the best tour guides we have ever had.

 

[sayhello]

Battle of Normandy Tours

Thanks! I'll check him out!

Sayhello

 

[aggiedog]

I replied yesterday from my phone, which I hate, so kept it short. https://www.france-justforyou.com

They were so great. We did a week in France before a cruise. They set up everything, down to having bus and metro tickets for us. We had a car pick us up at the airport, a private guide in Paris, a wonderful little boutique hotel, train tickets to Provence, rental cars, a B&B that was perfect for our family. They made a 100 page book of everything from driving/road sign education to suggested walking routes to explore Paris. Truly a superb operation. All for a very reasonable price.

 

[Wayland10]

Make sure that you visit Monet's garden, and if you're heading towards Lyon stop at Guedelon Castle for a really unique experience!

Thanks! I'll check them out!
Where is Monet's garden? Guess I should research that. I've never heard of Guedelon Castle. I will research that, too! Thanks!

Sayhello
[/Q

Thanks! I'll check them out!
Where is Monet's garden? Guess I should research that. I've never heard of Guedelon Castle. I will research that, too! Thanks!

Sayhello

Guedelon Castle might be difficult if you're relying on the train, but it is amazing. It's a medieval castle being built right now, using only authentic medieval techniques, with all the materials made or sourced on site. So if they want clay roof tiles, they have to build a kiln. If they want to carry the tiles, they build medieval carts and keep historic horse breeds in stables on-site. They do an incredible medieval banquet. They think it'll be done in 2025 - they're just building the towers now. After the terrible fire at Notre Dame, the government reached out to the workers at Guedelon, because they're the only people in France, if not the world, who have practical experience building that style of architecture with those materials. A great experience, especially if you're a history fan like I am! (And a different look at the medieval world that's inspired so many fairy tales!)

Lyon isn't my favorite city, personally, but I like Brasserie Georges for some seriously old-school French food, although it's pretty touristy. If you can swing it, I'd go to Beaune instead to tour the Hospices de Beaune and the Marche aux Vins. If you do, I love (love) to eat at Le Goret.

Monet's Garden at Giverny is... beyond beautiful. Otherworldly beautiful. There are lots of tours that go there, too.

Can you tell I really love France?

 

[Woodview]

Are you willing to drive in France ?

If Yes .... then hire a car ( Sixt car hire .... pre pay ... unlimited KM .. & Full to Full fuel ) & collect at airport.

This will give you time to explore what you wish to see at your pace . Trains are good but donot go to where you wish to go

Return car to airport & then take train to Lyon and continue your journey onwards.

Driving in France is the same as driving in USA .Note most cars are " Stick Shift " Go for Ford Focus , Tyota Corolla ,VW

or Skoda or any standard size car . Hire a sat nav or there may be one already installed & change the language to English

 

[sayhello]

Are you willing to drive in France ?

If Yes .... then hire a car ( Sixt car hire .... pre pay ... unlimited KM .. & Full to Full fuel ) & collect at airport.

This will give you time to explore what you wish to see at your pace . Trains are good but donot go to where you wish to go

Return car to airport & then take train to Lyon and continue your journey onwards.

Driving in France is the same as driving in USA .Note most cars are " Stick Shift " Go for Ford Focus , Tyota Corolla ,VW

or Skoda or any standard size car . Hire a sat nav or there may be one already installed & change the language to English

No, I am not willing to drive in France or any other foreign country.

Sayhello

 

[tgeorge]

In Paris we stayed at a lovely boutique hotel in Montmartre. B Montmartre. The staff was incredible and it was very close to a metro stop. The nigh we got back from Normandy, we ran into the hotel manager at a restaurant nearby (just happened to be there) and he came over to our table and helped us with deciding what to order. It left us with such a great impression! Obviously, there are a ton of fantastic hotels in Paris, but we just adored this one. We also had a private guide in Paris that we loved, but not sure if you want to go in that direction or not. Her pricing was similar to Mathias.

So fun! It sounds like you’re definitely going to have an amazing trip.

 

[sayhello]

In Paris we stayed at a lovely boutique hotel in Montmartre. B Montmartre. The staff was incredible and it was very close to a metro stop. The nigh we got back from Normandy, we ran into the hotel manager at a restaurant nearby (just happened to be there) and he came over to our table and helped us with deciding what to order. It left us with such a great impression! Obviously, there are a ton of fantastic hotels in Paris, but we just adored this one. We also had a private guide in Paris that we loved, but not sure if you want to go in that direction or not. Her pricing was similar to Mathias.

So fun! It sounds like you’re definitely going to have an amazing trip.

I haven't decided about a Guide in Paris yet (depends on what I end up deciding to do) but thanks about the Hotel. I did not see Montmartre when I was previously in Paris, so that would be pretty cool. And that sounds like great service! I will check out the B. Montmartre. Thanks!

Sayhello

 

[mtmueller]

I used to work out of the US Embassy in Paris. This is not an endorsement of any kind, but I have had great success with D Day Battle Tours. They are amazing and put on a great tour. A full day in Normandy is exhausting, and if you have military service in your past, quite emotional.

A French General suggested to me watching the opening of "Saving Private Ryan" the night before, then go out to the beaches yourself first thing in the AM and run them yourself. One of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Transportation may be an issue, but I have stayed at a small B&B near St Mere Eglise (Location of the Airborne Museum - significant for those of us who earned our jump wings). Les Quatre Etoiles in Turqueville, the hosts are fantastic people and their B&B is used by several US Generals when they visit for the D-Day anniversaries.

An experience you will never forget.

In Paris, there is so much to see and do. I wouldn't necessarily waste time on going up the Eiffel Tower versus everything else, but if you must then you really need to book a "skip the lines" ticket online before going. You will still wait in lines, but not as bad. The view is quite amazing.

The museums are obvious and wonderful. The Louvre can be a circus, but go early. It's a bucket list thing if you love art. Also recommend taking the train out to Versaille, you can burn up an entire day wandering the grounds if the weather is nice. "Let them eat cake" will make sense to you after a visit.

Check out the website "With Locals" for other tours. We did an amazing tour of the Champagne region with a trained sommelier (Michel) who met us at Gare de l'Est, arranged all transport, and spent the day learning about and drinking a massive amount of Champagne. The only way to do it!

If you're "hands-on", take a Baguette and Croissant baking class (half-day) at a small neighborhood working bakery in Paris. The whole family really loved this, including my young daughter. Check out the website "meetingthefrench.com" to book. Now that we are back in the US, about the only baguettes we can eat are the authentic ones we make ourselves!

Navigating Paris, nothing beats the app "Citymapper", and if you are taking regional and international trains use "Trainline". You can even book your tickets right on Trainline.

In Europe, there is very little excess capacity, particularly during regular European holiday periods. Book your activities and hotel as early as possible to guarantee selection. I've been caught sometimes with nothing available because I waited too long...

We really miss France. If you use some street smarts, use the US State Department Smart Traveler program (step.state.gov), and just keep your spidey sense about you as you would in say any major US city, you will see France and Paris both get bad raps on this side of the pond. Enjoy your trip!

 

[sayhello]

WOW! Thanks for all the great information!!

I used to work out of the US Embassy in Paris. This is not an endorsement of any kind, but I have had great success with D Day Battle Tours. They are amazing and put on a great tour. A full day in Normandy is exhausting, and if you have military service in your past, quite emotional.

A French General suggested to me watching the opening of "Saving Private Ryan" the night before, then go out to the beaches yourself first thing in the AM and run them yourself. One of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Thanks! I will check out D Day Battle Tours. I've never seen "Saving Private Ryan". I do guess I need to add that high on the watch list! Honestly, I don't feel like I know as much as I should about D Day, and that's part of my desire to go to the Normandy beaches, to learn.

Transportation may be an issue, but I have stayed at a small B&B near St Mere Eglise (Location of the Airborne Museum - significant for those of us who earned our jump wings). Les Quatre Etoiles in Turqueville, the hosts are fantastic people and their B&B is used by several US Generals when they visit for the D-Day anniversaries.

An experience you will never forget.

Thanks! I'll check that place out.

In Paris, there is so much to see and do. I wouldn't necessarily waste time on going up the Eiffel Tower versus everything else, but if you must then you really need to book a "skip the lines" ticket online before going. You will still wait in lines, but not as bad. The view is quite amazing.

Oh, dear, I guess I didn't mention I've been to Paris once before (with the London/Paris ABD). I did the whole "eat lunch on the second level and go to the top of the Eiffel Tower" thing that first time I was in Paris (it was with ABD, so we had "front of the line" tickets. Considering how long the normal line was, it was a huge advantage!). It was cool, but not something I feel a need to repeat this time. Thanks!

The museums are obvious and wonderful. The Louvre can be a circus, but go early. It's a bucket list thing if you love art. Also recommend taking the train out to Versaille, you can burn up an entire day wandering the grounds if the weather is nice. "Let them eat cake" will make sense to you after a visit.

I've also done Versailles. It was really cool, but since I'm only going to be in Paris for a couple of days, I'm not looking to repeat myself. I *may* go back to the Louvre, just because our time there was *so* limited, but I'd honestly rather do a new museum.

Check out the website "With Locals" for other tours. We did an amazing tour of the Champagne region with a trained sommelier (Michel) who met us at Gare de l'Est, arranged all transport, and spent the day learning about and drinking a massive amount of Champagne. The only way to do it!

Oooo! Thanks for that. I love doing things with locals, so I will definitely check out that website!

If you're "hands-on", take a Baguette and Croissant baking class (half-day) at a small neighborhood working bakery in Paris. The whole family really loved this, including my young daughter. Check out the website "meetingthefrench.com" to book. Now that we are back in the US, about the only baguettes we can eat are the authentic ones we make ourselves!

I *love* hands-on stuff! I took a "Lunch with a Local" cooking class in Kyoto this summer, and totally loved it! Thanks!

Navigating Paris, nothing beats the app "Citymapper", and if you are taking regional and international trains use "Trainline". You can even book your tickets right on Trainline.

Thanks! It's always useful to have a good app!

In Europe, there is very little excess capacity, particularly during regular European holiday periods. Book your activities and hotel as early as possible to guarantee selection. I've been caught sometimes with nothing available because I waited too long...

Thanks! I've started looking at hotels, and I have noticed the availability in some places is low. I will definitely work on this.

We really miss France. If you use some street smarts, use the US State Department Smart Traveler program (step.state.gov), and just keep your spidey sense about you as you would in say any major US city, you will see France and Paris both get bad raps on this side of the pond. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks! I really appreciate all this info and your recommendations.

Sayhello

 

[tgeorge]

A French General suggested to me watching the opening of "Saving Private Ryan" the night before, then go out to the beaches yourself first thing in the AM and run them yourself. One of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Transportation may be an issue, but I have stayed at a small B&B near St Mere Eglise (Location of the Airborne Museum - significant for those of us who earned our jump wings).

We were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to,re-watch Saving Private Ryan on the flight to Paris and I’m glad we did. It was very power to be reminded of the story and then stand on Omaha Beach a few days later. Incredibly humbling.

My husband and I both have our wings and we absolutely loved seeing St Mere Eglise. Seeing the stained glass in the church was amazing. Our guide even took us to the ‘town hall’ where they have the American Flag that flew over the town when they were liberated. If we ever go back, I’ll definitely look into that B&B you suggest.

 

[mtmueller]

My husband and I both have our wings and we absolutely loved seeing St Mere Eglise. Seeing the stained glass in the church was amazing. Our guide even took us to the ‘town hall’ where they have the American Flag that flew over the town when they were liberated. If we ever go back, I’ll definitely look into that B&B you suggest.

I had tears in my eyes when looking at the stained glass tributes to those that have sacrificed it all for freedom. I have never felt more proud as an American and a military veteran than when we were in Normandy for the 73rd D-Day anniversary.

I didn't mention that Brecourt Manor is now private property, and you can't "staff ride" the assault on the German gun positions, but you can see the memorial that is on the edge of the property made famous in the HBO series "Band of Brothers."

I took my daughter on a night march through the hedgerows from the B&B with her D-Day "clicker" (made famous in the movie "The Longest Day".) I had a hard time sleeping that night, needless to say. Can only imagine the night jump landing between the hedgerows, disoriented...

 

[tgeorge]

I had tears in my eyes when looking at the stained glass tributes to those that have sacrificed it all for freedom. I have never felt more proud as an American and a military veteran than when we were in Normandy for the 73rd D-Day anniversary.

I didn't mention that Brecourt Manor is now private property, and you can't "staff ride" the assault on the German gun positions, but you can see the memorial that is on the edge of the property made famous in the HBO series "Band of Brothers."

I took my daughter on a night march through the hedgerows from the B&B with her D-Day "clicker" (made famous in the movie "The Longest Day".) I had a hard time sleeping that night, needless to say. Can only imagine the night jump landing between the hedgerows, disoriented...

I couldn't agree more. Even thinking about it gives me goosebumps. Knowing my experience as a SM, I can't even begin to imagine. Realizing the enormity of the operation, and the fact they knew most of them would not make it out alive, but performed their duties with the grace and honor they did, is a true testament to the courage of all of them. Being able to be at the American cemetery for the Retreat ceremony was incredibly powerful and I definitely had tears. It was so moving to see what they were up against.

@sayhello -definitely try to watch Saving Private Ryan before you go.

 

[sayhello]

I used to work out of the US Embassy in Paris. This is not an endorsement of any kind, but I have had great success with D Day Battle Tours. They are amazing and put on a great tour. A full day in Normandy is exhausting, and if you have military service in your past, quite emotional.

A French General suggested to me watching the opening of "Saving Private Ryan" the night before, then go out to the beaches yourself first thing in the AM and run them yourself. One of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Transportation may be an issue, but I have stayed at a small B&B near St Mere Eglise (Location of the Airborne Museum - significant for those of us who earned our jump wings). Les Quatre Etoiles in Turqueville, the hosts are fantastic people and their B&B is used by several US Generals when they visit for the D-Day anniversaries.

An experience you will never forget.

Thanks for the recommendation for D Day Battle Tours. Their one day D-Day Normandy Beaches tour fit the bill, and looks really great. I has really fabulous reviews, too. It was already booked up for one of the possible days I had, so I went ahead & booked for the other day. I'm really looking forward to it.

I'm looking into the B&B you mentioned. It looks really cool. But it *does* look like transportation may be too much of an issue (especially going to Mont St. Michel the next day) but I'm waiting for an answer from the owners as to their opinion on it.

@sayhello -definitely try to watch Saving Private Ryan before you go.

I've always meant to watch it. Now I definitely need to! Thanks!

Sayhello

 

[mindeola]

We just stayed in Bayeux last month. Our D-Day tour was with Bayeux Shuttle and focused on the American sites. Our guide was passionate and a wealth of knowledge. They do small groups. I believe our van could fit 10 people. I booked this through Viator. My grandfather landed on Omaha Beach and our entire family is here because he survived. It was incredibly moving.

I second Giverny and Monet's house. This was one of the absolute best things we did over our two week trip. It is incredibly beautiful and the town is so very charming.

We rented a car , so I am unsure of the train situation. I do know Bayeux has a train station. You can do day tours to Monet's home, Mont St Michel and the D Day sites , so it is definitely doable without a car.

We rented an Airbnb. It was within walking distance of downtown, but you could do much better. One hotel that seemed to get excellent reviews in my research was Hotel Churchill. It was centrally located and tours all pick up right around the corner.