Inspiration: Normandy & Paris

Your French adventure begins with arrival in Paris, where you'll collect your rental car. From the airport, it's a short drive north to Amiens, home to the largest Gothic cathedral in France. Check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon adjusting to European time. Take a gentle stroll through the charming old town with medieval architecture, then enjoy a local galette in a cute bistro. The slower pace eases you into French life right away.

Explore Amiens Cathedral in depth, a stunning architectural marvel that rivals - and mirrors - the Notre Dame de Paris. Its soaring vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained glass can be viewed at leisure, without crowds. Find the corner of the plaza where Monet painted this structure. Wander the charming old town, discovering the floating market gardens (hortillonnages) by boat. In the evening, relax at a cafe watching French life unfold, or attend a concert or cultural event, highlighting Amiens' rich artistic heritage.

Drive to the Baie de Somme region, named one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Check into a real château in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, where 19th-century elegance meets modern luxury. Spend the afternoon exploring the fortified medieval town with its narrow cobblestone streets and harbor views. In the afternoon, costal footpaths along the Baie await you, for sweeping vistas of its dramatic tidal flats and endless skies. Choose from several incredible restaurants for dinner, featuring local specialties like salt-marsh lamb, sea beans, and smoked eel.

Discover the natural beauty of Baie de Somme at your own pace. In the morning, a local guide reveals the largest seal colony in France at Pointe du Hourdel. Cycle the coastal paths to charming Le Crotoy for a long lunch. In the afternoon, indulge in spa time at your château hotel, or a walk across the bay's tidal sands with an experienced guide. For history enthusiasts, optional day trips to Calais or Dunkirk provide WWII context.

Journey along the dramatic Alabaster Coast to Étretat, where white chalk cliffs tower above the English Channel. This seaside village inspired Monet's famous cliff paintings. Enjoy lunch at a panoramic restaurant with views of the very cliffs Monet immortalized on canvas. After exploring the clifftop paths and beach, continue to Rouen, Normandy's historic capital. Check into the city's only five-star hotel - a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of the old town.

Dedicate your day to exploring Rouen's medieval quarter with its stunning half-timbered houses and Gothic churches. Visit the famous astronomical clock adorned with golden sheep representing the city's historic wool trade. Explore the market square where Joan of Arc was martyred in 1431, then wander cobblestone streets discovering artisan shops and hidden courtyards. Evening features dinner and perhaps a concert at one of Rouen's intimate music venues, showcasing Normandy's vibrant arts scene.

Drive to Honfleur, the most romantic harbor town in Normandy, and a beloved retreat for Parisians. Spend the afternoon wandering the picturesque Vieux Bassin, where colorful timber-framed houses reflect in the still harbor waters. Visit the remarkable wooden Sainte-Catherine Church, built entirely by shipwrights in the 15th century. Browse art galleries showcasing local artists who continue the town's Impressionist legacy. Evening brings dinner overlooking the harbor, sampling fresh mussels and Norman cider.

In the morning, visit the hilltop Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grâce, where sailors have given thanks for centuries. Explore museums dedicated to local artists and composers, or walk along the estuary paths to the nearby sandy beach. Afternoon is yours for gallery browsing, sampling macarôn and sea salt chocolate at local shops, or simply soaking in the harbor atmosphere that captivated Monet, Boudin, and generations of artists. This is the perfect day to wander and absorb Honfleur's timeless charm.

Drive through the Norman countryside to France's most iconic island monastery. Arrive at Mont Saint-Michel in late afternoon as day-trippers begin departing. Check into your accommodation on the island itself - a rare privilege that allows you to experience the medieval village after crowds leave. As night falls, narrow cobblestone streets empty and lampposts cast golden light on centuries-old stone walls. Explore the village in peaceful solitude, watching the tide transform the landscape.

Wake early for another lap around the island as the sun rises, and first entry to the Abbey. You'll beat the tour bus crowds to explore the medieval monastery's Gothic spires, Romanesque halls, and cloistered gardens in relative quiet. After your visit, drive to Paris, returning your rental car before checking into your Paris hotel. In the evening, stroll your neighborhood to see why Paris is called the City of Light.

Your first full day in Paris is best served by a guided tour that highlights all the famous historical landmarks you will want to return to. After lunch, head to the Notre-Dame Cathedral to witness ongoing restoration efforts, and stroll along the Seine watching as booksellers begin opening up shop - a tradition that goes back 500 years. In the evening, explore Le Marais, browsing independent boutiques, the Jewish quarter, and your choice of excellent local restaurants.