7 Nights / 8 Days
Some destinations are renowned for their indulgences, and France is one of them.
But who could blame it? How can you not embrace an allure that is the pinnacle of elegance? Or revel in a gastronomic scene where even bread and pastries are the stars of every course. And who wouldn’t pair every meal with a glass of wine when it’s the holy grail of every connoisseur?
However, France doesn’t just sit around all day in cafés and let the world unfold through foie gras; for it too has an adventurous side. One that runs marathons, ventures on walks along the coast of Normandy, and even cycles across the historical beaches of D-Day.
And France by Travelive invites your travelers to discover it. So, grab a family member or a friend, carb up with a baguette, and prepare to journey from the Seine to the sea!
- 3 Nights in Paris
- 4 Nights in Normandy
Best Travel Period — From April to late October
Day 1 – Arrival in Luminous Paris
Welcome to Paris, the world’s gateway to chic, fashion, and this time around: adventure! Whether traveling with family or friends, prepare to see the City of Light like you’ve never seen it before, as it illuminates your way toward something new and exhilarating. And speaking of illumination, as twilight settles over the capital, hop into a private vehicle and set out on an evening tour of Paris at its most electric. From the glittering silhouette of the Eiffel Tower to the grand sweep of the Arc de Triomphe, consider this your warm-up lap through a city that knows how to shine long after sunset.
Le Grand Hôtel Cayré
Set in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 4-star Le Grand Hôtel Cayré revives a storied address with Roaring Twenties flair, blending Michaelis Boyd’s elegant design with the neighborhood’s literary and artistic spirit. A refined Left Bank retreat where heritage and creativity meet.
Le Castille Paris
Tucked within the prestigious 1st arrondissement near the Louvre and Place Vendôme, 5-star Le Castille Paris pairs understated Parisian elegance with subtle Italian charm. Soft-toned interiors, spacious suites, and a warm, intimate ambiance create a sophisticated base for exploring the capital.
- Paris Marathon – April 12, 2026
For those seeking some extra activity, why not experience Paris during its eponymous Marathon? This sporty event transforms the city into a car-free celebration of endurance, energy, and camaraderie, making for a spectacular way to see iconic landmarks from a heart-racing perspective.
Important Note: Registration for the Marathon must be handled by travelers directly, and all required documentation must be provided prior to booking.
Day 2 – Paris in Motion
Today, take your Parisian exploration up a notch (quite literally) with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where sweeping views remind you that you’ve finally made it to one of the world’s most desired destinations. Then, trade ordinary sightseeing for something far more playful: a spin through the capital aboard a vintage Citroën 2CV or a fun sidecar. Cruise beyond the usual landmarks as you uncover character-filled streets and discover a Paris that feels both intimate and exhilarating. The perfect blend of culture and momentum.
- If preparing for the Paris Marathon, consider a training run along the Seine; if not to set a PR then to add Paris to your running resume.
Day 3 – Royal Treasures & Bohemian Heights
This morning, all eager explorers shall embark on a playful treasure hunt through the gardens of none other than the Palace of Versailles! Armed with clues and curiosity, uncover hidden corners, grand fountains, and royal secrets as history transforms into an interactive adventure for all ages.
Back in Paris, the cobbled lanes of Montmartre await, echoing with musings of artists in the likes of Van Gogh, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Climb toward the gleaming Sacré-Cœur Basilica, savor its panoramic views, and if travelling with little ones, don’t deny them the fun of enjoying a ride on a nearby carousel. Conclude with delicious crêpes or sweet local treats at a cozy café, much like the iconic patrons of Paris’s bohemian heart once did.
Cruise to the Marne
Come summer, trade palace gardens and bohemia for riverbanks and set sail toward the leafy outskirts of Paris. Glide along the Marne River aboard a private boat, cruising from the capital to charming Nogent-sur-Marne. Pause for a relaxed lunch at a lively riverside guinguette before drifting back toward the city, wine or soft drinks in hand. If lock timings allow, sail through Paris itself for a refreshing, open-air glimpse of the capital with just the right splash of its quintessential charm.
Day 4 – From Paris to Normandy via Giverny
It’s time for Paris to release you into the great wide open of Normandy, one of France’s most unique and desirable regions, where endless coastlines and evergreen countryside await. En route, paint the way to the storybook village of Giverny to explore the enchanting home and gardens of Claude Monet. Wander beneath willow branches, cross the famous Japanese bridge, and witness the iconic lily-covered ponds that everyone has seen at least once in their lives. Continue onward toward Deauville, where sea air will replace city buzz and welcome a new chapter of your adventure.
Mercure Deauville Centre
Housed in a charming Anglo-Norman building in the heart of Deauville, 4-star Mercure Deauville Centre offers an authentic stay just steps from the marina and town center. Ideally positioned for both seaside relaxation and excursions to Caen and the D-Day beaches.
Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville
A legendary Anglo-Norman mansion built in 1912, 5-star Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy rises gracefully near Deauville’s iconic boardwalk and sandy shores. Timeless, elegant, and steeped in glamour, it remains the quintessential address for discovering Normandy’s most refined seaside resort.
- Giverny in Full Bloom
Springtime travelers will get to witness Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny reopen in a breathtaking revival of color, as tulips, irises, and wisteria commence their seasonal bloom. It is a fleeting, painterly spectacle of the very landscapes that inspired Impressionism coming back to life in vivid, fragrant detail.
Day 5 – Cliffs, Coastlines & Courage
Today, Normandy opens up its heart and soul. Heading west along the dramatic Alabaster Coast, Fécamp and Étretat shall reveal new horizons from atop towering chalk cliffs. After pondering a swim across the English Channel (how could you not), set off on an invigorating coastal stroll, catching breaths of salt-kissed air as sweeping panoramas take them away. An off-the-beaten path adventure if there ever was one.
Cycling Through History
For a touch of exhilaration and depth, opt for a family-friendly biking adventure across the historic D-Day Landing Beaches, tracing one of the most defining chapters of World War II. Scenic yet deeply moving, this ride blends reflection, resilience, and the raw beauty of Normandy’s shores into one invigorating day.
Day 6 – The Tides of Mont Saint-Michel
No adventure through Normandy would be complete without encountering something truly otherworldly. That is where Mont Saint-Michel comes in, rising from vast tidal flats like a northern mirage. Journey across sweeping countryside before ascending into its medieval lanes, where an isolated commune resides amid stone houses, narrow passages, and centuries of history. Visit the abbey and explore its soaring terraces and Gothic halls, where sea and sky stretch endlessly beyond granite walls. Then, as tides shift and light dances across the bay, you’ll understand why this iconic marvel feels less like a monument, and more like a living legend.
Day 7 – Departure: From the Sea Back to the Seine
After days of cliffs, cobblestones, cycling paths, coastal air (and, of course, Paris) it’s time to begin your adventure back home. Wave one last goodbye to France’s northern coast as a private transfer whisks you off to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where Normandy’s sea breeze shall feel like a distant but ever-refreshing memory.
You arrived expecting elegance (of which there was also plenty) but depart having discovered something more: a France that moves, breathes, climbs, rides, and runs alongside you. From the Seine to the sea and back, this was a French journey that truly defied all expectations.