In the 9th century the Vikings made frequent raids into northern France, plundering all in their way. Their long boats were well suited to the task, able to traverse the open ocean and sail up France's shallow rivers with ease. The men from the north, the Norsemen, eventually settled along France's northern coast and continued to raid their neighbors until they were bought off by the king of France with a small fortune and the lands we now call Normandy.
Eventually the Norsemen assimilated into French culture and turned north to conquer England thus setting up 900 years of sporadic English and French animosity. It took German aggression to bring the two neighbors back together with Normandy being the focus of another famous invasion in 1944. Today Normandy is best known for its famous D-day landing beaches. Remnants of the heroic invasion litter the Normandy coast and remind us of the sacrifices made for this land.
Normandy is a pastoral land of verdant valleys, apple orchards and a beautiful coastline. The region south of Bayeaux in the center of Normandy is called the Suisse Normande because of its high escaprments and myriad of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and kayaking. Just to the east of this area is the beautiful Norman town of Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror and scene of a well-studied WWII allied failure to pinch off a retreating German army.
Probably the most famous tapestry of all time, the 11th century Bayeaux tapestry is available to public viewing, all 230 feet of it! The embroidered cloth celebrates the victory of William the Conqueror over England. To the east, in Caen, lie the remains of the man himself. When you visit Normandy you will soon learn that this is a multi-dimensional place where foreign influences have played key roles in France's evolution.
We pride ourselves on providing a unique experience for every one of our guests. After all, it is one of the reasons you choose a private guide over a public tour bus. With a private guide you get something unheard of on a public tour...flexibility and our undivided attention. You can consider us your friends who live in France, friends who just so happen to have the time and inclination to show you around this great country.
Normandy is a vast land of apple orchards, river valleys and greenery. Bayeaux and Caen are often utilized as bases from which to visit the landing beaches and the natural wonders of the Suisse Normande.
Visiting the WWII landing beaches and the town of Bayeaux makes for a beautiful and informative, long day trip away from Paris.
At A Guide in France we do not use standardized itineraries; therefore, we often dine casually, on-the-fly. If you have any restaurant preferences, please let us know during the itinerary-building process and we will plan accordingly.
Meals: we usually dine separately from our guests but will join you if asked. Either way, we will always assist you with the menus and ordering.
Pricing for Travel Partner extended-length guide services*
  • 1 to 2 people = €350/day up to 12 hours
  • 3 to 4 people = €450/day up to 12 hours

Price does not include food, fuel, autoroute tolls, train tickets or entrance fees. Drinks and snacks are provided.

*3 days or more. For quotes on day tours, contact us.
To get started, contact us anytime. Ask questions, tell us where you want to go and what you want to see. We're always glad to help and we look forward to showing you beyond the Eiffel Tower.
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