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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Paris and the Normandy Beaches

Paris to the Normandy D-Day beaches by train and back

Illustration of Paris and the Normandy Beaches

Railbookers operates this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation that begins and ends in Paris, with a two-night stop in the Normandy town of Bayeux in between. After two nights in Paris, including a guided culinary tour of Montmartre on day 2, day 3 brings a train ride to Bayeux, a town the itinerary describes as having a medieval heart of cobbled streets and half-timber houses. Day 4 opens with a visit to the Tapisserie de Bayeux, an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion, before a private, guide-led half-day tour of D-Day sites including the Normandy American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and Omaha Beach. The train returns to Paris on day 5. Rail travel and hotel breakfasts are included throughout, along with the D-Day beaches tour. This trip suits travelers with an interest in history who want the highlights of Paris paired with a focused, guided look at the Normandy landing sites.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list includes 10 accommodation options across Paris and Bayeux; the specific hotel depends on the tier selected at booking.
  • The evidence lists the D-Day beaches tour as a 'UK specific' inclusion; confirm with Railbookers whether this applies to your booking market.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates for this itinerary; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Welcome to Paris! Once settled in at your hotel for a 2-night stay head out to enjoy the city which is blessed with so many great options to enjoy dinner. Be it a brasserie in the iconic St Germain region or climb the hill to the cobble streets of Montmartre and some great views across the city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Enjoy all the flavors of Paris on a guided culinary exploration around Montmartre. Use your free time to explore this historic city at your leisure.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bayeux

    Bayeux

    Following breakfast at your hotel make your way to the station for the train ride to Bayeux where you will spend the following 2-nights. The town's medieval heart of cobbled streets and half-timber houses is a beautiful place to unwind with numerous traditional cafes and restaurants to enjoy some local delicacies. A Calvados nightcap in this part of the world is a must!

  4. Day 4overnight: Bayeux

    Bayeux and The D-Day Beaches

    In the morning make time to visit the Tapisserie de Bayeux - a remarkable 11th-Century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of Britain. In the afternoon you will embark on a private tour led by a passionate guide of some of the most important sites in the country's history. Your tour will include such sites as the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Pointe du Hoc, and Omaha Beach before returning to Bayeux. In the evening perhaps take a stroll to the vast Bayeux Commonwealth War Cemetery to pay your respects to the fallen.

  5. Day 5rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Make your way to the station for your train back to Paris to continue your travels elsewhere. If you would like to extend your trip then please do speak to any of our Travel Consultants - a trip to St Michel in Normandy or further afield is certainly worthwhile!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An evening choice between a brasserie in the St Germain region or the cobbled streets of Montmartre for views across Paris.
  • Day 2A guided culinary tour around Montmartre, sampling the flavors of Paris, with free time afterward to explore the city.
  • Day 3The train from Paris arrives in Bayeux, a town with a medieval heart of cobbled streets and half-timber houses, where a Calvados nightcap is recommended.
  • Day 4A visit to the Tapisserie de Bayeux, an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of Britain, followed by a private guided tour of the Normandy American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and Omaha Beach.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bayeux
  • UK specific private half-day guided tour of the D-Day Normandy Beaches

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, along with 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris and 2 nights in Bayeux.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is independent travel with Rail Experts support. The D-Day beaches tour is privately guided, and Paris day 2 includes a guided culinary tour.
Which trains are used?
The evidence lists SNCF; the itinerary describes a train from Paris to Bayeux on day 3 and a return train to Paris on day 5.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 10 accommodation options across Paris and Bayeux, including the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra and the Chateau De Bellefontaine in Bayeux.
What does the D-Day tour cover?
A private half-day guided tour on day 4, covering the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Pointe du Hoc, and Omaha Beach.
How much walking is involved?
The days include a guided culinary walking tour of Montmartre, walking at the D-Day sites, and navigating Bayeux's cobbled medieval streets.

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