Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist
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Mont Saint Michel is a bucket list destination located in the Normandy region of Northern France. The picturesque island rises majestically from the sea during high tide and is accessible to the mainland during low tide. The uniqueness of the island is one of the reasons the site has been occupied since 708. If you’re joining the more than 3 million people per year to visit, read our Mont St Michel travel tips before booking your vacation.
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You can’t visit Northern France and not take time to reflect on the history and sacrifices made during the Battle of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Overlord, 156,000 American, Canadian and British forces landed on five beaches of the heavily fortified Normandy coast on June 6, 1944. During the October school holiday, we decided to travel to Normandy, France and let the kids learn more about the importance of D-Day than they could ever get from their history books.
It was difficult to stand on the beautiful beaches of the French coast and imagine the Allies landing along this stretch of pristine sand. Walking along the shoreline after visiting the museums, bunkers and cemeteries helped put the battle into perspective.
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Arriving in Paris, we picked up our rental car and hit the road to explore Northern France on a two week roadtrip. While the temperature and weather didn’t always cooperate in late October, autumn is a lovely time to drive through France. The changing leaves and crisp air were a welcome change to the beaches of the South of France.
I’ve included our stops as well as some restaurant and accommodation recommendations. I’ve also mentioned how I would change the itinerary and offer suggestions for alternatives to suit other travel styles. So keep reading for an extensive 2 week Northern France travel guide.
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The perfect spot to immerse yourself in WWII history is the French city of Bayeux. Part of the Bessin area of Normandy, Bayeux was the first town liberated in mainland France. Bayeux has plenty to offer visitors and makes the perfect base to ponder the Battles of Normandy. We put together a 1 day travel guide to Bayeux, France to help visitors make the most of their time in the city.
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Visiting Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, France is a must. We stopped as part of a 2 week roadtrip through Northern France, but it would also be a perfect day trip from Paris. Escape the busy city and find inspiration at Monet’s House and Gardens. Visitors can tour the two gardens, as well as the house, to gain a sense of the daily life of the complex painter.
