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Paris to Normandy - private guide

Hello - I will be in Paris the last week of April and I have only one day to visit Normandy. I'm aware that you can take a train but I'm looking at the possibility of having a private tour guide pick us up in Paris and take us to Normandy for the day. Has anyone done this and can you recommend the guide or tour company that you used? Any suggestions you have are most appreciated. Thank you!

Posted by
1689 posts

HQ Company can organize a private tour with transportation from Paris. Very pricey from Paris, but it's an option. Check their website under private tours. HQ Company is often recommended on this forum.

Luxury France Tours also does private tours out of Paris.

We used Overlord Tours. Not sure if they do a private pick up from Paris though.

Posted by
1526 posts

Understand that if you only have one day and you are starting and ending in Paris, most of that day will be in a car on the motorway. And you will see precious few actual Normandy sites related to the Battle of Normandy (i.e. "D-day"). The five beaches of D-day are 45 miles apart as the crow flies (Sword to Utah), and you won't fly. To get between them you have to go well inland and get on the N13 to traverse the area. And most sites of significance are not the beaches themselves anyway.

Unless you just want a crass selfie on a beach or cemetery to say you "did it," do yourself a favor and spend a couple of nights. Or save it for when you can give the area a decent visit. The area deserves it and you won't regret it.

Posted by
27 posts

Dear Pharmer Phil, you don't know me, nor do you know why I'm visiting Normandy. I can assure you that it is not to take a crass selfie.

Posted by
381 posts

In my experience, they emailed back very quickly, and then I confirmed their offer and date (I settled this before I even bought tickets because for me it was the focus of the trip because my grandpa was in the 101st during WW2) and we took 2 full days. I hope you have a great time!