Your Man in Europe
An Excursion to the North of France
May 15 - 29, 2027 $5895.00 per person
An Excursion to the North of France
Paris, Ile de France, Alsace, and Normandy
May 15 – 29, 2027 13 Nights
Everyone has heard about summers in “the South of France”. Come along with Your Man in Europe for one of the most exceptional tours you’ll ever take exploring “the North of France”! This grand circuit starts with memorable days in Paris and its surrounding region, known as the Ile de France, and then moves on by high-speed train to the fabulous Alsace Region and the breathtaking city of Strasbourg. The journey continues to amazing Mont St Michel, and on to the D-Day beaches of Normandy This fully escorted small group tour is the perfect way to explore the unmatched delights of Paris, the picturesque beauty of Alsace, and the tranquility of Normandy, - all at an unhurried pace. Enjoy the food, the people, and the atmosphere of great destinations in a style that makes you part of the place, not just a tourist passing through. On our exclusive tour we’ll visit the hidden countryside never dreamed of on a typical big bus tour or cruise side trip. We’ll visit – and often stay overnight in – some of the officially-designated “Most Charming Villages in France” – with our accommodations, and many of our meals, in intimate boutique hotels and country inns. Even veteran European travelers will find this tour different from any other; and if you’ve never traveled in France it’s a crash course in making dreams come true!
STRICTLY LIMITED TO 10 GUESTS (Due to accommodations in boutique hotels and dining venues, and limited seating in private vans)
Itinerary
May 15, Saturday – Embark on overnight flight to Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport. Flight arrangements are the responsibility of guests, and are not included in the tour price. Plan your flight to arrive no later than 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 16th.
May 16, Sunday – Arrive by 11 AM and meet with the tour guide at Charles de Gaulle Airport after your morning arrival. and drop our luggage at our wonderfully-located boutique hotel. Our oh so French hotel is in one of the city’s most charming and central areas. We’ll be staying on the island Ile St Louis, which is actually like a small village right in the midst of Paris. We’ll have a short walking tour to introduce everyone to the neighborhood, followed by a leisurely light lunch together.
After lunch we will check into our rooms, and have some free time to relax. In the early evening we’ll take a brisk walk to a unique and unforgettable restaurant for our “Welcome to France” dinner with plenty of French wine. A good night’s sleep awaits – and after this dinner, you should sleep just fine!
May 17, Monday – After a perfect French breakfast we’ll begin the day’s adventure with a nice walking tour all on the Isle de la Cite, just across a little pedestrian bridge from our island. An early stop there will be at the freshly restored Cathedral of Notre Dame. For the most ambitious among us use your Paris Museum Pass to return later to climb up into the cathedral towers made legendary by Victor Hugo's novel, published in 1831. From the top of the Towers, take in a panorama of the whole city of Paris.
Continuing our walking tour, we’ll make our way through the gorgeous Flower Market, and on to one of the most spectacular sites in – not just Paris – but in the world: the Gothic chapel, Sainte Chapelle. In 1239, after two years of negotiation, Louis IX acquired the Crown of Thorns from Beaudouin II of Courtenay, Latin emperor of Byzantium. With this extraordinary acquisition, costing 135,000 Livres Tournois (half the annual income of the French kingdom), Saint Louis expressed his piety, but also increased the prestige of France. Paris became, in the eyes of medieval Europe, a "new Jerusalem", and thus the beacon of Western Christianity. It was only fitting that Saint Louis conceived Sainte-Chapelle as a super-size reliquary exalting the most important relic of the Passion.
After a busy morning, enjoy a free afternoon for lunch on your own, and to use your Paris Museum Pass to get a jump on must-see Parisian attractions. Everyone will have a 2-day ticket for the popular BatoBus. These tour boats cruise up and down the Seine frequently; and may be used for easy transportation or simply as a way to cruise on the iconic river. NOTE: For those wanting to visit the Louvre Museum, today’s the only day to do so. It’s closed on Tuesdays, and we’ll be away on Wednesday. Consider (open today):
Louvre Museum
The Arc de Triomphe (Great views & there is an elevator)
La Cinematheque Francaise – Musee Melies (Cinema museum)
Musee de L’Orangerie
The Pantheon
You might want to take another direction today or tomorrow: Paris has fabulous public gardens that are free. Probably the most famous is Luxembourg Garden with its lush green lawns and iconic pond where children play with little boats. Relax in the sunshine, have a picnic, and watch the Parisian people enjoy life.
Also: Your BatoBus route does include a stop at the Eifel Tower. That’s much cheaper than a taxi, and much easier than taking the Paris Metro (subway). NOTE: The Eifel Tower IS NOT included on the Paris Museum Pass. To get past the mobs of people milling around under the tower, you can book various ways to go up the tower on an elevator. The line is usually enormous, so book your ticket well in advance. (Or: just be patient - you will have another chance to see the famous tower later.)
Conclude your visits to iconic Parisian attractions by 6:00 pm, when we will gather back at the hotel for another exciting evening entertainment. Suggestion: consider splurging on a late lunch today, as dinnertime on your own might be pushed to a pretty late hour (or hoard some ample snacks in your hotel room so you won’t go to bed hungry.)
May 18, Tuesday – After another great breakfast, today will be a “Choose Your Own Adventure Day”. Take the opportunity to use your Paris Museum Pass (included) to visit any of the dozens of attractions available on the pass. NOTE: PLAN AHEAD! Some of the venues require advance timed entry reservations (included with the pass, but must be initiated in advance). Here are some of the attractions included on the Paris Museum Pass Look into what may be of most interest) Open today:
Musee d’Orsay
The Conciergerie
The Arc de Triomphe
Musee de Cluny – Musee du Moyen Age
Musee de L’Armee – Tomb of Napoleon
Musee de L’Orangerie
Musee Picasso
Musee Rodin
The Pantheon
The Archaeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité
And don’t forget the gardens and the Eifel Tower as possibilities.
Enjoy a day taking in the most iconic sights in Paris at your own pace. Everyone can use the second day of the BatoBus pass. Enjoy a lunch on your own today.
Wrap up your sight-seeing by 6:30 pm, when we’ll meet at our hotel to go for a lovely dinner together in an utterly charming French restaurant. Following a great Parisian meal, we’ll head for an evening experience you’ll never forget – one very few Paris visitors will ever get to do!
May 19, Wednesday – After another great breakfast, we’ll set out from central Paris to make our way to a delightful, but often overlooked area of Paris just north of the city center. First, we’ll tour Napoleon & Josephine’s fabled home Malmaison. See the wonderfully tasteful home that houses famous artifacts from the lives of one of history’s most legendary couples. Learn first-hand about the woman who was “the inspiration behind the throne.” Afterward we’ll travel back in time to enjoy a gourmet luncheon together at a very recognizable Seine riverbank restaurant, a favorite of Impressionist artists.
Then we’ll move on to the town of Auvers-sur- Ouise, a must-see destination for art lovers – the last home of Vincent Van Gogh. Remarkably unchanged for more than 100 years, it is filled with images immortalized by Van Gogh’s final works. Walk paths traveled by Van Gogh and stop by the very spots he stood while painting some of his most familiar masterpieces.
In the evening, once we’ve returned to central Paris (and caught our breath), everyone can go out for one last dinner in Paris on your own. It’s our last evening in Paris, so maybe a late-evening treat wouldn’t be too bad!
May 20, Thursday – After one more delicious breakfast, we’ll board out high-speed train to Strasbourg, in the Alsace region of France. We’ll drop our luggage at our perfectly-located boutique hotel before going for a classic Alsatian lunch in the old city. After lunch and an easy stroll in the center of the old town, we’ll return to our hotel to get checked in, and have a little relaxation time.
Later we’ll go for a river cruise to truly appreciate Strasbourg’s beauty, on board a glass-topped boat. We’ll glide along the city’s canals and rivers to see charming Petite France from the water, the covered bridges, and both the old and new city areas of this utterly charming city. Insightful narration (often in multiple languages) will tell us about Strasbourg’s storied past. In the evening we’ll go out for an authentic Alsatian dinner together in a classic historic building dating to 1427.
May 21, Friday – After a nice breakfast at our hotel, we’re off on a private minibus tour to the famed Castle of Haut-Koenigsberg. A tour of the spectacular castle is like a trip back in time. With its soaring red stone walls and towers, this renowned castle is so atmospheric you’ll expect to come upon a furious sword fight between armored knights around every corner!
From there we’ll make our way to the fantastically picturesque village of Kaysersberg. Stroll the streets, and just soak in the utter charm of this picture-perfect little town. This fairytale village offers plenty of “Kodak Moments”! Enjoy an Alsatian lunch on your own while exploring this enchanting place.
We’ll complete the day with a visit to one of the regions wonderful family-owned vineyards. Alsatian wine is truly a delight; and we’ll have a wine tasting right in the vineyard where the grapes were produced. After a fantastic day of touring, once back in Strasbourg everyone is free to enjoy an evening stroll and a dinner on your own in this truly enchanting place before turning in for a well-deserved night of sleep.
May 22, Saturday – After breakfast together in picture-perfect Strasbourg, there will be plenty of free time to explore the town, including its splendid cathedral. Set out on your own exploration right away.
The old section of town, known as “Grand Island”, originally established by the Romans in 12 BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque Petite France district is perfectly preserved, within the city of Strasbourg. It’s one of those places where visitors, on taking it all in, stop in their tracks and whisper “wow”. Pretty half-timbered houses, beautifully decorated bars and restaurants and the sparkling water of the River Ill make this a magnet for tourists. Every turn in the road offers another “Kodak moment”! Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own today. You’ll love having this free day to investigate this endlessly captivating old city. Oh, and by the way, the shopping is quite fine in Strasbourg!
May 23, Sunday - We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Strasbourg before boarding our high-speed train to Rennes. Lunch will be an onboard treat, a train picnic, as we cruise through the breathtaking scenery passing by outside our windows. In the mid-afternoon we arrive at the old city of Rennes, the Capital of the Region of Brittany – and the hopping-off point for our van transportation to Mont Saint Michel. We’ll arrive at the island at a great time – just as the hoards of tourists from Paris are departing. Our unique rooms on the ancient island offer an unforgettable experience – one worthy of anyone’s “bucket list”! But they are not your typical hotel rooms. Luggage will be difficult to manage on steep stairways and cobblestone alleyways. SO: When our tour members are repacking to leave Strasbourg, pack a minimal amount into a backpack or carry-on bag to take onto the island of Mont St. Michel. The larger luggage will be securely stored in lockers down at the visitor center. No worries – just plan ahead and be prepared.
All the pictures, guidebooks, and stories about the place don’t come close to capturing Mont-Saint-Michel’s magnificence. It’s a magical castle-like assemblage of spires, towers, and sheer walls on a seemingly inaccessible island in the middle of a broad sand plain. We may be fortunate enough to see the ocean tide rushing in, surrounding the island by the sea. We’ll see the awe-inspiring vista of the tidal plain as we have dinner together at one of the restaurants offering the best views of the whole panorama. Then we’ll make our way back to our rooms for a good night’s sleep (as the nightlife on le Mont is a bit slow.)
May 24, Monday – Today we’ll gather for breakfast early enough to begin our exploration of the island before the tourist buses arrive. Early risers win with the best light — and the fewest other tourists. Before the town fills up, we’ll enjoy Mont St-Michel's fine 15th-century fortifications with a guided tour to the abbey. For centuries pilgrims and monks have climbed the abbey's stone steps. The abbey of Mont St-Michel has been a holy site since the year 708, when a local bishop had a vision in which the Archangel Michael convinced him to build here. This was an immense building project evolving over many centuries. It was a marvel — a medieval skyscraper, built upon a rock crowned by a gilded statue of Saint Michael. When you visit, just imagine the incredible challenges of the monks who ferried granite from across the bay and hoisted it uphill to construct the ramparts.
They were built to defend against a new weapon: the cannon. While the English took all the rest of Normandy, they never took this well-fortified island. Because of its stubborn success against the English through all those years, Mont St-Michel became a symbol of French national identity. The centerpiece of this extraordinary construction is its church. While it's mostly 11th-century Romanesque (with round arches and small windows), the apse behind the altar was built later with it's Gothic pointed arches and larger windows.
The guide and entrance to the abbey are included. After the tour enjoy time to explore the island at your own pace. Take in the magnificent views, the narrow cobblestone passageways, and the charming village, which was born to support the abbey. Have lunch and dinner on your own at any of the cafes and restaurants tucked away on the island.
May 25, Tuesday – After one last breakfast on le Mont, our driver will meet us at the tourist center outside the walls of the village to transport us to our next destination, Beuvron-en-Auge. We’ll travel through the heart of Normandy, with intriguing stops along the way as time allows. We’ll have lunch on your own at one of the stops on our way to the beyond-picturesque village of Beuvron-en-Auge.
On arrival, you’ll think you’ve somehow strayed into medieval times. We’ll enjoy a quiet evening with a lovely dinner together and a stroll through the old village before turning in.
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May 26, Wednesday – After a delightful home-made French breakfast at our cozy inn, we resume our touring in Normandy with a short trip to the North Sea Coast to the famed D-Day beaches.
It was on these serene beaches, at the crack of dawn on June 6, 1944, that the Allies finally gained a foothold in France. From this moment, Nazi Europe was destined to crumble. The 54 miles of Atlantic coast north of Bayeux — stretching from Utah Beach in the west to Sword Beach in the east — feature WWII museums, monuments, cemeteries, and battle scars left in tribute to the courage of the British, Canadian, and American armies that successfully carried out the largest military operation in history.
We’ll stop at Arromanches with its stunning and moving 360 Cinema, a cinematic experience created to make viewers feel how this historic day unfolded. From there we’ll enjoy a leisurely drive along the coast with stops to visit more Normandy D-Day sites. Further up the coast we’ll head for Omaha Beach, where we’ll break for lunch together at a well-known restaurant overlooking the historic beach.
Afterward, we’ll continue on to Pointe du Hoc. This remarkable site was the stage for one of the most daring operations of the Allied landings. On the morning of June 6th the precipitous cliffs of Pointe du Hoc were stormed by the Rangers of Colonel Rudder, who bravely battled to secure this strategic position. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this crucial German stronghold, which serves as a poignant testament to the courage and determination of the heroes who fought there.
The entire site was formally transferred by France to the American Battle Monuments Commission for perpetual care and maintenance in 1979. This battle-scarred area on the left flank of Omaha Beach remains much as the Rangers left it, with impressive bomb craters that serve as stark reminders of the fierce tumult that occurred there.
Our last stop will be the American Military Cemetery and museum at Omaha Beach. In contrast to the rough bomb craters of Pointe du Hoc, this area has been transformed into a serene landscape - a place for somber meditation. The remarkable museum offers an overview of the world-changing events that occurred in this place. After an incredible day of sight-seeing along the coast, we’ll return to Beuvron-en-Auge for dinner on your own in the village, and another peaceful overnight stay.
May 27, Thursday – After a lovely breakfast we’ll set out, once again, for a short road trip – this time to the breathtakingly beautiful town of Honfleur. We’ll begin with a private guided tour to explore this
incredibly picturesque seaside town. Honfleur is so enchanting that people often forget it was originally built for trade. During the Hundred Years’ War, the French king fortified the port, although that didn’t stop the English taking it over for several decades. Before the French Revolution, Honfleur’s shipowners made their fortune from trading, especially with North America. Samuel de Champlain, one of the most famous explorers associated with the port, departed on his voyage from Honfleur to found the Canadian city of Quebec.
The neighborhoods on each side of the Vieux Bassin all have their own character. To the east we’ll see the amazing, splendid wooden church of Sainte Catherine, and the town’s main art museums. Honfleur’s beauty has long attracted artists. Honfleur takes particular pride in its Impressionist roots – Claude Monet’s mentor, Eugène Boudin was born in the town, and Monet and his contemporaries would often set up their easels on the hill above the enchanting town to capture the beautiful light of the Seine estuary.
After our walking tour we’ll have free time to explore, maybe do some shopping, and have a light lunch on your own at one of the many charming restaurants you may have spotted earlier. In the later afternoon we’ll return to Beuvron-en-Auge for a splendid gourmet dinner together you’ll never forget, and our last night in Normandy. (Heads up: be sure to bring at least one “smart casual” outfit to wear at this – and a few other - dressier events [eg.no cargo shorts, T-shirts, ball caps, and flip flops)
May 28, Friday – After another tasty breakfast, we’ll check out of our charming inn, and make our way toward Paris with our private driver. Along the way, we’ll stop at Giverny, and Monet’s famous garden and studio. In 1883 the painter, Claude Monet, discovered the village whilst looking out of the train window. By 1890 he had become the owner of the house and gardens, and had started to transform them completely. To achieve his aim he didn't hesitate to divert a branch of the Epte River to his garden. In his letters Monet expressed his stronger and stronger attachment to Giverny. He would stay and work in his beloved village until his death – leaving behind “a living painting”.
After our visit to Monet’s Garden, we’ll continue on to our hotel at Charles de Gaulle Airport. This convenient hotel is connected to the terminals, and is ideal for early departures the next day.
We’ll have our Farewell Dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant.
May 29, Saturday – Flights to USA from CDG. Or extend your stay in Paris.
What’s in store for us?
This tour is custom-planned for a small group of no more than 10 guests. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, you have never experienced Italy like this. We’re sure the journey will captivate you. You’ll be part of a magical adventure - complete with music, and surprises that will delight you at every turn. There are no exhausting bus rides or inconveniently-located hotels.
We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. Hotels and most restaurants on the entire tour have been selected for their very specific location or high level of “atmosphere”. The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way large groups simply cannot do. We make it easy, comfortable and stress-free. No guest has to worry about the details of where we are going next. You will feel as if you are not a tourist, but a guest of your French friends.
Your Tour Guide: Larry Ivy is the Tour Coordinator and guide for Your Man in Europe, and a long-time veteran of European travel and unique private tour-leading. Larry wants just one thing: for you to have “the best time of your life”!
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Complete Prices for the May 15 - 29, 2027 Tour
5895.00 Per Person
*All prices are based on Double Occupancy. Single supplement is an additional $890.
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A $500 deposit, due by November 10th, 2026, will hold your place on the tour. The remaining balance may be paid in increments on your own schedule, but the final payment is due by March 15, 2027. Make checks payable to “Your Man in Europe” - 2608 S University Drive - Fort Worth TX 76109. Please inquire about other means of payment or visit our website "Tour Details" page for information about PayPal and credit card payments.
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Tour Includes: Thirteen (13) nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in exceptional, very specially selected hotels and guest houses, all thirteen (13) breakfasts, five (5) lunches, and seven (7) dinners; all ground transportation; 1st class rail travel (where available), admissions to all attractions included in the tour itinerary, knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. Guests are encouraged to offer gratuities for outstanding service. There will be no additional charges for the tours and events specifically included by Your Man in Europe. There may be extra charges for optional tours not included in the detailed itinerary.
Not Included: Airfare to Paris (CDG), and returning from Paris; strongly recommended travel insurance; extra beverages (meals will include one beverage (wine, beer, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water) - cocktails or mixed alcoholic drinks ARE NOT included as a beverage, and will be charged separately); a la cart or premium menu selections beyond the established meal allowances; between meal snacks; gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities.
All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad and minibus travel will be NO-SMOKING.
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This tour is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 guests travelling together