France
The Seine: D-Day Beaches to Paris
Program No. 12416RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of the significant events of World War II, learning about the beaches of Normandy and historic sites of occupied Paris on expert-led excursions.
Participant Reviews
Based on 37 Reviews
SHOWING
I took this trip because I wanted to see the Normandy Beaches, and I had been on 12 previous wonderful Road Scholar Trips. As usual, the participants were wonderful and very open to us three SOLO travelers. The Normandy beaches were covered in detail, and our local WWII guide was excellent. The local expert guide on the German occupation also did a wonderful job, and I learned a lot from her that I didn't expect. Please note that Notre Dame Cathedral is open, and you can stand in line and get in to see it during your free time on Saturday afternoon (Boston couldn't answer my questions on Notre Dame before the trip). It was fabulous. The trip to the Louvre was a waste. We were let go at 2;30 and told to return at 4:30. It took me 45 minutes to find my way back to the entrance to catch the bus. If you want to keep the Louvre portion of the trip on the schedule, it needs to be a (quick) guided tour. My biggest concern is on the health and safety aspect of this trip. We had 84 Road Scholars and 3 Road Scholar guides on the trip. When we got on the boat in LeHarvre, several of us noted that our allergies were starting to act up. I started to feel BAD on September 29and on October 18 (today), I am still fighting the crud, virus, etc. that I caught three weeks ago. 90% of our group is also sick (one was hospitalized). I feel that we should have been warned by the RS Leaders that there was something going around and for us to take appropriate actions
— Review left October 18, 2025
This is the best D-Day itinerary we had encountered, and it lived up to our expectations.
— Review left October 16, 2025
Olivier Horslaville, our guide, was fantastic. Did a great job at both the beaches and in Paris. Couldn't have been better!
— Review left October 15, 2025
World War II experts were great, visits to beaches and other WWII sites were outstanding. Visit to Monet’s Gardens was also nice. Riverboat (Renoir) was clean, pleasant and staff were friendly and helpful.
Hotel at airport for 1st and last nights was not very good. Recommended to RS they consider changing hotels. Crammed rooms, ventilation for rooms was non-existent and no food except breakfast and pizza.
Disappointed in what we got to see in Paris. There was no general City tour like I thought there would be and trip to the Louvre was a disaster. We were just dropped off there to fend for ourselves. Not possible with time allotted. If you go on this trip, recommend skipping that unless they offer a guide to take you around the place. Spend your time doing something else if possible.
There was a lot more walking than indicated in the program information. Mostly 5 mile days and a lot of getting on and off a bus. If you are not physically able to walk 5 miles a day and get off and on a bus easily you probably don’t want to take this trip.
Road Scholar group leader and the WWII experts they hired were top notch. RS does this well.
Many people got sick with respiratory infections of some sort in our group. I would recommend not leaving home without some COVID tests so at least you know if it is or is not that and be sure to bring cold, flu, etc medications with you. We still have no clue if it was COVID and a lot of people had to bum medications off each other to try to cope. AND, be sure to bring a mask so when the first person starts coughing and sneezing, you can put on a mask. The one woman on our trip that did this on the bus did not get ill.
Overall recommend this for a wonderful experience in Normandy. If you really want to see Paris, come a day or two ahead and do it at your leisure.
Our group of participants (27) were fantastic. RS seems to attract a really good group of people. 1/2 of enjoyment was our fellow travelers!
— Review left October 14, 2025
This was a very informative trip with lots of information and participation. It kept us very active. I highly recommend this program- especially if two more group leader experiences in Paris happened.
— Review left October 8, 2025
Spending about 2 weeks in France exploring D-Day and then sights along La Seine to Paris was a trip of a lifetime! Having 5 days in Normandy gave me a fuller sense of events, engaged my emotions significantly and gave me powerful insights into how D-Day and the days after transpired. Learning about the Axis and Allies provided a well-rounded experience. Including art and "ancient" history into the region was a brilliant idea! I loved our days in Paris and it has inspired me to return some day.
— Review left October 8, 2025
T would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in traveling to and learning about D-Day and Normandy. The combination of land and boat was great.
— Review left October 7, 2025
I would highly recommend this Road Scholar trip. The group leaders and instructors were very knowledgable, the sites were interesting. The accommodations and food were fabulous. The trip was a nice balance of history of WWII, the Normandy area and the beautiful towns along the Seine.
— Review left June 21, 2025
Thrilling Exploration of Normandy
— Review left June 9, 2025
Excellent expérience. Staff was excellent from the waiters to our guide. All accommodations were excellent. Be prepared for busy, varied, and interesting adventure. Meeting new people from such a varied background added to the experience.
— Review left October 14, 2024
Excellent experience and learned so much about France during WW2, occupation, and D-Day. We had a great and knowledgeable group leader and everyone on the tour was fun to meet!
— Review left October 12, 2024
This program was a rich mix of history, culture and exploring the outdoors in a beautiful part of France. Really, two trips in one!
— Review left October 3, 2024
This program gave me a much deeper understanding of D Day and the war in France. I would highly recommend it to others who are interested in this subject.
— Review left October 2, 2024
A Rloads Scholar trip was a mind and heart changing experience for me. I wonder if I shall ever make a big trip on my own again, ....but I probably will!
— Review left May 26, 2024
This trip was top of the class for us. This was our 13th RS trip. We go with RS because of the knowledge and quality of the guides and instructors. The past came alive and folded into our understanding of the present. Also loved learning to eat the French way!
— Review left May 26, 2024
"The Siene: D-Day Beaches to Paris" was an exceptionally informative program focusing on WWII, and also including general history, architecture, and art. I wish everyone would take this tour! We can better appreciate what our parents, relatives, Allied Forces and the loyal French went through during this terrible time.
— Review left October 23, 2023
Our first Road Scholar trip and not our last .We met lots of experienced travelers that know a good deal when they see it . The knowledge base in each region we visited was outstanding !
— Review left October 22, 2023
Excellent, would do again just to learn more.
— Review left October 14, 2023
Having basically a lifelong desire to visit the Normandy area and the D-Day beaches and locations, i was definitely pleased with this trip. We spent time at all of the places necessary for the right learning experience from my perspective.the leaders were great and knowledgeable and well organized. I would highly recommend this trip to every American.
— Review left October 13, 2023
This program provided a variety of information and experiences. There was something here for everyone, i.e. WWII history, art, French culture, architecture, and a lovely cruise. Replicating this program on an individual basis would be next to impossible. The leaders and local guides were top notch and were eager to share their knowledge and experiences. What more could one ask?
— Review left October 13, 2023
This program's itinerary covered everything we wanted to see on a trip to Normandy - our guides were knowledgeable and engaging, the food terrific, and France itself was a delight. A wonderful two weeks! Deb B.
— Review left June 13, 2023
This experience was everything I hoped for and more.
The historical perspective offered during our field trips to the the beaches, towns, and memorials associated with D Day and the battle for Normandy was presented in a well organized and detailed way by an expert who accompanied the group for 3 days.
Accommodations and food throughout were outstanding.
— Review left October 23, 2022
It was our 4th Road Scholar. All have been uniformly excellent. The trip exceeded our expectations.
— Review left October 17, 2022
If you want to learn about the D-Day invasion in detail, this is a trip you should not miss! From trips to three of the landing beaches and an amazing museum in Caen, we really were educated about this massive undertaking. Road Scholar surpassed our expectations on this adventure in every way, from field trips, to food, to accommodations. We will certainly travel with them again.
— Review left October 11, 2022
This was a comprehensive over view of the WWII experience in Normandy. I thought Normandy was just one spot. I learned it covered many miles in France. The USA war effort, joined by Allies, was fascinating. Learning about the arts, Monet, the Louve made France come alive for me.
— Review left September 28, 2022
An incredible journey back into history and provide great perspective into the invasion, the effect on the French people, landscape and architecture
— Review left October 8, 2021
Road Scholar trips are not tourist trips.. they are a learning experience.
— Review left November 20, 2019
if you are interested in WW 2 history and sights along the Seine this is the perfect tour for you.
— Review left October 12, 2019
If you have an interest in knowing more about the Normandy invasion and obtain first hand observation on the various battle sites, then this trip is for you.
— Review left October 10, 2019
Great program! I gained a true appreciation for the efforts during D Day. Program guides were great and I highly recommend this program!
— Review left September 24, 2019
Just got in from the Mont St. Michel, Normandy, Paris, river cruise program after leaving Paris this AM. Could not have been better. Well organized. World class guides. Our first Road Scholar Program and certainly not our last.
— Review left September 11, 2019
This was just a marvelous tour. The history of the D-Day Invasion was shown at every beach and area. The river boat was wonderful, such a wonderful way to travel throughout this beautiful area.
— Review left May 29, 2019
This was a great trip. Excellent tour guide. Accomodations, transportation and food all excellent. Definitely worth the time and money.
— Review left May 24, 2019
If they are physically and financially able, everyone should go to Normandy, to understand what happened there. If you go, go with Road Scholar.
— Review left May 21, 2019
This was our 10th RS trip and I have to say it was the best! Our leader Bill was wonderful, we had a great group, and it was long enough to see many highlights in France. Food was amazing, everywhere. Boat lovely and we were lucky with the weather.
— Review left May 20, 2019
If you are interested in the WWII Normandy invasion, this trip will give you a good understanding of the topic.
— Review left May 2, 2019
This trip was perfect. We chose this tour because you visit all 5 beaches.
A friend from our local Maritime Foundation asked us to give a talk on D-Day when we returned.
Sure enough, we're giving that talk tonight. Luckily, we took a lot of pictures, and after doing more homework, we're ready to give the talk.
Our guides were wonderful, so knowledgeable.
We arrived in Paris 3 days early and stayed an extra 2 days to visit The Eiffel Tower, Montmarte, Chartres, Versailles, etc.
All in all it was wonderful
— Review left February 21, 2019