France

The Best of Northern France: Paris and Normandy

Program No. 21095RJ
Alongside scholars and local experts, find out how the history, architecture, cafés and cuisine makes these two regions both so unique and both so distinctly French.

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At a Glance

Experience two faces of France on this journey that combines field trips led by top-notch Road Scholar experts with plenty of time for independent discoveries. Begin by discovering Paris’ grand boulevards, Gothic architecture and world-class museums. Then venture to Normandy to explore its Celtic-influenced culture, medieval history, natural beauty and tantalizing cuisine.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to 3 miles per day during scheduled activities; cobblestone street, uneven ground and hilly terrain. Use of the metro in Paris; walking up/down stairs with railings as elevators/escalators are not always available at each station. Must be prepared for large crowds in Paris.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Paris’ markets, museums and cafés and take a field trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles.
  • Learn the story of the Allied Invasion of Normandy as you explore the D-Day landing beaches.
  • Discover Mont Saint-Michel, a medieval island fortress and abbey that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. Hotels vary by date. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "The Best of Southern France: Provence and the Cote d'Azur" (#21096) for even more learning in France! Due to the fire at Notre Dame, the cathedral is closed to visitors. Road Scholar programs that visit île de la Cité will be able to see the outside of the cathedral, but we will not be able to go inside.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Libby Chandler
Libby Chandler lives in the southwest county of Devon in the United Kingdom, across the English Channel from the Normandy Beaches. At the age of 22, she moved to France to live in the Alps and polish her French for several years. Libby is an addicted traveler with a lust for learning, spending her time in France and across Europe. Leading groups since 1994, she works as a freelance group manager for educational organizations and in the Himalayan mountains during the winter.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Libby Chandler
Libby Chandler View biography
Libby Chandler lives in the southwest county of Devon in the United Kingdom, across the English Channel from the Normandy Beaches. At the age of 22, she moved to France to live in the Alps and polish her French for several years. Libby is an addicted traveler with a lust for learning, spending her time in France and across Europe. Leading groups since 1994, she works as a freelance group manager for educational organizations and in the Himalayan mountains during the winter.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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