Paris to Rouen and Etretat: Private day trip

Begin at Rouen Cathedral, immortalized in Monet's series of 30 paintings capturing the facade in different lights and seasons, to admire its intricate Gothic facade and soaring spires that inspired generations of artists and writers including Victor Hugo who called it a symphony in stone. Step inside to see the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, whose heart is buried here in a lead casket, and stunning stained glass windows spanning five centuries of artistic evolution from medieval craftsmanship to modern restoration that tell the story of Norman Christianity and artistic achievement. Walk to the Place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431—now marked by a striking modern church designed to evoke flames and a comprehensive museum dedicated to her extraordinary life, trial, and martyrdom that changed French history and created one of history's most enduring legends. Explore the atmospheric medieval quarter with its incredible collection of over 700 half-timbered houses featuring intricate timber frameworks and carved decorations, including the famous Gros-Horloge astronomical clock spanning the street with its single hand marking hours as it has since 1389, serving as the heartbeat of medieval Rouen. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts to see works by Monet, Renoir, and Caravaggio, then stroll along the Seine quays lined with medieval houses and browse the antique shops and traditional Norman restaurants serving regional specialties like canard aux cerises and tarte normande that showcase Norman culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Walk along Étretat's dramatic pebble beach to appreciate the stunning perspective of the Falaise d'Amont and Falaise d'Aval cliffs rising 70 meters from the English Channel in spectacular formations carved by millennia of wind, waves, and erosion that have created one of nature's most dramatic architectural masterpieces. Climb the cliff paths for breathtaking views—take the trail to the Falaise d'Aval to see the famous Porte d'Aval natural arch and l'Aiguille (the Needle), a spectacular 70-meter stone pillar standing sentinel in the sea like a natural cathedral spire that has inspired countless artists and writers. Hike to the Falaise d'Amont for panoramic views and visit the chapel dedicated to aviators including Nungesser and Coli who attempted the first transatlantic flight from here in 1927, never to be seen again, adding human drama to this already dramatic landscape. Explore the charming Belle Époque village center with its traditional Norman architecture, elegant villas from the resort era, art galleries celebrating the landscape that inspired Monet, Courbet, and Boudin, and seafood restaurants serving fresh Channel catches in settings that have remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century. Visit the villa where Guy de Maupassant lived and wrote many of his famous short stories inspired by Norman coastal life and the eternal struggle between humans and the sea. The dramatic landscape continues to inspire artists today—bring a camera to capture the ever-changing light on these magnificent chalk formations that represent some of nature's most spectacular architecture and have become symbols of Norman coastal beauty recognized around the world.