About the Journey 

Join study leader favorite Kevin Weddle *03 on a classic Princeton Journeys experience, a custom-designed exploration of Normandy and its World War II legacy. 

From your home base at an 18th-century château outside the historic town of Bayeux, set out to walk the Utah and Omaha Beaches, explore the Airborne Museum and significant military sites, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives at the Normandy American Cemetery. Weddle will guide you through the planning, execution, and human experience of Operation Overlord, providing a deeper understanding of one of the most consequential military operations in modern history. 

Throughout the adventure, enjoy guided walks through Normandy’s historic villages, including Bénouville, Bayeux, and Arromanches-les-Bains; explore Rouen and its magnificent cathedral; and savor the region’s flavors through curated dining experiences. The journey begins and concludes with overnights in Paris, perfect for extending your travels independently. 

This Princeton-exclusive program is limited to just 24 participants, so we encourage you to reserve your space today. 

View photos from our 2022 journey. 

Accommodation 

Hotel Pavillon Henri IV Paris, France 
Set in the historic town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, just outside Paris, Hotel Pavillon Henri IV occupies the former royal residence where King Louis XIV was born. The elegant hotel offers sweeping views of the Seine Valley and provides a tranquil setting for the start of the journey. Hotel amenities include a spa, two restaurants, and scenic outdoor terrace. 

Château d’Audrieu Normandy 
A listed historic monument and member of Relais & Châteaux, the 18th-century Château d’Audrieu features 25 hectares of wooded parkland and tranquil French gardens. Period fireplaces, beds draped in silky fabrics, and 18th-century-inspired furniture adorn the 29 rooms and suites of the property. Amenities include an outdoor pool, spa, and collection of gourmet restaurants with produce harvested from the estate’s gardens. 

Hotel Napoléon Paris 
Conclude the journey with a night in the heart of Paris, steps away from the Arc de Triopmhe and Champs-Elysées in the famous 8th arrondissement. Located on the site of the former Tolstoy family mansion, the Hotel Napoléon has hosted distinguished guests throughout its history, including Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Josephine Baker. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, wellness treatments, restaurant, and outdoor terrace. 

Itinerary 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

Saturday, April 17–Sunday, April 18 | Depart Home / Paris, France 
Depart on an overnight flight to Paris and transfer to your hotel in historic Saint-Germain-en-Laye. This evening, gather for a welcome orientation and inaugural lecture by study leader Kevin Weddle, followed by a welcome dinner with fellow travelers. 
Hotel Pavillon Henri IV (D) 

Monday, April 19 | Bayeux 
This morning visit Bénouville, site of the original Pegasus Bridge which was famously captured by British airborne forces in the opening minutes of D-Day. After lunch continue to Bayeux, your home for the next three nights. Take an orientation tour of the town and enjoy time to appreciate its medieval character before checking in to your hotel in a historic château. Gather this evening for Dr. Weddle’s second lecture followed by dinner at Le Séran, Château d’Audrieu’s elegant restaurant. 
Château d’Audrieu (B,L,D) 

Tuesday, April 20 | Bayeux 
Travel to the town of Sainte-Mère-Église, widely recognized as the first town liberated by US Forces on D-Day. Visit the Airborne Museum, home to immersive exhibits detailing the experiences of American paratroopers during the Normandy invasion. Continue to Normandy’s Cotentin peninsula for a special lunch at Château de Tocqueville, the private family home of the great 19th-century political philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, author of Democracy in America. Following lunch, travel the Normandy coast to experience two deeply contrasting sites: Utah Beach, celebrated as the most successful American landing zone on D-Day, and Le Cambe German War Cemetery, the somber burial sight of over 21,000 German military personnel. Return to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure to stroll the Château’s grounds, relax at the spa, or return to Bayeux independently. 
Château d’Audrieu (B,L) 

Wednesday, April 21 | Bayeux 
Begin the day with Dr. Weddle’s third lecture before continuing the exploration of Normandy’s most significant D-Day sites. See the imposing cliffs at Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled towering cliffs under enemy fire. Stand on the sand where the historic “Bloody Omaha” invasion unfolded, and pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery. Explore Longues-sur-Mer’s intact German artillery and take in the impressive ruins of Arromanches‘ historic Mulberry Harbor. Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner featuring regional Normandy specialties in Bayeux. 
Château d’Audrieu (B,L,D) 

Thursday, April 22 | Paris 
Journey back to Paris, stopping enroute in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. Enjoy a walking tour including a visit to the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Claude Monet. Take advantage of free time for lunch and independent exploration in the city’s historic center before continuing to Paris and checking in to Hotel Napoléon, a legendary 5-star Art Deco gem just steps from the Arc de Triomphe. Celebrate the journey during a special farewell dinner in the heart of the French capital. 
Hotel Napoléon (B,D) 

Friday, April 23 | Paris / Home 
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for return flights home or extend your stay in Paris independently. 
(B) 

Rates 

• $6,290 per person, sharing
• $7,865 single occupancy 

Program Rates Include 

Five nights 5-star accommodations • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including five breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Entrance fees • Welcome cocktails • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with all group lunches and dinners • Filtered water on motorcoaches • Complete packet of pre-departure information • Expert in-country guide throughout the program 

Program Rates Do Not Include 

U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature 

Reservations 

Please view the tour terms and conditions, then register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.