Glorious Summertime Day Trips From Paris Into France Profonde

The long days of summer are the perfect times for a day trip from Paris that takes you into France Profonde, the heart of the country. You'll see a lot of the French countryside on the way to your destination and then have plenty of time to explore Mont Saint-Michel, Claude Monet's gardens, or the lovely port city of Honfleur. Heck, you could even choose a day trip to Bruges. Here are five tempting tours.

1. A Day In Bruges

France and its neighbors seem to be filled with beautiful towns you are able visit on a day trip. This tour from Paris takes you to the charming town of Bruges, in Belgium's Flemish region. In one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Europe, you cruise along Bruges' famous canals and discover why the city is known as the "Venice of the North".

2. Normandy, The D-Day Landing Beaches & Cider Tasting

This intimate, small-group tour takes you to the beaches of Normandy to visit the historic sites that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. There are a maximum of eight people traveling with you in an air-conditioned Eurovan, ensuring personal attention from your expert guide.

You learn so much during the guided visits of Omaha Beach, the German bunkers, and the Operation Overlord Museum. Exploring Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery reminds you of the sacrifice involved. Along the way you see the lovely countryside of Normandy, a region famous for its ciders — so it makes sense that you stop for a tasting of the regional beverage. Everything is included.

3. Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel and its magnificent "floating" abbey is a perfect destination during the long days of summer. This day trip from Paris takes you to the fairytale island just off the Normandy coast. It gives you the chance to explore the Benedictine abbey that becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. It's truly a magical place.

This small-group activity includes transportation from Paris as well as a tasting of Normandy ciders.

4. Honfleur and the Pays d'Auge

For us, a mention of Honfleur brings to mind Claude Monet and the Impressionist masterpieces he painted at this port where the Seine River flows into the English Channel. But, Honfleur is a lot more than that. In fact, it's one of the prettiest waterfront towns you are ever going to see.

This small-groups tour starts right at your hotel and takes you through the Normandy countryside to the charming harbor of Honfleur. You also will visit quaint villages like Pont l'Evêque and Beaumont as you ride through through the beautiful Pays d'Auge. There may even be a tasting of the famous local cheeses!

5. Versailles + Monet's Gardens in One Glorious Day

This is one day you're going to remember for a long time. Impressionist master Claude Monet lived and worked for over forty years at house and gardens in the pretty Normandy town of Giverny. This is where he painted the famous Japanese bridge and the waterlilies. It's a wonderful place to visit from Paris on this guided day trip.

But that's not all! The day also includes a visit to the chateau and gardens in the grand royal estate of Versailles. Before your afternoon at Versailles, you stop for a classic French lunch (included). Next up — visit the magnificent chateau with your guide leading you to the the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartment, and other rooms in the royal palace. Available in the flower seasons, April to October.