Normandy Itinerary

Day 2

In the morning, after a short trip along the coast, we will arrive in Fécamp where we visit the Palais Bénédictine. This is an astonishing monument celebrating the industrial glory of the city, the port and the palace of the Dukes of Normandy. We return to the left side of the estuary of the Seine to pass over another majestic Normandy bridge before stopping in the romantic little port, Honfleur, which has been the inspiration for countless painters and poets in the recent past. In one of the auberge at the port surrounded by the sea and the cries of the port seagulls, we will stop to taste our first “cidre normand” (Normandy cider).

Honfleur – Entre Terre et Mer – Lunch

After our meal, we will take time to walk in the footsteps of the fishermen of the region and discover this magically charming place. Then we will pass through Deauville, home of the world famous horse races and casino, to sample the town’s chic sporting ambiance, visits a few of its luxury boutiques and marvel at the casino by the sea. We then continue along the coast to marvel at the grandiose beaches that are the backdrop of this city’s world renowned reputation.

Then on to the city of Lisieux, where we visit the Basilica of St. Therese. This monument of spectacular wealth was built in 1929 in honour of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The Basilica of Lisieux is the second largest pilgrimage site in France after Lourdes. We will finish the day in a charming Norman village and have dinner nearby.

Cambremer – Domaines les Marronniers – Night and Breakfast : Crevecoeur en Auge – Auberge du Cheval Blanc – Dinner 

Day 4

After a last breakfast at the Domaines les Marronniers, with our luggage loaded in the car, we will go west to the discovery of another Normandy.

But before leaving the country called le Pays d’Auge, we will stop at Livarot to visit the cheese museum and works of Graindorge. Since 1910, the secrets of Noman cheese have been transmitted from father to son. Today Graindorge is the last family making all three AOC Nomandy cheeses (Appellation of Origin, Normandy). And even if the methods have changed, the spirit itself remains: tradition, simplicity and authenticity. From the viewing galleries, you will watch the making of these cheeses and observe their “affinage” or ripening process. In the exposition room, you’ll discover the story of Norman cheeses and taste the greats: Pont l’Évêque, Livarot, Camembert de Normandie AOC.

Then we will hit the road for the journey towards the Mont Saint Michel. We pass through Falaise, birthplace of William the Conqueror and see the castle which still dominates the city, then on through Vire – famous for its specialty sausage called Andouille de Vire – where we stop for lunch in a traditional local restaurant.

Vire – Le Vrai Normand – Lunch

After lunch, we will reach Mont Saint Michel. World renowned, this exceptional place is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. As the images of the postcards appear in reality before your eyes, our arrival on the road to island will not fail to amaze you. After a short stop at the hotel, we will climb a passageway to the top of the rock face to visit the Benedictine Abbey, where you will be able to take in the breathtaking beauty of the site. The richness and the extraordinary state of preservation of this monument – whose first stones were laid in the 10th century – are remarkable. Traversing the maze of halls, chapels, the Great Cloister, you will be assailed with a thousand years of history.

As we exit the Cathedral, we will look back to take in the view from outside the walls of the Abbey and all the fortifications that surround the island. Passing back through the narrow streets, stairways and roof gardens of this place unique, magical place full of history, we find our hotel, the Aubèrge of Mère Poulard, located just inside the medieval city of Mont Saint-Michel. The setting, their reputation for the sumptuous baked omelette and the charm of this small hotel are responsible for the conquest of a list of world renowned celebrities. No doubt we will also join the list.

After dinner you can explore the tiny streets and stairways, chase the ghosts of centuries past and marvel at the impressive illuminated performance displayed on the facades of the buildings of this island monument.

Mont Saint Michel – La Mère Poulard – Dinner, Night and Breakfast

Day 6

In this part of Normandy, it would be inconceivable to ignore recent history and the Allied landing on Norman beaches. Our morning will be devoted to the memory of the many soldiers who stormed these beaches on June 6, 1944 and sacrificed their lives to liberate France.

We begin with the memorial at Omaha Beach and the impressive military cemetery where lie close to ten thousand Americans who fell during the first battles for control of the Normandy coast.

Then we will visit the museum of the landing at Arromanches, where you can still see the remains of the huge artificial harbour built to transport the troops and their equipment who began to push the Germans all the way back to Berlin.

We have lunch in a charming village nearby in a farm-fortified manor house dating from the 13th century, which will include local products selected to soothe lingering emotions and our hunger.

Creuilly – La Rançonnière – Lunch

After a well deserved calvados, we head for beautiful nearby city of Bayeux where we will spend the afternoon discovering all of its many attractions.

We will admire the famous Bayeux Tapestry, whose impressive reality exceeds imagination and commands respect. Classified as a “Memory of the World” by UNESCO, this 70 meters (230 feet) long embroidery was completed in the 11th century to celebrate the conquest of England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by William, seventh Duke of Normandy, otherwise known as William the Conqueror. The history, executed in textile, is attributed to be the work of noble Saxon women who had chosen to spend their life in the convents of either Winchester or Canterbury and upon its completion, it was transported to hang in the Cathedral of Bayeux.

Leaving the museum, we will be able to see the Cathedral for which this tapestry was designed. It was dedicated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror who became King of England. As in Coutances, contributions made Gothic 13th to 15th century surround the original Romanesque structure.

We can then walk to the Market Square, stroll through the medieval town with narrow streets lined with old houses with wood sides, from mansions to towers of the 15th and 16th centuries, large houses and elegant mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries.

In formula “Terroir”, being in town, we will enjoy dinner at a restaurant run by lovers of regional cuisine delivered with up to date intelligence and creativity. A short digestive walk will bring us back to the castle through the old city.

Bayeux – Le Pommier – DinnerBayeux – Château de Bellefontaine – Night and Breakfast

In formula “Domaines” we will dine in our hotel at Port en Bessin.

Port en Bessin – Château la Chenevière – Dinner, Night and Breakfast