Group Tour Operator for holidays to Normandy, France
The Gems of Normandy
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Pere Magloire Calvados, Normandy
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Mont St Michel ©Office de tourisme du Mont Saint-Michel www.ot-montsaintmichel.com
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Bayeux Cathedral, Normandy
A region steeped in history, from the time of William the Conqueror to the D-Day landings of 1944, Normandy is full of contrasts. With its rich and often brutal past, Normandy played an a massive role in European history. In this short break we visit the spectacular island monastery of Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic sights. The slender spires of the island abbey rise dramatically from the sea. Furthermore, with your coach parking and shuttle included, see it up close. In the town of Bayeux, visit the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry Museum. here, learn about the dramatic story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066. With 58 vivid scenes, the famed Bayeux Tapestry was embroidered for the opening of the city’s cathedral in 1077.
We also explore the dramatic coastal landscapes and pebbly beaches of this beautiful region of France. Visit the sister towns of Trouville and Deauville, situated along the “Norman Riviera”, separated by nothing more than the River Touques. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to find out more about Calvados, with a tasting of the region’s famous apple brandy.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 and 2025
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Normandy
Take the afternoon sailing from Portsmouth. Due to the late arrival in Caen we have included dinner on board ship. Arrive in Caen during the evening, disembark and drive to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
Day 2
Coast of Flowers and a Taste of Calvados
This morning we drive along the beautiful Normandy coast to the stylish and chic seaside resort of Deauville, the playground of well-heeled Parisians. Take a stroll along the promenade overlooking the sandy beach or perhaps window shop in the many designer boutiques.
Continue to neighbouring Trouville, with its little shops and working fishing harbour. The area if famous for Calvados apple brandy and we have included a visit to a local distillery for a tour and a tasting.
Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 3
Mont Saint-Michel and Bayeux
Set off early for Mont Saint-Michel, a gravity-defying medieval monastery atop an island. A shuttle bus takes us along the causeway to the ‘Mont’ where we climb the shop-lined cobbled street as it winds its way up to the monastery.
Once back at the coach, continue to the historic town of Bayeux. The town’s splendid Norman Notre-Dame cathedral welcomes you to this historic town, and is well worth a visit. However, there’s really only one key attraction to see: the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry. 70 metres long, it tells the story of the conquest of England from 1064 to 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy, better known as William the Conqueror.
Return to hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 4
Return to the UK
An early morning start to take the ferry from Caen to Portsmouth, arriving mid-afternoon.
Suggested hotels
Hotel ibis Caen Porte de Bretagne***
Based on the outskirts of Caen, close to the Périphérique and only 15 mins drive from the centre. The hotel has 80 air-conditioned rooms, 3 of which are adapted for guests with reduced mobility, a 24-hour bar with terrace and a Courtepaille restaurant, free secure car park for cars and buses. Free WIFI access throughout the hotel.
Ibis Caen Hérouville Savary ***
The Ibis Caen Hérouville Savary is a 3* hotel located just 15km from Caen’s port at Ouistreham and 10mins drive from the centre of Caen. The hotel’s 91 rooms are en-suite and contain a TV, telephone and desk. The hotel offers a 24 hour reception, restaurant for dinner and a bar and free on-site coach parking. Free WiFi is also available.
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- Bar at Ibis Caen Herouville Savary
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- Restaurant at Ibis Caen Herouville Savary Hotel
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- Twin Room at Ibis Caen Herouville Savary Hotel
Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre Hérouville St Clair ****
The Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre Hérouville St Clair is a 4* hotel located 14km from Caen’s port at Ouistreham and 10km from the D-Day landing beaches. There is a tram stop located close to the hotel for easy access into the centre of Caen. The hotel’s 88 air conditioned rooms are en-suite and contain a TV, telephone, desk, tea/coffee making facilities and a bottle of mineral water. The hotel offers a 24 hour reception, restaurant for dinner, a bar, meeting rooms and free on-site coach parking. Free WiFi is also available.
Optional extra day or alternative excursions could include:
- Historic Caen or Honfleur
- The Abbaye Aux Dames and Abbaye Aux Hommes
- Monet’s Garden at Giverny
- Rouen and the banks of the Seine
| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 and 2025 | Price on request | Price on request |
