Highlights of Normandy & Brittany
2 nights in Bayeux, 2 nights in St. Malò, 1 night in Paris
Welcome to a captivating six-day journey, blending the enchanting landscapes of Normandy and Brittany with the timeless charm of Paris. Our tour begins with a serene drive from Paris to Giverny, where Monet’s illustrious gardens await, offering a picturesque start in the heart of impressionist art. Continuing to Deauville, you’ll experience the quintessential coastal elegance of Normandy, followed by an enchanting overnight stay at the historical Château de Bellefontaine in Bayeux. As we journey through time, the solemn and poignant Landing Beaches of World War II unfold before us, bringing history to life. The tour then leads to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a majestic marvel rising from the sea, where myths and architectural grandeur converge. Our path takes us through the cobblestone streets of Saint Malo, infused with maritime history and Breton culture, and onwards to the vibrant spirit of Rennes. Concluding in Paris, this tour is more than a mere visit; it’s a voyage through the heart of France’s rich heritage and beauty. Join us for an unforgettable experience, where each day is a new chapter in the storied tapestry of French culture and history.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 Giverny & Deauville
Meet your driver in Paris and move to Normandy.
You will enjoy an en-route stop in Giverny for a 2-hour guided visit.
After lunch ( we can help with a table reservation), continue to Bayeux, passing for Deauville for a lovely aperitif in front of the sea.
You will arrive in Bayeux late afternoon.
Overnight in Bayeux
Day 2 The Landing Beaches
Meet your driver in Bayeux for a full day discovery of the Landing Beaches.
After a short drive west of Bayeux, you will reach the stretch of coast chosen for the US landings of June 6th, 1944. You will visit Omaha Beach, the place where 3,000 American soldiers lost their lives during the operation, and the moving memorial museum that displays a collection of uniforms, weapons and personal objects found on the site. The next stop will be Utah Beach, which played a strategic role in the landings and now hosts a war museum with documents and historic artefacts that recount the events of the D-Day, and Sainte-Mère-Eglise, one of the first towns to be liberated by the American troops. You will also see the promontory of Pointe du Hoc, where the American rangers defeated the German batteries in preparation for the landings in Omaha and Utah beaches. Overnight in Bayeux
Day 3 Mt San Michel & The Villages on the bay
Early morning transfer to Mt San Michel for a guided tour of the Abbey.
Less than two hours’ drive from Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most famous and captivating landmarks. The day will start with an easy and comfortable drive from your hotel, during which your chauffeur will share interesting information about the area and answer any questions you might have about the trip. Once you arrive at destination, an expert local guide will take you on a tour of the stunning Gothic abbey at the top of the town, sharing stories of the many myths and legends that surround the place. Then you’ll be free to explore the village independently, strolling through its picturesque streets and admiring the views from various panoramic spots.
Your day will continue with an en-route stop in the quaint village of Cancale, where you can taste the best oyster of France.
You will have a commented tasting of calvados in an authentic small farm.
Then continue to La Pointe du Grouin. The panorama is flabbergasting on a clear day. To the north, far out to sea beyond the Herpin lighthouse, you can make out the Îles Chausey, a scattering of islands off Normandy’s Cotentin coast. A mere 25 kilometres east, the Mont-Saint-Michel is reduced to an intriguing spiritual speck on the horizon. The views tripping westwards along the coast reach towards Saint-Malo, although the corsairs’ city remains hidden out of sight. After touching Saint-Suliac, a fishing port that is regarded as one of France’s most beautiful villages, you will arrive in St Mailo. Overnight in St. Malo.
Day 4 Saint Malo: History, Adventures and Breton Butter
Meet your guide in the morning for a 2-hour guide visit of Saint Malo.
Like a stone vessel on the mouth of the Rance, the ramparts of Saint-Malo stand proudly above its beaches and its port. The façades and towers rising up from the fortifications give the town its unique silhouette. The parapet walk offers breath-taking views!
A tour of the “walls” leads from bastion to tower. On one side are the town’s narrow streets. On the other, magnificent views of the beaches, the port and the forts. From Saint-Vincent gateway, at the entrance to the city, the port basins and Saint-Servan unfold. Between Saint-Louis and Saint-Philippe bastions, the view opens onto the estuary and Dinard. Beaches stretch out at the foot of the ramparts As far as the Bidouane tower. When the tide is low, the sand dries out to the islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. When you reach the castle, the large Sillon beach spreads out before you. In St Malo you will also have the opportunity to discover one of the best secret of the city: the Breton butter. Butter is the ultimate Breton product and there are very few dishes that don’t involve butter. It improves the aromas and flavours of food without changing their character and it adds smoothness to dishes, making them more pleasing to the palate.
Brittany’s butter is special, most often salted, in particular using salt from Guérande. There are two reasons for that. First, butter is mainly milk (in particular, cream) and Brittany is a big milk producer. Secondly, in the past, the region was exempt from the salt tax. Brittany brought these two products together to ensure that its butter would keep for longer. That’s also the reason why Breton butter retains all the flavours of the milk.
The afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight in St. Malo.
Day 5 Saint Malo – Paris
Meet your driver-guide and move to Rennes. You will stop en route in Bécherel is a must for French-speaking lovers of literature. This charming medieval town is France’s equivalent of Hay-on-Wye and has a year-long events calendar. When you’ve nosed around the bookshops, take a wander through its atmospheric streets. After lunch, continue to Rennes, the capital of Brittany.
You’ll enjoy a 2-hours guided visit and love the cheerful atmosphere of this forward-thinking region that’s switched on and full of creativity.
Famed for its university and cultural dynamism, Rennes unites the heart and head and is ideal for a leisurely stroll through its cheerful and surprising streets. Majestic façades, concert halls, trendy restaurants and designer boutiques all captivate the visitor.
In the end, you will cacth an high-speed train to return to Paris in about 90 min. Upon your arrival, meet your driver and move to your hotel in town. Overnight in Paris.
Day 6 Paris
Meet your driver and transfer to Paris Airport
Be inspired by this itinerary.
This tour, meticulously crafted by VIT Travel’s experienced designers and tried-and-tested by genuine travelers, serves as a perfect template for your next adventure. We invite you to draw inspiration from this journey, and our team is eager to help you tailor it to your unique preferences, including customizing the route and inclusions to suit your needs.
Customize with the perfect hotels.
Whether you choose to book with or without hotel accommodations, VIT Travel offers an extensive selection of over 800 hotels with negotiated rates. We are committed to recommending the best options that align seamlessly with your client’s requirements, ensuring a travel experience that is both personalized and memorable.