Normandy and Brittany Delights: A Journey Through French Heritage
3 nights in Bayeux, 3 nights in St Malo
“From Mont Saint-Michel’s majesty to Carnac’s mystical stones: Seaside charm, delectable cuisine, and festive French immersion.”
Welcome to our captivating tour through the picturesque regions of Normandy and Brittany. Unveil the rich history, captivating landscapes, and unique culture of these French gems.
In Normandy, you’ll be captivated by the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, rising majestically from the sea. Explore the historic D-Day landing beaches, where bravery and sacrifice changed the course of history. Wander through charming towns like Honfleur, known for its quaint harbor and artistic heritage.
As we venture into Brittany, you’ll be charmed by its distinct Celtic influence. Marvel at the mystical standing stones of Carnac and delve into the medieval history of enchanting towns like Dinan and Quimper.
Savor delectable seafood and indulge in the renowned Breton crepes as you embrace the region’s culinary delights. Along the rugged coastline, discover hidden coves, sandy beaches, and windswept cliffs that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 – Bayeux
Independent arrival in Bayeux
Overnight in Bayeux.
Day 2 – Honfleur, Beuvron en Auge Village & Calvados Tasting
Embark on a fantastic journey that will offer an excellent overview of Normandy. You will discover the Cultural and Historical Highlights of Normandy, visit the Charming small town of Honfleur and find a typical Normandy village in the Pays d’Auge.
Established on the Seine Estuary, near Le Havre and the fantastic ‘Pont de Normandie’ bridge, the tiny port town of Honfleur offers a unique historical centre with the Vieux Bassin port and marina. The historical town centre still retains stunning half-timbered houses and old cobblestone streets around Sainte Catherine church.
Continue to one of the most beautiful villages of France, the small Beuvron en Auge, considered a picture-perfect postcard of a traditional Normand Village.
Fortress of the Harcourt family, on the Cider and Calvados trails, its half-timbered houses, the old market and neighbouring manor houses deserve a close visit. Here you will have time to stroll through the village on your own for personal discovery. Lastly, reach a family-owned Calvados distillery settled in the heart of the Pays d’Auge. This estate produces some of the most prestigious Cider, Calvados and Pommeau of Normandy, originated from more than 25 varieties of apples grown on the 30 hectares. After the tasting, it will be time to return to Bayeux. Overnight in Bayeux.
Day 3 – Utah & Omaha D-DAY Beaches U.S Sector
This memorable visit will take you to D-DAY sites like the inescapable Omaha and Utah landing beaches, U.S. cemetery, the preserved Pointe du Hoc site and historical Sainte-Mère-Eglise village. Immerse yourself in the moving period of D-Day.
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. ( B )
Day 4 – Move to St Malo via Mont-Saint-Michel & Cancale
Meet your driver and embark on a scenic transfer from Bayeux to St Malo, with two enchanting stops en route to explore the most beautiful places along the way.
You will start with one of the symbols of France, Mt. Saint Michel. The world-famous island abbey stands just across Normandy’s border, but much of the remarkable World Heritage Site Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel is part of Brittany.
The bay is subjected to some of the most extreme tidal variations globally, putting on an ever-changing yet always sublime show. The mount became an important Christian pilgrimage site when Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, declared that the Archangel Michael himself had pressed him to build a church atop the island just out to sea. Later you will reach Cancale. Mention Cancale to a Frenchman or a foodie, and the instant reply will be ‘oysters’; the marvellous molluscs have been cultivated in this charming fishing village for centuries. You will also enjoy breathtaking views over the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel and scenic walks around the coast.
Overnight in St Malo.
Day 5 – St Malo
The morning is dedicated to a guided visit of St Malo.
Considered the gem of this coast, St Malo was established by the Welsh monk St Maclou, who erected a church on the ruins of the Roman city of Alet. You will have time to explore the beautiful 14th-century Tour Solidor, which houses the Museum of Cape Horners, sailors who were able to pass the dangerous Cape Horn.
Opposite the old town are two tiny islands that can be reached at low tide. On one is the Vauban-built Fort National and on the other is the tomb of the writer and politician Chateaubriand, born in St Malo in 1768.
The afternoon is free at leisure to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the village.
Overnight in St Malo.
Day 6 – Brocelandie
The mythical Brocéliande forest is the birthplace of the tales of King Arthur. The Knights of the Round Table realm is also a natural treasure studded with a precious historical heritage. Following Lancelot’s footsteps, romance and adventure hide among the trees of Brittany’s largest forest. While it’s known for its legends, the Forest of Brocéliande also boasts remarkable biodiversity. Wild animals, notably deer and the roebuck, live in these woods, besides squirrels, hedgehogs and several species of birds. You will explore the forest and its hidden paths, then visit the castle of Comper, near a magic lake, converted into a hub for Arthurian legend.
Its medieval walls house a fascinating exhibition on the fairy Viviane, Lancelot knight, and related characters and crétures feeding the myth. Later you will visit the forges of Paimpont. You may visit the ‘Porte des Secrets’ in Paimpont Abbey, a physical and sensory immersion into Brocéliande and its mysteries. Furthermore, you may also enjoy a Horse-drawn carriage ride pulled by draft horses, discover the hitch Paimpont forest, and enjoy the countryside.
Overnight in St Malo.
Day 7 – Departure
Independent departure transfer.