Description
Blessed with a stunning natural beauty, Normandy begs to be explored. You can expect dramatic coastal landscapes, quaint pastoral villages, picturesque ports, classic half-timbered buildings and fabulous food, from Camembert to Calvados, from cider to seafood. The legacy of the region's epic history, from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to the D-Day Landings of 1944, has left its mark. This tour takes you on a discovery of the very best of Normandy and with a beautifully authentic Normandy hotel in the heart of the pretty pilgrimage town of Lisieux, you can start exploring as soon as you arrive. Complete your break with an included visit to Monet's House and Garden, in the village of Giverny on the Seine, where the artist found inspiration to create his impressionist masterpieces. For April Tulip Festival departure please click here
Itinerary
5 day tour
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you will travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and then onto Lisieux to check in to your centrally located hotel for your 4-night stay. DBB
DAY 2 - 4 - At leisure in Lisieux with TWO included excursions and one optional excursion.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Deauville & Honfleur
With its fine sandy beaches, Deauville is renowned for its glamorous reputation and symbolises elegance, prestige and sophistication. Time to soak up the atmosphere here before taking the coastal road to the picturesque old port of Honfleur, a favourite haunt of numerous celebrated artists including Claude Monet. Situated on the Seine estuary, medieval Honfleur exudes maritime charm around the Vieux Bassin with its narrow houses and lively café scene but there is much more to see in the alluring cobbled streets of the old town.
Monet's Garden
Today you visit the picturesque village of Giverny on the bank of the River Seine. A treat for art lovers and gardens alike, Giverny was the home of French impressionist painter, Claude Monet for over 40 years. There will be time to explore the exuberant gardens, which were the inspiration of his famous water lily series, as well as take a look around his house. Admission to the house and gardens is included.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Rouen
Rouen, situated on the banks of the River Seine, is Normandy’s vibrant, historic and cultural capital and one of the region's most attractive destinations. It is a gem of a city with its lovingly restored medieval quarter, imposing Gothic cathedral, the remarkable Gros-Horloge clock tower, narrow streets of timber framed houses and a bustling commercial centre. Monet’s famous depictions of Rouen Cathedral have made this vast edifice many visitors’ favourite building in the city, but there are also many fine museums to explore. A stroll through Old Rouen is to walk back in time and you can re-trace the steps of Joan of Arc to see where she was tried for heresy and burnt at the stake.
DAY 5 - After breakfast, travel back to Calais for the return Channel crossing and the journey home.
Venue Information
Grand Hotel de l'Esperance, Lisieux
This 3* landmark hotel in the centre of Lisieux, set in a typical Norman half-timbered building, offers a warm welcome and plentiful charm and atmosphere.
The upscale restaurant serves regional Normandy cuisine and there is also a bar.
The 90 recently refurbished, spacious and comfortable bedrooms all have TV and a safe. There is a lift.