Normandy & Brittany Walking Tour

Day 1: Deauville

We meet in Deauville and drive to nearby Honfleur, one of Normandy's most charming towns. A major defensive port in the 15th century, Honfleur was once an important departure point for maritime expeditions, including the first voyages to Canada. An introductory walk around the town takes us through half-timber houses and cobbled streets to the old dock (Vieux Bassin), which still attracts artists as it did in the days of Boudin. The original fishing boats have been replaced with yachts, but the slender buildings lining the quays make for unforgettable views. We continue on to Place Ste. Catherine where a traditional market is still held on the weekend, and walk up to Côte de Grace. Here we have a magnificent view of the town where Impressionism was born, before heading back to the old section to browse the galleries and shops that line the streets. This evening we dine in one of Deauville's fine local restaurants. Overnight: Deauville Meals: D

Day 2: Bayeux

This morning a short drive takes us to the Pays d'Auge—classic Normandy countryside lushly woven with fields, wooded valleys, cider orchards, dairy farms, manor houses and quaint villages. A countryside walk from Beuvronen- Auge, a small town hidden deep in the Pays d'Auge with intricate patterned half-timbered houses and a covered market, takes us to a horse farm nestled in the countryside. Here we learn why this area is known as la region du cheval, or horse country, and watch the famous Norman horses being trained. Next we visit a family owned distillery for a tasting of Calvados, a cider brandy that is one of the most famous products of the region. We then make a stop at a quaint restaurant in one of the charming and picturesque villages of the Pays d'Auge, where a tasting of local specialties, including cheeses, cider and teurgoule, a Norman dessert similar to rice pudding, is prepared for us. 

Day 3: Bayeux

After breakfast we set out for the D-Day beaches, where on June 6th, 1944, Normandy made its mark in history and became the battleground for one of the greatest military operations of our time. We begin the day with a visit to Arromanches, with ruins of the artificial harbor built in only 15 days in 1944, as well as German bunkers that remain sprinkled throughout the peaceful landscape. From here we visit Pointe du Hoc, which features the most spectacular scenery along the coast as well as a cliff-top observatory and German machine-gun post. During the D-Day invasion, U.S. Rangers attempted a castle-like siege of the German-occupied cliffs by using grappling hooks and ladders borrowed from London fire departments. We explore the German bunkers and bomb craters that remain as they were found: a moonscape that is a dramatic illustration of the fierce fighting. 

Day 4: Mont-St.-Michel

We depart this morning after breakfast for Mont-St.-Michel, one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring sights in France. The monastery was founded in 708 when the Archangel Michael appeared to Aubert, the bishop of Avranches. Taking more than 500 years to build (construction began in 966), this island-abbey is perched on a 264-foot rock a few hundred yards off the coast. After lunch overlooking the bay, we time our walk with the ebb of the tide and set out across the Bay of Mont-St.-Michel in the company of our expert local guide, following a portion of the famous pilgrimage route where people came en masse to win the favor of Saint Michael, particularly during periods of war and famine. 

Day 5: St. Malo

Our introduction to Brittany begins in St. Malo, a bustling 6th century seaport that was once a haven for merchants, sailors, explorers and pirates. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the pirates, known as Corsairs, received a special license from the King of France to pursue their trade without fear of being hung. The motto "neither French nor Breton, only Malouin" stands for the independent spirit of this city facing the sea. Our walk takes us along the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town to the 1-½ mile long ramparts that surround the walled town. From the Saint Vincent Gate (Porte St. Vincent) to the Saint Thomas Gate (Porte St. Thomas), every inner wall is packed with history and beautiful views of the Bay of St. Malo. 

Day 6: St. Malo

We begin our morning with a walk along a scenic footpath from Pointe du Grouin, with excellent views of Mont-St.-Michel Bay and the Chausey Islands, to the picturesque fishing port of Cancale. Located opposite the bay from Mont-St.-Michel, this small town is famous for its oyster-farming center. After exploring this charming maritime town, and visiting a family-run oyster farm, we stop for a leisurely lunch to taste this local delicacy. 

Day 7: Rennes

Our final morning in Brittany begins in Rennes, the capital city of Brittany.The town has a different feel from the other towns in the region because a fire in 1720 destroyed half the city. The medieval quarter and 15th century half timber houses contrast with the 19th century Cathedral St. Pierre and the granite buildings. Here we'll have time to visit the local market, one of the largest in France. You may be tempted to pick up the makings of a picnic lunch before we part company at the train station where you may catch trains back to Paris city center or Charles de Gaulle airport. Meals: B