Normandy - A Visit With History

Day 1: Paris (Sunday June 14)

We begin in Paris in the late afternoon to give those departing the U.S. on Saturday (arriving Sunday) opportunity to adjust before we set off for Normandy the following day. We'll enjoy a casual dinner at a crêperie in the Latin Quarter, followed by an optional nighttime visit to the Eiffel Tower. Lodging: Excelsior Hotel Latin Quarter.

Days 2 - 4: Bayeux (June 15 - 17)

We set off early Monday morning for the medieval city of Bayeux, traveling from Paris by train to the city of Caen where we will pick up the cars to drive onto Bayeux. Bayeux is the gateway to the D-Day beaches, and was the first village to be liberated by Allies in 1944. Years later (76 now), the people of Bayeux are still thanking the British and Americans. The warmth and hospitality of Bayeux is extraordinary. Day 1 in Bayeux includes a late afternoon walking tour of the city and a visit to the Cathédrale de Bayeux. Our second day starts with a visit to the Musée de la Tapisserie were we find the story of the Duke of Normandy’s conquest of England recounted in an elaborately embroided cloth spanning over 225 ft. Later in the day, we will visit the Musée de la Bataille de Normandy and the Reporter’s Cemetery. Day 3 is D-day, all day, where noted authority Francois Gauthron will guide us through several beaches and monuments, including the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Sainte Mère Eglise, and Saint Côme-du-Mont American Airborne Museum (which boasts a C47 flight simulator and Imax 3D films!). Lodging: Hôtel Le Lion d’Or.

Days 5 - 8: Rouen (June 18 - 21)

We say au revoir to Bayeux, and head east for the history, culture and food of Rouen. (Rouen is where Julia Child said she had “the most exciting meal of my life”.) We stop en route at the Chateau du Breuil to learn about the production of Calvados (Normandy’s famous apple brandy). On arriving in Rouen, you'll have the opportunity to wander about town on your own before meeting up with us later for dinner. The following day we have a cooking class at Faites-le-Vous-Meme (literally, make it yourself). You’ll burn off those calories later in the day with walking tour of Rouen to see the Cathédral Notre-Dame, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, Tour Jeanne d’Arc, Tour du Gros-Horloge (Big Clock Tower), and other monuments. Our final full day in Rouen’s takes us to the famous Musée des Beaux Arts, with time in the afternoon for on your own shopping, sightseeing, or perhaps people watching from an outdoor café. At nightfall, you have the option to visit the Cathedral Notre-Dame for Rouen’s spectacular light show. Lodging: Gustave Flaubert Hotel Litteraire.