France

Normandy

A rustic region of calvados, crème and châteaux

Normandy holds a deeply rural charm within the green folds of its pastoral land. The region’s history of strife and battle is belied by idyllic orchards, pretty coastline and quaint villages of half-timbered cottages. A rich producer of hearty cuisine, Normandy is revered for its dairy produce, fresh seafood, apples and Calvados (a refined, yet potent, apple brandy). Normandy has also lain witness to centuries of history, from medieval myths to World War II, which can be explored in its museums, châteaux and harbour towns.

NORMANDY’S GOURMET DELIGHTS

Taste the true Normandy and le trou Normand…

  • Fromagerie Graindorge – enjoy a tasting of Normandy’s 4 PDO cheeses
  • Jardins du Pays d’Auge – one of Normandy’s designated jardins remarquable
  • Château du Breuil – visit this distiller of fine Pays d’Auge Calvados, then taste the Calvados alongside locally produced snacks
  • Honfleur – this little port town remains as pretty as it was in Monet’s day
  • Château de Vendeuvre – enjoy a 4-course lunch in opulent surroundings
  • Executive coach travel from your choice of pick up points
  • 4 nights half board accommodation

From £629
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 35 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Suggested Hotel

Mercure Hotel Lisieux

  • Ideally located for touring the gourmet highlights of Normandy
  • Great value for money
  • Modern and comfortable rooms
  • Open plan areas, ideal for socialising as a group
  • Outdoor terrace and swimming pool
  • Choice of menu each night at dinner (unusual for group travel in France)
  • Excellent hospitality

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Fromagerie Graindorge
    Livarot

    Sitting at the heart of the Pays d’Auge, this traditional cheese producer specialises in producing Normandy’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses: melt-in-the-mouth Livarot, nutty Pont-l’Evêque, creamy Camembert de Normandie and delicate, heart-shaped Neufchâtel. A guided tour of this family-run fromagerie is followed by an indulgent tasting.

  • Les Jardins du Pays d'Auge
    Les-Jardins-du-Pays-d-Auge_Normandy_shutterstock_162706919_Pack-Shot

    These remarkable gardens lie in the pretty village of Cambremer, and cover three hectares of ancient farmland. Discover traditional Norman architecture, unique to the region, within the verdant surroundings of the themed jardins.

  • Château du Breuil
    Chateau-du-Breil

    This stunning historic château has housed nobility for centuries, and is also home to a distillery producing one the most prestigious brands of Calvados in the Pays d’Auge. The production of Calvados, Normandy’s punchy eau-de-vie, is perhaps the most famous use of the region’s ubiquitous apples. Often enjoyed as a digestiv, Calvados is the basis of le trou Normand – a small drink taken between the courses of a large meal. Try this yourself after visiting the imposing and atmospheric Orangery which is stacked with oak barrels of the apple brandy, patiently passing the years until it reaches maturity.

  • Honfleur
    Honfleur-famous-village-harbor-skyline

    The quaint town of Honfleur was a favourite of Claude Monet and the Impressionists, and is known for its enchanting harbour. Explore the cobbled streets, admire the Norman architecture, revel in its rich heritage and visit the Eugène Boudin Museum – but don’t forget to sit back and simply enjoy the fresh cuisine of this maritime gem.

  • Château de Vendeuvre
    Chateau-de-Vendeuvre_shutterstock_39996421_David-Shawley

    This stunning 18th century château is known as ‘the jewel of Normandy’. The fine and elegant residence has an intriguing collection of miniature furniture, and is surrounded by a delightful selection of pleasure gardens with water features, topiary and mazes. Within these opulent surroundings, enjoy a delicious lunch of local produce typical to the region.

Enquire

Similar Group Holidays

Hand picked destinations

Rouen, capital of Upper Normandy, is a once-prosperous market town with a rich architectural heritage and a wonderfully restored medieval centre. The quaint and colourful town of Honfleur was a favourite of Claude Monet and the Impressionists, and is known for its enchanting harbour.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Bed & breakfast accommodation

Details

From £329
per person

Stunningly picturesque, the Alpine town of Annecy sparkles at the tip of the glassy waters of Lac d’Annecy. The beautiful mountain scenery can be enjoyed from chic Chamonix, glorious Geneva and majestic Mont Blanc – the pinnacle of the Alps.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Half board accommodation
  • Cruise on Lac d'Annecy
  • Annecy - a pretty lakeside town
  • Travel by train to the Mer du Glace
  • Chamonix - a chic resort town

Details

From £1,099
per person

Get updates

The latest adventures in your mailbox

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By checking this box, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. For more information on how to unsubscribe, please click here .