Normandy is a lush pastoral region known for its cows and cider. Its modern claim to fame is the D-Day invasion beaches of 1944. The area has many picturesque villages with timber-framed houses. Bayeux, Giverny and Mont St. Michel are well known names. Brittany has a harsher landscape with a long jagged coastline. It has many prehistoric sites, especially around Carnac. Brittany was a separate country until it joined France in 1532. Breton culture is most evident in the western area, around St. Thegonnec and Guimiliau with the typical Breton parish close. Spend a week or two traveling around the area.
Itinerary may include:
Normandy:
D-Day Beaches - Utah Beach, where US 4th Division forces landed. Ste. Mère-Eglise, where US parachutists dropped, which has an Airborne Troops Museum. Pointe du Hoc, the cliff that was climbed by the 2nd battalion of US Rangers. Omaha Beach, where many soldiers of the US 1st Division were lost. The American military cemetery lies above the beach. Arromanches, which still has the remains of the Mulberry Harbour. Gold Beach, where the British 50th Division landed. They and the Americans from Omaha Beach joined up 3 days later. Juno Beach, where the Canadian 3rd Division landed. Sword Beach, where a Franco-British force landed and eventually met up with the British troops from Pegasus Bridge. There is a museum at Pegasus Bridge, the first place captured during the invasion.
Rouen - Capital of Upper Normandy and a major port. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. The cathedral was painted by Monet. Friday market.
Bayeux - Best known for its tapestry showing William the Conqueror's invasion of England, 1066. Museum of the Battle of Normandy.
Caen - Home of William the Conqueror and his wife, Queen Matilda. They both founded abbeys in the town. The Peace Memorial Museum is fascinating.
Giverny - Home, studio and garden of the painter, Claude Monet.
Lisieux - Ste. Thérèse was canonized in 1925. Pilgrimage site.
Mont St. Michel - A village and fortified abbey on an island. It is now a national monument.
Honfleur - A charming little port with a Saturday market.
Fécamp - Ruins of a Benedictine monastery. The town where Bénédictine is made.
Brittany:
Fougères - An 11thc. fortress that was built to guard the Brittany border.
Dinan - Many half-timbered houses still exist within the town walls.
St. Malo - City of narrow, cobbled streets encircled by ramparts. Major port. Market.
Dinard - Smart resort on the estuary of the river Rance. Saturday market.
St. Thégonnec - One of the most complete parish closes in Brittany.
Guimiliau - Almost 200 figures are carved on the calvary in the parish close.
Quimper - The ancient capital still has streets with half-timbered houses. Elegant hand-painted pottery. A distinctly Breton character.
Pont Aven - Paul Gauguin established a studio here. Many private art galleries.
Carnac - One of the world's great prehistoric sites. 3,000 menhirs in parallel rows. Dolmens and tumulus. Sunday market.
Golfe du Morbihan - Boat trips to Gavrinis to visit the excavated tumulus.
Josselin - Medieval castle owned by the Rohan family since 1407. Doll museum.
Forêt de Paimpont - A small part of the primeval forest. Associated with legends of King Arthur.
Rennes - The regional capital. Museum of Brittany. Musée des Beaux Arts.
Vitré - A medieval castle and narrow cobbled streets.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Price varies depending on length of tour, number of people, distance covered and transportation used;
- 10% deposit guarantees the booking. Full payment is due 4 weeks before the tour starts;
- Payments must be made in Pounds Sterling, and can be by international Money Order, Electronic Funds Transfer direct to our bank, or certified bankers’ draft. If you are already in Britain, cash is acceptable;
- Hotels, meals, car parking, road tolls and entrance fees are not included.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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