Gourmets Delights of Normandy

Gourmets Delights of Normandy

8 days 18^th September 2027

 

Normandy offers an array of gourmet delights, and this fabulous tour is full of tasty treats including Calvados, cheese, and a regional full lunch with wine included, overlooking the gardens of a beautiful chateaux. Along with the lovely resorts of Honfleur and Deauville, we are including a visit to the spectacular Monets Gardens. Staying in a superb hotel located in the centre of Lisieux offering a warm and comfortable atmosphere, serving regional specialities and gourmet cuisine, with the flavours of Normandy.

 

 

Tour Itinerary

 

 

Saturday – Leaving the UK this morning we travel down to Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. We continue to Normandy and our hotel in Lisieux, our base for the next 7 nights. Comfort stops on route.

 

Sunday – This morning we visit Caen, the biggest city in, as well as the capital of lower Normandy, to visit their grand Sunday morning market. Caen was the power base of William the Conqueror, so the town has a grand, vibrant vibe, grand architecture, a fantastic foodie culture and a real community spirit, especially when it comes to their markets. At the port de Plaisance, along the quay of the Bassin Saint-Pierre, you’ll find 400+ traders selling pretty much everything from fresh produce, straight from local farms, to artisan and craft goods, clothes and homeware. There are also an array of street food stands from steaming bowls of aromatic noodles to shellfish, roasting chickens and even vegan food, heaps of choice if you don’t fancy lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants! A great French experience for our first day in Normandy. Back to the hotel mid-afternoon to relax before dinner.

 

Monday – This morning we visit the Fromagerie Graindorge for an audio tour of the cheese factory, discovering the unique way Livarot and Pont-l’Eveque cheeses are produced. The tour is followed by tasting of 4 delicious cheeses. We continue our day with a visit to the nearby town of Falaise to discover its rich architectural heritage and home of William the Conqueror. This afternoon we travel to Chateau de Breuil Calvados distillery for a guided tour. Discover the slow process of transforming apples into delicious calvados and of course enjoy some tasting!

 

Tuesday – This morning we travel the short distance to the charming port town of Honfleur, located on the beautiful Cote Fleurie. Honfleurs beauty has long attracted artists who’s work can be seen in the town’s museum and art galleries. Explore the old harbour in the heart of the port, surrounded by distinctive high, narrow, timber framed and slate clad houses, Honfleur is famous for its seafood so a perfect opportunity to sample some freshly caught fish at one of the many restaurants. This afternoon we visit the glamourous town of Deauville, a blend of unique culture and seaside charm. The town’s iconic beach, lined with colourful parasols and art deco bathing cabins, a symbol of French elegance.

 

Wednesday – This morning we visit the 18^th century Chateau de Vendeuvre, one of the most beautiful castles in Normandy. Following your guided tour of the chateau & gardens we will enjoy a traditional 4 course Normandy lunch complete with wine. Back to the hotel mid-afternoon to explore the lovely town of Lisieux if you wish or simply take time to relax before this evening’s dinner.

 

Thursday – Today is a free day for you to enjoy the beautiful town of Lisieux at your own pace. Our hotel is located in the centre of town so perfect for easy exploration.

Friday – Today we visit the beautiful house and gardens of the artist Claude Monet in Giverny. There are two parts to explore, a flower or cottage garden at the front of the house and a Japanese inspired water garden on the other side of the road, accessed by a tunnel under the road. This formal garden is famous for his painting ‘The Water Lily Pond’. A lovely, relaxing day to explore at leisure and have lunch in the village of Giverny a stones throw from the gardens.

 

Saturday – We leave Lisieux and head back up to Calais for our Eurotunnel crossing home to the UK after our Normandy adventure.

 

Your Hotel

 

4* Grand Hotel de’l’Esperance – Lisieux

This traditional half-timbered hotel located in the centre of town offers comfortable spacious en-suite bedrooms with TV, safe, hairdryer & free Wi-Fi. There is a bar, lift and terrace.

 

 

Price Includes

8 Days £1,325.00

Single Supplement £300 (Limited)

Double for Sole use