Travel to Normandy, France – Episode 914

Kat recommends a seven-day itinerary for Normandy, France, that offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. Here’s a summary of her suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Paris to Giverny, Les Andelys, and Rouen

• Giverny: Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens, including the famous lily ponds. Explore the Giverny Museum of Impressionism.
• Les Andelys: Stop at the picturesque town along the Seine and visit Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart.
• Rouen: Arrive in the evening, explore the old town, see the Gros Horloge (the big clock), and the Rouen Cathedral. If visiting in the summer, catch the light show projected on the cathedral.

Day 2: Rouen to Étretat and Honfleur, Overnight in Deauville

• Étretat: See the famous chalk cliffs and natural arches, including Porte d’Aval and the “Needle” rock formation. Hike the cliffs for stunning views.
• Honfleur: Visit the old harbor, visit Saint Catherine’s Church (a wooden church built by shipbuilders), and enjoy the charm of this artistic town.
• Deauville: End the day in the luxury beach resort town known for its sandy beaches, shopping, and horse racing.

Day 3: The Cider Route from Deauville

• Explore the Cider Route (Route de Cidre) for Calvados (apple brandy) and cider tastings. Recommended stops include Calvados Pierre Huet and Chateau du Breuil.
• Visit Les Jardins du Pays d’Auge in Cambremer to enjoy traditional Norman architecture and gardens.
• Stop in Pont-l’Évêque for a cheese tasting featuring Normandy’s famous cheeses: Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, Livarot, and Neufchâtel.

Day 4: Beach Day and Exploring Deauville

• Enjoy a relaxing day in Deauville, spending time at its beautiful beach, walking along Les Planches (the boardwalk), and visiting the local market.
• Cross to Trouville-sur-Mer for a seafood lunch at the famous fish market.

Day 5: D-Day Beaches and Bayeux

• Take a guided tour of the D-Day Beaches, including stops at Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and Sainte-Mère-Église.
• Visit the Normandy American Cemetery.
• End the day in Bayeux, exploring the town.

Day 6: Bayeux and Mont-Saint-Michel

• Visit the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of William the Conqueror’s conquest of England.
• Head to Mont-Saint-Michel, the famous tidal island with an abbey at the top. Walk through the village and climb to the abbey.
• End the trip with a stay in a countryside chateau, such as Chateau de Hieville.

Day 7: Saint-Pierre-en-Auge and Countryside

• Visit the Maison du Camembert in the town of Camembert for a cheese museum tour and tasting.
• Explore Saint-Pierre-en-Auge, a charming Norman countryside town with medieval architecture, markets, and watermills.

This itinerary offers a balance of Normandy’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, and delicious regional cuisine.