A Taste of Normandy

We begin the day with a visit to a Commonwealth cemetery before heading to the Caen Memorial Museum, which focuses on 20^th century history. You needn’t be a WWII military historian to find these galleries of interest, as displays such as France under Occupation, Propaganda, the Resistance, D-Day Landings and thee Battle for Normandy provide insights into the effects of the War both on the Fronts and in the cities and towns in France, England and Germany.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the picturesque town of Bayeux, known for its medieval charm, Cathedral and world-famous Bayeux tapestry. The richly detailed Bayeux Tapestry is celebrated as one of the greatest pieces of Romanesque art. Spanning 58 scenes and featuring 626 figures and 202 horses, it vividly recounts the Norman Conquest of England and the pivotal Battle of Hastings in thread. The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027. This loan marks the first time in nearly 1,000 years that the tapestry has been in Britain, according to the British Museum.

Today we explore the key sites of the British and Canadian landings in Normandy, beginning with the Merville Gun Battery—a remarkably well-preserved German defensive position. Built with 6-foot-thick, steel-reinforced concrete, the battery was designed to house Czech M.14/19 100 mm guns dating back to World War I. The site includes original bunkers and artillery placements, offering both a powerful sense of place and sweeping views over the D-Day landing beaches.

From there, we continue to Pegasus Bridge, captured in a daring glider assault by British airborne troops just after midnight on D-Day. We then follow the path of the British 3rd Infantry Division at Sword Beach, before heading to the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, which honors the over 22,000 men and women under British command who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.

In the afternoon, we visit Arromanches, home to the 360° Circular Cinema, which provides a compelling immersive experience of the landings, and the Musée du Débarquement, where you’ll see firsthand how the Allies engineered the enormous Mulberry Harbour—a crucial element in the success of Operation Overlord.

D Day Beaches – Today we turn our focus to the American landing beaches, visiting some of the most powerful and iconic sites of D-Day.

We begin at the German Battery at Longues-sur-Mer, the only coastal battery in Normandy still equipped with its original guns. Perfectly situated between Omaha and Gold Beaches, the site offers a stark reminder of the formidable German defenses the Allies faced.

Next, we pay our respects at the Normandy American Cemetery, overlooking Omaha Beach. With over 9,000 perfectly aligned white crosses and Stars of David, this moving site honors the American servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. You’ll have time to walk the grounds, visit the memorial, and reflect on the enormity of the events that unfolded here.

We then make our way to Omaha Beach itself, where the steep bluffs and wide sands provide a dramatic backdrop to stories of heroism, hardship, and eventual triumph on June 6, 1944.

At La Pointe du Hoc, we’ll explore the clifftop stronghold assaulted by the U.S. Army Rangers. The bomb craters, shattered bunkers, and raw terrain make this one of the most evocative D-Day sites in Normandy.

Our final stop is the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, famously depicted in The Longest Day. Here, paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne landed in the early hours of June 6, some caught in trees and rooftops as the battle raged below. The town’s excellent museum and iconic church—with its parachute still caught on the steeple—bring this dramatic history to life.

This morning, we travel through the scenic Pays d’Auge, a region known for its half-timbered villages, apple orchards, and charming countryside.

Our first stop is Beuvron-en-Auge, officially designated as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” With its perfectly preserved timber-framed buildings, artisan shops, and flower-filled streets, this picturesque village offers a delightful glimpse into traditional Normandy life. Enjoy time to stroll, take photos, and perhaps sample some local cider or Calvados.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Rouen, a city steeped in history and culture. Once the capital of Normandy, Rouen is famously where Joan of Arc was tried and executed. The city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, charming medieval quarter, and vibrant squares offer much to explore.

Our day in Rouen begins with a late morning visit to the Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece, followed by a short stroll to see the Gros-Horloge, the astronomical clock that is one of Rouen’s iconic landmarks. Afterwards, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore Rouen on your own. You may want to stop for lunch or dinner at one of the cafes in the Place du Vieux-Marché, stroll the cobbled alleyways, admire the half-timber architecture, follow the trail of Joan of Arc or visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Today we explore the elegant seaside towns and historic ports that line Normandy’s coast, each offering a unique character and rich cultural heritage, beginning with Honfleur, one of Normandy’s most beloved harbor towns. Famed for its postcard-perfect Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) and colorful, slate-fronted buildings, Honfleur has long been a favorite of artists—including Claude Monet and the Impressionists. Stroll the cobbled lanes, visit the striking wooden church of Sainte-Catherine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this artistic gem.

Next, we make a brief stop in Harfleur, a medieval port town near Le Havre with deep historical ties to the Hundred Years’ War. Once a strategic gateway for English forces into France, Harfleur still retains its ancient ramparts, half-timbered houses, and a sense of quiet charm along the Lézarde River.

We end the day in Deauville, the glamorous seaside resort known as the “Parisian Riviera.” With its elegant Belle Époque architecture, famous boardwalk (Les Planches), upscale boutiques, and sandy beaches, Deauville has been a fashionable retreat since the 19th century. You’ll have time to relax by the sea, take in the luxurious ambiance, or perhaps enjoy a coffee at a seaside café.

On our final full day in Normandy, we step back into the grandeur of French aristocratic life with visits to two remarkable châteaux.

Our first stop is the Château du Champ de Bataille, a stunning 17th-century masterpiece often referred to as the “Versailles of Normandy.” The château has been exquisitely restored by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia, and features some of the most spectacular formal gardens in France. Wander through grand salons, opulent furnishings, and immaculately sculpted grounds that transport you to another era.

Next, we continue to the Château de Beaumesnil, known as the “Norman Versailles.” This striking Baroque château, surrounded by a moat and extensive parkland, offers a more intimate experience of French noble life. Explore its lavish interiors, library, and charming gardens—alongside fascinating exhibits on the preservation of historic books.

In the evening, we gather for a Farewell Dinner, celebrating the friendships made and the unforgettable experiences shared throughout our journey across Normandy.