Normandy is mainly a rich farming region with fishing along the coast. Visitors come for its wonderful beaches, quiet rural byways, and historic background.

In 1883 , the Impressionist painter Claude Monet rented a house in the small village of Giverny, by the Seine river. He worked there until his death at the age of 86. The house and the magnificent gardens, main source of Monet's inspiration in his old days, are open to the public. ( 1 hour west of Paris).

Capital city of Upper Normandy with 400,000 inhabitants. The old town has been restored and attracts many visitors. Founded at the lowest point where the Seine river could be bridged, the city boasts a wealth of historic sites, within walking distance of the cathedral which was one of Monet's inspirations. It is also the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at stake by the British. (30 minutes from Giverny).

This picturesque harbor town lies at the foot of the "Cote de Grace" hill overlooking the Seine river estuary. The streets and quay sides of the ancient port are full of character. The old harbor hosts a fishing fleet as well as pleasure boats and yachts. It is also home town of Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin. (30 minutes from Rouen).

This sea resort enjoys a world wide reputation due to the sumptuousness of its facilities. The yachting harbor, the boardwalk and the casino are a must-see. (30 minutes from Honfleur).

Caen

The favorite residence of William the Conqueror. Much of its historical monuments remain, despite the destruction of 3/4 of the city during WWII. The Memorial is a Museum dedicated to peace. Its interactive and audiovisual techniques bring a new light to WWII and D Day. (40 minutes west of Honfleur).

Bayeux

The old capital of the lush pastureland of the Bessin district, happily unscathed, was the first french town liberated on D Day. Bayeux's cathedral dates back to the 11th century. Queen Mathilda tapestry is an extraordinary masterpiece of embroidery, probably made in England soon after the conquest. Its 58 episodes with headings recount the epic of the Norman invasion with striking truthfulness. In addition, it is an irreplaceable source of information on the ships , weapons, clothes and way of life in the 11th century. (30 minutes west of Caen).

At dawn , on D Day, 6 June 1944, Allied troops established beach heads at Omaha, Sword, Juno and Gold, code names for landing beaches. General Dwight Eisenhower was the supreme Allied Commander. General George Patton commanded the 3rd American Army and General Omar Bradley was in charge of the American assault forces during the landing operation. Several points of interest may be visited like Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc. The 9,385 marble crosses of the American Cemetery of St. Laurent stand aligned in an impressive site overlooking Omaha Beach. A memorial, inscribed with the map of the operations, stands in the central alley.

Called the " Wonder of the Western World" for its exceptional site, its rich history and its glorious architecture. The combination makes it the most splendid of all abbeys in France. Its architecture style was determined by the constraints imposed by the rock on which it was erected. You will visit "La Merveille", a group of building including the Guests' Hall, The cloisters and the Refectory, the Knights' Hall. (2 hours south of Bayeux).

The site of the walled town, on the East bank of the Rance river, is unique in France, making the ancient port one of France's main attraction. Jacques Cartier set sail from here to discover Canada. In the 18th century, it was the home town of privateers like Surcouf and Dugay Trouin. It is possible to walk right around the town on top of the walls. The road along nearby " Cote d'Emeraude" coastline is very scenic and runs through the exclusive resort of Dinard. (1 hour and 1/2 west of Mont St. Michel).

Located on the Rance estuary river. The houses of the old town cluster together behind the 2 miles circuit of walls. Numerous Craftsmen shops operate like in the old times. (1 hour south of St. Malo)

European Group Tours