NORMANDY
Charming Etretat and the gardens that inspired Claude Monet, the fairytale castle of Mont Saint-Michel
TRAVEL DATES
25 - 30 вересня 2025
ABOUT THE TRIP
Normandy is a region of first-class Calvados and the most delicious cheeses, enchanting nature and magnificent Gothic architecture. The ocean, ancient castles, mystical abbeys, aristocratic casinos and the freshest oysters - that's all about this magical place.
The journey starts in Paris, so we need to fly here. Here we rent a car and set off to explore Normandy.
This trip is for you if you like French romance. We will visit the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, feel the power of the ocean near the cliffs of Etretat; see with our own eyes how on the days of the highest tide the water appears and approaches in an instant, and the next day in the same place there are long dunes; taste the freshest oysters, and of course, French classics - baguettes, croissants, eclairs.
IMPORTANT: the tour program may change depending on weather conditions, the condition of the participants, and other circumstances at the discretion of the tour guide.
OUR itinerary
DAY 1. Arrival in France and the city of Rouen
In the morning we will be in France, we take our car and start our adventures. We will start with breakfast in Beauvais or Amiens and then we will go to the city of Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy, a city on the banks of the Seine, which is part of the Paris agglomeration. Rouen is rightfully considered the pearl of Northern France with incredible architecture and the richest past: the Old Market Square witnessed the execution of Joan of Arc, and the medieval houses, which have been perfectly preserved, are considered a European example of the half-timbered style. Rouen served as a source of inspiration for many artists: Gustave Flaubert wrote “Madame Bovary” here, and Claude Monet created a famous series of impressionist landscapes. Here you can buy amazing white and blue ceramics, eat your fill of the most delicious French apples and walk all day in the endless Norman forests on the outskirts of the city
DAY 2. Place of power: Etretat.
White chalk cliffs, bizarre natural arches and grottoes, sunsets over the English Channel – all this is Etretat, one of the main attractions of Normandy in northern France. It was these picturesque cliffs and bizarre natural arches that inspired Claude Monet. We are sure that Etretat will inspire you to do great things too!
So in the morning we go to Etretat to spend the whole day there. We will visit the famous Les Jardins d’Étretat, walk along the coast, enjoy the views and visit the local artisan shops. We will spend the night nearby.
DAY 3. Deauville and Trouville
Moving from Normandy to Brittany through the famous vacation spots of the Parisian bourgeoisie. In the town of Deauville in 1910, Coco Chanel opened her first boutique. By evening we reach the town of Carole.
Today we will visit Deauville and Trouville – twin cities, I would even say Siamese twins – they are connected by a small bridge across the river “Touqes” (La Touqes). However, there are also differences, so Deauville seemed to me more aristocratic and somewhat mannered. If Trouville is an aristocrat who warmly welcomes ordinary guests, then Deauville seems to say: “you can walk here, but we are fine without you”.
DAY 4. Saint-Malo and Cancale
We immerse ourselves in the Emerald Coast of Brittany, taste oysters and other seafood straight from the ocean, enjoy life. Long walks along the coast, contemplating life in fishing villages.
Today we will visit the city of Cancale, a world-famous center of the oyster industry. Here, comfortably settled right on the beach, we will be able to taste the most delicious oysters.
Then we will go to the Port of Saint-Malo, which is located on the shores of the English Channel. It is known for the most powerful tides in the world and, of course, for its beaches.
DAY 5. Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the most attractive pilgrimage sites of the 8th-18th centuries, and is the most striking example of medieval architecture, both religious and military.
We walk through the capital of Brittany and the small towns near it. The heart of Brittany is a place where time has stopped and everything goes according to its own slow schedule. We encounter a high tide in the evening. In the morning there will be a lot of water near the Abbey, which rises to such a level only a few times a year. We will definitely see it with our own eyes, then we will walk around the abbey. And when we finish somewhere around lunchtime we will see that there is no water at all around and only sand remains.
DAY 6. Paris. Flight home
Moving to Paris. Evening flight and the way home. See you on your next trips, friends!
recommend taking tickets for the following flights:
TRIP DETAILS
Where will we live and how will we get around?
We have chosen for this trip stylish and comfortable apartments in the heart of Normandy, of this format. We will live 3 nights near Etretat and 2 nights closer to Cancale. Accommodation in rooms for two people.
*house/apartment can be replaced with similar ones
We travel in a rented minivan, which gives us even more freedom in creating the perfect trip, with our guide at the wheel.
*the car can be replaced with a similar one of the same class
What’s included in the price?
- Accommodation - spacious and comfortable house/apartment
- Guide for the entire duration of the trip
- Car rental, fuel, parking and driver services
- Transfer - travel from/to the airport
- Assistance in purchasing airline tickets
- Entrance to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
- Entrance to Les Jardins d'Etretat park
To be paid additionally
- Food (~25-35€ / day)
- Flights to Paris (from ~150€)
FAQ
Click on the “book” button, fill out the form, and we will contact you to complete the booking.
A place on the trip is reserved with a deposit of €400 (PayPal) and a photo of your international passport will also be required. After that, we will add you to the group. The remaining part of the amount must be paid no later than 21 days before the start of the trip.
Our groups consist of up to 4-8 people plus a guide. The average age of participants is 18-35 years. We have no age restrictions, the main thing is that you like walking and active recreation. Most often, girls go. A little less often, boys.
In case of refusal/cancellation of the trip from your side, a 100% refund is possible if a replacement is found for your place at the full price. In all other cases, the cost of the trip is non-refundable.
In case of cancellation of the trip by the organizers, the deposit paid will be refunded in 100%. The refund takes up to 10 business days.
We have an age restriction of 18+ for the comfort of all participants.
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