September break in Normandy, France

Itinerary

Day 1, Travel from Shropshire to Normandy

We will travel directly to the tunnel crossing at Folkestone stopping for refreshments and comfort breaks en-route. Once in Calais we will go directly to our hotel where a lovely 3-course meal and a warm welcomes awaits.

The Grand Hôtel de l’Espérance

With its welcoming staff and tastefully decorated rooms our chosen hotel combines the charm of the region’s traditional architecture with modern comfort. Add in delicious local cuisine in the restaurant and a friendly bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and we have the perfect base for this tour.

Day 2, Lisieux, Calvados Distillery Tour & Tasting and Honfleur

We will have a leisurely start at 09.30. A local guide will meet us at the hotel and take us on a short orientation of the town of Lisieux, where we are staying. Knowing the lie of the land means you can pop out for a wander when we have free time in the evenings or if you are an early riser and want a stroll before breakfast.

Joining the coach we have a short journey to a local Calvados producer for a tour of a distillery and a tasting of their ciders. Lunch will either be at the distillery or a local restaurant.

After lunch we will head off to the picturesque town of Honfleur, where we will meet out guide for the afternoon. You are free to join the group or wander off on your own to explore the town. This coastal town’s beauty has long attracted artists, with works of art to be found in the town’s many museums and galleries. Honfleur takes particular pride in its Impressionist roots – Claude Monet’s mentor Eugène Boudin was born in the town, and Monet and his contemporaries would often set up their easels at the Ferme Saint-Siméon on the hill above Honfleur, to capture the beautiful light of the Seine estuary.

Explore the Seine Estuary by taking a stroll through Honfleur’s public gardens to its very own beach, or visit the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grâce to look out over Honfleur and beyond.

Day 3, Claude Monet’s Garden, Giverny

No visit to Normandy is complete without a day at Monet’s House & Garden. A Guide will join us for an hour.

Outdoor artist and colour virtuoso Claude Monet was the charismatic leader of the impressionist movement. The artist was also passionate about botany and an inventive gardener who arranged his garden like an artwork.

Restored in the late 1970s, the Giverny house and gardens were Claude Monet’s private sanctuary from 1883 to 1926. Permeated with memories of yesteryear, the pink rendered building and the flower gardens have been perfectly restored to immerse visitors in the artist and gardener’s home setting.

Brimming with history, his pink house retains its owner’s spirit. It tells the story of Monet’s daily life, as a person and an artist, using period furniture and items, souvenirs, and accurate replicas of rooms.

From the Clos Normand’s flower beds to the water garden’s water lilies, Claude Monet created an outdoor palette during his life at Giverny. Towards the end of his life, this impressionist setting became his sole source of inspiration.

Our hotel will provide a packed lunch so you can find a lovely spot to sit down and enjoy your picnic while taking in these beautiful surroundings.

Day 4, Historic City of Rouen with guided tour, river cruise and lunch

Rouen, situated on the banks of the River Seine, describes itself as Normandy’s historic and cultural capital. We will spend the day here giving us lots of time to enjoy a guided tour, a river cruise and lunch as well as free time to enjoy the many cultural sites in this historic city.

Monet’s famous depictions of Rouen Cathedral have it made it a favourite with visitors but there are also many fine museums to explore, not to mention the Gros Horloge clock tower, France’s oldest inn, La Couronne and the beautiful modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc.

The Fine Arts Museum is one of the finest in France including works by the Impressionists Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Degas, ground-breaking French artists Poussin, David, Delacroix, Géricault and Corot, and artists from further afield – Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio and Rubens.

The Musée de la Céramique explores Rouen’s rich history over the centuries as producer of some of the finest ceramics in France, exhibiting traditional plates and bowls, pottery shoes and even a ceramic violin.

English medieval history is closely linked to Rouen. William the Conqueror often held court here. Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy in the city, and literally left his heart there… as did Joan of Arc, much against her will. A museum in honour of Joan of Arc is housed in the Archbishop’s Palace next to the cathedral.

Day 5, traveling to Shrewsbury

Traveling via Le Shuttle Eurotunnel we will re-trace our steps to Shrewsbury stopping for refreshments and comfort breaks en-route.

Insurance & Travel Documents

For this trip you are required to take out your own personal holiday insurance and bring your passport.

A note on currency fluctuations

The price for this tour is based on current exchange rates between sterling and the Euro and may be subject to change with currency fluctuations. If necessary the revised fees will be recalculated and fixed based on the exchange rate(s) ruling at the time your final balance invoice is issued approximately 10-weeks before the tour. Wisteria Tours will inform customers should the situation arise.

September break in Normandy, France

Tour Information

April Update: This tour is now full. Please contact Jacky to join the waiting list.

About the tour

Included in the Tour

4 night’s Dinner, B&B staying at the 3* Grand Hôtel de l’Espérance, Lisieux

Coach from Shrewsbury to Folkestone, Le Shuttle Eurotunnel and onward journey to Normandy

Short orientation walking tour of Lisieux

A tour and tasting at a Calvados Distillery followed by a traditional lunch

Visiting historic harbour town of Honfleur with a local guide and lunch

Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, Giverny, with a guided tour and picnic box lunch

A day in this historic city of Rouen, accompanied by a local guide, River Cruise along the Seine and lunch at a local restaurant

This tour is accompanied by sisters Jacky & Sue, Wisteria Tours

Coach travel throughout the tour with award winning Lakeside Coaches of Ellesmere.

History, culture, river cruise and good food!