Normandy

Many of the scenes that inspired Monet, Turner, Sisley and their fellow impressionist painters are the same that keep visitors coming back to Normandy. Stunning châteaux are dotted across the verdant landscape around Bayeux, home to the world-famous tapestry. The historic coastline has ancient highlights such as Mont St. Michel and the breathtaking cliffs of Etretat.

Honfleur

A picturesque harbour on the River Seine estuary, popular with impressionist painters and Parisien tourists since the 19th century. Honfleur’s cobbled streets around the harbour and the wooden church of St.Catherine attract many visitors each year. Le Havre, Fecamp and Etretat are a short drive away across the impressive Normandy bridge.

Bayeux

Bayeux is famed for its eponymous tapestry depicting William, Duke of Normandy’s conquest of Anglo-Saxon Britain. The town’s cobbled streets are wandered by millions each year exploring over 2,000 years of history. Bayeux is 30 minutes from Caen and 20 minutes from the excellent D-Day museum at Arromanches, the starting point for exploring the World War II landing beaches.

Rouen

The principal streets in the old town of the provincial capital feature stunning architecture dating back as far as the 13th century; the St.Maclou church, Palais de Justice and the Gros Horloge rival any building in Paris for grandeur and detail. Perfectly located as a stopping point between Paris or Caen and the D-Day landing beaches.

Deauville

A glamorous beach town since the Victorian era, Deauville is popular with Parisiens and celebrities. While the boutiques reflect the height of fashion, the architecture around the harbour largely reflects the lavish style of the 19th century.

Mont St Michel

The iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont St. Michel is located in Lower Normandy, one hour’s drive from St. Malo and 90 minutes from Caen.

Recommended Excursions in Normandy

Whether admiring the tapestry and cathedral at Bayeux, learning about family history on the D-Day beaches or tracing the lives of France’s impressionist painters, Kirker and our specialist partners can provide the perfect day out. The following are some suggestions and prices are per person based on two people sharing:

D-Day British and Canadian Landing Beaches

(Private Full Day Tour): £298

Explore the long stretch from the battlefield at Pegasus Bridge toArromanches-sur-Mer and learn about this significant moment inhistory and its influence on the area in the subsequent 75 years.Highlights include the Canadian interactive visitor centre at JunoBeach, the 360° cinema and British memorial at Arromanches andlunch in one of the traditional seafront villages around Sword Beach.

The Impressionists in Upper Normandy 

(Private Full Day Tour): £360

A full day tour following in the footsteps of the Impressionists who made the most of Normandy’s varying light. As well as the harbour and estuary at Honfleur and the cathedral of Rouen, Monet, Sisley, Boudin, Degas, Renoir et al were inspired by the coastal delights of Étretat, Fécamp and Pourville. Stops here will allow you to compare your view with that seen by the artists. You will also visit the impressionist masterpieces of the Musée des Beaux-Arts Rouen and will conclude with a walking tour of Rouen with its medieval streets and, of course, Monet’s favourite cathedral.

D-Day Tour From the Memorial De Caen

(Small Group Private Full Day Tour): £150

One of the most well curated museums in France and among the best portrayals of the folly of war, the Mémorial, set in a park just outside Caen, is a must see for anyone interested in World War II. The team here have come up with a new initiative to combine a morning visit and lunch at the Mémorial with a small group tour in the afternoon to some of the key beaches as well as the American cemetery and Arromanches. You will need to make your own way to and from Caen.