western france in three days
Giverny, Rouen, Etretat, Honfleur, Caen, Bayeux, Normandy,
Step into the heart of history and artistry as you explore the enchanting landscapes of Normandy. Wander through Monet’s gardens in Giverny, stand in awe before Rouen’s Gothic cathedral, and marvel at the white cliffs of Étretat that inspired the Impressionists. Lose yourself in the vibrant harbor of Honfleur, where artists once captured the play of light on water, and uncover centuries of stories in Caen’s medieval landmarks and powerful World War II memorials. In Bayeux, witness the legendary tapestry that chronicles the Norman Conquest before walking the hallowed beaches of D-Day, where history was forever changed. From medieval conquests to modern heroism, every step through Normandy is a journey through time, waiting to be discovered.
Day one
In the picturesque village of Giverny, step into the world of Claude Monet as you wander through his enchanting home and gardens—the very place that inspired his iconic Water Lilies series. Strolling across the Japanese bridge, you’ll see the landscapes that revolutionized Impressionism. From there, journey to Rouen, a city rich with medieval and Renaissance history. Stand in awe before its breathtaking Gothic cathedral, famously painted by Monet, and explore its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. This is the city where Joan of Arc was tried and martyred, a moment in history that still echoes through its ancient squares. As the sun sets, make your way to Étretat, where the towering white chalk cliffs and dramatic natural arches meet the sea—a landscape so mesmerizing that Monet and other artists captured its beauty en plein air. With the waves crashing below and the sky painted in hues of twilight, there’s no better way to end a day steeped in art, history, and the timeless charm of France.
9:00 Monet’s Garden and Home in Giverny
11:30 Roeun Cathedral
12:30 Lunch at Tandem
1:30 Historial Jeanne d’Arc
3:00 Wander the Mideval Center of Roeun. Don’t miss the half-timber houses and Gros-Horloge Clock
5:00 Wander the cliffs of Etretat and have dinner in town
9:00 Arrive in Honfleur to stay the night
Day two
Begin your journey in Honfleur, a charming harbor town that has long captivated artists with its colorful, slate-covered buildings reflecting in the tranquil waters of the Vieux Bassin. This historic port, once a key maritime hub, inspired painters like Eugène Boudin and the early Impressionists, leaving an indelible mark on the art world. From there, travel to Caen, a city steeped in both medieval and modern history. Walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror as you visit the imposing Abbaye aux Hommes, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque architecture where the famed duke-turned-king is entombed. Delve into the poignant legacy of World War II at the Caen Memorial Museum, a powerful tribute to the D-Day landings and the resilience of those who lived through the conflict. With its blend of artistic heritage, medieval grandeur, and wartime history, this leg of your journey offers a profound and captivating glimpse into France’s past.
9:00 Wander the beautiful harbor of Honfleur, peek in the Church of Sainte-Catherine, visit La Mora, immersing yourself in the history of William the Conqueror and the Normans, and enjoy lunch at Chez Justine et Quentin
1:00 Peek in the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, the beautiful Caen Cathedral and resting place for William the Conqueror
2:00 Visit Memorial de Caen for a deep dive into the WWII history of Normandy
7:00 Enjoy dinner and stay the night in Bayeux
Day three
Begin your day in the historic town of Bayeux, home to one of the most remarkable artifacts of the Middle Ages—the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry. This extraordinary 230-foot-long embroidery vividly recounts the story of the Norman Conquest, bringing to life the ambitions of William the Conqueror and the fateful Battle of Hastings. From medieval triumphs, shift to the solemn echoes of World War II as you explore Normandy’s storied coastline. Walk the very sands of Omaha and Utah Beaches, where Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history on June 6, 1944. Visit Sainte-Mère-Église, where paratroopers descended under fire, and Arromanches, where remnants of the ingenious Mulberry Harbors still stand as a testament to wartime ingenuity. Through powerful memorials, museums, and cemeteries, these sites honor the immense bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Normandy—a poignant reminder of resilience, courage, and the enduring cost of freedom.
9:00 Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum
10:30 Tour the Juno Beach Center
12:00 Enjoy lunch in Arromanches-les-Bains
1:00 Stroll along the coast of Arromanches to see remnants of the artificial harbors and visit the Arromanches to watch a compelling film of the battles of Normandy.
2:30 Explore Longues-sur-Mer Battery
4:00 Visit the American Cemetery and Omaha Beach
6:00 Wander Pont du Hoc
7:00 Dinner in Bayeux at La Rapiere or L’Alcove
