The Gardens & Gastronomy of Normandy & Brittany

Consider arriving a day or two early to explore the enchanting City of Light. We've arranged a room block at the charming Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon for those wanting to extend their stay (details for booking extra nights are provided below).

We'll gather in the lobby of the hotel at 9:00 am to embark on our adventure. Our first stop will be Monet's breathtaking gardens at Giverny, the inspiration behind his famous water lily paintings. In July, the gardens will be in full bloom, offering a stunning display of color and beauty. After a leisurely exploration of the house and gardens, we'll enjoy lunch at Le Bistrot des Fleurs.

Following a scenic drive through the picturesque Norman countryside, we’ll arrive in Rouen for an overnight stay at the historic Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, a stunning 15th-century property located in the heart of this ancient city. After a brief rest, we'll take a short stroll to visit the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, whose gothic façade was famously captured in a series of paintings by Monet.

The evening will commence with a champagne welcome in the hotel's airy atrium bar, followed by dinner at La Couronne, the oldest inn in France, dating back to 1345. This is the very place where Julia Child experienced her transformative first meal in France.

This morning, we'll head north to the Château de Miromesnil, the birthplace of Guy de Maupassant, the protégé of Flaubert and the father of the modern short story. The château's marvelous walled potager garden and elegant parks have earned the designation "Jardin Remarquable".

After a delightful lunch at Château de Miromesnil, our afternoon destination is Varengeville, ranked by GEO as one of Normandy’s most beautiful villages. We’ll stroll through its picturesque streets before visiting Le Jardin de Shamrock, which boasts the world’s largest collection of hydrangeas. In July, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of over a thousand bushes in full bloom!

Next, we'll visit Lin et L’Autre Boutique, a unique shop specializing in traditional Norman linen tableware and clothing. It also offers a treasure trove of decorative notions and brocante finds. Our final stop will be at Eglise Saint-Valery, a fascinating historic church perched on the cliff, featuring beautiful modern stained-glass windows by Georges Braque and paintings by Michel Ciry. Both artists lived in Varengeville and are buried in the peaceful churchyard with a spectacular view of the coastline and Dieppe.

We will then proceed to the enchanting port village of Honfleur, where the romantic hotel La Maison de Lucie will be our home base for three nights. Honfleur, an inspiration for generations of artists, is rich in historic and cultural heritage. We'll regroup for a lighthearted meal of sustainably sourced regional cuisine at the foodie favorite, L’Endroit.

Today's destination is the legendary Étretat, renowned for its imposing cliffs and grand villas, which reflect its transformation from a quaint fishing port to a glamorous seaside resort. This captivating place has inspired artists and writers and was a favorite of Marie Antoinette.

Our day begins with an invigorating nature walk along the cliffs and beach, guided by a local expert who will share insights into sea birds, coastal plants, and the formation of the cliffs, along with the myths, legends, art, and literature that surround this enchanting location.

In the afternoon, we'll explore the celebrated neo-futuristic Gardens of Étretat, a winner of the European Garden Award and a Michelin Green Guide star.

Back in Honfleur, a local fromagerie will prepare a platter of Normand cheeses for you to enjoy with a bottle of hard cider and red wine in the garden of La Petite Lucie. Afterward, you can stroll along the waterfront, savoring a glass of vin blanc while overlooking the quay, or browse the tempting boutiques for mementos and gifts.

Dinner will be on your own tonight, allowing you to explore the local culinary delights at your leisure.

Today begins with a guided walking tour of Honfleur’s historic district, including the picturesque old port and the remarkable wooden church of Saint Catherine, which was crafted by shipbuilders in the 15th century.

Next, we'll drive inland to the charming Pays d’Auge, where our first stop is the Château de Boutemont. This stunning château boasts period gardens designed by renowned landscapers over the centuries. We’ll be enchanted by the topiaries, Italian garden, reflecting pond, green room, and boxwood waves. Our visit concludes with an al fresco lunch amidst the flowers at the château’s creperie.

Our journey continues with a tour and tasting at the Pierre Huet distillery, an award-winning family estate that has been producing Calvados, Pommeau, and cider for five generations. Here, we’ll savor Normandy’s famous apple-based spirits.

The afternoon will be spent exploring the enchanting Jardins du Pays d’Auge, a "remarkable garden" landscaped around beautifully restored traditional half-timbered cottages, barns, stables, and a chapel.

Back in Honfleur, we'll enjoy dinner tonight at L'Homme du Bois.                                                                                

Today, we'll deviate from our theme to honor the significance of July 4th and our proximity to the D-Day Landing Beaches, dedicating the day to America's crucial role in the liberation of France.

On our way to the coast, we'll visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a rare and invaluable artifact that illustrates the defeat of Anglo-Saxon King Harold and the Norman conquest of England by King William I in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings.

A knowledgeable guide will lead us on a heartfelt tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches, including stops at Arromanches, the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer, the American Cemetery, and Omaha Beach. We'll pause for lunch at a charming brasserie.

In the evening, we'll arrive at the Brittany port of Saint-Malo and settle in for a three-night stay at the waterfront Hotel & Spa Le Nouveau Monde. Dinner will feature the freshest seafood and Breton specialties at Fidelis, located in the historic granite citadel.

We'll focus on exploring our host destination, the walled city of Saint-Malo, with an excursion to the nearby oyster capital, Cancale.

Our day begins with a fascinating walking tour led by a local guide who will meet us at the hotel. He'll share his passion for "la cité Corsaire," bringing its storied history to life with engaging anecdotes and lore.

For lunch, we'll dine in the heart of the old city at Bergamote, a chic insider spot. After enjoying a splendid salad, galette, or quiche, you can indulge in one of their signature desserts. If time permits, we'll take a short stroll to La Maison du Beurre Bordier, the butter and cheese boutique of the renowned Brittany butter dynasty.

In the mid-afternoon, we'll uncover the secrets of oyster cultivation at La Ferme Marine. Our guided visit will conclude with a tasting of their exceptional harvest.

Back in Saint-Malo, you'll have free time to shop in town or return to the hotel for a relaxing spa treatment (appointments must be made in advance and are not included). This evening, we'll dine within the walled old town at Doma, enjoying a delightful meal in a charming setting.

This morning, we'll explore the enchanting Mont Saint Michel with an expert guide. After wandering through the winding streets and visiting the historic Abbey, we'll savor a hearty lunch at Ferme Saint Michel.

In the afternoon, we'll discover the breathtaking garden of Chateau de la Ballue, designed in the Italian mannerist style and featuring the Yin Yang inspirations of landscape architects Paul Maymont and François Hebert Stevens. The garden's "outdoor rooms," set against the elegant backdrop of the grey granite Louis VIII chateau, are connected by stunning vistas and imaginative topiary.

The owner will share the property's unique history, including tales of its many famous guests.

We'll conclude our day with a farewell feast at Ostaleri, a gourmet celebration of the memories we've made and the new friendships we've formed.

All good things must come to an end. After a leisurely breakfast it's time to say our goodbyes. We'll catch a midmorning fast train together to central Paris, arriving around midday. Your trip leader will accompany you so she'll be able to help you with any other arrangements you need when we get to Paris.

Try to book a late afternoon or early evening flight home from Paris so you have time to get to airport without feeling rushed. (There's a train, or you can hop in a taxi). Or, consider extending your trip and stay in Paris for a few more days. Either way, we're here to help you make these arrangements, so your return trip home is stress-free.