The Gardens & Gastronomy of Normandy & Brittany

Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport. If you're traveling overnight to get to Paris, consider arriving a day early so you have time to rest, relax, and get acclimated to the local time zone. You can purchase an Arrive Early option in the Add-ons section of this page. 

Once you collect your luggage and clear customs, hop in a taxi or Uber at the airport—they are clean, safe, and plentiful—and make your way to the chic Hotel Étoile Saint Ferdinand. Nestled between the Arc de Triomphe and Palais des Congrès, this stylish four-star hotel offers a serene retreat with contemporary comforts and easy access to the Champs-Élysées.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a fabulous welcome dinner at Monsieur Maillot, a short walk from the hotel. This gastronomic restaurant serves refined market-fresh cuisine within a stone-vaulted 18th-century room, the perfect spot to start our trip.

This morning after breakfast, we'll hop in our private van and head out of Paris. Our first stop will be Monet's breathtaking gardens at Giverny, the inspiration behind his famous water lily paintings. The gardens will be in full bloom in July, offering a stunning display of color and beauty. After a leisurely exploration of the house and grounds, we'll enjoy lunch at l'Estampille.

A drive through the picturesque Norman countryside will bring us to Rouen, where we will spend the night at the charming Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert. This literary concept, a 4-star property, is in the heart of this ancient city and pays homage to the famous author, Gustave Flaubert. After a brief rest, we'll stroll to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, whose Gothic façade was famously captured in a series of paintings by Monet.

After some downtime at the hotel, we’ll kick off the evening with a champagne welcome in the hotel’s airy atrium bar. 

Nestled in the enchanting village of Riquewihr, A la Couronne is our venue for dinner. They serve hearty Alsatian classics—think flammekueche, baeckeoffe, and sauerkraut—in a warm, rustic setting with a lovely terrace and wine-by-the-glass options.

This morning, we'll head north to the Château de Miromesnil, the birthplace of Guy de Maupassant, Flaubert's protégé 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, one of Normandy’s most beautiful villages. We’ll stroll through its picturesque streets before visiting Les Bois des Moutiers, a meticulously curated garden and manor house perched on the Normandy Cliffs.          

We'll continue on to the enchanting port village of Honfleur, where we will spend three nights at the romantic hotel La Maison de Lucie. Honfleur, an inspiration for generations of artists, is rich in historical and cultural heritage. We'll regroup for a relaxed meal of sustainably sourced seafood cuisine at the waterfront La Grenouille.

Today's destination is the legendary Étretat, renowned for its imposing cliffs and grand villas. These reflect the town's 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.

Next, we'll dine in the heart of town at La Flottille, a colorful bistro serving up delicious local wines and grilled dishes.

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.

Afterward, you can stroll along the waterfront, savoring a glass of Vin Blanc while overlooking the quay, or browse the tempting boutiques for souvenirs and gifts.

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

*Please see our FAQs for information on this day's physical activity level. 

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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, 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. The topiaries, Italian garden, reflecting pond, green room, and boxwood waves will enchant you. Our visit concludes with an al fresco lunch amidst the flowers at the château’s creperie.

A quick, 20-minute drive takes us to the traditional town of Pont-l'Évêque, a notable cheese-making community. We'll visit Fromagerie La Dégusterie to try their soft, white, cow's milk cheese. 

After returning to Hornfleur, we'll enjoy some downtime before sitting down for dinner at L’Art du Bistro, a seasonal marketplace and restaurant that truly embodies the gastronomic experience of French cuisine.

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Today, we'll diverge from our usual theme to recognize the importance of July 4th and our closeness to the D-Day Landing Beaches, dedicating the day to America's vital role in freeing France.

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

Dinner will be at the Michelin-recommended Doma, a quirky, contemporary restaurant showcasing colorful dishes that change with the seasons.

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We'll focus on exploring our host destination, the walled city of Saint-Malo, beginning 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.

We'll dine in the heart of the old city for lunch at Bergamote, a chic insider spot. After enjoying a splendid salad, galette, or quiche, you can indulge in one of their signature desserts. 

This afternoon, you're free to shop at Saint-Malo's great boutiques for a chic striped "martinière" top, regional gourmet treats, and unique mementos, or return to the hotel for a relaxing spa treatment (appointments must be made in advance and are not included in trip cost). 

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

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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 stroll through the breathtaking garden of Chateau de la Ballue, designed in the Italian Mannerist style and featuring the Yin-Yang-inspired landscape designs of 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 FIDELIS, a gourmet celebration of our memories and new friendships.

*Please see our FAQs for information on this day's physical activity level. 

All good things must come to an end. After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to say our goodbyes. We'll catch a private van transfer 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.

Book your flight home late afternoon (after 3:00 pm) or early evening from Paris so you have time to get to the airport without feeling rushed. There's a train directly to the airport, or you can opt to grab a taxi.