Emotions run high on this spectacular visit to Normandy. Our easy-going route leads to a string of seaside ports and resorts, rich with mariners’ tales and world famous local seafood. Take time to wander through picturesque traditional villages, enjoy sweeping coastal views, and have fun on the beach. We’ll also visit historic sites as the Bayeux tapestry, the D-Day beaches, and other war memorials. This region offers a rare look at traditional France, in early times, during WWII and today. Don’t miss it!
From Barfleur to Bayeux, soak up a week of sweeping coastline, rolling woodlands and charming ports while reliving a pivotal chapter in American history on this six-day, family-friendly Normandy adventure. Our expert guides can’t wait to share the remarkable stories of this fascinating region as you bike, hike and explore the mystery and history of France’s northern regions. Enjoy the comforts of tasty, local fare and cozy accommodations at days end as you prepare for even more adventures-of-a-lifetime tomorrow.
Climb to the top of an iconic 233-foot tall lighthouse in Barfleur, a quiet coastal fishing town where charming granite homes date back to the 17th-century
Learn the D-Day story of an American paratrooper whose parachute caught on the spire of the town church in Sainte-Mère-Églises
Walk in the footsteps of Allied World War II victors in Carentan and on Utah Beach
Bike the beautiful clifftop roads of Pointe du Hoc, overlooking Omaha Beach and cemetery
Relive William the Conqueror’s conquest of England as you walk along the colorful 230-foot Bayeux Tapestry
Feast on fresh seafood, savory crepes, and Camembert cheese before unwinding in the comfort of the majestic 16th-century Chateau de Sully
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The scenery: Normandy has beautiful beaches, incredible cliffs, and pastoral farm land.
02
The seafood: With its vast coastline, Normandy offers superb seafood.
03
The battlefields: You'll see the D-Day landing beaches, the inland battlefields, some of the cemeteries of the principal armies, and plenty of fascinating museums.
We meet in Paris in the morning and begin the day with a transfer to the picturesque harbor town of St-Vaast. After enjoying a lunch, join your guide on your first bike ride! This short afternoon ride on a traffic-free bicycle path gives you the opportunity to try out the bikes. We will also walk on the coastal dike and along St-Vaast’s lively port. Tonight, join your guides and fellow travelers for a grand welcome dinner at Restaurant France et Fuchsia.
About Hotel de France et des Fuchsias
Located in the center of a small fishing port, Hotel de Frnace et des Fuschsias is a delightful hotel surrounded by the lush Normandy countryside. The local oysters are reputed to be some of the finest in France, and the sheltered location encourages a lush vegetation with spectacular gardens.
The hotel has a friendly owner, charming bedrooms, a garden terrace, plenty of attractions, and nearby sightseeing.
Today’s bike ride takes us to Barfleur, a charming fishing port with granite houses dating back to the 17th century. Before reaching Barfleur, we proceed on foot along the Grand Randonnée hiking trail to Pointe de Barfleur. We pause en route for a delicious picnic lunch. Earn some great views by climbing 233 feet to the top of the lighthouse at Pointe de Barfleur, it’s one of the tallest in France. Those who prefer to stay on their bikes can make their way back to St-Vaast on a spectacular route through rolling woodlands and pastures. Spend the night strolling around St-Vaast and dining at one of the many amazing restaurants.
Fuel up with a warm breakfast before saddling up for another breathtaking ride. Visit the seaside resort at Quinéville en route to WWII locations in Ste-Mère Église. Once we reach the coast again, we proceed on foot along the sandy beaches until the Utah Beach Museum and memorials, where there’s ample time to take in the sights.
About Chateau de Sully
Step back in time as you enter the gates of this historic French chateau. The beautiful gardens and classic architecture are a perfect complement to the luxurious and relaxing rooms overlooking the beautiful property.
Soak in the Jacuzzi, pamper yourself with a massage, indulge in some of the exquisite cuisine, or enjoy one of the many other amenities that Chateau de Sully offers.
A short transfer will take you from Bayeux to the German military battery at Pointe du Hoc. At Omaha Beach we will begin our walk along the coast. Stop for a delicious meal near Omaha Beach before finishing the rest of your hike at the American military cemetery. End the day visiting the colorful Bayeux tapestry, over 76 yards in length, embroidered with vivid illustrations of William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. Tonight stroll in the lovely old town of Bayeux, with its halftimbered houses and fine shops before we dine informally on pizza, pasta and salad.
Get ready for a day of rich history as you head out for a loop ride to nearby WWII sights and experience a 360 degree war documentary. The route includes Gold Beach, the “artificial invasion harbor” at Arromanches, and the German observation post at Longues sur Mer. Later, spend more time in Bayeux and visit the many interesting shops and museums. Enjoy a marvelous farewell dinner, indulging in the region’s fine ‘surf & turf’ specialties.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paris for your departure home.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
July 5, 2020
July 10, 2020
Space Available
August 2, 2020
August 7, 2020
Space Available
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Paris. On Day 1, we will meet you in the lobby of Grand Hotel Bedford (8th arrondissement) in Paris at 8:30 am. After a transfer to St-Vaast, lunch and briefing, the intro bike ride begins. After breakfast on Day 6, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Paris (three hour transfer).
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.
Cultural Discoveries
Famous sights, renowned resorts and peaceful rural routes blend together here for some of the best cycling in all of France. Ride along the gently rolling Normandy coast to sleepy fishing harbors, sandy beach resorts and D-Day sites. Learn (and taste) the difference between the various choices and sizes of oysters. Read the Bayeux tapestry like a medieval comic book, the best account of the Battle of Hasting, which changed the course of history. Spend ample time at the various war museums, presenting a dramatic view of recent history. Drool at the amazing gourmet store Maison Gosselin in St-Vaast. This is northwestern France in all its glory.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All breakfasts. Lunches and dinners as listed by day. Snacks along the route.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local guide and expert gratuities.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Europe Expert
Adam Beecham
Want to know how to make fast friends in foreign places and how to get the most out of a destination by experiencing it like a local? Ask Adam, a longtime Austin Adventures guide who now serves as European Operations Manager in Holland. He caught the travel bug during a semester abroad in New Zealand and Australia and quickly discovered he never wanted to stop experiencing—and more importantly, sharing—the wonder of travel. He taught English in China, managed a resort in Mexico, and now lives with his wife and child in Amsterdam, ensuring guests have the best guides and experiences possible on their European adventures.
