Lisieux is France’s second-most famous Pilgrimage site and the magnificent mosaic-filled Basilica of Saint Thérèse is close to our hotel and always worth a visit. This area is also famous for its cider and calvados and our tour not only includes a Calvados Distillery tour but also visits to Honfleur, Rouen and the D-Day Beaches.
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel to Dover for the channel crossing to Calais and then south to Normandy for a four-night stay in Lisieux.
Day 2 MONDAY Our full-day excursion takes us to the regional capital of Normandy, Rouen. Take time to explore the cobbled streets in the old town and the historic marketplace where Joan of Arc met her fate. A visit to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame is highly recommended, which was often painted by Claude Monet.
Day 3 TUESDAY We travel to Normandy's Flower Coast, starting with a visit to the upmarket coastal town of Deauville. We then continue to historic Honfleur and discover its picturesque harbour and cobbled streets. End the day with a visit to a Calvados producer for a tour of the distillery and a tasting of their ciders and calvados as well as locally produced cheeses.
Day 4 WEDNESDAY We pay our respects to those who fought to liberate Europe from the Nazis with a guided tour of the British Sector of the Normandy D-Day Beaches. We'll discover the artificial harbour in Arromanches. Then continue east along the beaches to see the Pegasus Bridge. Our final stop is the Ranville Commonwealth Cemetery before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 5 THURSDAY Travel to Calais for the return short Channel crossing to Dover and home.
This three-star hotel is located in the very centre of Lisieux and is built in the traditional Normandy style. The hotel features 86 comfortable bedrooms, a lounge area, stylish restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift to most rooms.
