DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Calais to Honfleur

After arriving in Calais via the Eurotunnel, begin your drive through the rolling, chalky fields of the Pas-de-Calais and then the valley of the Somme, into the charming landscape of Normandy, crossing the mouth of the mighty River Seine by the dramatic Pont de Normandie. Your overnight stop is just outside Honfleur. It’s worth trying to arrive early enough in the afternoon to have some free time in Honfleur before reaching your hotel. Honfleur’s harbour is lined by elegant, townhouses and warehouses that are now occupied by an array of restaurants and art galleries.

Day 2: Honfleur to Brittany

Today’s drive takes about four hours in total, so you have time to explore the vicinity of Honfleur, perhaps with a drive along the coast to the seaside resort of Deauville or to drive through the delightful Calvados countryside with its apple trees, pasture-land and half-timbered Normandy farmhouses. Your route takes you around the city of Caen and then south-west through the village of Villers-Bocage, scene of a tank battle on 13 June 1944.

Further on, stop in the town of Villedieu-les-Poeles, which is famous for copper working. It is here that countless pots and pans have been produced since the Middle Ages. Another key site just off your route is Mont St Michel, a striking island linked by a causeway and upon which perches a medieval abbey. Reach the coastal resort of Trebeurden in time to check in for the evening.

Days 3 to 8: In Brittany

You have six whole days to rest, relax, explore, unwind and venture out. Trebeurden is a small resort at the start of the Pink Granite coast. There are many activities with a focus on the sea from marina, diving, sailing and boat trips, as well as several fine, sandy beaches.

From the town itself you can hike along the coastal paths and also discover the regional archaeological heritage by seeking out menhirs, dolmen and covered walkways. There are natural headlands such as Bihit and Castel and just offshore is the island of Milliau, only accessible at low tide. Naturalists will enjoy the bird sanctuary at Sept-Iles, the freshwater marshes at Quellen (now home to many birds, amphibians and Camargue horses) and at Roscoff there is an exotic botanical garden.

There are hiking and biking trails in the area and if you leave the car behind, you can always ask the hotel to arrange a car to pick you up – it depends on how adventurous you might want to be. Depending on the dates of your stay, you might be lucky enough to be able to witness one of the several local festivals and events in Trebeurden, mostly to do with the sea, such as sculling championships, a regatta and a festival of the sea. There are also music and folklore festivals.

Day 9: Brittany to Bayeux

You retrace your steps towards Bayeux, perhaps taking time to visit the medieval Breton town of Dinan, with cobbled streets, ramparts and fine half-timbered houses. Your overnight stop is in the countryside north of Bayeux and a few miles inland from the Normandy Landing Beaches.

Day 10: Drive from Bayeux to UK

Today there is a choice (unless you opt to have an extra night here) of heading north to Arromanches and the Landing Beaches tracing the coast to Caen and perhaps visiting Pegasus Bridge, or driving a few miles south to the charming cathedral city of Bayeux, famous for the tapestry, but also home to a poignant British military cemetery. Then cross the River Seine and it’s back to Calais and your return Eurotunnel crossing.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis, including Eurotunnel crossing from Folkestone to Calais, but Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen can be arranged instead.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, vehicle breakdown cover, a Green Card from your insurance company for taking your car abroad and an appropriate driving licence. All these items should comply with whatever rules are in place at the time of travel. The AA and the FCO should also be consulted.