Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
France – Normandy – Honfleur - Port-en-Bessin – Brittany – Cancale
100% customisable for you
Your Normandy and Brittany road trip kicks off today. Drive to Folkestone, board the Eurotunnel LeShuttle and settle in for the speedy half-hour journey to Calais. We recommend upgrading to FlexiPlus tickets for exclusive lounge access and priority boarding on the next available shuttle, so you don't have to worry about catching a specific train.
When you arrive, pick up your hire car and set off on the three-hour drive towards Honfleur, tuning into our destination-specific playlist as you journey through the rolling countryside. You’ll be staying in the peaceful village of Barneville-la-Bertran, just outside Honfleur, where apple orchards and half-timbered houses capture the charm of the Pays d'Auge.
Check in for two nights, unpack and soak up your new surroundings. This evening, enjoy a modern take on local classics at the hotel restaurant or, if you’re raring to go, ask your clued-up Concierge for their top nearby dining spots.
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, follow in the footsteps of a local on a private tour of Honfleur. Once a popular haunt among Impressionist painters, the town retains its timeless charm, home to a historic harbour, postcard-perfect streets and the celebrated Eugene Boudin Museum.
Begin your tour at the fishing port, where slate-roofed houses overlook the water, then wander down winding alleys to Sainte Catherine Church. Dating back to the 15th century, this wooden landmark is famed for its resemblance to an upturned boat hull.
Next, cross the estuary to Le Havre. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city was rebuilt after extensive bombings during World War II. Don’t miss Saint Joseph’s Church, a stained-glass masterpiece built to commemorate those lost in the 1944 bombings.
Continue your artistic journey at the Museum of Modern Art, home to Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir and Degas, before exploring Le Volcan, a national centre for the arts, set within architect Oscar Niemeyer’s iconic building.
Rise and shine, today you’re heading to the historic Bessin region. Just over an hour’s drive away, enjoy a scenic journey through Normandy’s lush landscape, before arriving at your new home away from home, tucked between Bayeux and the D-Day landing beaches.
Drop your bags, take a moment to settle in and head out to explore your base for the next two nights. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please before a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant this evening.
Start your day with a journey through time as you explore Normandy’s D-Day landing sites on an electric bike tour. Accompanied by a private guide, take to two wheels and glide along scenic paths, discovering the landmarks, landscapes and stories that shaped this historic coastline.
Visit Omaha Beach, the poignant site where Allied troops landed and thousands of soldiers lost their lives on D-Day, before continuing to Gold Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. Along the way, admire breathtaking views across the coast, villages and sands that became the setting for the largest seaborne invasion in history.
After a day of exploring, it’s time to savour some of Normandy’s most famous flavours. Ask our local Concierge for their top restaurant recommendations, where creamy Camembert and Coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallops) will likely be on the menu. Tuck into a tasty dinner and toast to your final night in Normandy.
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to wave goodbye to Normandy as you drive around two hours to the coastal town of Cancale in Brittany.
Keen for some more history? Stop at UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel en route for an optional guided tour. Perched atop a tidal island and boasting charming cobblestone streets, it’s easy to see why this historic abbey and monastery is one of the most visited sites in France.
Once you’ve checked into your hotel, it’s all about relaxation. Unwind and enjoy the finer things in life, from curling up beside the crackling fire with a glass of wine to wellness treatments in the spa or savouring a delicious meal in the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Today is all about discovering Cancale’s culinary delights. This picturesque fishing port is perfectly placed between Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo, where fresh seafood takes centre stage.
First on the agenda? Oysters, of course. Accompanied by a private guide, learn about the history and tradition of oyster farming, including Cancale’s famous flat oysters, found in the waters of Mont Saint-Michel Bay. Round off the tour with a tasting paired with a glass of refreshing white wine. Bliss.
Fancy stretching your legs? The optional activity for today is a private walking tour of Saint-Malo. With the help of a local guide, take in the sights of this pretty port town, following its cobbled streets to the Saint-Vincent cathedral.
Sadly, your Normandy and Britanny road trip has come to an end. After an early breakfast at the hotel, pack up the car, bid a fond farewell to Cancale and drive about five hours to Calais, where you’ll take the Eurotunnel crossing back to Folkestone. You’ll arrive home with a camera roll brimming with coastal views, historic harbours and unforgettable moments from your French adventure.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
