Sunday - Day 1

Depart Portsmouth ferry continental ferry terminal by Brittany Ferries - arrival at Caen Ouistreham ferry port 14.15 to be met and transferred to Le Chateau where a warm welcome awaits you, or should you arrive in France by an alternative mode of transport arrangements can be made to collect you although a surplus charge may be payable.
 

Local area tour.  After settling into your room a tour of the local area is arranged and on the route you will explore this very unusual landscape with its rural and religious heritage including such sites as the church at Malloue.  Set on a rocky outcrop from where you can look out over the Vire valley, the church no longer has a transept and its walls are riddled with unusual holes.  Its interior furniture is decorated with designs inspired by local agricultural themes and wild flowers and it also has some stone painted statues dating from the 15^th century. Then it’s back to Le Chateau for dinner, to include the locally produced cheeses, and learn the history of Le Chateau.
 

Monday - Day 2 (D-Day)

After breakfast we will journey to Arromanches and see the final remains of the vestiges of the Mulberry Harbour, an incredible feat of technology achieved by the British in the building and setting up of this artificial harbour.

We will visit the third circular cinema in France - Arromanches 360.  “The Price of Freedom”, an outstanding film shown on 9 screens in the round.  You will be plunged at the heart of the action, among the fighters on D-Day, and will thus feel all the intensity of this great moment of the Normandy Landings.  To see, to understand, to meditate……

A leisurely drive along some of the famous coastline of Normandy will lead us to the American War Cemetery – overlooking Omaha Beach, containing 9,387 perfectly aligned white crosses on a 170-acre plot which is conducive to meditation and remembrance.  A chapel and a memorial add the finishing touch to this moving scene.

On to Grandcamp-Maisy with a visit to the museum which tells the story of a crack American unit specially trained for the D-Day assignment of the assault and capture of the Pointe du Hoc.  After which we will drive to Pointe du Hoc – the symbol of the gallantry of the young American soldiers and one of the strong points of the German fortifications, the famous Pointe du Hoc was taken by storm by Colonel Rudder’s Rangers on the morning of 6^th June. 
 

Tuesday - Day 3

Bayeux Cathedral and Tapestry – Marvel at the epic Tapestry telling the story of the Battle of Hastings and visit the exceptionally beautiful Gothic Cathedral.

The remains of the viaduct at Souleuvre is set in a beautiful valley where the first permanent bungy jump was created in 1990.   Watch in disbelief as one after the other men and women leap from the top, or maybe jump yourself!!! (this is only available throughout the summer months, after which an alternative visit will be arranged).

St Charles de Percy – the English cemetery.  Containing just over 800 graves you will visit one of the smaller cemeteries where many young English soldiers are laid to rest.

Then we will head off to the cider presses at Dampierre and the cellars of Pommeau, where you can experience the delights of Calvados, the drink which gives our region it’s name as tasting is a must.
 

  Wednesday - Day 4

Today we will venture out of Calvados to visit one of the most famous landmarks.

Mont St Michel.  The Mont St. Michel has been called ‘the Marvel of the Western World’ owing to its island setting, its rich history and the beauty of its architecture; at any season of the year it leaves an indelible impression.  The construction is an amazing achievement.  The blocks of granite were transported from Chausey Islands or from Brittany and hoisted up to the foot of the building 

After a full day exploring the wonders of the Mont St. Michel we will head off to Granville, a lively seaside resort with an active fishing fleet and pleasure boat harbour.  You will have enough time for a leisurely walk around the town, perhaps some shopping or maybe just a drink or two in one of the many bars.  You may decide to stroll along the beach or visit the Mineral Palace and Butterfly Garden, the choice is yours and we are here to help.
 

Thursday - Day 5

The Chateau of Vendeuvre with its gorgeous gardens have formal parterres, water features which play tricks, a temple and a maze. 

Falaise – William the Conqueror’s birthplace with its 11^th century castle.  William’s comrades in arms at the Battle of Hastings are listed in the garrison chapel and the view from the fishing pool below the Porte des Cordeliers is stunning.

After Falaise we will be visiting Clecy, one of the Suisse Normandie’s most engaging towns – lots of old Norman houses clustering on the top of a hill.
 

Friday – Day 6

Le Chateau de Fontaine-Henry – Situated halfway between Caen and the D-Day landing beaches, this chateau looks out over the lush Mue valley.  The façade is richly sculpted in 15^th and 16^th century styles and is topped by dizzyingly high roofs.

Lunch in Ouistreham.   In the old part of the town a fortified church was erected in the 12^th century which is classified as an historic monument and has become a landmark in this maritime landscape.   There maybe just enough time to have a stroll around the harbour, where the graceful yachts and powerful fishing boats mingle with the heavy cargo ships and the white ferries before checking in at the ferry terminal for your onward journey. Should you be travelling by an alternative mode of transport please advise although a surplus charge may be payable. I will work out a price today and let you know.

Price for the above tour 2005 - £529.00 GBP per person based on two persons sharing. 5% discount for parties of 6 persons.