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8 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
The rolling hills of Normandy, where pretty villages of half timbered houses are interspersed with apple orchards and fields of grazing cows, provides an inspiring backdrop to this food focused walking holiday through the Pays d'Auge of Lower Normandy. The journey begins in Deauville, the holiday playground of wealthy Parisians from the 1800's and heads through the calvados heartland where tastings of calvados and cider are an essential part of the local experience, as are visits to the cellars and pressing sheds. The walking route continues north west to the Seine estuary and the historic town of Honfleur with its impressive harbour and art traditions. Continuing to the coast the walking route takes in the historic sites of World War II, including the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach where the Allied Invasion took place, and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur Mer. Bayeux, with its impressive cathedral and historic buildings, is a fitting end point to this walking journey in Normandy. At night soak up the atmosphere in specially chosen hotels and B&Bs where your hosts will offer further insights into this fascinating region.
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France
Deauville
Bayeux
10kg of CO2-e PP per day
(102kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Deauville / Trouville
Arrive in Deauville, a 2 hour direct train ride from Paris. The complimenting towns of Trouville, an old fishing village and Deauville, a modern town, are separated by the Touques River. While Trouville has a strong fishing industry and traditions together with a lively atmosphere in the evening with lots of restaurants, Deauville is a new town built in the middle of the 19th Century by wealthy Parisians who arrived with the first train link between Paris and the Normandy coast. The town boasts two horse racecourses, a polo ground, hundreds of stunning villas and the well-known boardwalk along the 4km long beach. Overnight Deauville or Trouville.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Loop walk from Deauville/Trouville (1-3hrs)
An easy start to your walking holiday in Normandy with the choice of walking loop. This can be curated according to your interests. Return to your hotel. Distance walked: approx 8.8km/5.5mi
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk to Honfleur via the villages of Villerville and Criqueboeuf (3-4.5hrs)
The route this morning heads northwest towards the Seine Estuary. Ambling through the coastal villages of Villerville and Criqueboeuf, there is plenty of opportunity to visit beaches and take in the coastal scenes. On the way, you have the opportunity to do a tasting in a local brewery in the village of Pennedepie, famous for their cider and apple brandy (Calvados). Later you arrive to Honfleur, a small medieval town, revealing her riches to all those who take the time to look. The history of the town is evident. The Old Dock surrounded by picturesque narrow houses, the churches of St Catherine, St Etienne, St Leonard, the Lieutenance, the old Salt Stores, and medieval cobbled streets are all highlights. Honfleur is also recognised as one of the cradles of Impressionism and a favourite place of many artists. Overnight Honfleur. Distance walked: 12 or 18 km/7.5 or 11.2 mi Note: option to shorten with a transfer in the morning to either Villerville or Criqueboeuf. Must be requested prior.
Day 4
Discover Honfleur on foot (2 or 4.5hrs)
Todays walk is all about discovering Honfleur. A visit of the old town is highly recommended and we suggest a 2 hour walk to take in its many attractions. Discover Impressionist museum and art galleries revealing the towns strong traditions in art and history. There is also a longer walk down to the villages of Pennedepie and Barneville La Bertran where you can visit an estate with tastings of cider, calvados and other local delicacies. Honfleur was a strategic port before becoming an important trading harbour in the XVIth. During the XVIIth century, Honfleur was the starting point for many navigators for the new world; to Brazil, and Quebec… From that rich past, almost everything is preserved; Churches, the old port, bell-tower, ware-houses, 4 and 500 year old buildings, cobblestone streets far too small for cars! Overnight Honfleur. Distance walked: 18.6km/12mi, shorter options available
Day 5
Transfer to Caen plain, walk to Port en Bessin (4-6hrs)
This morning you will be transferred to the Caen plain and the landing beaches. You can choose to be dropped off at a village near Creully for a longer walk or at the famous artificial harbour of Arromanches (approx 1.5hr). The longer walk takes you to Gold Beach where you have an excellent view from the cliff over the harbour at Arromanches. It was in Arromanches that the Allies set up a harbour using sunken barges to supply the D-Day troops. Today the barges are still visible on the beach and in the sea, and there is an excellent museum to visit. Nearby, is the main German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer which you reach as you walk past Mulberry harbour and along the cliff. After visiting this strategic position with its tanks and bunkers, continue on to the fishing village of Port en Bessin and your hotel on the harbour. Distance walked: 14 or 21km/8.7mi or 13mi
Day 6
Loop walk to the impressive American War Cemetery and Omaha Beach (3-6hrs)
Today's loop walk takes you further west to Colleville-sur-Mer and the impressive American War cemetery. From here you can walk down to Omaha Beach and then follow the trail back through farming land. If you don't feel like doing the walk back, you can book a taxi for about 30 euros (organised locally). Overnight Port en Bessin. Distance walked: 13km (with taxi) or 21km/8.1 or 13mi
Day 7
Walk to Bayeux via the Bessin area (5.5hrs)
Today's walk takes you through the heart of the Bessin area with orchards, green pastures and great granite mansions and manors. Arrive at the British War cemetery of Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, and the beautiful centre of Bayeux. There's lots to see including the impressive cathedral and historic houses. Whilst the Bayeux Tapestry Museum housing the famous tapestry depicting the history of William the Conquerer is currently closed, there are many other sites and museums to explore including the Museum of the Battle of Normandy and Bayeux Botanical Gardens - one of the most remarkable 19th century landscaped parks in Normandy. The local cuisine is superb - a local favourite is the galette, a savoury crepe made with buckwheat and filled with a range of different ingredients, or the tubs of mussels which are full of flavour. Overnight Bayeux. Distance walked: 17.6km/11mi
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night on request.
What's included
What's not included
This trip involves 6 days walking between 4km and 21km per day over undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet trails through the countryside. At times you will need to walk on small roads. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip training to ensure you get the most out of your walk. Most stages can be shortened. During the walk you need only carry your mobile phone and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels.
Per Person, Twin Share
The nearest international airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). From the airport you can take a train to Paris and via the metro reach Paris Saint Lazare station. Deauville is on the direct trainline from Paris (2 1/4 hours).
From Bayeux at the end of the trip you can take a train to various points throughout Europe. There are direct trains to Paris St Lazare often via Caen – journey time is usually about 2hrs 15minutes. Services may be limited on weekends due to track works or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel
6Days
Introductory to Moderate
7Days
Moderate
hotel, guesthouse
8Days