Year Round Departures for Groups

A Brief History:
It was from Normandy that William the Conqueror launched his invasion into England. In Normandy, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the town of Rouen in 1431. In 1944, Allied troops landed on Normandy's beaches, marking the beginning of the liberation of Europe, a pivotal point of World War II..

Normandy (Rouen, Caen, Mont St. Michel):
Nearest Airport: Caen
Approximately 85 miles west from Paris to Rouen
Approximately 81 miles southwest from Rouen to Caen
Approximately 80 miles south from Caen to Mont St. Michel
Accessible by train, car or guided bus tour

Suggested Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: Rouen & Surrounding Area
The city of Rouen is a busy industrial port city which was heavily bombed during World War II. However, many of the monuments, churches and medieval streets exist today, making the city a living, outdoor museum. The Cathedrale de Notre-Dame features a cast iron steeple which is the tallest in France. Climb the belfry of the Gros Horloge for a panoramic view of the city. Before climbing down, visit the little clockwork museum. The roof of the odd Eglise Jeanne d'Arc is said to represent the flames of Joan of Arc's funeral pyre. Two imposing abbeys. Throughout all of Normandy are quaint seaside towns. Near Rouen are Fecamp, Etretat and Dieppe.

Days 3 & 4: Caen & Bayeaux
Although it was nearly reduced to rubble during World War II, Caen still has its history in tact. An interesting museum, the Memorial features a special gallery dedicated to the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Abbaye aux Hommes was constructed by William the Conqueror for atonement of his sins. The Abbaye aux Dames was constructed by order of William's cousin, Mathilda of Flanders. Near Caen is the little town of Bayeux with its magnificent gothic cathedral and historic houses of the ville. The town is actually renown for being the home of the 11th century tapestry depicting William the Conqueror's invasion of England. There are five D-Day beaches in the area: Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold and Juno. In Arromanches, on Gold Beach, see what remains of Port Winston where allied troops unloaded supplies during the invasion of June 6, 1944. The American Cemetery is lined with endless rows of white crosses and stars of David.

Day 5: Mont St. Michel
The surreal abbey of Mont St. Michel seemingly rises out of the bay on a 264 foot mound of rock. The abbey is situated a few hundred yards off the coast. It is accessible by a man-made causeway. At low tide the flat sandy bed of the bay is completely visible. By high tide, the waves of the bay almost lap against the causeway. A well guided tour of the abbey takes you through its many rooms, passageways and its shining gem, the "lace staircase".