Trip code: W07NS 5 (2 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
12.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
This holiday is an introduction to the authentic Normandy. Explore this diverse and beautiful region, which was a source of inspiration for so many painters, and which is today the setting for the painful World War II vestiges in Colleville-sur-Mer or Arromanches.
Wander through the heart of a landscape full of small enclosed fields called 'bocage'. These beautiful fields and gentle valleys are enclosed by hedges and copses and full of grazing cows. Walk in the scent of cider apples on quiet paths, shaded by the orchards and surrounded by stud farms or half-timbered manor houses.
Artists and writers have long fallen for Trouville, Deauville's older sibling. It's equally as charming with its villas, splendid and sands but it also has a vibrant fishing port.
You stay at Hostellerie du Vallon.
This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.
Follow the glamourous boardwalk where celebrities love to stroll during the American Film Festival in Deauville. It is one of the most memorable seaside resorts in Normandy and an international centre for horses with its two racecourses and range of prestigious international races.
You stay at Hostellerie du Vallon.
This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.
Your day starts with a stunning view over the Seine Estuary. Then, walk along the coast through the villages of Villervile and Criqueboeuf. Then continue through woods to reach the Village of Pennedepie. Along your way, you will have the opportunity to explore a farm specialising in Cider and Calvados (apple brandy).
You stay at Hotel L'Ecrin.
Behind the hotel’s elegant façade, you’ll find spaces that mix charm, history, authenticity and modern comfort. In this enchanting setting, enjoy a blissful day before getting the perfect night's sleep. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the veranda or in the garden, rest by the outdoor heated pool, relax in the wellness area (featuring a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi), get lost in a book or magazine in the lounge, try out some snooker or enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar.
The charm of an 18th century Norman mansion at the heart of a park : During your stay, you'll notice lots of furniture and antiques evoking Honfleur, renowned as being the town of painters and Impressionists.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Discover Honfleur, the Normandy gem of art and history. Stroll in the narrow streets and along the picturesque harbour which has inspired many Impressionist artists. Wander around the famous Vieux Basin and up and down the alleys of the picturesque Sainte-Catherine district with the impressive France's largest timber-built church with a separate bell tower. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit at the Impressionist museum or other art galleries in Honfleur.
You stay at Hotel L'Ecrin.
Behind the hotel’s elegant façade, you’ll find spaces that mix charm, history, authenticity and modern comfort. In this enchanting setting, enjoy a blissful day before getting the perfect night's sleep. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the veranda or in the garden, rest by the outdoor heated pool, relax in the wellness area (featuring a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi), get lost in a book or magazine in the lounge, try out some snooker or enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar.
The charm of an 18th century Norman mansion at the heart of a park : During your stay, you'll notice lots of furniture and antiques evoking Honfleur, renowned as being the town of painters and Impressionists.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Walking transfer to Arromanches. This seaside resort is inextricably linked with the liberation of western Europe after D-Day, along with the staggeringly large concrete blocks remaining from the Mulberry Harbour towed over from Britain in June 1944. War museums bring the massive Allied operations here back to life. Start the walk towards Gold beach and get the best view from the cliff over the artificial harbour of Arromanches and reach the German Battery of Longues sur mer before ending at the fishing harbour of Port en Bessin.
You stay at Hotel Mercure.
Mercure Omaha Beach features a restaurant and a bar lounge with soft lighting and billiards table. It offers panoramic views over the 36-hole Golf Course and the sea, a swimming pool and the beauty institute Espace Forme Oma. This hotel offers stylish rooms with a flat-screen TV and all have Wi-Fi access.
Walk to Colleville-sur-Mer. After a very emotional walk through the American cemetery, walk down the cliff to Omaha beach and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer exactly where the American troops climbed up and where 5,000 soldiers, fallen in the name of liberty, are laid to rest. Walk the beach most of the way to return to your hotel. Then, relax by the pool for a drink or enjoy the spa.
You stay at Hotel Mercure.
Mercure Omaha Beach features a restaurant and a bar lounge with soft lighting and billiards table. It offers panoramic views over the 36-hole Golf Course and the sea, a swimming pool and the beauty institute Espace Forme Oma. This hotel offers stylish rooms with a flat-screen TV and all have Wi-Fi access.
Leave the coast to reach the Aure Valley and walk along beside stunning old granite manors and farmhouses to Tour-en-Bessin before arriving at the former allies headquarters through the commonwealth war memorial. In the heart of the medieval city of Bayeux, explore the Cathedral, a gem of Norman architecture, remarkably well preserved. Another unmissable place is the Bayeux Tapestry: listed 'World Heritage' by UNESCO, the 70 metres long Tapestry recounts the Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or.
You will discover the authentic eighteenth century coach house. In a warm and cosy atmosphere for your comfort and pleasure the staff is at your disposal to make your stay at the hotel or stop-over a most enjoyable time. A full and hearty breakfast, an original and warm lounge bar where you can just relax, a gourmet restaurant with a refined cuisine... make up the services and the hotel-quality service provided. Everything is designed to offer our guests an unforgettable stay in Normandy.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Lion d'Or, Bayeux; Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville.
You will discover the authentic eighteenth century coach house. In a warm and cosy atmosphere for your comfort and pleasure the staff is at your disposal to make your stay at the hotel or stop-over a most enjoyable time. A full and hearty breakfast, an original and warm lounge bar where you can just relax, a gourmet restaurant with a refined cuisine... make up the services and the hotel-quality service provided. Everything is designed to offer our guests an unforgettable stay in Normandy.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £410.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
12.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions