Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
22.0Kg 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.
Walks on this holiday are gentle and flat. There are no tough climbs. Walks are through villages, woods and along coastline.
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 Le Fer a Cheval.
More than a hotel, Le Fer à Cheval is a family home combining gentleness and elegance. This family-run hotel is composed of two traditional houses close to each other in the centre of Trouville sur Mer, 200 yards from the beach and 200 yards from Trouville’s Barrière Casino. You will appreciate the typical brick architecture of the main villa and the charming patio of the small house.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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 Le Fer a Cheval.
More than a hotel, Le Fer à Cheval is a family home combining gentleness and elegance. This family-run hotel is composed of two traditional houses close to each other in the centre of Trouville sur Mer, 200 yards from the beach and 200 yards from Trouville’s Barrière Casino. You will appreciate the typical brick architecture of the main villa and the charming patio of the small house.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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 Le Dauphin.
Located in the Normandy region, Hotel Le Dauphin Les Loges is set in 3 17th-century wooden houses, typical of the town of Honfleur. It is located in the historical city centre, next to Sainte-Catherine Church. Renovated in 2019, each room or apartment is individually decorated. The 3 buildings are adjacent and each has its own entrance. All units feature a TV and a private bathroom. Upper floors are accessed by stairs. Onsite, you can enjoy massages and treatments from the La Plage wellness centre. The fitness centre is accessible without reservation and you can privatise access to the sauna at an extra cost.
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 Le Dauphin.
Located in the Normandy region, Hotel Le Dauphin Les Loges is set in 3 17th-century wooden houses, typical of the town of Honfleur. It is located in the historical city centre, next to Sainte-Catherine Church. Renovated in 2019, each room or apartment is individually decorated. The 3 buildings are adjacent and each has its own entrance. All units feature a TV and a private bathroom. Upper floors are accessed by stairs. Onsite, you can enjoy massages and treatments from the La Plage wellness centre. The fitness centre is accessible without reservation and you can privatise access to the sauna at an extra cost.
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 IBIS.
Located in the harbour in the heart of the fishing village, you can admire boats delivering fresh catch of the day. You are walking distance from restaurants and bars to enjoy an evening drink on a terrace.
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 IBIS.
Located in the harbour in the heart of the fishing village, you can admire boats delivering fresh catch of the day. You are walking distance from restaurants and bars to enjoy an evening drink on a terrace.
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 Le Bayeux.
Located in the heart of Bayeux, next to the cathedral in the historic centre, discover this beautiful house, once a lovely Normand inn, now a 3-star hotel.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Bayeux, Bayeux; Hotel Le Fer a Cheval, Trouville.
Located in the heart of Bayeux, next to the cathedral in the historic centre, discover this beautiful house, once a lovely Normand inn, now a 3-star hotel.
More than a hotel, Le Fer à Cheval is a family home combining gentleness and elegance. This family-run hotel is composed of two traditional houses close to each other in the centre of Trouville sur Mer, 200 yards from the beach and 200 yards from Trouville’s Barrière Casino. You will appreciate the typical brick architecture of the main villa and the charming patio of the small house.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$728.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
22.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions