Enjoy a French-style continental breakfast at the château and then, hit the road to the Camembert Museum to learn the history of one of France’s most famous cheeses. We’ll continue to a working factory to see how this world-renowned cheese is made followed by a Camembert tasting in its town of origin… Camembert! 

For lunch, we’ll make our way to Beuvron-en-Auge, one of France’s most beautiful villages, filled with traditional Norman architecture and quaint bistros. We’ll have a bite to eat together and afterward, you’ll have some time to explore this darling village.

On the way back to the château, we’ll stop by a castle that also serves as a distillery where you’ll have a chance to try some of the local spirits typical of Normandy. Once back at the château, we’ll have dinner as we recount stories of today’s adventures.

Included :

• Activities: Camembert Museum; Cheese factory & tasting; Beuvron-en-Auge lunch & free time; Château du Breuil distillery
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

Begin your day with a scenic drive through the Norman countryside to Giverny, the location of Claude Monet’s iconic gardens and house which influenced some of his most famous works. You’ll have some time to stroll through these gardens and cross the Japanese footbridge over the lily pond which is like stepping into one of Monet’s celebrated masterpieces brought to life! After having lunch in Giverny, we’ll channel our inner artist as we paint floral scenes with watercolors and pastels. Afterward, you can take your creation home as a souvenir of your time in these world-famous gardens.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to the château and along the way, we’ll make a short stop at the Old Mill in the town of Vernon. The Old Mill is located on the banks of the River Seine and has become an enduring symbol of Vernon and the surrounding region due to its romantic, timeworn charm. Upon return to the château, we’ll enjoy a dinner together in the château’s dining hall.

Included :

• Activities: Monet’s house and gardens; Painting workshop; Old Mill of Vernon
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

This morning, we’ll drive to Honfleur, a harbor town that could be straight from a postcard and whose beauty is an inspiration to many artists including Monet. You will have the rest of the day to discover its narrow streets and colorful houses. Explore the picture-perfect Old Harbor where bustling cafés and seafood restaurants offer spectacular views of sailboats bobbing peacefully. Your trip leader can give you suggestions for lunch.

Next up, we’ll pay a visit to a charming goat farm in the tranquil Norman countryside to experience traditional French farm life, interact with animals, and taste locally produced cheeses. This farm is also a place you can feel good about visiting as it practices sustainable agricultural techniques!

After another day full of adventures, we’ll head back to the château for a typical French dinner with a glass of cider to cap off the day.

Included :

• Activities: Honfleur free time; Goat farm visit & cheese tasting
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

Today, we’ll delve into a sad part of France’s recent history dedicated to the Allied Forces who fought against all odds to reclaim the French coast. This moment not only changed the course of World War II but also profoundly shaped the world. Begin with a visit to the American Cemetery whose rows of white crosses and Stars of David pay tribute to the American soldiers who gave their lives during the D-Day landings and the subsequent battles in World War II.

Afterward, we’ll head to Omaha Beach, the main beach where the Allies initiated the largest amphibious invasion in military history on June 6, 1944, a date that will live in infamy. Today, this beach is peaceful with gentle dunes lining the crisp waters but a somber cloud still looms over the area.

Depart the coastline to Bayeux and on the way, visit a cider farm that has been passed down through seven generations to taste a locally-produced cider. We'll continue on to Bayeux, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch, stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, explore the Gothic cathedral, or admire the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry.

At the end of the day, we’ll return to the château and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Included :

• Activities: American Cemetery; Omaha Beach; Cider farm visit; Bayeux free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

Depart this morning to Rouen where we will start the day with a guided tour around the old town. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to uncover the beauty of this port city where Joan of Arc was famously burned at the stake. Its Old Town is filled with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets as well as a beautiful cathedral. After the tour, we’ll head to Rouen’s market hall where on Sunday there is a food and antiques market.  You are welcome to grab a bite to eat for lunch and shop through all the antiques at this amazing Sunday market.

After a day in The City of 100 Bell Towers, we’ll return to the château for dinner and some R&R.

Included :

• Activities: Rouen guided tour; Rouen free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

Today, we’ll take a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel, a small island with a population of just 30 inhabitants, which at times is cut off from the mainland due to the shifting tides. On the way, we will stop for an oyster tasting with a glass of white wine before arriving at Mont Saint-Michel.

Mont Saint-Michel is home to a famous abbey and some of the sands around the island at low tide are quicksand but don’t worry; there is a paved pathway you can take to get there! Upon arrival, you will have plenty of free time to wander through the charming streets of the picture-perfect village, walk up to the abbey, and have lunch at your own pace.

Later, head back to the château in time for dinner as a group to cap off another adventure-filled day!

Included :

• Activities: Oyster tasting, Mont Saint-Michel free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

The adventures continue today with a visit to a palace that was built as a distillery for a liqueur, Bénédictine, with a very special history that you will learn as you uncover this grandiose building. You’ll also get to become an amateur bartender as you try your hand at cocktail-making with an expert barman guiding you along the way. 

Afterwards, we’ll head to the nearby picturesque town of Étretat which is known for its wild cliffs against which the foamy white waves of the English Channel crash. We’ll have lunch at an elevated site and after eating, you can take a stroll to digest and enjoy the views of the striking rock formations.

We’ll return to the château where you’ll have some time to relax and later, gather together again for another dinner prepared by our private chef!

Included :

• Activities: Palace visit & cocktail making; Étretat free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

On the last full day of your French château slowcation, we'll spend the morning in the town of Lisieux. You'll have a guided visit of this worldwide pilgrimage site including a chance to discover the impressive Basilica of Saint Therese. Lisieux has a rich medieval and World War II history which you'll learn more about during the guided tour.

Our last stop today will be at perhaps one of the most picture-perfect towns in Normandy, Le Bec Hellouin. In fact, it is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France! You'll have free time to explore the streets of this stunning town and grab a bite to eat. Your trip leader will give you suggestions of what to do, eat, and drink here.

To wrap up the day, we'll head back to the château for one last dinner and farewell before you head home tomorrow!

Included:

• Activities: Lisieux guided tour & basilica; Le Bec Hellouin free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Château

Say farewell to France and your new friends. Today is the last day of your trip. We hope to see you on one of our next adventures!

Included:

• Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast