Authentic Normandy: Charming Villages, Traditional Food, and Classic Sites (port-to-port cruise)

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

In the morning, optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: Honfleur. You will be charmed by the city of painters with its picturesque alleys and its Old Harbor surrounded by narrow, tall houses. Stroll through the old neighborhoods of the town and discover the Salt Warehouses and the remarkable Sainte-Catherine Church, unique in France: entirely made of wood, with its separate bell tower.In the afternoon, optional excursion CLASSIC / DISCOVERY: Lisieux, a town of character, and the discovery of a Norman chteau. Immerse yourself in the heart of Normandys heritage with a visit to Lisieux, the birthplace of Saint Thrse. This charming town will captivate you with its rich history and iconic monuments, as you wander through its picturesque streets and are surprised by the authenticity of its half-timbered houses.Your exploration continues at the Chteau de Boutemont (3), a typical gem of Norman architecture. With its elegant timber-framing, characteristic local stone, and enchanting setting, this 17th-century chteau, classified as a historical monument, perfectly embodies the authentic charm of Normandy.Upon arrival, you will be charmed by the harmonious blend of its traditional structures and its French-style gardens, evoking the refinement and lifestyle typical of the region. The chteau, a proud witness to past centuries, retains its Norman soul intact: from exposed beams to period decorative details, every element tells the local history.Its carefully designed park offers a stroll where the timber-framed architecture blends perfectly with the surrounding nature, creating a living picture of some of the most authentic Norman landscapes. Inside, the salons and reception rooms reveal a dcor full of elegance and tradition, where the enduring legacy of the Norman family is still felt.Immersing yourself in the history of Boutemont is a unique experience at the heart of Normandy, where heritage, typical landscapes, and timeless charm come together.OROptional excursion AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE: The D-Day Beaches. Along the Normandy coast, you will discover the key sites of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944: Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer with its American cemetery, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. Continue to Arromanches, a famous battle site, and stop at the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema, where you will watch the film The 100 Days of the Battle of Normandy. The images projected on nine screens come from British, Canadian, German, American, and French archives. The film retraces the period of the Battle of Normandy, from the landings on June 6, 1944, to the bombing of Le Havre, with intense historical narration and archival footage.Nighttime navigation towards Rouen.