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D-Day beaches in Normandy
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D-Day beaches in Normandy
The D-Day beaches: Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach, Utah Beach and Gold Beach. For many, Normandy conjures up black and white images of 'Operation Overloard' on June 06, 1944.
Normandy however, is much more. From Viking conquest to Roman towns, Normandy has literally been at the heart of French and European history for centuries.
At Alpine Interface, Normandy is not just a destination. Our director, Louis Marino is of Norman ancestry. His mother grew up in a small village outside of Rouen during the war years and Louis has spent nearly all of his summers as a child and teenager in Normandy. He also attended the University of Rouen and completed his graduate studies there.
The trip, which he has created, is more than just sightseeing and walking. It is a return to childhood memories, incredible meals in quaint sea-side eateries, long walks along the chalk cliff near Etretat and of course, the bunkers and vestiges of the incredible adventure which was World War II and Operation Overlord.
Normandy's windswept coast and stunning hamlets can often rival majestic peaks and its vibrant farmer's markets, imposing cathedrals and strong traditions make it one of the best-kept secrets.
Normandy is also gastronomy; what the French do best and we will have plenty of opportunities to taste some of France's finest cuisine. The earth is dark and rich in Normandy and produces an abundance of food, dairy products, vegetables and cereals. Over the centuries, Normans have perfected the art of good, simple food using organic ingredients. Choosing restaurants not for their pricy menus, but rather fort their creativity, we will allow you to discover the real France. Our stay in Normandy will take us to various farms, distilleries and cheese making factories as well as quaint inns serving local and regional specialties.
But let's not forget the walking. Well-maintained trails along cliffs and in towering forests are some of the terrain, which will be covered during the 9 days of moderate walking.
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Dates and Prices 2008
D-Day beaches in Normandy (10 days, 4 half and full days of hiking):
June 13 - 22, 2008
August 08 - 17, 2008
Price: CAD $4725 (US$ 4500), single supplement: CAD $400
Itinerary in Short (download full itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival day: Rouen and its magnificent medieval cathedral. Welcome dinner and evening of sightseeing in city-centre.
Day 2: Guided visit of Rouen, its Cathedral, market, and lunch in the city-centre. An afternoon warm-up hike has been planned in the forest above the city. 3-4 hours of easy walking. Dinner and night in Rouen.
Day 3: Short vehicle transfer to Fecamp via Caen where we will visit the peace museum and then hike to Etretat and its seaside resort and narrow streets. Lunch on the way. Moderate walking along chalk cliffs. 5-6 hours. Dinner and night in Etretat.
Day 4: Day hike around Etretat where Impressionist painters used the cliffs as a backdrop to their paintings. 5-6 hours. Picnic lunch or restaurant. Dinner and night in Etretat.
Day 5: Morning departure for Honfleur. Walk to the harbor of this active fishing village and lunch along the picturesque quais. Afternoon guided visit of the city. Dinner and night in Honfleur.
Day 6: Transfer to Arromanches and begin D-Day beach tour with tour guide 4-5 hours walking on sandy beaches and on trails. Walk along Omaha, Sword and Juno beaches. Lunch in restaurant. Dinner and night in Arromanches.
Day 7: Saint-Mer L'Eglise,, D-Day museum and cemetery and short hike. 3-4 hours walking. Dinner and night in Arromanches.
Day 8: Transfer to Mont Saint Michel and its incredible fortifications. Depending on tides we will be able to hike bellow the massive walls of the city. Guided visit. 4-5 hours of hiking. Dinner and night at Mont Saint Michel.
Day 9: Day hike around Mont Saint Michel. 6-7 hours. Picnic lunch. Dinner and night Mont Saint Michel.
Day 10: Transfer to Paris. Free day in Paris. Farewell dinner.
Details/Accommodation
Accommodation: Hotels*** and **** (Relais et Chateaux), one night in Mont St. Michel.
Meeting in Rouen, departure from Paris.
Included in the price:
All accommodation half-board, all lunches (restaurants or picnics), guided visits
of the D-Day beaches, war museums, guided visit of Rouen, Honfleur and Mont St. Michel,
certified hiking guide, all entrance fees for museums etc., all local transport.
Trip Leaders:
- All our guides are internationally certified, and have an in-depth knowledge of the area they are guiding in.
For more information click here.
- All of our guides are professionals, and are skilled at transmitting their tremendous
knowledge of the region/country to you.
- All our guides speak fluently English and at least another foreign language. Wherever you go with us, your guide will be able to communicate at ease, enabling him/her to take care of any problem / special wishes that might occur.
Can I do it? - Trip Difficulty, D-Day Beaches in Normandy
Level 1 (From 1=easy to 5=very strenuous)
Easy walking on well-marked trails, mostly 2-4 hours of daily walking. City-tours of up to 3 hours, two days of 5-6 hours of walking.
Hiking along beaches, sand dunes, etc. Day-pack only.
Example: D-day beaches of Normandy
