FRANCE
Etretat
A Weekend in Rouen – Making the Most of the Dramatic Coast This packaged itinerary takes us on a journey of the dramatic Normandy coastline from Fécamp to Etretat, with a guided tour and tasting at the impressive Palais Bénédictine along the way. We also have time to enjoy our base city, Rouen, complete with cobbled streets, a magnificent cathedral and the historic clock, Gros Horloge, as well as Honfleur and its charming port. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in. Day 2 Fécamp, Palais Bénédictine & Etretat Today we see the dramatic coastline to the north of Rouen, between Fécamp and Etretat. Fécamp stands in a dramatic location along the Alabaster Coast and is surrounded by the tallest cliffs in Normandy, reaching over 300 feet in height. We can visit the town centre and market (Saturday is market day). Fecamp’s dramatic setting has always attracted attention and, in the Middle Ages, a Benedictine abbey was established here, which is open to visitors. We visit the Palais Bénédictine (Benedictine Palace) for a guided tour and tasting of where the now famous Bénédictine liqueur was invented from a recipe handed down by the Benedictine monks. We then continue on to Etretat, the magnificent and famous cliffs of which are one of Normandy’s most popular tourist spots, and admire the 3 stunning arches carved out of beautiful white limestone. Day 3 Rouen & Honfleur We spend this morning in Rouen, exploring the many small streets and enjoying market day (Sunday). We have time to explore the medieval cobbled streets and to admire the half-timbered houses, Gothic monuments and the magnificent Gros Horloge (Great Clock) with the oldest mechanism of its kind in France. We also see the Market Square where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. In the afternoon we travel to Honfleur, Normandy’s most charming port and a favourite with impressionist painters such as Monet. Utterly enchanting, the Vieux Bassin area is the heart of the port, characterised by its front-row homes – built by wealthy families of days gone by – overlooking the yachts in the harbour. Day 4 Departure & Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme After breakfast, we begin our journey home. We may wish to make a scenic lunch stop en-route to Calais at the charming resort of Saint Valéry-sur-Somme, with its lovely medieval town, beautiful promenade along the bay and picturesque harbour.
Alabaster Cliff, Fécamp
Saint Valery-sur-Somme
Rouen
B&B HOTEL Rouen Centre Rive Droite Rouen, Normandy
The 3 star B&B HOTEL Rouen Centre Rive Droite is conveniently located on the right bank of the River Seine, 10 minutes’ walk to the city centre and Rouen Cathedral. The hotel has 88 modern, air-conditioned rooms equipped with TV and hairdryer. There is a spacious bar area and a modern restaurant (please note: the restaurant is not open at weekends except for group meals by prior arrangement). Coach parking is off-site at the Suite Novotel, approximately 2 minutes’ walk away and is free of charge (limited space). Alternative coach parking is a 10 minute walk away and chargeable. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Coach parking is off-site & free of charge (subject to availability)
3 Nights Bed & Breakfast Based on Friday arrivals Inclusions • Return short sea crossing • Welcome glass of kir cassis on arrival • Guided tour & tasting at Palais Bénédictine
You can also visit Monet’s Gardens at Giverny from your base in Rouen
Honfleur
© Maison et jardins de Claude Monet Giverny
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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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