Normandy on Foot
8 Days Starting in Deauville, France and ending in Bayeux, France
Visiting: Deauville, Deauville/Trouville, Honfleur, Caen, Colleville-sur-Mer, Bayeux
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NOF
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-guided walking holiday through the picturesque landscapes of Normandy with "Normandy on Foot." This enchanting tour takes you from the charming towns of Deauville and Trouville, through the historic streets of Honfleur, and onto the poignant D-Day beaches and the impressive American War Cemetery. Along the way, savor the region's culinary delights, including calvados, cider, and delectable cheeses. Stay in carefully selected 3 and 4-star hotels and B&Bs, with the option to choose 2-3 star accommodations for a discount. Enjoy the convenience of luggage transfers and private transfers on select days, ensuring a seamless and memorable journey through one of France's most storied regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Deauville / Trouville
Location: Deauville
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Arrive in Deauville, a 2 hour direct train ride from Paris. The complimenting towns of Trouville, an old fishing village and Deauville, a modern town, are separated by the Touques River. While Trouville has a strong fishing industry and traditions together with a lively atmosphere in the evening with lots of restaurants, Deauville is a new town built in the middle of the 19th Century by wealthy Parisians who arrived with the first train link between Paris and the Normandy coast. The town boasts two horse racecourses, a polo ground, hundreds of stunning villas and the well-known boardwalk along the 4km long beach. Overnight Deauville or Trouville.
Day 2 : Loop walk from Deauville/Trouville (1-3hrs)
Location: Deauville/Trouville
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
An easy start to your walking holiday in Normandy with the choice of walking loop. This can be curated according to your interests. Return to your hotel.
Distance walked: approx 8.8km/5.5mi
Day 3 : Walk to Honfleur via the villages of Villerville and Criqueboeuf (3-4.5hrs)
Location: Honfleur
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at around 9am you will have a personal orientation meeting with our representative.
The route this morning heads northwest towards the Seine Estuary. Ambling through the coastal villages of Villerville and Criqueboeuf, there is plenty of opportunity to visit beaches and take in the coastal scenes. On the way, you have the opportunity to do a tasting in a local brewery in the village of Pennedepie, famous for their cider and apple brandy (Calvados). Later you arrive Honfleur, a small medieval town, revealing her riches to all those who take the time to look. The history of the town is evident. The Old Dock surrounded by picturesque narrow houses, the churches of St Catherine, St Etienne, St Leonard, the Lieutenance, the old Salt Stores, and medieval cobbled streets are all highlights. Honfleur is also recognised as one of the cradles of Impressionism and a favourite place of many artists. Overnight Honfleur.
Distance walked: 17.4km/10.8mi
Note: option to shorten with a transfer in the morning to either Villerville or Criqueboeuf.
Day 4 : Discover Honfleur on foot (2 or 4.5hrs)
Location: Honfleur
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
Todays walk is all about discovering Honfleur. A visit of the old town is highly recommended and we suggest a 2 hour walk to take in its many attractions. Discover Impressionist museum and art galleries revealing the towns strong traditions in art and history. There is also a longer walk and down to the villages
of Pennedepie and Barneville La Bertran where you can visit an estate with tastings of cider, calvados and other local delicacies.
Honfleur was a strategic port before becoming an important trading harbour in the XVIth. During the XVIIth century, Honfleur was the starting point for many navigators for the new world; to Brazil, and Quebec… From that rich past, almost everything is preserved; Churches, the old port, bell-tower, ware-houses, 4 and 5 hundred years old buildings, cobblestone streets far too small for cars! Overnight Honfleur.
Distance walked: 18.6km/12mi, shorter options available
Day 5 : Transfer to Caen plain, walk to Port en Bessin (4-6hrs)
Location: Caen
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be transferred to the Caen plain and the landing beaches. You can choose to be dropped off at a village near Creully for a longer walk or at the famous artificial harbour of Arromanches (approx 1hr).
The longer walk takes you to Gold Beach where you have an excellent view from the cliff over the harbour at Arromanches. It was in Arromanches that the Allies set up a harbour using sunken barges to supply the D-Day troops. Today the barges are still visible on the beach and in the sea, and there is an excellent museum to visit. Nearby, is the main German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer which you reach as you walk past Mulberry harbour and along the cliff. After visiting this strategic position with its tanks and bunkers, continue on to the fishing village of Port en Bessin and your hotel on the harbour.
Distance walked: 14 or 21km/8.7mi or 13mi
Day 6 : Loop walk to the impressive American War Cemetery and Omaha Beach (3-6hrs)
Location: Colleville-sur-Mer
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's loop walk takes you further west to Colleville-sur-Mer and the impressive American War cemetery. From here you can walk down to Omaha Beach and then follow the trail back through farming land. If you don't feel like doing the walk back, you can book a taxi for about 30 euros (organised locally). Overnight Port en Bessin.
Distance walked: 13 with taxi or 21km/8.1 or 13mi
Day 7 : Walk to Bayeux via the Bessin area (5.5hrs)
Location: Bayeux
Accommodation Name: Hotel or B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk takes you through the heart of the Bessin area with orchards, green pastures and great granite mansions and manors. Arrive at the British War cemetery of Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, and the beautiful centre of Bayeux. There's lots to see including the impressive cathedral, historic houses and don't miss the famous tapestry depicting the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The local cuisine is superb - a local favourite is the galette, a savoury crepe made with buckwheat and filled with a range of different ingredients, or the tubs of mussels which are full of flavour. Overnight Bayeux.
Distance walked: 17.6km/11mi
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Bayeux
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night on request.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels and B&Bs -
7 breakfasts
Breakfast is continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee, and juice. Some hotels will have a wider selection of food items.
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7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Discount available for 2 to 3 star hotels.
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Information pack
Includes maps and route notes with details of cider and calvados tasting opportunities.
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Orientation meeting
Orientation meeting on day 3 at the hotel at 9am.
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Private transfers
Private transfers on day 3 and day 5.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer for 1 piece with a maximum weight of 20kg. Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Visitor tax
Visitor tax is included.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline.
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Travel to Trouville-Deauville and from Bayeux
Travel arrangements to Trouville-Deauville and from Bayeux are included.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a tour guide is not included.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Transport to Deauville and from Bayeux
Transport to Deauville and departure from Bayeux are not included.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
Grading
This trip involves 6 days walking between 4km and 21km per day over undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet trails through the countryside. At times you will need to walk on small roads. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip training to ensure you get the most out of your walk. Most stages can be shortened. During the walk you need only carry your mobile phone and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels and B&Bs. On this trip you can stay in either 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs (discount applies) or 3-4 star hotels, and you need to specify your requirements on booking. The price is dependent on the category of accommodation you choose. The hotels have been specially chosen for their character and location.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Trouville-Deauville and from Bayeux is included. Private transfers are provided on day 3 and day 5. Luggage transfer is also included, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels and B&Bs. You can choose to stay in either 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs (with a discount) or 3-4 star hotels. The price depends on the category of accommodation you select.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 continental style breakfasts with items such as bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee, and juice. Some hotels may offer a wider selection of food items. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Is there an orientation meeting during the tour?
Yes, there is an orientation meeting on day 3 at the hotel at 9am.
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What kind of support is available during the walks?
The walks are fully supported, meaning you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements. Your luggage will be transported for you between hotels. Additionally, there is an emergency hotline available.
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Are there any private transfers included in the tour?
Yes, private transfers are included on day 3 and day 5.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the walk?
Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The trip involves 6 days of walking between 4km and 21km per day over undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet trails through the countryside and at times on small roads. Most stages can be shortened.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include exploring Honfleur with its pretty harbour and array of sights, discovering the Normandy countryside on foot, tasting calvados, cider, delectable cheeses, pastries, visiting the D-Day sights, viewing the incredible tapestry at Bayeux, and experiencing the boardwalk in Deauville.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
