After pickup from your Bayeux hotel in the morning, get ready for a full-day tour to Honfleur, Deauville and Trouville, three notable cities along the Normandy coast. As this is a private tour, you can customize your itinerary depending on what you’d like to do and see, and your guide will provide historical commentary along the way.
Your first stop is Honfleur, across the Seine estuary from Le Havre, about an hour from Bayeux. Learn about this authentic town’s long and fascinating past, from Viking invasions to 16th-century seafarers up through the Impressionist movement, as you stroll down centuries-old cobbled streets toward the water. Arrive at the old port, a beautiful scene that has been captured by numerous artists including Impressionist painters Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin and Johan Jongkind.
Other Honfleur highlights include the medieval remnants of Porte de Caen (Caen Gate) and St Catherine's Church, touted as France’s largest wooden church, which was built by Honfleur’s ship-builders after the Hundred Years' War. You can also walk up Cte de Grce, a 10th-century pilgrimage site, for a wonderful view of the city and the impressive Normandy Bridge.
Leaving Honfleur behind, make your way next to Deauville, a fashionable holiday destination for international travelers that's known for its annual film festival and horse races. Walk down the Promenade des Planches and admire the chic hotels and villas along the beach and harbor. You can also enjoy views from the Pont des Belges, visit the famous Deauville-La Touques Racecourse or test your luck at the Grand Casino.
Your next stop is the traditional fishing village of Trouville, a popular tourist attraction that once attracted the artists and writers of the Belle Epoque. Wander the town, walk along the boardwalk, visit the covered fish market or get a restaurant recommendation from your guide ─ there are plenty of places to purchase a fresh seafood lunch or local specialties (own expense) such as galettes (savory cr□pes).
After your time in Trouville, hop in the minivan and relax on the drive back to Bayeux.