Welcome to the northern coast of France, where rolling fields and cow pastures meet dramatic beaches and coastline. Here, picturesque natural features are punctuated by historic landmarks commemorating some of France’s most important World War II history.
On this adventure, we discover two iconic regions of France: Normandy and Brittany. This carefully designed itinerary blends history, coastal scenery, and cultural highlights for a truly unique experience. We walk along the legendary D-Day beaches, explore the dramatic cliffs of Mont Saint-Michel Bay, and wander Brittany’s Emerald Coast and the walled city of Saint Malo. Throughout our journey, we enjoy scenic hikes combined with cultural visits and authentic local flavors. From historic towns like Saint Malo and Dinard to classic trails such as the GR34, each day offers a balance of activity and discovery. With comfortable hotels and expert guidance, this tour offers a perfectly balanced combination of WWII history, coastal beauty, and seaside village charm in one unforgettable journey.
Welcome to Normandy
We start our adventure in Arromanches, a charming coastal village famous for its WWII history. If you have time before our tour officially begins, you may choose to explore the village and coastline, where you can glimpse the remains of the Mulberry Harbour along Gold Beach. The Mulberry Harbors were two artificial harbors developed by the British during the war to enable rapid offloading of Allied troops and supplies on Normandy beaches after D-Day in June 1944. The second of these harbors was installed here at Arromanches, and today, we can still see its remains scattered along the coast. You may also have time to visit the D-Day Landing Museum and the Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema, where you can learn about the battle of Normandy, or just stroll through the village and along the picturesque shoreline.
Meet your guide at 6:00 pm in the lobby of our hotel for a trip briefing and festive welcome dinner.
Les Villas d'ArromanchesArromanches-les-Bains, France
This welcoming 4-star hotel is a peaceful property just minutes’ walk from the seaside and Gold Beach. This 19th century Anglo-Norman holiday home provides a relaxing retreat where you can rest by the outdoor heated swimming pool or enjoy a cocktail in the garden.
Omaha Beach and American Cemetery
Today begins at the American Cemetery in Coleville-sur-Mer, a solemn and moving tribute to the soldiers who fought during the D-Day landings. We take time to walk among the rows of white crosses and reflect on the historical significance before starting our hike.
The route follows the legendary Omaha Beach, offering sweeping views of the coastline and a chance to imagine the events of June 6th, 1944. This scenic walk includes several possible variants through fields and villages and along the coast, allowing for flexibility based on group preference. We end our hike in Port-en-Bessin, a lively fishing harbor. We may choose to relax and have a coffee in the village before transferring back to Arromanches for dinner.
Utah Beach and Sainte-Mere-Eglise
Today begins in the heart of D-Day history with a visit to Sainte-Mère-Église, among the first villages liberated by the Americans when Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division landed in the town square on June 6, 1944. After a brief stop to learn about the events that unfolded here and the village's symbolic place in WWII history, we continue toward the coast for today's walk. We follow a scenic section of the well-known GR 223 (Grand Randonée) trail leading directly to Utah Beach, where the first American troops landed. Explore the vast expanse of sand and visit the Utah Beach Landing Museum, which offers a vivid and poignant account of Operation Overlord.
In the afternoon, we travel approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to Avranches and settle in for the evening. The town of Avranches is known for its stunning views of the bay, its medieval heritage and its postition as a gateway between Normandy and Brittany, as well as for its strategic importance in WWII. Dinner is included tonight at our hotel, where we’ll have the option to order the blue lobster (“homard bleu”) specialty.
La RamadeAvranches, France
This boutique hotel is comprised of two unique buildings. Villa Ramade is a superb mid-20th century mansion housing 10 rooms, each with its own style and decor. In 2014, the contemporary Madile Villa was built, and houses 10 more rooms looking out onto the French garden. The restaurant offers dinner, cocktails and drinks in its beautiful gardenside bar and dining area.
Mont Saint-Michel Bay and Carolles Cliffs
After breakfast, we travel about a half-hour to Carolles, a picturesque village situated along the sweeping bay. From here, we'll set out on a breathtaking loop hike along the dramatic Carolles cliffs, where rugged granite headlands plunge toward the sea. The trail offers magnificent panoramic views of Mont-Saint-Michel, its slender spire rising like a mirage above the vast tidal flats. As we follow the coastal path, we discover wild maritime flora, observe seabirds gliding on ocean winds, and learn more about the bay's remarkable ecosystem. We have time to pause at scenic viewpoints to take in the ever-changing palette of the tides, and to enjoy a picnic lunch. Our return to Carolles leads through a lush, inland stream-side trail. After time in the village and on the beach, we travel about a half-hour to Avranches. There we have the option to visit a botanical garden, a serene lookout with sweeping vistas over the bay, and Saint-Gervais Church, home to the relics of Saint Aubert, the visionary behind the founding of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. This evening is free to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.
Emerald Coast and Mont Saint-Michel
After breakfast, we transfer to Pontorson, the gateway to Mont-Saint-Michel. There, we begin an unforgettable walk across the tidal flats toward the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, its silhouette rising above the bay like a floating fortress. The abbey was built on the granite rock once known as Mont Tombe. In the year 708, the archangel Michael appeared in a dream-vision to Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, and asked him to build a sanctuary in his name. The first church on Mont Saint-Michel was built in 966.
It was then that a village began to develop below the abbey to welcome the first pilgrims. We have the opportunity to explore the village’s medieval streets, the majestic abbey and panoramic viewpoints, taking in centuries of history and breathtaking coastal scenery.
After free time in Mont-Saint-Michel to shop and enjoy lunch, we continue along Brittany’s Emerald Coast, famed for its turquoise waters, rugged headlands, and maritime heritage. En route, we pause in Vivier-sur-Mer, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its mussel farms and sweeping views across the bay. Here we have the opportunity to learn about the traditional bouchot method of mussel cultivation and, if time permits, enjoy a short stroll along the waterfront.
Next, we continue on to our home for the night in Saint-Malo. Known as “La Cité Corsaire,” it acted in the 17th and 18th centuries as a base for state-sanctioned raids on enemy (British) shipping. Privateers operated from the city, bringing to it immense wealth. St. Malo was heavily destroyed during the war in 1944 and was painstakingly rebuilt. The afternoon may offer time to wander its cobbled streets, admire the imposing granite ramparts, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this storied port before enjoying dinner together.
Le Grand BeSaint-Malo, France
The Grand Be hotel is perfectly located within the ramparts of Saint-Malo. The building, once home to Saint-Malo's courthouse, was bombed during World War II. In 2017 the building was completely renovated and now offers a modern, artistically designed hotel, while retaining the historic beauty of its 17th century underground vault, now a tranquil wellness area with sauna and spa.
Dinard Coastal Walk
This morning we leave from our hotel and set out along the legendary GR34 for a coastal hike around the bay to the seaside resort town of Dinard. The trail winds along cliffs and coves, offering sweeping views of Saint Malo’s ramparts and on clear days, the distant channel islands. Along the way, we stop and enjoy a picnic overlooking the sea. We arrive in Dinard with time to explore the town before taking a short boat shuttle across the bay back to St. Malo.
Explore Dinan
This morning we’ll transfer to the nearby riverside village of Dinan, famous for its ramparts, half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, and situated on the Rance River estuary. We’ll enjoy a walk through the town and along the river, climbing the short hill up to the picturesque ruins of the medieval Château de Léhon. We’ll have time in the afternoon for souvenir shopping, and your guide will recommend some excellent crêperies for lunch. After visiting the village, we’ll return to St. Malo for our final, farewell dinner together.
Au Revior, Saint Malo
Enjoy a final breakfast in Saint Malo before departing. Our guide will offer a transfer to the Saint Malo train station, departing at 9:00 a.m. He will also offer a 2 1/2 hour transfer to Bayeux, departing at 9:30 a.m. You may also choose to spend more time in St. Malo on your own, or reserve our optional 3-day extension to Brittany's pink granite coast. Either way, we wish you a bonne continuation!
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
10 Days
Jun 21-28, 2027
Aug 30-Sep 6, 2027
Sep 27-Oct 4, 2027
From $6,495 Per Person
First two reserved: $995
Additional:$1,495
See single supplement policy below.
Call for pricing 1-800-941-8010 or email [email protected].
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for active individuals who have a spirit of adventure. This hiking tour is rated 3, moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Normandy and Brittany's coastal trails offer rolling, generally moderate terrain with occasional steep ascents or descents. We are never too far from sea level, with our greatest elevation gain being around 1000 feet. Our longest walks and hikes are all in the 3-4 hour, 6 mile range. We have plenty of village walking as well as fairly smooth to slightly rugged seaside paths.
Day 1 at 6:00 pm in the lobby of Les Villas d'Arromanches in Arromanches-les-Bains.
The trip concludes after breakfast on Day 8. Depending upon your post-tour travel plans, you may elect to depart with your guide at 9:00 a.m. to the St. Malo train station or at 9:30 a.m. to transfer (2 1/2 hrs) to Bayeux.
Brittany features a temperate, oceanic climate characterized by mild winters, warm summers and sometimes rainy and windy Atlantic weather patterns. Winters are chilly and wet, and snow is rare. Summers are warm, with temperatures mainly in the 70's farenheit during the day. In spring and fall, high temperatures are usually in the mid-60's to low 70's, and lows in the high 40's to mid-50's. Heat waves are becoming more common in France, and can be hard to predict well in advance. We recommend including some hot-weather hiking gear as well as layers for cool or wet weather, as the seaside climate is highly variable.
Arromanches
High: 69 Low: 51
High: 65 Low: 55
Avranches
High: 71 Low: 55
High: 68 Low: 52
St. Malo
High: 69 Low: 53
High: 69 Low: 54
Getting to Arromanches, France: You may take a train from Paris to Bayeux, then take a 20-minute taxi to the hotel. There is a 2.5-hour direct train from the Gare St. Lazare in Paris to Bayeux. Upon your arrival in Paris, we recommend taking a taxi from CDG to the St. Lazare station. You may also take the RER/metro. Please visit raileurope.com for train ticketing information.
We recommend purchasing tickets in advance; they are typically available 4 months prior to travel date. If you’d like assistance with ticketing, our partner travel agency, Better Travel, would be happy to help you ([email protected] | 800-331-6996). If you would like to pre-book a taxi from the Bayeux train station to Les Villas d’Arromanches please contact Boundless Journeys.
Returning to Paris: As with your arrival, you may purchase a train ticket via raileurope.com. You can take the train from St. Malo direct to Paris Montparnasse station (~2.5 hours). You can also take the train from Bayeux to Paris Gare St. Lazare (also ~2.5 hours). If you would like to pre-book a taxi from Hotel Le Grand Be to the Saint Malo train station, you may do so by contacting Boundless Journeys.
Normandy and Brittany offer distinct, rich farmland and coastal cuisines defined by dairy, seafood and apples. Normandy often features creamy dishes with Camembert, butter and cream-based sauces. Fresh seafood also figures prominently, and you're likely to often find fresh oysters, scallops and mussels on the menu.
On day 3 of our trip, you'll have the option to order the “blue lobster special,” which must be done in advance of the trip. The Normande blue lobster is different from what we have in the US in a few ways. It has a finer, firmer flesh and more pronounced briny flavor. It lives in colder, rockier waters, which contributes to a more concentrated flavor.
Apples are a main crop in the Normandy region, and you're likely to find many apple-based dishes, cider and calvados on offer. Brittany is well known for its savory buckwheat galettes (like a crepe, but savory and made with buckwheat flour). Ham, cheese and egg are popular fillings for Breton galettes. Dessert crepes are plentiful too!
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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Generally moderate terrain with occasional steep ascents or descents. Walks and hikes are all in the 3-4 hour, 6 mile range.
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