Honfleur
Honfleur

Honfleur & the Pays d'Auge in Normandy, Honfleur

Overview

Discover one of the most traditional areas of Normandy, the Pays d'Auge. When the French picture Normandy, they imagine fields of dairy cows, apple tree orchards, and half-timbered houses with thatched roofs. You can find that and more in the Pays d'Auge area.

You'll start with a drive through beautiful countryside, filled with rolling hills and picturesque villages, to visit a local producer who will share Norman cheeses and delicious apple cider, plus pommeau and calvados brandy, made with apples or pears.

Then, head to the Cote Fleurie coast to visit idyllic fishing villages that attracted the Impressionist painters. They have since become upscale beach communities, such as Deauville and Trouville. Gorgeous villas line the coast, overlooking the beach. Enjoy the views as you inhale the refreshing salty sea air. Next, along the Cote de Grace coast and at the mouth of the River Seine, you'll stop to observe the famous changing light and natural beauty of Normandy.

Continue to Honfleur, a city where time seems to have stopped several centuries ago. The incredibly varied architecture will take you right into Middle Ages, with the remains of its fortifications and the extraordinary St Catherine Church. You'll also find Renaissance-style architecture in Honfleur, as the 16th century was a prosperous time in the area, leading to Champlain's departure in 1608 and the foundation of Quebec City. Later on, the village became an artist colony, where Monet and his friends met at the St Simeon Farm.

Enjoy some free time to explore the town on your own, stopping for lunch in one of the many restaurants. Peruse boutique shops, visit artist galleries, or just savor Honfleur's special atmosphere.

Back on the country roads, between hedgerows and surrounding pastures, you'll discover more of the hinterland, with its hills covered by apple trees. Next, pass horse farms, manor houses, and farmhouses, all built of stone or in half-timbered styles. Finish the day with one last stop in the most picturesque village of Beuvron-en-Auge.

Discover more unique experiences in Normandy.

Itineraries with Honfleur & the Pays d'Auge in Normandy

Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley - 14 Days

This epic trip loops around three beloved regions in France with a nice mix of free time and guided tours. Start in Normandy to visit historical sites—spanning 900 years—between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Next is Brittany, where you'll have free time (and a car) to explore the wild, rugged coastline at your own pace. Then experience UNESCO-listed villages and castles in the Loire Valley before finishing with two days in Paris.

Family Adventure in Western France: Paris, Normandy, Basque Country, & More - 21 Days

From art museums in Paris and WWII history in Normandy to the pirate's haunt of Saint-Malo and the beaches of Southern Brittany, there's plenty for kids and young adults alike to do on this three-week adventure through France. And if your family likes to drink wine together, you'll especially look forward to the days in Bordeaux—one of the world's leading winemaking regions.

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 17 Days

From the streetside cafes of Paris to the fresh seafood markets of Normandy, this seventeen-day road trip through western France has it all. Spend a few days in the capital viewing art and eating your weight in pastries, then head west along the coast to vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, famous for their countryside castles, 18th-century farmer's markets, and the freshest oysters in France.