Christmas in Normandy
A little closer to home than previous years - this European Christmas Holiday in France avoids the long journey and overnight hotels stays of previous tours to the Alps or Italy.
A little closer to home than previous years - this European Christmas Holiday in France avoids the long journey and overnight hotels stays of previous tours to the Alps or Italy.
We have been asked to arrange a Christmas holiday on the near Continent, rather than a longer tour to the Alps or Italy that involves overnight hotel stays. Expectations are always high for Christmas and only the very best in terms of accommodation, food, service and inclusive extras will satisfy these requirements. We have selected the delightful Grand Hotel de l’Esperance in Normandy.
A land fashioned by history, from William the Conqueror to World War II, Normandy is an ancient French province situated just across the channel. With breathtaking and varied landscapes, old-world villages, fine food and traditional drink it offers a rich variety of attractions and a warm welcome. Our visit will include time to explore the hundred dizzy spires of Rouen and its winding medieval streets and a Calvados distillery with tastings! We shall explore the picturesque harbours of Normandy’s Coast, enjoy music in the hotel each evening and be treated to some special French Christmas delicacies.
ITINERARY
Wednesday (23rd) - Very early morning departure from Dorset to Dover for channel crossing to Calais and drive to Lisieux, a charming city where faith and history meet. Home of St Therese whose extravagant basilica outshines the medieval cathedral and rivals the Sacre-Coeur in Paris. After settling in enjoy a set-menu dinner (choices all other nights) after which you could stroll to the basilica just 10 mins away.
Thursday (24th) - Start the day with a visit to a Calvados producer to taste the elegant and fruity French Apple Brandy (includes tastings) - the true flavour of Normandy. This afternoon enjoy sightseeing in Rouen - a veritable museum city it leaves no visitor indifferent with its beautiful half timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets, gothic churches, art galleries, public gardens and riverside walks - all dressed for Christmas. Back at the hotel enjoy an aperitif before dinner and an extra cheese course.
Friday (Christmas Day) - Merry Christmas! After breakfast you can open your presents and enjoy a short stroll to hone your appetite - follow in the footsteps of Saint Terese to discover many sites associated with her by simply following a blue line around the town. A aperitif before Christmas lunch is included today. This afternoon enjoy your delightful surroundings and soak up the atmosphere of Christmas in Normandy. Later a light supper of soup, sandwiches and fruit/dessert will make this a Christmas to remember!
Saturday (Boxing Day) - Drive to Blangy-le-Chateaux, one of Frances prettiest preserved old villages. Continue to Honfleur and discover its picturesque harbour and cobbled streets - a favourite with artists. Finally we visit the upmarket coastal town of Deauville - long home to French high society. Back at the hotel there is another aperitif before dinner which includes another extra cheese course.
Sunday - Heading homewards to Calais for channel crossing and return to Dorset by that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Grand Hotel de l’Esperance, Lisieux
A superb 3 star hotel situated in the centre of town and combining the traditional charm of the regions architecture with all expected modern facilities. Bedrooms are stylish and recently refurbished and provide private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, television with cable channels, desk/seating, safe and free wifi. Chez Alain Restaurant is stylish and offers a generous hot buffet breakfast and delicious Christmas themed 3 course regional evening dinner. A traditional French 3 course lunch is included on Christmas Day. There is a lounge and bar in which to socialise and a lift serves all floors. There will be music in the hotel lounge each evening and the hotel will be decorated for Christmas.
Tour Price: £775.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £170.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, Return ferry fares, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Christmas Lunch, Aperitifs and extra cheese courses, Calvados distillery tour
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
