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  • HISTORIC NORMANDY + BRITTANY + MONT SAINT MICHEL (3 DAYS) Descripción

    DAY 1

    This tour will allow you to delve deeper into the history of the Normandy, beyond the sheen of World War II, showcasing the many elements of its medieval and renaissance architecture.

    You will start your discovery with a visit of the city of ROUEN, the capital of Upper Normandy since the Roman era. Starting at the Place du Vieux Marché (Old Market Square), where Joan of Ark was burnt at the stake, you will continue to the House of Exchequer, the 15th century Archbishop Palace, the splendid Renaissance Palace of Justice and the "Grosse Horloge", Rouen's most popular monument, a clock dating from 1527 with its superb belfry topped by a dome. You will finish your visit of Rouen with a private guided visit of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Rouen, one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic, immortalized over 20 times by Claude Monet.

    After the discovery of Rouen, you will continue your journey driving to the lovely, romantic town of HONFLEUR, located on the Seine estuary, that has a holiday feeling all year around. Its character and ambiance have inspired painters, writers and musicians for centuries.You will delight in walking around the old dock, the narrow winding streets where the fishing fleet unloads fresh fish and shellfish every day, stopping to admire the slate facades of the old houses. After enjoying lunch in one of the typical bistros on the picturesque quayside of the old dock, you will have a closer look at the St Catherine's church, a rare example in Western Europe constructed entirely of wood with its narrow massive oak belfry covered in chestnut wood.

    Then onto your 3rd destination: BAYEUX, the first French town to be liberated by the Allies on June 7th 1944.

    You will visit the beautiful 12th century Cathedral that still keeps watch over this charming, old fashioned town with its stone and timber framed medieval houses, nicely restored. You will stroll with your guide through the pedestrian precinct to the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant (William the Conqueror's Center) for your visit of the Tapestry of Bayeux, the oldest tapestry in the world. This jewel of Romanesque, 203 feet long, relates in a very realistic account the events of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is without a doubt, one of the most accurate and lively documents to survive from the Middle Ages, providing detailed information of the clothes, ships, arms and general lifestyle of that period.

    DAY 2

    St Malo was named after Maclow, a monk who came from Wales in the 6th century to evangelize the local population. The city presents one of the greatest examples of the fortifications works made between the 12th and the early 18th centuries. France's greatest military engineer, Maréchal Vauban and his disciple Simèon Garengeau, designed the expansions and reinforcement of the city walls and the amazing island forts such as la Conchée, le Fort National, Harbour and le Grand Bé.

    You will start your visit with an extensive walk on the city ramparts which will remind you of the long history of piracy and wealth earned on local extorsion and overseas adventures. You will continue to the Saint Vincent Cathedral, burial place of Saint Malo's most notorious citizens. To really understand the history and expansion of St Malo, you must go down to Alet area, to witness the original Roman settlements, where the German troops established a heavy battery artillery. Indeed, 80% of the city was destroyed by bombings, until it underwent reconstruction and was reproduced identically (an amazing feat) as of 1947.

    After lunch, you will head to Dinan, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Brittany, located on a 75 meter high hill (220 feet) offers a unique overview of the Rance River. From here, by the Saint-Sauveur Basilica, the river is under the influence of the tides. That’s why from St Malo to Dinan, the people call it the sea river and from Dinan to its source further inland, the river.
    Dinan became the Duke of Brittany’s territory in the late 13th century. Surrounded by huge city walls were built. The wealth was exhibited through Saint-Sauveur Basilica, the private mansions, the Belfry… The well preserved timber frames, dating back to the 15th and 16th century, now house the local stores and inns of the city, giving it a timeless feel. Dinan is an amazing journey through the middle ages.

    Night in St Malo

    DAY 3

    Many writers have tried to define the "Marvel of the Occident", some say that it is to the sea what the pyramid of Keops is to the desert, some describe it as an imaginary manor-house, stupefying as a dream palace, others say that is is not dry land and yet not the sea. Surrounded by the sea with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, the Mont Saint Michel is simply unique. The Abbey, founded by Aubert at the beginning of the 8th Century became a major cultural and pilgrimage centre during the middle ages.

    Starting with a visit of the old medieval village, with a stop at the local church to light a candle and make a wish at the silver statue of Saint Michel (a tradition).
    You will ascend the three levels of the marvel, culminating with a breathtaking view; the likes of which make you understand the original monks that came here for solace and spiritual contemplation.
    The guided visit of the Abbey will take you through the Church (a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture), the Herbal Garden with its covered cloisters, the Refectory, to the middle level comprised of the Knights Room, the Scriptorium to end up in the Undercroft and Almonry.

    Following this, a walk along the impressive ramparts will give you a concrete idea of Medieval fortress defences, and a clear example of why this was the only fortress that the English never managed to conquer during the 100 year war.

    You will have lunch in one of the typical restaurants on the Mont before heading back to Paris.

    If time, one your way back to Paris, you will make a stop at Villedieu-les-poêles, a town renowned for its craftsmanship of Lace, Tin, Leather and most notoriously, Copper.

    (Entrance tickets to the Mont St. Michel Abbey included)
    Extra charge for a pick up and/or a drop off outside Paris

    Reserve