ROUEN, FRANCE

We begin our tour with a drive to Honfleur, a small and perfectly preserved 13th century fishing village. We will enjoy a guided introduction to this quiet town lined with typical old timber-framed or slate-shingled houses.

We begin our tour with a drive to Honfleur, a small and perfectly preserved 13th century fishing village. We will enjoy a guided introduction to this quiet town lined with typical old timber-framed or slate-shingled houses. Honfleur was the base for the 17th century voyages of discovery that led to the settlement of the most important French colonies, and is also considered to be the birthplace of the Impressionist and Romantic art movements. During our walking tour, we will see the unique 17th century harbour ‘Vieux Bassin.

We will pass the Governor’s House ‘La Lieutenance’ and the ancient gateway to the town, before passing the lovely 15th century Sainte-Catherine. The massive oak belfry is covered in chestnut and stands apart from the church on a large foundation, which used to contain the bell-ringer’s dwelling. Sainte-Catherine Church is a rare example in Western Europe of a building constructed entirely of wood. At the end of our tour, we will have some free time to explore the quaint streets independently.

Re-boarding our tour coach, we travel through the heart of the Norman countryside to the village of Le Breuil en Auge, where we will visit the traditional distillery ‘Le Château du Breuil’. This attractive slate-roofed château was built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and specialises in making cider and Calvados. Upon arrival, we commence our guided walking tour of the distillery and ageing cellars, before we are invited to a special tasting of famous Normandy products such as Calvados and cider, together with delicious cheeses including Camembert and Livarot served with bread and butter.

Time permitting, we may have the opportunity to purchase some of the Normandy products we have tasted, before we return to Rouen and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: There is approximately two hours of compulsory walking involved in this tour, some of which will be over cobbled ground. There are approximately ten steps to negotiate at Château du Breuil. Unfortunately it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES