A gastronomic and cultural tour of Normandy: Discover the timeless charm of Normandy, where rolling green countryside meets dramatic coastal cliffs, and history comes alive at every turn. Wander through picturesque villages with half-timbered houses, step back in time in medieval cities like Rouen and Bayeux with its legendary tapestry, and iconic villages from Honfleur to Trouville. Savour the region’s world-famous cheeses and cider and cook with local chefs in their country kitchens using market-fresh ingredients. History enthusiasts will appreciate the historic D-Day beaches and the poignant memorials.
Normandy offers an unforgettable blend of superb gastronomy, rich culture, nature, and heritage, and a Taste of Normandy tour with Goût et Voyage is the perfect way to ensure you enjoy the very best it has to offer.
A taste of your tour
A Taste of Normandy tour takes you to some of the most profound and evocative towns and cities of the region, with visits to Medieval cathedrals, WWII memorials and iconic sites. You’ll enjoy food trails and culinary experiences as well as cookery classes from local chefs and feasts in outstanding local restaurants.
Here is a taste of just some of the things you’ll enjoy.
The charms of Normandy
Perched on the Seine estuary, the Medieval harbour town of Honfleur is postcard-pretty with a sense of history at every turn. It is vibrant, cultural and bustling with waterfront cafés and restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, and with the soft chime of the boats moored in the harbour providing a seductive backdrop.
With distinctive 17th century buildings reflected in the harbour water of the Vieux Bassin and narrow, cobbled streets, it’s no surprise that Honfleur impressed artists over the centuries including Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin and Renoir.
Honfleur is the ideal place to start a tour of the region and discover the amazing flavours of Normandy. You’ll visit the local market where stalls are piled with local produce from fish to cheese including the undisputed King of French cheeses – Camembert and creamy Pont-l’Eveque – perfect as a counterbalance to the strong notes of the local apple brandy. And what better place to have your first cooking class with a local chef. Plus you’ll enjoy an inspiring jazz dinner!
You’ll also visit Trouville. This seaside town and former fishing port is glamorous and distinctive with colourful, elegant and bold villas lining miles of white sandy beach. Home to a vibrant and famous fish market, you’ll enjoy a tour of the town and dinner in the place famed for being the holiday destination for the wealthy and famous of the 19th century.
A land of heritage and history
Just 10 minutes inland from the stunning Normandy beaches, the city of Caen was the hometown of William the Conqueror. Medieval Caen Castle is in the heart of the city and there are also two monumental ‘his and hers’ Medieval abbeys – the Abbaye des Hommes, built by William and the Abbaye des Dames built by his wife Mathilde – both of them are buried in their abbeys. Stroll cobbled streets with half-timbered houses and browse the lovely book shops and boutiques.
Caen was a central location during WWII, particularly during the D-Day landings. That means a visit to the Caen Memorial and various poignant cemeteries and memorials is an important part of any visit here, as well as a walk along some of the many beaches that are etched in the history of WWII.
These days, Caen is also a city of gourmet hotspots, and you’ll visit the fabulous Sunday market where you’ll find some of the most delicious local specialities including yuzu and saffron.
In nearby Ouistreham at the mouth of the Orne River, known for its Riva Bella beach and resort full of Belle Epoque mansions, you’ll discover the Sword Beach Museum which commemorates the D-Day landings.
Ouistreham is famous for oysters (Ouistreham meaning village of oysters). There is a fantastic fish market here as well as long sandy beaches and a thalassotherapy centre where you will enjoy am rejuvenating spa experience.
Bayeux to the west of Caen, will be forever synonymous with the Bayeux Tapestry, the embroidered cloth which depicts events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Seeing this famous tapestry first hand is a must, but Bayeux has lots more on offer. With a magnificent cathedral and botanical gardens, it’s also a place for reflection with one of the largest British and Commonwealth cemeteries in Normandy and a war museum. You’ll have a fabulous cookery class with a local chef here, and take home the memories and the recipe and skills to create your own Normandy dish.
Normandy is perfect for foodies
Rouen has a long and fascinating history and stands proud on the banks of the river Seine. It’s the beating heart of the region with its magnificent cathedral, famous 14th century Gros Horloge clock tower and fascinating churches including one dedicated to Saint Joan of Arc who lost her life here.
Rouen was the first French city to be recognised for its gastronomy by UNESCO in 2021 and has a reputation for fine and Michelin starred restaurants, including La Couronne, France’s oldest inn. You’ll feast your way round the city on a tasting tour!
Normandy is the perfect place for foodies with its prized gastronomic heritage. With so many local specialties from chocolate, and salted caramel to dairy products – cheese, salted butter and cream, apple and pear drinks from cider to calvados and regional dishes like Canard à la Rouennaise” (Rouen duck) and apple pie – you’ll be totally spoiled.
Join Martine Bertin-Peterson, founder of Goût et Voyage on this magnificent tour. French-born, bilingual Martine who now lives in the US, has decades of culinary and tour host experience and has handpicked every element of this amazing tour including one of her favourite restaurants, the Michelin-starred Pavé d’Auge. Joining this tour will take you to the heart, soul and stomach of France.
You can find out more or book your place on a Normandy tour (or Provence) at: www.goutetvoyage.com
