Private Tour to Bayeux, Honfleur and Pays d' Auge from Bayeux

Bayeux, France

Discover the history, culture and food of the Normandy region on this private tour of Bayeux, Honfleur and Pays d'Auge departing from central Bayeux. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066; admire the colorful harbor in Honfleur that inspired the Impressionist painters; and taste the region’s key gourmet treats of Camembert, Calvados and cider.

Departing in a minivan from Bayeux, your full-day tour of the best of Normandy starts with the magnificent Bayeux Cathedral, which dates from 1077 and was built in both Roman and Gothic styles. Bayeux was the first town to be liberated by the Allies at the end of World War Two and survived intact; it boasts an impressive array of architecture dating from antiquity to the Renaissance to the modern day.

Also in Bayeux, you will see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth more than 200 feet (60 meters) long. This cloth, which was originally housed in the Bayeux Cathedral, tells the story of William the Conqueror, from the build-up to the invasion of England to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William defeated King Harold to become King of England. The tapestry is now located in the purpose-built Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Continue your tour to the port town of Honfleur, with its picturesque and colorful harbor located on an estuary of the Seine River. The colors of the timber-framed houses and the quaint backstreets have inspired famous painters such as Monet and Courbet. It is no wonder that for many years, Honfleur was regarded as the cradle of Impressionism. See also the Saint Catherine church, the largest church constructed from wood in France.

Finally, make your way to Pays d'Auge, where you will feast your senses on the range of culinary delights the region has to offer. Apple-based drinks are ubiquitous in the region – Calvados, an apple brandy, is a firm favorite, while cider, made from fermented apple juice, was for a long time the second-most popular beverage in France after wine. Also famous from the region is Camembert, the soft, creamy cow’s cheese, first made in the 18th century in Normandy.

USD $98.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by:   Nancy L,    October 2017
Our guide was Roman and we were lucky enough to have him on two of our other tours. His knowledge and passion for the history of Normandy was very impressive. These small towns were picturesque and I especially liked Honfleur. The cobblestone streets, harbor, church and shops were interesting and quaint. That being said, we didn't go to Pays d'Auge but to a lovely beach town instead, not sure why it was changed.

Review by:   ERDAL,    July 2017
Honfleur was the start of the trip! We recommend this tour very highly. Thanks Mat, our guide...

Review by:   Ross B,    June 2016
Our tour-guide Adrien was knowledgable, friendly, fluent in English and full of wonderful ideas that took us off the beaten path. He was our guide on two tours: a group tour to Mt. St. Michel and a private tour to the Pays D'Auge and Honfleur. Knowing my interest in military history, he took side-roads that led to important but mostly-forgotten battle sites. A memorable tour led by an extraordinary young man.

Review by:   Jacques N,    June 2013
I was surprised when the guide showed up and asked me what we were going to do. I thought thatn was what you did._br/_ The guide was knowledgeable and very personable, but had no instructions on the tour itinerary..

Review by:   Steven M,    January 2012
Our tour guide was brilliant and combined his extensive local knowledge with a friendly style. Thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the real provincial France.

Review by:   Bret A,    July 2010
Had a very good guide who knew her stuff and had a good command of English. Enjoyed seeing the Bayeux Tapestry a great deal, but was surprised when I had to pay for the admission price after spending so much on a private tour. Enjoyed Honfleur as well and appreciated the guide getting us by Utah Beach and the American Cemetary as well. Buying the guide lunch was another unexpected cost. Be prepared for additional costs.

Review by:   Bret A,    June 2010
Had a very good guide who knew her stuff and had a good command of English. Enjoyed seeing the Bayeux Tapestry a great deal, but was surprised when I had to pay for the admission price after spending so much on a private tour. Enjoyed Honfleur as well and appreciated the guide getting us by Utah Beach and the American Cemetary as well. Buying the guide lunch was another unexpected cost. Be prepared for additional costs.

All Traveler Reviews...