normandy

family - 10 & UP

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Welcome to your Trek Travel® Normandy Family Adventure!

Normandy has all the very best characteristics that make up French life: rich culture, exquisite scenery, divine cuisine, ancient art, outdoor activities, strong family bonds and a gripping history for you to discover. One thing we could all learn from the French is how to relax and enjoy a little time off. And there is no better place to start than here in Normandy.

I am thrilled to share with you what I love about this French region. From 1066 to today and from the countryside to downtown, you and your family will see it all. Stroll beside the chic Parisian gentry as they shop in the classy boutiques of Deauville or let your senses come alive wandering through the lively markets teeming with fresh fish, seafood, apple cider and the region’s renowned cheeses. Play on the beach as you relish a smooth ice cream under the colorful beach parasols and then meander along the famous promenade and gaze out at the ocean as the sun sets across the sea.

As we escape the hustle and bustle of town, you’ll feel as though you’ve jumped into the pages of a storybook cycling on narrow roads, through idyllic rural life, rolling green hills and pastures dotted with Norman cows. Every kid’s natural dream playground! As we ride through shaded forests, over babbling streams and along miles of apple orchards you’ll be awestruck by the thatched roofs and colorful timber framed cottages for which the area is known.

The memorial portion of our journey begins crossing the famous Pegasus Bridge, from where the D-Day invasion began. And as you stroll through the little towns, listen to the locals who lived through the war recount their personal stories. They are always so open to share their experiences. Museums, 360-degree films and other sites bring to life this important period in time in an ap-propriate and educational manner for kids. See the terrain, the beaches, cliffs and hedgerows the young soldiers faced. This experience, unlike any other, will conjure you to remember, respect and honor those who paid the ultimate price for the liberty of Nor-mandy and the world.

I look forward to sharing this won-derful region with you and yours.

~Kathryn Stewart, Normandy Trip Expert

©2007\Trek Travel LLC. All rights reserved. Trek Travel is a registered trademark of Trek Travel LLC

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the trek travel difference

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At Trek Travel, we’re committed to providing ultimate cycling vacation experiences to our guests by including the following unique benefits on each of our trips:

Connections to Cycling

As a Trek partner, Trek Travel has over 30 years of experience and connections in the world of professional cycling. Whether it be exclusive access to Team Astana, having cycling legends on our trips or simply having a surprise visit from Bob Roll during one of the race stages—our connections get you up close and personal to the action.

Top-of-the-line Trek Bicycles and Accessories

Trek All New Madone® Carbon Fiber Road Bike, Trek 7.5 FX Hybrid Bike, helmets, racks, packs and saddle options.

Exceptional Guides

Our guides pass the highest training standards in the industry which translates into an exceptional experience and superior customer service for each and every guest on each and every trip. Every trip comes with two or three experienced guides.

Fun & Flexible Philosophy

Whether you are a leisurely rider or an avid cyclist; whether you want to ride a little or a lot; all Trek Travel trips have built-in flexibility that allows us to make each day fit you like a glove. If you want to take a morning or afternoon off, your knowledgeable Trek Travel guides can help you decide what non-biking options best suit your mood. It’s your vacation – – you decide.

Social Hour

Trek Travel hosts social hours on most evenings of our trips, giving you the opportunity to mingle and become better acquainted with your traveling companions.

In-house Travel Agent

In order to make things easy and hassle-free for our guests, we have an in-house Travel Agent to assist guests with all of their travel arrangements.

Trek Travel Guest Packet and Clothing

Each guest receives a Guest Packet filled with detailed trip specific, regional, training and cultural information to help them prepare for their trip. Additionally, guests receive complimentary merchandise.

Comfortable Trip Size

20 guests per trip capacity ensures each guest has individual support, attention and the company of their world-class guides.

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Day 1 Today’s Ride | The Norman Countryside- 12 miles (20km) Elevation Gain | 200 m

Your family’s journey through history begins at the Lisieux train station. Your Trek Travel guides will meet you there at 10:40am at which time you and your family will take a short shuttle ride into the Norman countryside. Here you will enjoy a bountiful brunch, introducing Norman Camembert cheese, fresh apple juice and cider along with other local favorites. With lots of green space for the kids, they’ll have a chance to play some typical French games while the adults get better acquainted. Your Trek Travel guides will individually fit each member of your family to the Trek bicycle you have chosen and inform you of the safety and special riding features of your bike. Norman cows will dot the landscape as you leisurely ride through farmlands, orchards and the gently undulating terrain. These animals provide half of France’s dairy needs! Your final destination today is the seaside town of Deauville. This town is well known as the Parisian’s luxurious escape with elegant hotels, restaurants, relaxing seaside cafés and activities for the kids. It is also the gateway to Calvados, a region well known for producing an apple brandy praised all over France. Tonight your family will reunite with the rest of the group and dine on a magnificent feast along the ocean. Feel free to complete your evening with an evening stroll along the beach.

Hotel | Normandy Barrière Phone | +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22

Web | www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/en/hotel/etablissements/normandy_barriere.htm

Day 2 Today’s Ride | Honfleur Loop - 15, 31 or 40 miles (25, 50 or 65 km) Elevation Gain | 300 m

Wake-up to freshly baked pastries and a creamy “café au lait”! Today you will wind your way north to the village of Honfleur, where Samuel Champlain first sailed off to the New World and eventually founded the city of Québec. This seaside port town is appreciated for its changing light. Renowned painters and photographers such as Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet have sought to capture this ever changing light on their still canvases. After this short 25 km ride to Honfleur, the kids have a chance to seek out the best ice cream in town while you discover the perfect quaint bistro for lunch of your choice. The afternoon presents options for everyone. Continue to explore this stunning town as you shop for antique memoirs or return directly to Deauville, either by bike or shuttle for a relaxing afternoon at the beach or a round of golf. For those who wish to ride further, enjoy an adventure through the rolling countryside in an area well known for its cheese! The kids will be thoroughly entertained playing at the beach in the afternoon sun and having their turn at kite flying or tossing the Frisbee. Tonight, the adults can enjoy a dinner

alone, while the Trek Travel guides steal your children away for pizza and a game of mini golf!

Hotel | Normandy Barrière

Phone | +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22

Web | www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/en/hotel/etablissements/normandy_barriere.htmn

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If you need to contact your guides the day the trip starts, please leave them a message at Normandy Barrière +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22

You may also contact them on their cell phone, and will receive the number in the days before your

departure.

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Day 3 Today’s Ride | Beuvron-en-Auge Loop: 12, 18, 37 miles (20, 30, 60km) Elevation Gain | 400 m

Known as the “city of horses” for its passion and pastime of horse racing, Deauville and the surrounding areas offer stunning scenery and numerous distractions from the day’s ride. Whether strolling along the famous boardwalk promenade, “les Planches,” trotting on the beach on horseback, playing a round of golf or just relaxing at the luxurious hotel, you have no shortage of activi-ties to choose from. Today’s ride, however, will certainly peak the interest of all riders. Quaint and quiet roads, lined with trees, thatched roofs and colorful half-timbered houses are in store for you today. After a refreshing picnic in the country, choose to either return to the hotel for an afternoon of “char a voile” (sand sailing), or continue riding in search of more challenging terrain. Tonight you will watch the sunset from your Oceanside restaurant and toast to a stellar day.

Hotel | Normandy Barrière Phone | +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22

Web | www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/en/hotel/etablissements/normandy_barriere.htm

Day 4 Today’s Ride | Pegasus to Arromanches- 23 miles (42km) Elevation Gain | 400 m

| Port-en-Bessin- 46 miles (75km)

This morning your family and fellow traveling companions will take a short shuttle toward the historic World War II beach sites beginning with Pegasus Bridge and its museum. The museum starts to bring to life the excitement, adventure, uncertainty and camaraderie that the young soldiers experienced during the war. Pegasus Bridge, originally named the Orne Canal Bridge was renamed the Pegasus bridge in honor of its brave WWII liberators, the 6th Airborne Division. You’ll then parallel the ocean on your way to Courcelles-sur-Mer, the site of Juno beach. After taking in the sites, you’ll ride parallel to the ocean on your way to Courcelles-sur-Mer, the site of Juno beach and enjoy an old family recipe of “moules-frites” (mussels and fries)—a local delicacy. This afternoon, you and your family will continue along the coast toward Arromanches and enjoy a 360-degree movie depicting the scenes and stories of the D-day landings. Those interested in heading back to the hotel early can shuttle back and enjoy the pool, tennis courts, large grounds or the hotel’s large screen television stocked with a variety of World War II movies to entertain kids and adults alike. For those who would like additional kilometers, ride from Deauville all the way to the hotel for an 80 km “circuit”! Château La Chenevière, your home for the next two nights, stands elegantly in its own parkland of mature trees, embracing the graceful mannerisms of a bygone era and the warmth of an English country house. Tonight your family will reconnect with your newfound friends at the hotel over cocktails and discuss the events of the past during our gourmet dinner.

Hotel | Château La Chenevière Phone | +33 (0)2 31 51 25 25 Web|www.lacheneviere.fr

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Day 5 Today’s Ride | World War II Sights- 16 miles (26km) Elevation Gain | 200 m

| Pont d’Hoc Loop- 44 miles (71km) | 300 m

Today you and your family will meander along the coast, focusing on the American war sites. Start your morning in awe of the courageous sacrifice made by young American men over 60 years ago. You will stand in reverence as you see the rows upon rows of white crosses and Stars of David at the American war cemetery and learn more about the tragic events that took place at Omaha beach, where over 3000 men were killed in a matter of hours. The morning will close with a visit to the home of Monsieur LeBrec, where you will try some of their family’s apple cider and enjoy a Trek Travel picnic. Although now well known for their tasty beverages, this estate was once occupied by German commanders during the Second World War. After D-Day it was the home base to hundreds of Allied soldiers and officers. The family is a living testament to the brave actions of our veterans. Post-lunch you and yours will make their way to Le Pont d’Hoc where large craters created by the bombs and old bunkers are left intact, providing a realistic impression of this historical event and a playground for imaginative children. If you wish, visit the German cemetery to witness the distinctive differences between the two sites. For those who prefer to continue riding, a scenic and rolling ride through the countryside is in store for you, while the rest of the group returns to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon around the pool. Tonight you and your family will make your way to the proud town of Bayeux for some seafood delights at your guides favorite local bistro.

Hotel | Château La Chenevière Phone | +33 (0)3 32 31 51 25 25 Web | www.lacheneviere.fr

Day 6

Today’s Ride | Bayeux- 5 miles (8km) Elevation Gain | 50 m

Stretch your legs with one last ride or ease into your morning and enjoy one final “café au lait” from this exquisite hotel. Before

you and your family bid this area farewell, you will return to the historic town of Bayeux and visit the Bayeux Tapestry. Through a

series of stitched scenes, this 230 ft long tapestry tells the tale of William the Conqueror and depicts the events leading up to the

Battle of Hastings of 1066. Your private Trek Travel

coach will pick you up in Bayeux and shuttle you

to the town of Caen by noon. From here you can

depart via train for a variety of destinations.

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Normandy family

Length | 6 days / 5 nights

Activity Level | Easy - Moderate

Trip Start / End | Lisieux / Caen

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Trip accommodations

Trek Travel has uncovered two unique properties that stretch across Normandy in space, time and experience. Each offers a charm

and ambiance that is unique from the other. Rooms may vary in size but both of these properties offer exceptional amenities.

Hotel | Normandy Barrière | Deauville, France

Deauville and the Normandy Barrière has always been the destination for weekends, family holidays and unforgettable, romantic getaways. Whether you see it from the sea or the town, the Normandy Barrière is an enchanting Anglo-Norman manor. This magnificent dwelling is a tribute to the region’s architecture and represents this extravagantly luxurious “Belle Époque” resort perfectly.

Phone | +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22

Web |www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/en/hotel/etablissements/normandy_barriere.htm

Hotel | Château La Chenevière | Port en Bessin, France

Château La Chenevière is an 18th century château situated between Omaha Beach, where the American forces landed on D-Day in 1944, and the historic town of Bayeux, famous for its tapestry depicting the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. There are only twenty-nine rooms, each with a garden view and all individually decorated in a harmony of floral designs. The luxurious facilities will appeal to the most fastidious traveler. The dining room with its picture windows overlooking the park has a certain grandeur, but on an intimate scale. The cuisine is classic with all the distinctive flavors of Normandy and can be accompanied by any of the fine wines found in their impressive cellar.

Phone | +33 (0)2 31 51 25 25 Web | www.lacheneviere.fr

cuisine

French cuisine is as distinct from one region to the next as if one had traveled from one country to another. The food of

Normandy owes its most distinctive characteristic—its decadent, heart-pounding richness—to the lush orchards and dairy herds

of its agricultural heartland, and most especially the area southeast of Caen known as the Pays d’Auge. Menus abound in meat

such as veal (“veau” ) cooked in “vallée d’Auge” style, which consists largely of the profuse addition of cream and butter. Many

dishes also feature orchard fruit, either in its natural state or in successively more alcoholic forms, such as apple or pear cider, or

perhaps further distilled to produce brandies. Normans have a great propensity for earthy foods that make use of all parts of the

animal. In addition to gamier meat and fowl such as rabbit and duck, they enjoy such intestinal preparations as “andouilles”, the

sausages known in English as chitterlings, and tripes, stewed for hours “à la mode de Caen”. A full feast at a country restaurant in

one of the small towns of inland Normandy—places like Conches, Vire and the Suisse Normande—will also traditionally entail

one or two pauses between courses for the Trou Normand: a glass of the apple brandy, Calvados, while you catch your breath

before struggling on with the feast. If you have any special dietary preferences (particularly any issues with dairy and butter) please

inform us at Trek Travel before you leave for your trip. Your Trek Travel guides will do their best to accommodate your requests.

Breakfast is always served at the hotel.

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what ’s included

INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE

5 nights of accommodation

Daily breakfast, 4 dinners, 4 lunches and all snacks and drinks for each day’s ride

A social hour most evenings

The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides

Daily route support

The use of a Trek All New Madone® carbon fiber road bike or Trek 7.5 FX

The use of a KDR 1000 Road Bike or either a Mountain Track 60 or 220 for kids

Private tours and tastings

Entrance fees to all group and individual events/activities

All luggage transfers

All transportation during the trip, including private coaches

Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek Travel merchandise

All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to and from the trip, transportation to the trip pick-up location, lodging before and after the trip, gratuities for Trek Travel

guides, and personal items purchased during the trip. Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the

opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.

TIPS AND GRATUITIES

Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership

throughout the week. Trek Travel suggests 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team

as a tipping standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation are paid by Trek Travel.

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Should you have any questions before you depart for your trip, please feel free to

contact us at 1.866.464.8735

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MEETING AND DEPARTING: TIMES AND PLACES

Meeting Location | Lisieux train station

Your guides will meet you on the first day of the trip at the Lisieux train station at 10:40am. If you arrive late and do not see your

guides, you may take a taxi to the first night’s hotel, Normandy Barrière, for approximately 60€. First, please call Normandy

Barrière at +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22 and leave a message for your guides so they’re aware that you are late. Should you choose to

stay the night prior to the trip in Paris, SNCF train 3305 departs the Paris St. Lazare station at 9:08am and arrives in Lisieux at

10:36am.

Departure location | Caen train station

At the end of the trip, a Trek Travel shuttle will deliver you to the Caen train station, arriving approximately at 12:00 noon, in

time for afternoon departures to Paris, or any other destination of your choice. Please do not reserve a train ticket departing

before 1:00pm. There is a train to Paris leaving Caen at 1:13pm train. For those who wish to stay a bit longer, enjoy the afternoon

exploring Caen and hop on the 5:50pm train back to the city of lights. For all train travel, feel free to confirm train times on the

posted timetable at France’s rail site, www.sncf.com.

Did you know Trek Travel can help you with all of your pre- and post- trip arrangements? For assistance in booking your flights, pre- and

post-accommodations or simply to answer any questions about travel arrangements, please contact our Trek Travel Travel Agent

at 1-866-GO4-TREK. For more information on this service, please see details on page 11.

What To Do if you miss the pick-up

In the unfortunate event that you arrive late to the meeting point, please first contact your guides. If you were unable to reach

them please contact our first night’s hotel, Normandy Barrière +33 (0)2 31 98 66 22, and leave a message there. Your guides will

be aware that you are late and will be in contact with the hotel. You may take a taxi to the first night’s hotel for approximately

60€.

Approximately one week before departure, you’ll receive an  e-­mail  from  Trek  Travel  with  some  final  details,  

including the cell phone numbers of your guides in the region. You may use these numbers in the event of an

emergency, or if you arrive at the meeting point late and need to get in touch with your guides.

when & how to arrive

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your health

Trek Travel vacations are designed to introduce you to some of the world’s most spectacular places in what we believe is the

best way possible — from the seat of a Trek bicycle. Although you don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy a Trek Travel

vacation, we do think it is important that you are in good overall health. If you have any concerns or questions about your health,

contact your physician for a complete physical before your trip.

terrain

Normandy provides stunning views, quiet roads and some moderately hilly terrain. Cycling through the forest, fields and orchards

in the Pays d’Auge the first few days, you will climb an average of 3-5 small climbs per day that average 1-3 km of climbing in

distance. For those who wish to avoid the climbs, simply jump in the Trek Travel van and ride up on four wheels instead of two!

As we move from the countryside to the ever present seashore and war memorials, the terrain flattens out. You will be surrounded

by forest, farms and of course the ever present seashore!

activity level

The activity level for this trip is easy to moderate, however your guides can suggest a variety of options to also accommodate any

riders. You can expect to ride a daily average of 30 miles (50km) with the daily option of riding more or fewer miles. Please speak

with your guides if you require different, or additional, daily riding options or activities.

How to Prepare

The best way to prepare for a Trek Travel adventure is to get out there and ride! However, if for some reason you cannot ride

regularly or are limited in the amount of riding you can do, it is still important that you engage in another cardiovascular activity

that suits your lifestyle like jogging, walking, swimming, or aerobics. The most important thing to remember is to maintain your

level of physical fitness and to get used to being active for consecutive days.

As you prepare for your trip, try to ride a variety of terrain—rolling hills, long climbs (3-4 km) and some flat stretches—the kind

of terrain that you can expect to find on your Normandy biking vacation. Since we will be riding every day, you should feel

comfortable getting back on a bike after having ridden an average of 30 miles (50km) for several days in a row. Build up your

stamina for longer distances and hilly terrain as you lead up to the trip. Ride 2-3 times a week and build to include a longer ride

at least once per week (60+km, 38+miles).

If you ride in a flatter area it’s worthwhile to do some hill repeats. If there are no hills at all, a spinning class or riding your bike

on a trainer can provide some more resistance to build strength

As a Trek partner, we’ve been involved in the cycling industry for over 30 years and are connected to the best cycling coaches

in the industry. Whether you are a category two racer or a beginner, we can connect you to a trainer that will get you in tip top

shape! Simply give us a call.

Cycling and Training

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your travel arrangements

Trek Travel Travel Agent | Let us take care of all your travel needs! While you are focusing on the fun preparatory aspects of your

trip—shopping, reading about the history, training—our Trek Travel in-house travel agent can take care of your additional travel

needs. For a nominal fee, our dedicated Travel Agent can reserve your airfare, pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations, rental cars,

train tickets and additional sight-seeing activities with all the attentiveness and world-class customer service that you expect from

Trek Travel. Please contact Trek Travel at 1-866-GO4-TREK for more information or to take advantage of this convenient new

service that continues to define the Trek Travel Difference in the active travel industry.

Flights | We recommend flying directly into Paris. All of the major U.S. airlines and Air France offer non-stop flights from major

U.S. cities. Please arrive at least one day prior to the trip start but preferably two or three days in advance. This will enable you to

recover from all of the related effects of international travel and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related

delays.

Trains | From the Paris Gare St. Lazare station, you may take the 9:08am SNCF train 3305 arriving at the Lisieux train station

at 10:36am. Train schedules can be consulted and tickets can be booked directly on-line at www.sncf.com (please note that these

times are based on the fall 2007 train schedule).

Driving Directions from Paris| You’ll leave Paris on the A14 toward Rouen and then join the A13 / E05. Take exit 15

toward Evreux. At the traffic circle take the third exit onto N13 toward Evreux. Take D613 toward Beuvillers. Turn right onto

D164. After entering Lisieux, turn right onto D579 (Rue Fournet). At the traffic circle take the first exit onto rue de la gare

then turn into Lisieux Gare.

travel arrangements

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before & afteryour trip

accommodations

ParisHotel La Demeure| 51 Boulevard Saint Marcel, 75013 Paris | +33 (0)1 43 37 81 25 | www.hotel-paris-lademeure.com

An oasis in the middle of the vibrant Latin Quarter on the left bank, this family-run hotel will make you feel comfortable and

at home. 43 rooms.

Hotel Louvre Marsollier Opéra |13, rue Marsollier, 75002 Paris | +33 (0)1 42 96 68 14 | www.louvre-paris-hotel.com

In the heart of historical Paris, located on a quiet street in the center of a prestigious neighborhood, this is a stylish hotel where

Oscar Wilde lived in 1899. The hotel’s website has some useful information and links to activities.

Hotel d’Angleterre |91, rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris | +33 (0)1 43 59 35 45 | www.angleterre-paris-hotel.com

The Hotel d’Angleterre is situated on one of the most famous streets in the world, right in the heart of the Champs Elysées

between the Etoile and Concorde. 40 rooms.

Hotel des Ducs de Bourgogne |19 rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris |+33 (0)1 42 33 95 64 |www.hotel-paris-bourgogne.com

Located just blocks from the Louvre, this small 50-room hotel is decorated with period furnishings.

Lisieux Hotel Mercure Lisieux | Route de Parist, 14100 Lisieux| + 33 (0)2 31 61 17 17 | www.mercure.com

This newly renovated hotel sits on the outskirts of Lisieux near Sainte Thérèse of Lisieux basilica. 69 rooms. 76-110€, breakfast

+12€.

DeauvilleHotel Normandy Barrière | 38 rue Jean Mermoz, 14804 Deauville| + 33 (0)2.31.98.66.22 | www.lucienbarriere.com/

localized/en/hotel/etablissements/normandy_barriere.htm

The Normandy Barrière has always been the hotel for weekends, family holidays and unforgettable, romantic getaways. Viewed

from the sea or the town, the Normandy Barrière is an enchanting Anglo-Norman manor. This magnificent dwelling is a tribute

to the region’s architecture and represents this extravagantly luxurious Belle Époque resort perfectly. 366-544€

Villa Joséphine | 23, rue des Villas - 14800 Deauville |+33 (0)2 31 14 18 00 | www.villajosephine.fr

Constructed in the XIX century, the Villa Joséphine is classified as a ‘remarkable villa’. This opulent residence was once the home of M. Olliffe, Mayor of Deauville and the personal doctor of one of the most mystical figures of the second empire—the Duke of Morny, who was also a founding father of Deauville. You will feel totally at home here as you enjoy the charm of the manor

house and private garden.

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activities

During your family Trek Travel trip to Normandy, you will have many opportunities to explore the area by bike and by foot.

You will ride through the Norman countryside and along the coast as you and your family explore both the natural beauty of

Normandy and the history of the beaches which played such an important part in World War II.

On many of the days, you will have options to get to the hotel early to enjoy time in the swimming pool or gardens. Throughout

your trip to Normandy, you will be surprised and excited about what is around each corner. With beaches, fields, forests and a

rugged coastline to explore, you and your family will be treated to something new everyday.

Should you and your family choose to spend time in the area before or after your Trek Travel trip, your Trek Travel guides suggest

looking into some of the following activities:

Discover the history of the 20th Century at The Memorial of Caen

Golfing and additional walking tours around the Normandy beaches

“Char a Voile”- wind chariots on the beach

Try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or sea kayaking

Learn regional favorites in a cooking class

Meander through the open-air markets

Enjoy a horseback ride along the beach or in the countryside

See the land from a bird’s eye view by hang-gliding, paragliding or parachuting

Treat yourself to a spa or thalassotherapy treatment

Indulge your taste buds with cider and calvados tasting

A little farther away visit the abbey of Mont St. Michel

before & afteryour trip

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Trek Travel --Travel AgentDon’t you just want to focus on the fun?

Trek Travel’s in-house Travel Agent will be happy to take care of all of your pre- and

post- travel arrangements!

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useful booksD-Day (Paperback) | Stephen Ambrose | With information from over 1,400 interviews with veterans, Ambrose describes with incredible detail, emotion and suspense the comprehensive history from the two years leading up to and the 24 crucial hours when common soldiers performed extraordinary feats to overcome German forces.

World War II for Kids: A History with 21 activities (Paperback) | Richard Panchyk | War time letters, interviews with soldiers, civilians and Holocaust survivors bring a personal perspective from the rise of Hitler in 1933 to the Japanese surrender in 1945. Ages 9 & up.

Remember D-Day: Both Sides Tell Their Stories (Hardcover) | Ronald J. Drez | Personal stories, comments from soldiers and photos bring alive the tactics, strategies, deceptions and invasion with a sense of immediacy. Grade 4-8.

Remember World War II: Kids Who Survived Tell Their Stories (Hardcover) | Dorinda Nicholson | Compilation of short autobiographical articles written by adults who lived through the war as children or teenagers. Grade 5-8.

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong (Paperback) | Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow | This book helps you to understanding what makes the French so French as it dives into France’s heart, mind, and soul revealing French society, cultural and political history.

Top 10 Normandy (Eyewitness Travel Guides) | From Normandy’s top historic sights such as Mont St-Michel to the D-Day beaches to the gustatory delights of cream, Camembert, apples, cider, and Calvados - don’t miss out on a thing in one of the most beautiful and popular regions of France.

A Traveler’s Guide to D-Day and the Battle for Normandy (Paperback) | Carl Shilleto | Photographs, maps, eyewitness quotes, and captivating narratives regarding D-Day and the Normandy attack. The author reconstructs the scenes and mood of the crucial battles of Normandy, and provides information on museums, monuments, cemeteries, memorials, and statues.

Living in Normandy (Hardcover) | Serge Gleizes, Christian Sarramon | A beautiful, photo-rich guide to Normandy culture and lifestyles with an extensive list of the region’s best restaurants, hotels, brasseries, bed and breakfasts, as well as stores, boutiques, antique dealers, and tips on where to sample the famous local products.

The Food of France (Vintage, Paperback) | Waverly Root | While this might sound like a cookbook, it’s actually a travelogue focusing on the foods of various regions in France. Instead of providing information on what visitors should see during their

travels, Waverly Root reveals what they should eat.

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useful websiteswww.normandy-tourism.org/ | The official site of the Normandy Tourism Board, includes information on architecture, art, regions, culture, climate and tourist resources.

www.franceguide.com | The official website of the French Government Tourist Office.

www.francemonthly.com | A collection of articles, newsletters and local information for all regions of France, including Normandy.

www.calvadosbook.com | This is an independent guide to local calvados apple brandy and the region of Normandy, France.

www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar | An archive of memories from World War II by the public compiled by the BBC.

tourist information offices and embassiesFor more information on traveling in France, please contact the French Tourist Office nearest you:

East Coast | 444 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022 | 212.838.7800 | fax 212.838.7855

Midwest | 875 North Michigan Ave, Suite 3214, Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.751.7800 | fax 312.337.6339

West Coast | 9454 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 715, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 | 310.271.6665 | fax 310.276.2835

Canada | 1981 McGill College Ave., Suite 490, Montréal, PQ H3A 2W9 | 514.876.9881 | fax 514.845.4868

In France:

United States Embassy | 2 ave Gabriel, 75008 Paris | +33 (0) 1.43.12.22.22 | fax +33(0)1.42.66.97.83

Canadian Embassy | 35 ave Montaigne, 75008 Paris | +33(0)1.44.43.29.00 | fax +33(0)1.44.43.29.99

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trip details

changing or canceling your trip

If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days before the trip start, there is a cancellation fee of $100; 61-90 days before the trip

start there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price; 31-60 days before the trip start there is a cancellation fee of 50%

of the original trip price and there is no refund for canceling a trip 0-30 days before the trip start.

If you choose to change your trip more than 90 days before the trip start, you may do so with no fee. From 61-90 days, there

will be a $100 administration fee. If you choose to change trips within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy

outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip

departure date.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel a trip due to low enrollment or if we feel that the safety and quality of a trip could be

compromised. If Trek Travel cancels a trip, a full refund will be issued. If a trip must be canceled due to low enrollment, we will

make every effort to do so at least 60 days before the trip start. We recommend that you purchase airfare no sooner than 60 days

before your departure date. Under no circumstances will Trek Travel reimburse guests or be responsible for the cost of their airfare

or any cancellation or change fees that may apply. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms stated on Trek

Travel’s website, catalog or other publication, these terms shall prevail.

insurance

Trek Travel highly recommends Travel Insurance to assist you in the event of medical emergency, lost baggage, canceled trip, or an

other trip-related event. For your convenience, Trek Travel has created a custom travel insurance package available through Travel

Guard. Please contact a Trip Consultant for more details. You may purchase additional insurance on your own if you wish.

trip changes

Trek Travel reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications or to withdraw any tour announced without notice and

to make alterations and substitutions to the itinerary as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort,

convenience, and well-being of our travelers. In this event, Trek Travel will always substitute an equal or better option.

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notes from the field

what to say

Fortunately, getting around in France with little or no exposure to the language is not very difficult. However, here are some

useful words and phrases that may be beneficial to know:

English French

Yes / No Oui / Non

Hello / Good morning Bonjour

Goodbye Au revoir

Please S’il vous plaît

Thank you / Thank you very much Merci / Merci beaucoup

You’re welcome De rien

Excuse me Excusez-moi

I’m sorry Pardon

Good evening Bon soir

Good night Bonne nuit

Do you speak English? Parlez-vous anglais?

To the left A gauche

To the right A droite

Straight ahead Tout droit

Bicycle Vélo

Hotel Hôtel

Railway station La Gare

Airport Aéroport

Downtown Centre-ville

Where is... / Where are...? Où est... / Où sont...?

I would like... Je voudrais...

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notes from the field

background info

Normandy

Normandy is famous for many things and is a region of France rich in culture, history and gastronomic delight. Artists such as

Monet have drawn inspiration from the terrain and have called Normandy “home.” Normandy’s religious roots are evident in the

numerous abbeys, including Mont St Michel. This relic, perched on an island just offshore, is dedicated to Archangel Michael and

has undergone some 500 years of development. And of course, volumes have been written about the historical D-Day Landings

and the battles on Normandy’s beaches. Regardless of the region you visit, you’re sure to stumble upon snippets of history,

elegance and enlightenment and all the elements of French living as you journey through Normandy.

Along the coast, chic and fashionable Deauville draws more than its fair share of Parisian gentility every summer, crowding out

the cafés and upmarket restaurants, but there is always space on the golden beach for a few more. The locally bred racehorses

trotting round the course attract the serious and frivolous betters alike and the casino is a celebration of gaming machines and

deep pile carpets while the designer boutiques lure world class shoppers. Directly across the river from Deauville is Trouville, often

seen as the more laid back cousin with a more permanent population. Many vacationers prefer its winding back streets and less

pretentious restaurants, although it does not have the fancy beach parasols like its neighbor.

The town of Honfleur, at the mouth of the Seine River, is a step back into port life when explorers, such as Samuel Champlain,

founder of Quebec city, and pirates went after their fortune on the seas. Honfleur is one of the most picturesque ports in France

and as such is a big draw for tourists from across Europe. The Vieux Bassin where yachts now replace the smugglers’ boats is

probably the most painted harbor in the world and the whole town is awash with galleries. Out of season it is sleepy and almost

unspoiled.

Slightly inland lays the luscious green hills, pastures and orchards of the Pays d’Auge where Norman cows graze. The small towns

and colorful half-timbered farm houses paint the pages of a picture book illustrating the ideal French rural life. Orchards stretch

for miles, but then, as it takes ten liters of cider to produce one liter of distilled calvados (apple brandy), it’s hardly surprising.

Cheese rules the region with Camembert, Pont l’Évêque and Livarot leading the way.

Meanwhile down the road, the town of Caen was largely destroyed during the vicious D-Day battles. Despite this, there are still

old narrow streets to wander and impressive castle ramparts to visit The two abbeys, Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames

were built by William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda. The famous Caen Memorial for Peace fascinatingly charts the events

leading up to and after D-Day –the ideal introduction before exploring the nearby landing beaches of Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold

and Juno.

No visit to the region would be complete without seeing the Bayeux tapestry. The 230 foot long embroidered tableau conjures

up life in the 11th century tells the story of the events leading up to the climax of the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.

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notes from the field

background info

Brief Normandy History

The region has played a significant role in history throughout the ages. Conquered by the Romans, who founded the cities of

Rouen, Lisieux and Evreux among others, Normandy was invaded by Christian Nordic tribes during the 2nd century and was

occupied by them until the Franks came to dominance two centuries later.

The Middle Ages witnessed the creation of the many monasteries and abbeys that still adorn the countryside (Saint-Jumièges

and Saint-Wandrille). In 800, all of Normandy was overrun by the Vikings, who later ceded the region to Rollo, the first Duke

of Normandy, in 911. Normandy remained an independent kingdom for three centuries, a period that saw the 1066 invasion of

England by Duke William the Conqueror, who successfully defended his claim to the throne bequeathed by his cousin. During

the Hundred Years War, the city of Rouen was the infamous site of the trial and torture of Joan of Arc. As the 16th century came

to a close, trouble spread across Europe in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic nobility tried to keep power as

Protestant thinking snuck in along with international trade. During the French Revolution, the reign of terror claimed few in

Normandy, however the many churches and abbeys in the region were pillaged.

D-Day Landing Beaches

The 1870 the Franco-Prussian War led to the occupation of the Seine Valley area, but Normandy’s most crucial military role came

with the German invasion in 1940. With only a short window for optimal conditions, a full moon for the airborne divisions and

low tides for the landings, the order was given for the go-ahead to invade Normandy’s beaches on June 6, 1944. A stretch of over

80 km of the coast was the setting for D-Day and the landing site of 175,000 men from the Allied Forces. The invasion to liberate

northwest Europe began and the Normandy beaches were chosen by planners because they lay within range of air cover, and

were less heavily defended by the Germans. Six divisions were to land on the first day; three U.S., two British and one Canadian.

Fifteen divisions were to follow up after the assault division had cleared the way through the beach defenses. The D-Day landing

beaches include Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach. The American Cemetery is located just above Omaha Beach. This

large park-like cemetery was donated to the Americans by the French, and contains over 9000 white marble crosses and Star of

David grave markers with the name and home state of each soldier who died on the beaches below while fighting the Germans.

A centerpiece of the cemetery is a memorial to those who lost there lives, and to the 1577 missing or unidentified soldiers.

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Special thanks to the following dedicated individuals for creating this trip of a lifetime:

Kathryn Stewart--Normandy Trip Expert

Renee Krysko--Trip Design Coordinator