Denver/Brest Sister City Delegate Trip

We start our journey to the Northwest region of France. Allons-y! Let’s go! First stop Giverny! The home and garden of the Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Stroll through the garden paths and admire the lily pond as you imagine Monet painting some of his most famous artwork.

After lunch, the drive continues through Normandy’s countryside with its green pasture and rolling hills as we make our way to Pont l’Eveque, a charming town in the heart of Normandy. We’ll end the day at the Fromagerie, “La Dégusterie” where you’ll enjoy local cider and cheese pairings from le Pays d’Auge region. Enjoy a restful night at la Ferme de Geffosses, farmhouse and former residence of French novelist, Gustave Flaubert.

Wake up to a leisurely morning in the countryside and enjoy breakfast at the farm. From here, we’ll set off to Bayeux, a city with a medieval center lined with cobble stoned streets, half-timbered houses and the mighty Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Norman Romanesque art. Tour the historic sites and visit the UNESCO-listed tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings fought in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Enjoy dinner in town and then off to the Lion d’or Hotel to recharge for the next day’s events!

Have breakfast at the hotel in Bayeux and set off to remember and honor the fallen soldiers during World War II. Tour the cemetery with a local guide from The American Battle Monuments Association. Learn about the events of Le Debarquement or D-Day, known as the Operation of June 6th, 1944. Have lunch by the sea before returning to Bayeux for a restful night at the Lion d’Or.

Have breakfast at the hotel then en route to Mont Saint Michel where we tour the Medieval abbey. During the Medieval Ages, this site was renowned for its treasury and religious life until it was converted into a fearsome prison during the French Revolution. Today, this national treasure is visited by many for its architectural and spiritual richness alike.

Have lunch in Mont Saint Michel village. We’re on the road to Saint Malo, birthplace to famous explorer, Jacques Cartier. Here, wander along the fortified walled city’s charming streets before checking into Hotel Ajoncs d’Or. Dinner will take place at Bistro Autour du Beurre Bordier, a restaurant famous for its rich, local butter. Delicieux! Yum!

Have breakfast at the hotel and set off to Carantec, a charming seaside town located in the Bay of Morlaix. Enjoy local seafood with a native and close friend as we learn about the history and daily life of the village.

After lunch, we drive to Roscoff, a picturesque fishing village and home to the beautiful I’ile de Batz. In the evening, check into the Hotel Brittany & Spa, where you’ll surely be rejuvenated! Amenities include a Turkish bath, herb tearoom, heated indoor swimming-pool, among others. Look forward to tasting the region’s buttery pastry called kouign-ammann for breakfast!