Getaway to Picturesque Normandy
April 1-8, 2025
Immerse yourself in beautiful art, incredible landscapes, and living history!
Imagine yourself in Normandy, nestled along the picturesque northern coast of France, where warmth and tranquility await. Here, every corner whispers tales of hospitality, making you feel right at home. Picture yourself strolling through lush green fields awash in sunlight, with rolling hills that seem to stretch endlessly, and rivers meandering through charming and historic towns. You will also take in the wild area of the English Channel where Parisians come to escape the heat of the city and the fishing is still a vibrant trade. And ooh là là, the flavors! Indulge in the regional delicacies: fresh seafood, savor creamy cheeses, and crisp apple cider, each bite and sip a testament to Normandy's culinary mastery.
And for the art enthusiasts among us, Normandy holds treasures beyond compare. Marvel at the world-renowned stained glass windows, take in the breathtaking architecture of gothic cathedrals, or lose yourself in the landscapes and seascapes that inspired the birth of the Impressionist movement.
Normandy's magical allure is undeniable, drawing travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. From the ancients to current days, Normandy is an important location and is therefore an epicenter of knowledge for those of us who are curious to learn more. Are you curious to learn more about all things Normandie? Read on...
Half-timbered architecture
Colorful and pretty, the English brought this type of architecture to the area. You will feel like you're in a fairy tale!
Coastal life
A crisp blue sky and foamy dark waves are the perfect backdrop to the colorful fishing boats you will see.
Land of hard cider
Refreshing and simple, hard cider is the perfect way to celebrate happy hour. And for dessert? Calvados, bien sûr!
“France has the only two things towards which we drift as we grow older – intelligence and manners.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
Are you ready for some ME time?
This trip is designed for you! The woman who has spent many a year investing time into other people and pursuits. Maybe you've focused on a career? Raised a family? Cared for parents? Isn't it about time that you took that trip to France you've been putting off? Join a small group of fun, like-minded women to explore an unknown area of France and enjoy a week of incredible, unforgettable experiences!
When all is said and done...
... you will have given yourself the gift of travel! You will go home content - having made some new friends, explored new places, and spent time on yourself. We travel at a reasonable pace, taking time to smell the flowers, savor the wine, and linger at the table, chatting over dessert. This is not a trip, this is a vacation.
Itinerary
April 1 - bienvenue! We will meet at Charles de Gaulle and I will have a car ready to take us the short distance to Giverny, the site of Monet's garden. We will spend a quiet day strolling the area, take in a simple dinner of regional specialties, and head for our historic hotel for the night.
April 2 - we will head further into Normandy, with our destination of historic Rouen. After settling in, we will enjoy a gallivant around the town to discover all its gems. There will be plenty of time for your own exploration and rest. Follow me or chose your own path - serendipity will be our leader!
April 3 - we will continue to explore the easterly side of Normandy, taking leisurely excursions around this region, including a visit to the sandy shores of the English Channel.
April 4 - in a day dedicated to food and drink specialties, we will visit producers of cheese (ever wonder where Camembert was?), cider, and Calvados; sampling and sipping along the way.
April 5 - on this day we will move towards the western side of Normandy, stopping to stay in a small village to explore its arts and crafts and history; perhaps gallivanting a bit, perhaps traipsing somewhat
April 6 & 7 - we will have a luxurious time here soaking in all that Normandy has to offer, including a trip to the incredible and breathtaking island of Mont Saint-Michel
April 8 - we will head back to Paris
Depending on weather and our own interests and/or anything out of our control, this itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodations & Food
Breakfast included
Do you like waking up and showering getting ready for the day and gathering your things and then going out hunting for a coffee shop? Or do you like to get that coffee immediately?! As much as I like to experience different things whilst traveling, I prefer to start the day out in a calm manner. After coffee, I'm ready for the world!
A room of your own
With Gallivant & Traipse, you always get your very own private room. And never a single supplement fee! You are an adult. You know your likes and you know how you operate. You can keep it messy or tidy, late hours or early, and nap when you want to. Above is an example of a typical room I've booked so you can see what you'll be getting.
Clean & modern
It wasn't that long ago that sharing a hallway bathroom with other hotel guests was common! On our tours, you will have an en-suite, clean bathroom of your own. Always with a shower and hairdryer, sometimes with a bath, and even the occasional bidet!
Breakfast and lunch are included, as are special dinners. You will go home dreaming of the meals we shared!
A note from your guide, Libby
Hi there. Yes, YOU. You, the incredible, talented, well-read, cultured woman of the world! You've probably been to Paris, right? Gorgeous, exquisite Paris. Well, you also know that Paris is to France as New York City is to the United States: fabulous, but not representative. You're ready to expand your horizons and this trip is for you! Take a look around this page - you'll see that this tour just can't be missed! Book your pet sitter, hold your mail, tell your book club you'll be out of town, and hop on that plane! I'll take it from there!
How does a little leisurely exploration sound?
Is it time to shift your surroundings?
Are you looking for kindred spirits in travel?
Let's seek out enjoyment, camaraderie, and rejuvenation!
Specific Details
Cost: $5,290 which includes lodging, most food, and activities
$500 deposit required to reserve your place
payment in full is due on December 3, 2024 (120 days before departure)
if you register within the 120 days before, then payment in full is due upon registration
Like all G&T tours, this is a SUPER SMALL tour limited to 5 people
Arrival day is April 1st 2025, and we will meet in Paris. I will greet you and we will begin our adventure with a departure for Monet's Garden
Departure day is April 8. I will get you back to Paris by noon so you are easily able to be on your way to your next destination
YAY! What is included:
single-occupancy upscale lodging
two grand meals
daily breakfast
activity fees for prearranged engagements (examples: tickets, transportation, materials)
my expertise: planning, guidance, inside information, and amazing curated adventures
Unfortunately, not included:
personal excursions, purchases, and meals
your personal alcoholic beverages except during our two group dinners
airfare and any other transportation to the meeting location
passport, visa, or any other travel fees
gratuities
Take in WWII Beaches
Stroll Monet's Giverny
Sleep in a chateau
Other Logistics & Policies
Payment
In order to reserve your place, I request a non-refundable deposit. This is due upon registration. I can accept PayPal (which can be processed with your credit card), Venmo, Zelle, or check. Full payment will be due 4 months before departure - on December 3, 2024.
Insurance
I highly recommend that you research and obtain insurance coverage. I am not an insurance agent so I cannot recommend any particular policy.
Itinerary
The general itinerary is ready to go: one that allows us to experience the best parts of the area by securing tickets in advance, but also allows for spontaneity and serendipity. In general, I will have two activities planned for each day with some of those being open for your own exploration or flexible suggestions from me (that I will lead, should you want that).
Transportation
Airfare is not included in the tour. You will be responsible for getting yourself to the meeting location. I will certainly work with you to figure out the best course of action.
The best part about European towns is how walkable they all are! We will usually stay somewhere where we can easily get breakfast and have easy access to town amenities, like cafés, town tours, and markets. Depending on the activity, we may need other transportation options. If befitting, I will show you how to use the bus and we can hire taxis or private cars. I will show you where to find bike rentals, and, for day trips, I will rent a vehicle.
Cancellations and refunds
The deposit itself is non-refundable. Final Payment due date is approximately 4 months before the departure date; please view specific tour page for exact date and will be listed on your tour invoice. If you decide to cancel for any reason, the refund policy is as follows:
if you cancel 100 – 120 days before departure, you will receive 75% refund of your payments (minus the non-refundable deposit)
if you cancel 80 – 99 days before departure, you will receive 50% refund (minus the non-refundable deposit)
if you cancel 60 – 79 days before departure, you will receive 25% refund of your payments (minus the non-refundable deposit)
if you cancel with less than 60 days before departure date, the entire tour cost has become non-refundable
Cancellations must be sent to G&T in writing to the G&T email address libby@gallivantandtraipse.com
G&T reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure for any reason whatsoever. This includes things like acts of God, strikes, war, and insufficient participant number, but is not inclusive of these examples. G&T has no obligations to tour members on cancelled trips including any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by G&T. Due to the nature of the travel industry, G&T often makes significant payments to suppliers well in advance of travel. If a trip is cancelled for a reason that would prevent the departure of a trip, G&T would do its best to recuperate as much as possible and remit any funds which hadn’t yet been paid out to its suppliers. However, G&T does not guarantee recovery of any or all the advance payments made. Upon completion, G&T shall be released from any further liability. This should serve as a reminder to research and obtain travel coverage.
Well, since you've read all the way to the bottom, you get bonus content! Not only were all* photos on this page taken by me, but they were all* taken in Normandy!
(*Except one photo, the hotel bedroom. It's very hard to get a wide-angle view of a small room!)
Also, don't ask my why there was a horse in the middle of town. No idea. He wouldn't tell me.
