The Collins College is sponsoring its 11th Cultural Tour of Europe, visiting the Normandy region of France. The tour will be led by Dr. Robert Small, emeritus professor and former dean of The Collins College, who has led Collins/Cal Poly Pomona trips to France, Italy and Spain.
You will be staying in three beautiful hotels in cities and towns you may not be familiar with: Rouen, Etretat and Bayeux. All settings are wonderful historic locations with plenty of sites to see. The trip starts and concludes at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris with easy access to the center of Paris or other French or European regions before or after the trip.
Francois Gauthron will be joining the trip as fellow guide. Francois is a native of Normandy who has been guiding in the region for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a guide, he was stationed in central Africa with the French military and then was attached to the US Army for seven years covering the Middle East. Although he has an incredible knowledge of the entire Norman history, his expertise is WWII and WWI. You will have the opportunity to spend up to two days getting a thorough historical understanding of the World War II European invasion at D-Day sites with Francois.
In addition to the D-Day sites, the trip includes tours of famous cultural sites in and around Rouen, Etretat and Bayeux as well as the option to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. Rouen is a wonderful Norman city which has one of the most spectacular cathedrals in France and is well known for its ties to Joan of Arc. The trip would not be complete without the option of a Norman cooking class, market visits and picnics. There will also be walking, hiking and biking activities including one along the stunning white cliffs of Etretat. Many fabulous French meals will offer a variety of what Normandy is famous for, its butter, cream and cheese.
This trip also includes a few firsts from past Collins/Cal Poly trips. Because no grapes are grown or wine produced in Normandy, you will not be visiting vineyards and wineries. Instead, you will tour the Route de Cidre to taste fermented cider and Calvados, both made from the region's primary crop, apples. In addition, you will sample Normandy's renowned cheeses. Don't worry; Dr. Small will select plenty of fabulous wines, from throughout France, to enjoy at meals. Also, golf will be an option at a stunning course overlooking the cliffs of Etretat. From start to finish, there will be outstanding options for a great trip.
