Starting in the historic port city of Cherbourg, this seven-night holiday encompasses the coastline of Normandy, from the landing beaches around Arromanches, as far as Le Havre in the east. This region formed the strategic landing zone for the Allied forces on D-Day, but it is also the countryside which inspired the Impressionists, and whose lush pastures still yield delicious produce, from cream, butter and an array of fromage to fresh seafood, salt-marsh lamb and Calvados. Stay for three nights at the elegant Château La Chenevière, which was commandeered by both sides during WWII, before continuing to the glamorous beach resort of Deauville, close to picturesque Honfleur, where Monet, Sisley and Boudin all spent time.

Highlights:

• The excellent D-Day Museum at Arromanches at the heart of the Allied landing beaches
• The astonishing Bayeux Tapestry, all 68 metres of which is on display in a dedicated museum in the town
• Honfleur’s charming cobbled streets and attractive harbour lined with restaurants and cafés
• Stylish boutiques, sandy beaches and the 1920s boardwalk in Deauville