FESTIVAL DATES
June 13-17, 2024
Welcome to Normandy, a region in the northwest corner of France characterized by its stunning natural beauty and rich, fascinating history. Normandy’s rolling hills and breathtaking coastline that once provided inspiration for artists including Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin are sure to inspire your ensemble.
Join choirs from around the world to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy and honor the heroic legacies of those who fought during World War II. Spend time exploring the highlights of France, seeing the Caen Memorial, La Manche, and more! Experience Normandy from a musical perspective while taking part in this historic city’s offerings at this special event. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Itinerary
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 | Fly to France
Your International Choir Festival in Normandy experience begins with an overnight flight from North America to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024 | Welcome to France!
Your Music Contact International tour manager will greet your ensemble at the airport in Paris. Together, board your private motor coach and take in first impressions of the beautiful French countryside as you travel to your hotel in historic Normandy.
Check in and refresh before enjoying free time to explore the local wonders around town.
Later, return to the hotel for a hearty dinner and settle in for a good night’s rest.
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024 | Mémorial de Caen & Concert
Wake up to your first day in France! Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room.
Today, visit the Caen Memorial, a museum dedicated to peace. Built on the site of a former bunker, the Caen Memorial is considered the best World War II museum in France. Wander through the museum’s memorial gardens and poignant photographic exhibitions honoring this unforgettable fixture in global history.
Venture on to Caen, the seaside capital of Lower Normandy. Many of this city’s landmarks are crafted from local Caen stone, a cream-colored limestone quarried nearby. Explore Caen’s picturesque harbor and enjoy free time for lunch at your leisure.
Tonight, your ensemble will perform a concert at a historic and well-attended venue in the Normandy area.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024 | Utah Beach / Cimetière américain de Colleville-sur-Mer
After breakfast, spend today on a guided excursion of Utah Beach, the first of five coastal sectors of the Allied invasion during World War II. Your choir’s guided visit will combine historical information on each site, as well as time to explore and climb inside the bunkers and stroll on the beautiful sandy beaches of the Normandy coast.
Next, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Overlooking Omaha Beach, this stunning 172-acre memorial honors the fallen American soldiers of World War II.
After, there will be an opportunity for lunch at one of the region’s quaint eateries.
Tonight, wonderful musical memories are made at friendship concerts hosted by French choirs at their home venues. Sing for each other and a local audience, followed by refreshments and time to mingle with your new friends from France!
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024 | Coutances / Festival Concert
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic drive through La Manche, a lush, rural French region nestled on the English Channel. See the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel Abbey standing tall on the tidal island of the same name. Continue to Coutances and enjoy free time wandering about this beautiful historic city.
Tonight, gather with all the festival choirs for the main concert of the International Choir Festival in Normandy at Coutances Cathedral. Each choir will perform a few selections individually, followed by a massed sing with all guest choirs. It will be a splendid night of music!
A farewell dinner at a special restaurant with all participating choirs rounds out your stay, with ample opportunities to recount the many highlights of the International Choir Festival in Normandy!
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024 | Fly Home
Your International Choir Festival experience ends with a private coach from Normandy to Paris Charles de Gaulle, where you will embark on your return flight to North America. Heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged at the airport and your group is sent off with a fond “Thank you for connecting our world through your music. Until we meet again!”
Package
Complimentary Travel – you deserve it!
- In appreciation of your recruiting, rehearsing, conducting, and fine-tuning your ensemble for this fabulous musical journey: two free land packages in single occupancy for every 30 paying travelers
Accommodations thoughtfully selected to match group needs:
- Four nights at 4-star hotel in Normandy (Saint-Lô area or similar)
Meals which are varied, flavorful, and highlight local cuisine:
- Breakfast daily at your hotel with coffee, tea, and juice
- Welcome dinner of French specialties served at your hotel
- Farewell dinner at a special restaurant in Normandy
Special events, performances, & exchanges that are unique and inspiring!
- Concert at a historic venue in Normandy
- Friendship concert with other festival choirs
- Festival concert at the Coutances Cathedral
Guided tours & entrances handpicked for your travelers:
- Entrance to the Caen Memorial
- Guided tour of the Utah Beach Landing Museum
- Entrance to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Tour manager and local guides to accompany and facilitate your travel:
- A full-time Music Contact International tour manager will accompany your group for the duration of your stay
- Local guides give sightseeing tours and assist at performances
Transportation in a private, modern, climate-controlled motor coach with a professional driver:
- For all transfers to festival events and activities as described in the itinerary
Tour enhancement materials to help plan, promote and prepare for your tour: Ask us to present the International Choir Festival Normandy to your ensemble!
Convenient online payment system: tour accounting is easy!
- A secure, custom portal accepts and tracks tour payments
Insurance that covers our commitment to you:
- $5,000,000 travel agent and tour operators professional liability insurance
Flights
- Please contact us for airfare quotes from your nearest airport.
LAND PACKAGE
Complimentary Travel – you deserve it!
- In appreciation of your recruiting, rehearsing, conducting, and fine-tuning your ensemble for this fabulous musical journey: two free land packages in single occupancy for every 30 paying travelers
Accommodations thoughtfully selected to match group needs:
- Four nights at 4-star hotel in Normandy (Saint-Lô area or similar)
Meals which are varied, flavorful, and highlight local cuisine:
- Breakfast daily at your hotel with coffee, tea, and juice
- Welcome dinner of French specialties served at your hotel
- Farewell dinner at a special restaurant in Normandy
Special events, performances, & exchanges that are unique and inspiring!
- Concert at a historic venue in Normandy
- Friendship concert with other festival choirs
- Festival concert at the Coutances Cathedral
Guided tours & entrances handpicked for your travelers:
- Entrance to the Caen Memorial
- Guided tour of the Utah Beach Landing Museum
- Entrance to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Tour manager and local guides to accompany and facilitate your travel:
- A full-time Music Contact International tour manager will accompany your group for the duration of your stay
- Local guides give sightseeing tours and assist at performances
Transportation in a private, modern, climate-controlled motor coach with a professional driver:
- For all transfers to festival events and activities as described in the itinerary
Tour enhancement materials to help plan, promote and prepare for your tour: Ask us to present the International Choir Festival Normandy to your ensemble!
Convenient online payment system: tour accounting is easy!
- A secure, custom portal accepts and tracks tour payments
Insurance that covers our commitment to you:
- $5,000,000 travel agent and tour operators professional liability insurance
Flights
- Please contact us for airfare quotes from your nearest airport.
Extensions
If your choir is interested in staying in France or elsewhere in Europe, for additional days please let us know. We will be glad to offer an extension tour, with singing or without, according to your choir’s interests.
Travel to Paris on a two-night extension to experience the splendor of the “City of Light.”
Additional Days in Europe
If your choir is interested in staying in France or elsewhere in Europe, for additional days please let us know. We will be glad to offer an extension tour, with singing or without, according to your choir’s interests.
Travel to Paris on a two-night extension to experience the splendor of the “City of Light.”
Two Nights in Paris
Your Tour Includes
Traveler's Resource Website
The site is customized exclusively for your group, and is full of exciting and interactive features that you will find informative and helpful before, during, and after the tour.
•Current tour itinerary with full descriptions of each day
•Detailed maps of the places you will visit
•Blog platform to communicate with group members
•Recommended books, movies, websites, and videos
Online Payment System
Group leaders have the option to use our Online Payment System, which enables you to effortlessly collect payments for your trip. Group leaders receive weekly automated reports with traveler balances and due dates.
Travelers can log in to our secure website to review the cost of their trip and all payment deadlines, register for the trip, and make credit card payments. All travelers receive automated reminders when payments are coming due.
Additional Materials
• Customized handbook for each person traveling with your choir, including a detailed program and travel information.
• Electrical adapters*
• Luggage tags
•Passport holder*
*for international travelers