Join us in this unique opportunity to travel as a Denver ambassador in a 12-day cultural immersion tour with Denver Sister Cities International to the Northwest region of France. 

This trip is an immersion into the French lifestyle where you will discover tradition, food and the culture of Normandy and Bretagne. This includes authentic culinary experiences like fresh seafood caught daily, tastings of local wine, cider, and cheese along with the region's irresistible buttery pastries, to name a few. 

The trip will culminate in a six-day stay in Denver’s Sister City, Brest, a port city located in Brittany and host to the International Maritime Festival, which takes place every four years. Witness more than 2500 boats from around the world gather in the Brest Harbour to celebrate the International Maritime Festival while enjoying Breton traditional music, dance, food and unique activities 

This tour will be facilitated by Laurette Heppell, French native and longtime Chair of the Denver Brest Committee and Alexis Gonzalez, Chair of the Denver Brest Committee.  Reserve your spot today.  

The story of this trip begins 75 years ago. Denver and Brest is the second-oldest sister city relationship in the United States. The friendship with Brest, France, started in 1948 when a local Denver teacher visited WWII-ravaged Brest. She shared this with her students in Denver and the school children raised over $32,000 to help rebuild the children’s wing of Brest’s hospital. Now there is a strong Franco-American connection and community in both cities and this trip gives you an opportunity to be part of that. 

"French people are grateful to Americans who fought alongside and continue to be strong allies. We are delegates representing freedom for years to come! We are excited and honored to bring a delegation from Denver to this beautiful Region. This year, at the Maritime Festival we will explore a unique display of ships from all over the world. Looking forward to an exciting trip! On y va!!!”

Bienvenue! Welcome! Book your flight to arrive in Paris no later than the evening of the 5th, unless you decide to be in Paris earlier. Accommodations the night of July 5th are not included in the trip fare. Please book your hotel separately. We recommend staying at Hotel Turenne in Le Marais. We will depart from Hotel Turenne on the morning of July 6th.  A dinner is included the evening of July 5th for all delegates.

The group gathers in Paris and will take a chartered van to Giverny to visit the gardens of Claude Monet. After lunch head to a charming town in Normandy, Pont l'Eveque for local cider and cheese pairings at Fromagerie La Dégusterie. Stay the night in Ferme de Geffosse, an 18th century farmhouse, originally occupied by Gustave Flaubert. 

Tour Bayeux, a Medieval city and home of the UNESCO-lined tapestry that recounts the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror. Marvel at the Notre-Dame Cathedral and stay the night at the Hotel Lion D’or. Enjoy the night to yourself or with friends from the group!  

Remember the fallen soldiers of WWII and relive the unforgettable history of the battle of Normandy. Private VIP tour of Omaha beach and the American cemetery. Visit La Pointe du Hoc and bear witness to the aftereffects still present from D-Day. Share experiences over a delegate dinner at a charming restaurant.  

Discover France’s most stunning site, the island of Mont Saint Michel with its majestic medieval abbey. Wander leisurely in the village protected by its ramparts and enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the village. Continue along the coast to Saint-Malo, a fortified city and birthplace of the world's greatest explorers. Dinner at a local bistro, famous for its local butter. Stay the night at Hôtel Ajoncs d'Or Saint-Malo.

Explore seaside resort Carantec and fishing village Roscoff, famous for its mussels. Enjoy the catch of the day and the exquisite homemade dessert, Kouing Amann. Indulge and relax in the spa at the Hotel Brittany and Spa. Optional Michelin dinner at the restaurant located in the Hotel.

Arrive in Le Conquet, an attractive fishing port. Meet friends and local delegates and share a lunch at their home. Visit La Pointe Saint Mathieu, called le bout du monde (the end of the world) known for its 11th century former abbey lit up by the beam of the light house. Head to our Sister City of Brest where you'll be welcomed by city officials during a reception at the City Hall.

Tour the city of Brest accompanied by local guides. See the harbor, the American monument and Fort Montbarey. Take a cable car over the Penfelt river to see "les ateliers des capucins," the largest covered leisure place in Europe for the citizens of Brest. Visits with local businesses along the way!  

Witness more than 2500 boats from around the world gather in the Brest Harbour every four years to celebrate the International Maritime Festival. Enjoy Breton traditional music, dance, food and unique activities. Set sail on a boat to discover the history and landscape of the surrounding islands in the Brest Bay. Enjoy a delegate dinner and celebrate France’s national holiday, Bastille Day while watching fireworks from the water. 

Excursion to charming Breton town, Quimper, known for its traditional Breton architecture and its delicious crepes. Have lunch and take an optional tour of a local agricultural business. Free time to follow! 

Excursion to the northeast Coast of Brittany with French friends and delegates. Visit Lanildut and the Port Geomonier and learn about their local economy’s algae production. Go for a swim in the beach and enjoy fresh seafood and local specialities overlooking the water. Say goodbye to our dear friends and delegates who helped make our stay so wonderful! 

Have your last breakfast at the hotel and say goodbye to our local friends before we head to the airport. First stop, Paris, then Denver! It was a pleasure to spend time with you. We hope to see you soon. AU-REVOIR et BON VOYAGE!