Normandy, France travel guide
Normandy is on the coast of north-west France, where it faces the English Channel. It is a common arrival point for visitors from the UK (ferries arrive at Cherbourg and Caen). Caen is the capital of the region.
Normandy is officially two regions: Lower Normandy (containing departments Calvados, Manche and Orne) and Upper Normandy (the Eure and Seine-Maritime departments).
The great appeal of Normandy is the beautiful countryside and the lovely local architecture, including the ancient half-timbered buildings. The region also oozes history, from Mont Saint Michel to Chateau Gaillard; there is much attractive coastline to explore; and the important sights of the Normandy Landing beaches and the Bayeux tapestry are also very popular with visitors to Normandy.
VISIT LOWER NORMANDY
Some highlights
- see the Bayeux tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings in all its glory (Bayeux itself is also worth a visit)...see Bayeux
- the island of Mont St Michel is one of the most popular attractions in France outside Paris (see also the town of Granville that protects the entry to the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel)
- visit the gothic cathedral at Coutances
- the entry port at Caen is often passed through at speed on arriving in France, but deserves the time for a proper visit
- the towns of Falaise, in inland Normandy, and the nearby castle of William the Conqueror
- head inland to Argentan with Domfront to the west, and on to Alencon in southern Normandy
Normandy beaches
Even 65 years after the event, the WWII landing beaches (Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches) remain a very popular pilgrimage destination - see the Normandy Landing Beaches and the Mulberry Harbour remains at Arromanches
Normandy also has resort type beaches and coastal ports, for example at Deauville and Trouville, and also nearby Honfleur (passing perhaps via the quiet resort at Villerville).
Also in Lower Normandy, visit the pilgrimage centre of Lisieux, then for a great way to see the local countryside and architecture follow the Normandy cider route - a route that you can drive around in a day or two seeing some lovely villages, including Beuvron (most beautiful villages of France) en route while also learning about cider and calvados production.
Most Beautiful villages - Lower Normandy
The most beautiful villages in this region include Barfleur, in the Manche department on the coast, Beuvron-en-Auge south of Deauville, and the lovely St-Ceneri-le-Gerei to the south of the region.
NORMANDY FOOD: If you love seafood, the coastal region of northern France – including Calais, Picardy, Normandy and Brittany - is the place in France to head for to find some of the best lobster, mussels, scallops, sea bass, monkfish, and herring. The area also has incredible farm produce, and the climate is ideal for some of the best fruit and vegetables to be found.
VISIT UPPER NORMANDY
Some highlights
The Alabaster Coast, high chalky cliffs - see Etretat and Fécamp - dominate the coastline of the region, along with the major ports of Dieppe and Le Havre. The inlets from these cliffs house some pleasant, sophisticated little towns full of yachts and casinos.
Rouen has an attractive medieval centre (although it was almost completely rebuilt after WWII, when the town was largely destroyed). The highlight of a visit to Rouen is the Cathedral, famously painted 30 times by Monet and a masterpiece of gothic architecture.
Richard the Lionheart's impressive Chateau Gaillard stands high above the village of Les Andelys
Tthe abbey at Jumieges is another historically important monument, in the Seine-Maritime department
The Gardens at Giverny, perhaps even better known as Monet's garden, meticulously preserved to look like those oh so famous paintings and the most visited gardens in France
The town and cathedral at Evreux also merits a visit
Most Beautiful villages - Upper Normandy
The classified most beautiful village of Lyons la Foret is another attractive place to visit in this region of Normandy
General Normandy travel information and articles
- Guest article 1: Americans in the footsteps of the Normandy Landings: visit the normandy landing beaches
- Guest article 2: a suggested holiday itinerary for a visit to Normandy places to visit in Normandy
- Guest article 3: a useful guide to Upper Normandy
Visit Normandy - tourist information
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Places to visit in Normandy, France: a local travel guideUse the map of Normandy to see the location of selected places and to continue to explore... Place: |
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See also Normandy (version Francais)
