Normandy

Visit Lower Normandy

From the most famous abbey in France to the most famous tapestry in the world, from cider orchards to picturesque villages, and the famous 'normandy landing beaches', Lower Normandy has a great deal of interest to the visitor

Lower Normandy is especially well known for two important historical monuments: the Bayeux tapestry - see Bayeux is a fascinating sight; and the island and abbey of Mont St Michel is one of the most popular attractions in France outside Paris.

Visit also the town of Granville that protects the entry to the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Among other highlights in Lower Normandy visit the gothic cathedral at Coutances, and the town of Falaise with the nearby castle of William the Conqueror.

Travel to Argentan, with Domfront to the west, stopping perhaps for some rest and relaxation at Bagnoles de l'Orne, and on to Alencon in southern Normandy.

From here you can continue to Belleme and the relatively undiscovered natural environment of the Le Perche region, and the town of Montagne-au-Perche.

Also in Lower Normandy, visit the pilgrimage centre of Lisieux, then for a great way to enjoy the local countryside and villages follow the Normandy cider route (the route usually starts from Cambremer).

The classified 'most beautiful villages' in Lower Normandy include Barfleur, in the Manche department, Beuvron-en-Auge south of Deauville, and the lovely St-Ceneri-le-Gerei to the south of the region.

See travel guides for the Calvados, Manche and Orne departments of Normandy for more information

Normandy beaches and coast

'Normandy beaches' means different things to different people - to some it brings to mind the great turning point in the Second World War, while to others it brings to mind fashionable seaside resorts...

The WWII landing beaches (Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches) are a popular pilgrimage destination in Normandy - see Normandy Landing Beaches and the Mulberry Harbour remains at Arromanches

Normandy also has many resort type beaches and coastal ports, for example at Deauville and Trouville, and also nearby Honfleur (passing perhaps via the quiet resort at Villerville).

Passing towards the west along the coast of Calvados visit the resort at Villers-sur-Mer then on to reach Houlgate, with its traditional 19th century villas.

Historians will want to visit the town from which William the Conqueror launched the Norman conquest of Britain, at Dives-sur-Mer. The next resort a few kilometres further west along the Cote Fleurie is Cabourg.

The Alabaster Coast

The Alabaster Coast, with its dramatic high chalky cliffs - see Etretat and Fécamp - dominates the coastline of the Upper Normandy region, along with the major ports of Dieppe and Le Havre. The inlets between these cliffs also house some pleasant, sophisticated little towns full of yachts and casinos.

Visit Upper Normandy

A region of art and history, from Richard the Lionheart's castle to Monet's gardens, with dramatic coastal scenery and popular towns and resorts to discover along the way...

Inland in Upper Normandy

Rouen has an attractive medieval centre - the highlight of a visit is the cathedral, famously painted 30 times by Monet and a masterpiece of gothic architecture.

The impressionist history of the region is also commemorated at La Bouille to the west of Rouen, while the Gardens at Giverny (Monet's garden), are meticulously preserved to look like those oh so famous paintings - and are also the most visited gardens in France

Richard the Lionheart's impressive Chateau Gaillard, standing high above the village of Les Andelys on the Seine River and is an unmissable highlight.

The abbey at Jumieges is another historically important monument (Seine-Maritime department) and the town and cathedral at Evreux also merits a visit

The classified most beautiful village of Lyons la Foret is also in this region of Normandy

See travel guides for Seine-Maritime and Eure departments of Normandy for more information