Explore Normandy and discover a beautiful French region. It is not by chance that it is the birthplace of the Impressionism: the region offers breathtaking and varied landscapes that invites the artists' eyes. Normandy is also a land of culture with a generous gastronomy and a rich history. From William the Conqueror to WWII, Normandy's tumultuous past is fascinating.
Here is a list of 10 things to see while visiting the region:
Bayeux and its tapestry
Bayeux boasts a fabulous historic centre as well as its world-famous, UNESCO-listed tapestry depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The city had the great good fortune to be swiftly liberated by the Allies in June 1944, but its war museum and British cemetery recall the sacrifices made in these parts.
Rouen
Rouen, stretching beside the Seine, is Normandy’s cultured, historic, gastronomic, vibrant capital. Monet’s canvases of the cathedral have made it the best-loved building in town, but many other glories stand out, including fine museums and the church dedicated to tragic visitor Joan of Arc.
The Suisse Normande
Located to the South of Caen, the Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland) is the perfect area if you want to get close to nature and enjoy outdoor activities with your family and friends. The wild cliffs and hills attracts mountain climbers and offer breathtaking panoramas and the Orne river is just perfect for canoeists. You can also hike, cycle and go horse-riding. Don't miss the lovely village of Clécy and its Viaduc.
Honfleur
Ports don’t come any prettier than Honfleur on the Seine’s estuary. Glorious historic houses jostle for position on the quays, as do galleries and restaurants. Packed with cultural sights, Honfleur has a wealth of attractions to delight its many visitors.
Deauville
An internationally renowned resort, Deauville oozes style. Glamorous events abound, from prestigious horse races and polo to the annual Deauville American Film Festival. Golf and thalassotherapy sea-water pamperings are easily to hand. Enjoy the elegant hotels, boutiques and restaurants, not forgetting Deauville’s greatest pull, its magnificent beach.
Mont Saint Michel
A magical island topped by a gravity-defying medieval monastery, the Mont-Saint-Michel counts among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy mount is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay.
D-Day Sites
There are many sites, museums and memorials relating to 6th June 1944 and to the Battle of Normandy that followed, in Normandy: Juno Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery… The Caen Memorial is also worth a visit.
Giverny
The dreamy water-lily ponds created by the supreme Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, gave him his greatest artistic inspiration and have made this little Seine-side village celebrated across the world. Also visit Monet’s other gardens, and his house, with many Japanese prints. In addition, the Giverny Musée des Impressionnismes spreads the artistic net wider.
Etretat
Nature has carved fabulous shapes out of the white cliffs at Etretat. The extraordinary site drew Impressionist painters aplenty. The picturesque resort was also chosen as the setting for the stories of a favorite French children’s character, gentleman burglar Arsène Lupin. Another startling attraction is the cliff-top golf course.
As you can imagine Normandy is a wonderful region to discover. The above list summarizes the most popular sites but there are also hidden gems everywhere. Please contact me if you have any question or if you would like to organize your stay, I will be thrilled to help! Send me an email at info@inland-travel.com.
Sandra
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