|
Tourist information for Normandy
Normandy is famous for the D-Day landings on its long beaches and for
its busy Channel ports and elegant resorts. From Dieppe to Le Havre the coast is
named after its alabaster coloured cliffs. West of Le Havre are a number of
smart resorts and sandy beaches, then the beaches of the D-Day landings give way
to the wilder sandy beaches of the Cherbourg peninsular ending in the Bay of Le
Mont St Michel. The Seine from Le Havre to Rouen and beyond flows through
attractive countryside with some interesting sights along the way. Inland are
extensive orchards and a half-timbered farms producing delicious cider,
Calvados, and cheeses - including Camembert. This is an easily accessed part of
France with a recent and older history to explore and a cuisine to enjoy.
Activities in Normandy:
Cycling, walking and sea-side activities.
Special attractions:
Benedictine distillery at Fecamp; Parc Naturel de Brotonne (marshes and
attractive countryside); Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Maine in the south
for good woodland walking and cycling; the spectacular valley of the Orne south
of Caen; Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys on the Seine; the invasion beaches and
war cemeteries.
Towns and places of interest in Normandy:
Balleroy. The Chateau and nearby Abbaye de Cerisy-la-Foret make this
worth a visit.
Bayeux. Medieval town with famous and extraordinary tapestry.
Caen. Largely unattractive capital of the area with a good art museum,
shops and restaurants.
Dieppe. Pleasant working port, its castle overlooking the small
pedestrianised centre with many sea-food restaurants.
Giverny. Visit this village on the Seine to see Monet's beautiful garden
and house.
Granville. Seaside town part of which towers over the bay. Good
restaurants.
Honfleur. Superbly preserved old port with picturesque tall Norman
houses.
Le Havre. Devastated in the last war this is a rebuilt modern city with
extensive docks and a decent art museum.
Lisieux. Site of Catholic pilgrimage to St. Teresa and starting point for
the cheese route of the lush Pays d'Auge.
Mont St. Michel. Visually impressive abbey and small medieval village on
an island reached by a causeway around which race rapid tides. Very busy in
season.
Rouen. This inland port city has a renovated medieval quarter, a famous
clock, good cathedral and art museum, many restaurants and a lively cultural
programme.
Trouville/Deauville. Elegant and popular seaside resorts on the Normandy
Riviera.
|
