Located in northern France, Normandy is a largely agricultural region, with a coastline that includes beaches and dramatic cliffs. This part of France is easily reached by train or car from Paris, and many visitors come for the day, although longer organized tours are widely available.
Any Normandy travel itinerary should take in the D-Day beaches, perhaps the region’s most well known attraction. The beaches played an important part in turning the tide of World War II and today, the events of June, 1944 are remembered in dozens of museums, monuments and cemeteries that house the remains of thousands of allied soldiers. The town of Bayeux makes an ideal base for exploring the beaches; it’s also known for the medieval Bayeux Tapestry.
Another must see attraction on any Normandy travel itinerary is the medieval abbey at Mont St. Michel, one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. The walled city and abbey are located on a rocky outcrop in the estuary and are accessible by boat or by a narrow causeway. Once a garrison and then a religious centre, today the old town is full of charming hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Visiting during early evening is a memorable experience.
Rouen is one of the largest cities in Normandy and boasts one of the best collections of art in France, outside Paris. It’s also home to a magnificent 11th century cathedral and a 14th century astronomical clock which dominates the picturesque old quarter. If you’re an art lover, the small town of Giverny was once home to one of art’s greats, Monet and today is home to a museum focusing on Impressionist paintings. Honfleur is a charming town, known for its busy working port and narrow cobble-stoned streets, and Caen boasts several excellent museums, a castle and an abbey.
One of the joys of France is the opportunity to sample the local food and wine and Normandy is no exception. Any itinerary should include stops to sample the many locally produced cheeses, especially Camembert, the area’s most famous cheese. Dairy farming is an important industry here, as is the production of cider, and Calvados, a strong spirit distilled from cider. Many cideries welcome visitors for a guided tour and a chance to taste before you buy. And several Calvados distilleries also offer guided tours; many offer an immersive experience in the production of this popular drink, with a museum and restaurant on the site.
