Top Ten Normandy
Normandy is a region of enchanting forests, beautiful chateaux and gardens ,atmospheric seaside towns , colourful markets, historic Norman abbeys, fortresses and cathedrals and bloody World War 2 sites such as the D Day Beaches.
The Seine River winds it’s way enigmatically through some glorious countryside and forests in Normandy are among the best in France. Along the way explore the unique local architecture of its towns and villages and sample cuisine special to the region.
Many artists have been attracted here including Renoir, Monet, Turner and Braque.
Here are our Top Ten things to do in the region
1. D Day Beaches:
The D day beaches of Omaha, Utah, Juno and Sword are where the Normandy landings took place in 1944 as Allied forces fought to re take the continent from the Nazis in World War 2
At Omaha Beach is one of the largest American military cemeteries anywhere. It covers nearly 200 acres and contains the bodies of nearly 10,000 American servicemen.
The cemetery directly overlooks Omaha beach, site of the worst fighting during the D-Day landings, and not surprisingly the worst casualties. The American forces landed at about 7 o’clock in the morning, but by mid afternoon they were still bogged down on the beach.
It’s overwhelming as a place that’s sacred in American history and it’s a place where many Americans make a pilgrimage
2. Chateaux of Normandy:
Normandy has a number of amazing chateaux you seem to come across around every corner such Chateau de l’Antuille and Chateau Fountaine Henry, a Renaissance era chateau which has a sloping roof higher than it’s walls. Chateau de Balleroy has a sumptuous interior with a a portraits of Napoleon and Wellington confronting each other across the Waterloo Room . Chateau de Lantheuil, Cruelly has been in the same family since 1613 and has retained its original Louis XIII decoration.
Many of Normandy’s best parks and gardens are situated in the grounds of chateaux such as Chateau de Brecy and Chateau de Vandrimare.
3. Norman sites:
Normandy is home to a number of grand Norman Abbeys including , Mont-St Michel, Jumeiges , Le Bec-Hellouin and Abbaye-Aix-Hommes, in Caen, where William the Conqueror is buried.
Jumeiges was an abbey and centre of learning for 700 years . Now it’s a picturesque ruin romantically situated in a loop of the Seine.
Abbaye de la Trappe, founded in 1140, is still home to Trappist monks following strict observance of silence, prayer, abstinence and manual Labour common to the Cistercian order and situated deep in one of Normandy ‘s most spectacular forests.
4. Honfleur:
Honfleur is a picturesque working port with a long maritime and trading history, dating back to Medieval times . With a charming old dock brimming with sailing boats , cobbled streets and half timbered slate fronted houses. Artists have flocked here since the 19th century.
5. Coastal cities -Deauville , and La Cote Fleurie:
A string of resorts and a lively stretch of the Normandy coastline. A highlight is racy and romantic Deauville, a magnet for visitors seeking glamour.
6. Rouen Cathedral:
The Rouen Cathedral took almost 400 years to build and covers the entire history of Gothic architecture.
The cathedral has captured the imagination of artists including Monet who painted its western facade more than 30 times.The cathedral has the highest spire in France.
7. Bayeaux Tapestry:
Unique historical document and an astonishing work of art which tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066
8. Forests:
Foret d ‘ Eawy is a glorous beech forest covering nearly 30 square miles . The Foret de Reno – Valdieu contains magnificent oaks planted in the 17th century originally to
Make planks for ships.The largest and wildest forest is Foret d’Ecouves with its dense thickets of oak and beech covering more than 59 square miles.
9. Caen:
Almost totally destroyed in the ferocious Battle of Caen and then re built after WW2, many visitors head straight to the Memorial Museum here and then leave. But the compact city centre still has some Romanesque architecture including the abbey church where William the Conqueror was buried.
10.The Cider Route:
Take a tour through Normandy’s apple and pear orchards, an area of thatched houses and half timbered manors. Sample the region’s cheeses and it’s special cider brandy, Calvados.
