Normandy/ Normandie
Legendary, Enchanting, Revitalising, Refreshing


Normandy is made up of five départements (counties): Calvados, Eure, Manche, Orne, Seine Maritime

The principal cities are : Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Rouen with many other cities ideal for city breaks: Alençon, Bayeux, Dieppe...

Normandy is a perfect blend of coastal and inland culture with five rich and varied counties which offer each visitor something unique. The region’s location in the Northwest of France offers three completely distinct coasts, from the spectacular Mont St Michel up through La Manche County, across the Calvados and all the way to authentic Le Tréport in the beautiful Seine-Maritime.

The sea provides a fascinating landscape along 600 km of coastline, sculpting the cliffs into natural works of art.

Inland, visitors will discover a haven of tranquillity; acres of lush forests and green valleys in the rich countryside of the Orne county and traditional Norman villages still boasting original half-timbered houses along the Seine in Eure.

Glamorous, picturesque, worldly, well stocked with historical treasures and outstanding sites, its fantastic golf courses, sports activities and horse riding tours in an absolutely stunning countryside will inspire you to come back to Normandy time and time again.

Local Food

Meat Eaters’ Paradise Normandy’s main courses are often meat-based. Poultry is common on regional menus, including the tasty Canard à la Rouennaise using local duck from the Seine Valley but other types of meat such as veal or pork feature too, frequently cooked in cream or cider.

Family Activities

Normandy is one of the premiere destinations for non-stop, kid-friendly adventures. From the seaside coast to the fantastic countryside, families will discover a multitude of outdoor recreation, outstanding parks and gardens, rivers and beaches, spectacular sightseeing, historical landmarks and much more.

Normandy Cider Route

To the East of Caen, the Cider Route is a signed tourist route which weaves its way through countryside typical of the area, linking the villages of Beuvron en Auge (classified village), Bonnebosq and Beaufour Druval via picturesque little roads.

Haute-Cuisine

Normandy is haute-cuisine heaven for food lovers and visitors seeking authentic culinary experiences. Famous for its dairy products, the region is also world renowned for its apples. Most restaurants in Normandy use locally sourced products.

Horse Riding

A discovery of Normandy would be incomplete without a mention of this region's passion for horses. Tourists are welcome to attend the numerous horse shows in Bagnoles de l’Orne or Deauville or visit the many horse breeding estates, of which the Haras du Pin and Haras de Saint Lô are the most exceptional.

Crocodiles and Submarines

There are also many pools centres such as the Nautilus in Lisieux, Espace Aquatique at Condé sur Noireau in the Suisse Normande or Centre Park in Verneuil sur Avre in the Eure part of Normandy. Normandy offers three special animal centres too.

Drink

The abundance of apples which flavour both savoury and sweet dishes also means that Normandy boasts a wide range of apple bi-products, most notably cider, poiré or Pear liquor, pommeau and calvados.

Parks and Gardens

Normandy is a horticultural heaven and boasts an extraordinary number of parks and gardens open to the public. A wide range of garden styles are displayed, from simple cottage gardens to grand, formal schemes via walled kitchen gardens, botanical collections, subtropical plantations, landscaped “English” style gardens and authentic French Gardens.

On Your Bike

Quiet country roads, forest tracks and dedicated cycle paths make cycling an absolute pleasure in Normandy. If you prefer not to take your own bikes with you there are many cycle hire centres throughout the region.

Hiking Heaven in Normandy

Rambling and hiking are popular pastimes as Normandy provides hundreds of miles of hiking and recreational trails for people to explore the countryside at leisure.

Normandy Art

You will truly find your own inspiration in scenery that captured the hearts of Turner, Monet, Sisley and many others in the 19th Century. The breathtaking views, the unusual pearlized light and the stunning colours remain the same today.

Normandy for History Lovers

For history lovers Normandy truly satisfies in every way. Soak in the atmosphere created by an abundance of timbered houses and huge châteaux, set in the circuit of a glorious medieval past, follow the steps of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, or relive the emotional journey to the D Day landing beaches and more.

Water Sports and Fishing

Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, Normandy has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. For those on holiday who want to take out a boat just for a few hours, there are plenty of sailing centres which hire out equipment.

D-Day

D-Day and Operation Overload are often regarded as the most important operations of all time. The stretch of beach along the Calvados coast is world famous for the part it played in turning around World War II on the 6th June 1944, when British, Canadian and American troops broke through Nazi defences.

Regional Natural Parks in Normandy

With four Regional Natural Parks to choose from in Normandy, you will be spoilt for choice, space and scenery. Natural environments are protected and preserved in these splendid parks, with fabulous views of forests, valleys or maritime wetlands with extensive wildlife.

Claude Monet

Leader of the movement and father of modern painting, Claude Monet is perhaps one of the best known Impressionists and certainly a major character in Normandy’s artistic heritage.

Normandy’s Greats and Gifts

Amongst Normandy’s famous sons and daughters, the intrepid adventures of William the Conqueror are uppermost. From his birthplace in Falaise to the legendary Bayeux Tapestry which recounts one of his greatest exploits, the presence of William and far reaching influences are fascinating.

Golf

Golfers have been flocking to Normandy for years, attracted by the accessibility of the courses as much as the accessibility of the area, sea views, verdant greenery, stunning landscapes and a warm welcome.

Not to be missed in Normandy

Combining in the same land the pleasures of an extraordinary coastline and those of a green and blossoming countryside, Normandy is a very fortunate region.