From Great Britain, across the English Channel, lies Normandy, France’s northwest region.
If you’re familiar with your English and French history, this location proved to be vital during the age of conquest, when the Dukes of Normandy constantly crossed the channel in order to crown themselves as rulers of England. In more recent history, Normandy’s location came in handy once again for the Allied D-Day operations during the World War II.
But enough history (there’s more of that later), what’s with Normandy? A lot! Normandy has beaches, romantic towns and communes (both inland and coastal), plenty of UNESCO World Heritage sites, great seafood and cheese, and a whole lot of art and music in between. If you’re unsure of where to begin, we picked the top things to do in Normandy, France so scroll down to find out more.
1. Wander in Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
It’s no secret that France has birthed some of the art world’s most revered names. That includes impressionist master Claude Monet. Lovers of his work (and even those who are just mildly curious) are welcome to visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, northwest of Paris. At this attraction, you’ll get the chance to visit many integral spots, such as his workshop, where he finished Water Lilies. There is also the Japanese-style footbridge in his garden– the star of his other painting, so aptly named The Japanese Footbridge.
For the complete Monet experience, hop on this Viator tour, then make your way to the Museum of Impressionism, where you can also get acquainted with other famous Impressionists.
2. Explore Mont Saint-Michel
The stuff of legends and fairy tales, the island commune of Mont Saint-Michel is unlike any other place in the world. Before, this destination was disconnected from the rest of mainland France by the tide. You can only walk from the mainland to Mont Saint-Michel when the tide is low. Today, thanks to engineering, there’s now a bridge connecting Mont Saint-Michel, making it even more accessible. On a year-round basis, this hamlet only has a total of 60 residents, but it overflows with tourists who are out there to check out the abbey and its winding cobblestone streets. A UNESCO World Heritage site truly worth visiting.
3. Tour the famous Palais Benedictine
When in Normandy, one of the must-visit destinations to include on your list is Palais Benedictine, (also called the Benedictine Palace). Palais Benedictine was once shrouded in mystery. As legends have it, it was the site of a miracle. In the 16th century, a Benedictine monk by the name of Dom Bernardo Vincelli concocted an elixir, which was produced until the French Revolution. The recipe for the elixir was lost until Alexander Le Grand, a wine trader, chanced upon the liqueur’s recipe. If he hadn’t found it, Palais Benedictine wouldn’t still be producing this famed elixir. For the ultimate experience, take an in-depth look at the old distillery, learn more about the history of this Benedictine elixir at the museum, and finally, sample the top-secret blend.
4. Be amazed by nature's beauty at Étretat Cliffs
The small town of Étretat in Normandy’s north coast is most famous for a natural formation; the cliffs of Étretat. Made of chalk, the cliffs of Étretat cut quite an image in the landscape, its white color shining bright against the blues of the English Channel and the carpet of green that covers some parts of the landscape. There are four highlights to the cliffs: the three arches, two of which you can see from various points in the Étretat coast. The biggest, Manneporte, is best seen from the water. Another formation, the L'Aiguille or the needle, juts out from the water and rises to about 90 meters (or 230 feet).
5. Visit Caen Memorial Museum
Caen Memorial Museum was built to serve as a reminder of the true costs of war, whether you’re on the good or the bad side. The museum takes visitors down memory lane, from old European wars and into the world stage. Check out the life-sized dioramas on the Cold War exhibit, the Second World War exhibit, and the recreation of General Richter’s headquarters (part of the D-Day landings exhibit). Outside, there’s the Souvenir Gardens, divided into three (the American, the British, and the Canadian gardens) as a memorial to Resistance fighters and Allied troops who fell in Normandy.
6. Explore Tatihou Island
Tatihou Island off the coast of Normandy in the Cotentin Peninsula is a nice, quiet retreat from the usual hustle and bustle of Normandy’s communes. It’s largely uninhabited, but during the peak season, it thrives with activity. Depending on the time you visit, it can be overrun with tourists or it can be empty, save for you and your group. Tatihou Island is a tidal land- most tours and trips come through amphibian craft. During the low tide, you can check out the oyster beds. If you’re an avid birder, Tatihou Island is a jackpot, with its large population of coastal birds and its ornithological museum. There’s a shipbuilding workshop which you can check out, as well as a botanical garden. There’s also the remains of a bastion fort.
7. Pose for photographs at Honfleur
Still not over your French Impressionist experience? Make your way to Honfleur in northern Normandy and see the sights and townscape that inspired Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin, Gustave Corbet, and Johan Jongkind, who all started the Honfleur school. One minute here and you’ll understand why these painters were so taken by this coastal commune.
Honfleur has several sights to see. There’s Sainte-Catherine Church, which is the largest wooden church in the country. Port d'Honfleur is like the French version of Amsterdam. Erik Satie, a famous French pianist and composer, lived in Honfleur- you can visit his houses while you’re on a walking tour. From the Satie houses, you can make your way to Naturoscape, a greenhouse filled with butterflies.
8. Admire the Norman Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame de Rouen
Notre-Dame de Paris may be more famous, but no other gothic cathedral can come close to the Notre-Dame de Rouen. Built in 1603 and only completed in 1880, this two-towered, two-spired Gothic masterpiece is one of Normandy’s most storied landmarks. The sheer intricacy of its facade’s design alone will leave anyone breathless. Notre-Dame de Rouen also houses the religious relic of Saint Romain, who once served as the bishop of Rouen, as well as the tombs of various Dukes of Normandy. The most notable tomb here belongs to the heart of Richard the Lionheart, the legendary Duke of Normandy who went on to become King of England until his death. Did we mention that Notre-Dame de Rouen is also considered the tallest cathedral in France?
9. Offer prayers at Saint Catherine's Catholic Church
Built in the second half of the 15th century, Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church stands in place of a stone church that was devastated during the Hundred Years War. This time around, the replacement church was made with timber- Saint Catherine’s, the largest of its kind in France. The principal raw material that locals used to construct Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church was wood from the nearby Touques forest. They then used what they know from shipbuilding, resulting in Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church’s unique architecture.
10. Appreciate the intricate Bayeux Tapestry
From Honfleur, travel to nearby Bayeux for a chance to see the famous and historic Bayeux Tapestry with your very own eyes. An impressive embroidered wool cloth that measures 50 centimeters (20 inches) in height and 70 meters (230 feet) in length, the Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Conquest of England in 1066. Prominent characters of the Bayeux Tapestry include William the Conqueror, Odo de Conteville, Bishop of Bayeux, and Edward the Confessor, who ruled England at the time of the conquest. There are 623 more characters embroidered in the Bayeux Tapestry, along with 37 buildings, and a whole lot of horses. You can find the Bayeux Tapestry at Bayeux Museum.
Read also: Top 10 things to do in Vannes, France
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