La Côte Fleurie
A magnificent stretch of coastline where you will find charming Honfleur and the glamorous seaside resorts of Deauville and Trouville
Montreuil
An enchanting, medieval town with cobbled streets and delicious restaurants.
Bayeux
With its beautiful cathedral and stunning tapestry – Bayeux is well worth a visit.
Etrétat
Take a long walk along the spectacular cliffs, and then take a visit to Fécamp with its Benedictine Distillery.
Mont St Michel
World famous island monastery.
Monet’s garden – Giverny
Spectacular gardens that inspired the famous impressionist painter. For more information visit http://giverny.org/gardens/
D-Day landing beaches and museums
Haunting beaches west of Caen, the best of the museums are at Caen and Arromanches. For more information visit http://www.normandy-france.net/D-Day/D-day.htm
Etretat
Beautiful cliff walks close to Fecamp, home of Benedictine liqueur.
Granville
Port and popular resort along stretch of pretty coastline dotted with small traditional beach resorts.
St Lo
Historic town occupying a central location amidst the 'Bocage' - a patchwork countryside reminiscent of the English landscape of old.
Aerodrome de Val St Pere - Avranches
Not for the fainthearted, but great fun if you’re the daring kind! Take a micro light trip over Mont St Michel for a fantastic view of this famous island abbey, one of France’s top tourist attractions. Or take a short ‘discovery’ flight over the local countryside. Trips must be booked in advance (minimum age 12 years) and are dependent on weather conditions. Flights operate daily all year, starting 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. For more information, they can be contacted on +33 (0)2 33 48 67 48.
Chateau de Balleroy – Balleroy (40Km west of Caen)
Built in 1631, this château has undergone extensive restoration and refurbishment since its purchase by Malcolm S Forbes in 1970. In the outer court is the International Balloon Museum where pictures, miniatures, collectables and documents tell the history of ballooning. There’s also a shop with a choice of gifts and memorabilia. For more information visit http://www.chateau-balleroy.fr/
Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie - Bayeux
This fascinating museum tells the heroic story of how 1.5 million allied soldiers amassed against the Nazi regime, culminating in the liberation of Normandy and eventual peace in Europe. Exhibits include models, uniforms, tanks, military equipment, war memorabilia and a cinema. The museum is close to the British Military Cemetery in Bayeux. They can be contacted on +33 (0)2 31 51 46 90 for more information.
Bayeux Tapestry - Bayeux
A spectacular work of art and history lesson for all ages of the famous story of 1066. Open daily from approx 9am - 6.30pm (times vary). Last visit, including film show, is one hour 15 minutes before closure. They can be contacted on +33 (0) 2 31 51 25 50.
Festyland Theme Park - Bretteville sur Odon (6Km west of Caen)
This park has over 30 attractions, with the theme of Norman life through the ages. There are excellent shows and rides such as the Viking Drakkar Express and Pirate Ship. Crêperie, self-service restaurant and picnic areas. For more information visit http://www.festyland.com
Chateau du Breuil - Breuil en Auge (10k north of Lisieux)
This charming château in a beautiful park is home to one of Normandy’s finest calvados producers. See the apple press, distillery and 17thC Orangerie cellar where the calvados is aged in oak casks, then sample this delightful brandy or pommeau in the tasting room. They can be contacted on + 33 (0) 2 31 65 60 00.
Le Memorial de Caen - Caen
This remains the only museum to give an overview of history from 1918 to today. Originally dedicated to the causes and consequences of the Second World War, due to expansion the museum now includes the second half of the 20th Century and the Cold War. They can be contacted on + 33 (0) 2 31 06 06 60.
Le Souterroscope - Caumont l’Eventé (22k south-west of Caen)
This huge complex of underground slate mines was abandoned a century ago and is now a site of exceptional natural beauty housing Europe’s most famous private collection of giant crystals and precious stones. They can be contacted on +33 (0 ) 2 31 71 15 15.
Maison de la Baie du Mont St Michel – Courtils (10k east of Le Mont St Michel)
The Maison de la Baie is close to the famous Mont St Michel and explains its fascinating history in an audiovisual tour. Through images, films and exhibitions, you will learn the astonishing natural formation of the bay which has given it its unique character. There is also an observatory offering exceptional views. Open June to September. They can be contacted on +33 (0)2 33 89 66 00.
Château de Crèvecoeur - Crèvecoeur en Auge (17k west of Lisieux)
Surrounded by water, this medieval château has been miraculously preserved in its original state. Protected by a group of fortifications, the church and wooden farm buildings are regrouped in the beautiful courtyard. In August various medieval events are held (phone the museum for details on +33 (0)2 31 63 02 45.Open April to September.
Chateau Guillaume le Conquerant - Falaise
Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror, is proud of its important medieval castle surrounded by imposing walls. Two of its three towers are typical of the Anglo-Norman style and the third, known as the Round Tower, was built in the 13thC. Contact telephone +33 (0)2 31 41 61 44
Palais Benedictine - Fécamp
Apart from the distillery producing Bénédictine, you can also visit the modern art museum and plant & spice hall where you can see, smell & touch most of the 27 plants which are blended to produce the liqueur. Try a Bénédictine speciality & visit the shop with its choice of liqueurs & gifts. Open February to December. Contact + 33 (0)2 35 10 26 10.
Musee Jeanne d’Arc - Rouen
Discover and relive the life of Joan of Arc in this Roman style museum dedicated to the heroine. On display are historic artefacts and models of the château and old market place where Joan of Arc was burnt alive. The Galérie de Cire has fifty surprisingly lifelike wax figures of famous French characters. Contact +33 (0) 2 35 88 02 70.
Ferme Musee du Cotentin - Ste Mère l’Eglise (38k south-east of Cherbourg)
Discover the way of life of Norman country folk in days gone by in this 17th/18th century farm museum. Take a look at their homes and working quarters including a dairy, wash house, bakery, cowshed and cartwright’s workshop. A collection of authentic tools is also displayed, along with pieces of agricultural equipment and temporary exhibitions. Visit http://www.cherbourgtourism.com/discover/cherbourg-cotentin/visits/172414-ferme-musee-du-cotentin for more information.
Musee et Jardin du Chateau de Vendeuvre – Vendeuvre (15k north-east of Falaise)
This château houses a fascinating museum with a collection of 750 miniature items of furniture & antiquities. The history of the château is brought to life by a series of moving models including a talking ‘cook’ in the kitchen. Visit http://www.vendeuvre.com/nw/index_en.html for more information.
Atelier du Cuivre - Villedieu les Poêles
Villedieu is famous for its copper and bell foundries and this is one of its oldest workshops. Here you can watch and discover how using traditional methods, the skillful craftsmen transform a sheet of copper into something decorative or useful. Contact +33 (0) 2 33 51 31 85.
