Normandy is today one of the most acclaimed tourist sites in Europe. It is a place that treasures wonder of the West, both architectural and natural. A place that stands out for its picturesque villages with paved streets and Gothic-style churches and, especially, Mont Saint-Michel erected in the heart of the bay. It is also a place that combines tradition with modernity. Hereunder, we are going to talk about what to do in Normandy, proposing some activities and walks you can do that will help you make the most of this wonderful place.
Mont Saint-Michel
Certainly, one of the main tourist spots in Normandy is Mont Saint-Michel. Its origin dates from the year 709, where a small church occupied this famous rock. Over the centuries, convent buildings, an abbey and walls were built. This led to the emergence of Saint-Michel as we know it today, as a spiritual and intellectual focus in France. Today, we see it emerge from the bay, standing out for its majestic beauty and unique construction.
Cliffs of Étretat
Another frequent sight of Normandy is the cliffs of Étretat. It is one of the places you must visit if you wander what to do in Normandy. They stand out on the Alabaster Coast and are three towering limestone vertical rocks, that stick out from the coast and plunge into the sea. The cliffs are called Manneporte, la Courtine and l’Aiguille. These have been the inspiration of various artists, writers, and painters, who come to the shore either by footpath on the Channel or by boat.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Évreux
This imposing cathedral in a Romantic and Gothic style was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. One of its highlights has to do with its 70 brightly coloured stained-glass windows, some of which have been done in the famous Évreux yellow with silver salt.
The Chateay de Canisy is a hotel set in a spectacular 17th century property, in the heart of Normandy. It has been in the same family for almost a millennium and is a boutique hotel located in the framework of an immense wooded park with two lakes and surrounded by rural crops. It is ideal for visiting Normandy as it is situated at the base of the Cherbourg peninsula, a 35-minute drive from the coast.
Village of Veules-les-Roses
If you want to visit Normandy, you cannot miss this splendid coastal town in the Pays de Caux. It stands out for its beautiful old charm and is at the bottom of the smallest river in France, which is the Veules. Both the town and its famous mills have been an inspiration for artists of the stature of Victor Hugo, Camille Marchand, and Paul Meurice.
Deauville seafront
Another thing to do in Normandy is take a walk along the Deauville seafront. It is a beautiful exotic wood walk that has become a myth in Normandy. It dates from 1923 and borders the bathing huts along the beach. It has been a meeting place for many stars, particularly from the cinema. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the Normandy landscapes.
One of the lodging options near this area is the Albergue de la Source, housed in a carefully restored half-timbered period farmhouse and a large shady garden on the edge of the forest. It is a charming two separate building hotel with luxurious accommodation in a quiet, rural setting. It has easy access to Mont Saint-Michel and is 10 kilometres from Deauville.
Caen Memorial
This wonderful Memorial that cannot be missed is destined to remember the period before and after 1945. It brings to life the Landing, World War II, the Battle of Normandy and the Cold War. It is an essential stop to learn about the history of the 20th century and the role that this region has had in it.
Landing Beaches
Hand in hand with the aforementioned, on June 6, 1944, the beaches of Normandy were a historical scene in the great military operation that mobilized a significant number of ships and planes with the aim of liberating France from the German occupation that it was suffering during World War II. Today, on this coast, it is possible to visit various museums and cemeteries.
An excellent accommodation, if you want to visit this area, is the Chateau La Cheneviere. It has a privileged location, just a short distance from the Normandy coast. It is a boutique property inside an extensive wooded park. It is also a traditional castle that incorporates the elegance of an earlier era and the warmth of a mansion. The castle where the hotel operates dates from the 18th century and has been extended and renovated on various occasions. It is within walking distance of Omaha Beach and the Landing Beaches.
Le Havre
Finally, if you are interested in learning about the history of a region and how wars and historical events influence this, you cannot miss Le Havre and its post-World War II architecture. During the war, this area was 80% destroyed. Later, the architect Auguste Perret was in charge of its construction, being a specialist particularly in reinforced concrete. Today, we can find harmonious and balanced constructions. The church of Saint Joseph, the town hall and the 110-meter-high tower of the church stand out. Also noteworthy is the typical Perret show apartment from the 50s. The whole of this place has been declared by UNESCO as World Heritage.
If you want to know this area, La Maison de Lucie is a charming hotel set in a carefully restored 19th century mansion, with an excellent location on the outskirts of Honfleur. It has beautiful views of the city and the estuary and is perfect for relaxing visits to this famous city.
