I've been several times to Normandy. The firt time was with my parisian host family during an exchange at School. I fell in love with Deauville and Honfleur. Later, I was very lucky to spend several months for work in beautiful Calvados. From Vire, where I lived, I could discover the whole region; especilly as my colleagues and friends made sure that I didn't miss anything. I cannot thank them enough for making my stay so special.
The Calvados is known as the home to the Impressionists, for its cider & calvados, cheese, the history etc.
...oh, and don't forget the delicious Crêpes and the Galettes (salty Version; buckwheat)
calvados-tourisme.co.uk
Here are some spots I liked very much (see also on the map above):
- Mont Saint Michel
For sure there isn't anything more impressing; you'll understand once you visit the Mount St.Michel. It doesn't matter which weather you have. It always gives different impressions: sun, fog, rain...when it is foggy and you drive along the street, not seeing anything, and suddenly you see this vast monument appear out of the mist...just WOW! Even days with the most miserable weather are not enough to dull the allure and charm of Mont Saint-Michel.
...now you don't see me
TIP:
- If you can, watch the turn of the tide. It's fascinating
- His Little brother is on the other side of the channel in Cornwall
- Have some local food in a restaurant: lamb has a special taste, due to the salty grass (it's flooded during the tides)
- Don't rush: you should stay overnight somewhere closeby to get the day & night impressions.
- If you have to watch the money don't eat inside the mount but in the surroundings
...now you do
- Tapestry Museum (Bayeux)
- Deauville & Trouville (beaches, Hotels, Restaurants, Casino)
You should visit the famous beaches and casinos. Many celebrities have spent time here...and still do. During WW1 Coco Chanel lived in Deauville, opened a boutique with totally new fashion and started here making clothes. “My fortune is built on that old jersey that I’d put on because it was cold in Deauville,” she once told author Paul Morand.
If you're interested in horse races, go to the Hippodrome. Furthermore there are many stud farms in the surrounding area. - Honfleur (port, churches, little Restaurants)
I love this little port town; being close to Deauville & Trouville it contrasts with the grand seaside resorts. Narrow streets a real fishing harbour, small art galleries and non-fancy Restaurants with delicious seafood. - D-Day places (beaches, graveyards, Museums)
- Lisieux (cathedral)
- Granville
A nice little town at the sea with a fishing harbour and a divided Center (lower & upper); good for shopping, Food & Drinks, going for a walk...
Due to the location Granville enjoys a mild climate; there is a good chance to have better weather than in some other parts of the Normandy.
It's the birth town of Christian Dior. Therefore there is a museum in his house; a beautiful villa surrounded by a beautiful garden (now municipal gardens). The garden of Christian Dior is for free.
TIP:
- Go on a picturesque hike: from the Roc (around the port), take the coastal footpath (it's not really for strollers). Pass at the foot of the lighthouse from the tip of the Rock and head to the old military barracks. This little tour will also take you on the ramparts of the Upper City.
- Channel Islands: ferries leave also from here
- Coutances
- Avranches
On your tour you can stop shortly in Avranches for a tour in the cathedral. Our guide was fabulous; the tour lasted nearly 1.5h and we got to see everything, incl. the attics with the woodwork. He explained to us the history, architecture, church history, etc.
But the main reason for you to stop is that you might already see Mont St. Michel from here (on a good day). Go to the botanical garden (jardin des plantes) to get a good view.
My favourite Castles
- St.Germain-de-Livet
I loved this beautiful Castle which seems to be from a fairy tale. It has such a special architecture: partly out of with the for this area typical timber-frame facade, partly out of stone somehow looking like a chessboard pattern. The court is open to one side and surrounded by water.
- Chateau de Fontaine-Henry
Just another little gem. The first parts were built between 1200-1220 that's why it has this gothik look. Still being family owned, the family opens part of their home to the public and offer very personal tours (in French). They even started renting 2 appartments.
- Chateau de Falaise
William the Conqueror's Castle. He was Born in Falaise in 1027 and accomplished his very first feat of arms within this castle. He was fifteen years old. His victory was the first act to seal his power over Normandy. It's quite impressive.
- Chateau de Balleroy
This 17th century castle has once again a totally different charm. Here you can visit the appartmens and also the gardens. Again, it's not big, but very nice.
Have a cup of tea in the relaxing Tea Room.
There is also an air balloon Museum.
http://www.chateau-balleroy.fr/home/
- Chateau de Crèvecoeur-en-Auge
Very well preserved chateau, where there is great medieval entertainment during the summer months (great also to go with Kids). You can stroll through the different buildings and get to know how the timber houses were built.http://www.chateau-de-crevecoeur.com/en/index.php?page=accueil
- Chateau de Carrouges
It's a magnificent water castle (14th-17th century), built from brick and granite, surrounded by a 10 hectare park. Again, they offer a great programme of events, including candlelit visits on different evenings during the summer season, concerts, exhibitions and entertainment for children.
http://www.chateau-carrouges.fr/en/
- Chateau de Vendeuvre
The castle (18th century) is close to Lisieux and well known for its inside state rooms as well as the exterior. Very Special is the unique collection of pet-carriers (funny).
I loved most the gardens; if you're lucky you will get to see rainbows here. Read more about the history of the gardens on their homepage (it's interesting).http://www.vendeuvre.com/nw/index_en.html
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Many of the Food Festivals though are from Sept.-Nov.
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