Normandy, France: Ultimate Guide

Normandy is a very charming region just north of Paris and is one of the most visited locations in the country. It has a gorgeous coastline, widely varied scenery, and is rich in history. Normandy is an ideal destination to enjoy a slower-paced way of life and some of the friendliest people in France.

Not only is Normandy famous for being a historical hotspot with a beautiful backdrop, but it also produces some of the most high-quality cuisines in all of France. The food alone draws in thousands of visitors annually and is a foodie's heaven. In addition, due to its seaside location, it is home to some of France's freshest seafood dishes.

There is so much to see and do in Normandy, no matter your interests or travel style. While the region is vast, it can be hard to decide how to have the most immersive experience possible. We have gathered a bundle of information all about the area to help you make an ideal itinerary and how to have the best trip possible.

History of Normandy

Due to its northern seaside location, Normandy holds a prominent place in the history of France and England. It was first occupied by the Celts and Belgae, the Franks and Vikings, and the Normans. Throughout the years, Normandy went back and forth between English and French rule, finally becoming a permanent part of France in 1450.

Normandy was a relaxed and peaceful part of France until the French Revolution and, following in later years, World War 2. It is now most famous for being the destination of D-Day, where the bloodiest battle of the war was fought on Omaha Beach. One hundred fifty-six thousand allied troops landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944, with more than 5,00 ships and 13,00 aircraft. The battle had more than 10,000 casualties, including killed, wounded, MIA, or POW soldiers. However, after this battle, more than 320,000 allied soldiers could freely march through Europe to overthrow Hitler's rule, marking the beginning of the end.

Today, Normandy is home to a lot of history, excellent cuisine, breathtaking artwork, and a lot to see.

What to do in Normandy

Normandy is filled with history and culture; that's the main pull of the region. However, it also is home to some of the most beautiful seaside sights in France, spectacular food, and an array of cute villages to get lost in. There is so much to see and do in this Region of France, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Here are some of the best things to do to make the most of your time in Normandy

Claude Monet's House and Gardens

Claude Monet lived in Normandy from 1883-1926, and his house has been restored and maintained as if he were still here to this day. The living quarters, now a museum, depicts his unique taste in art and design. The surrounding gardens are planted with an array of fresh flowers, a footbridge, and a waterlily pond, which Monet most masterfully captured in his beautiful masterpieces.

Etretat Cliffs

Eretrat sits on the coast with a large seascape. The town sits between two pebbled beaches with 55-meter-high needle cliffs. It's a magnificent site and one of Normandy's most natural scenic wonders. For the best experience, walk along the tops of the cliffs on the GR21 trail.

Mont-Saint-Michel

One of the most famous tourist destinations in Normandy in Mont-Saint-Michel and an important medieval pilgrimage destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique destination as it can be reached on foot during low tide but becomes an island during high tide and can only be reached by foot. The Abbey Church is the most iconic attraction, soaring 100 meters above sea level.

Old Rouen

Exploring the old town of Rouen will take you back in time with its half-timbered houses, gothic churches, and cobblestone winding alleys. It is home to the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, the Grohorloge clock tower, and the Musee des beaux-arts. Rouen is famous for being the location where Joan of Arc was brought to trial and holding a lot of dark history as well.

Gastronomic Experiences

 Native to Normandy, Livarot, and Camembert cheese are some of the finest in France. Tour the town of Livarot to see how the cheeses are made and produced. In addition to cheese, there are various apple orchards in the area with plenty of distilleries filled with fresh cider.

The Beaches of Normandy

Visit the site of one of the most gallant days in World War II history. Standing atop the infamous beaches, one cannot be anything but humbled by the brave American, British, and Canadian troops who landed here in 1944, many giving their lives. While the first day was not deemed a success, their efforts began what was the turning point of the war and the victory of the Allied Forces for freedom in France and most of Western Europe. Be sure to visit the museum and the American Cemetery to pay your respects.

Chateau Gaillard

Dominating the commune of Led Andelys, Chateau Gillard is a forbidden fortress perched in a kink in the River Seine. While it has been passed around and demolished in the past, it holds a lot of French history, and many of the remains still stand. The landscape and riverside views surrounding the fortress are worth visiting.

Explore Honfleur

Honfleur is located on the Seine estuary; the seaside port is famous for being where travelers embarked for Canada during the 16th century. The town is filled with cobblestoned streets, old buildings, and a lot of art and culture. It is one of the most charming villages in France and an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring.

Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry holds a lot of history in Normandy. Located in the town of Bayeux, it depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by the Duke of Normandy. It has 58 different scenes, 623 figures, 759 animals, and 37 builds and ships, all with incredible detail.

Relax in Fecamp

Fecamp is one of Normandy's most popular holiday beach destinations. It was one of France's first seaside resorts for a more upscale crowd. It's an ideal place to spend a relaxing getaway. If you want even more out of your adventure, travel 11km west to Valmont, and explore the old ruins of an ancient castle.

What to eat in Normandy

Normandy has an array of flavors from coastal, to creamy, to country. In addition, it produces some of the most exquisite cheeses in France and a variety of seafood dishes unique to the region. While in Normandy, taste some of these beloved dishes, ranging from sweet to savory.

Marmite Dieppoise

Marmite Dieppoise comes from the seaside town of Dieppe and is a mouth-watering blended mixture of seafood. It has a creamy and salt broth, combing butter, and cider, with a mixture of cream, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. It can be found on most menus throughout the seaside in Normandy.

Tripes a la mode de Caen

The French version of Scottish Haggis, Tripes a la mode de Caen, has become beloved by residents in Normandy over the years. It uses all four chambers of the cow's stomach, hooves, bones, and part of the intestine, cooked for 15 hours in a special pot with vegetables, spices, and a bottle of Calvados. Tastes vary, but they are said to be the best in the fall when cattle eat freshly ripened fruit.

Trou Normand

Trou Normand is a traditional custard from Normandy and is often served between dishes or as dessert. Calvados liquor is poured over a tangy but sweet apple sorbet and served as a shot. It is also known to help with indigestion following seafood dishes, which are widely popular throughout Normandy.

Teurgoule

Teurgoule is known to pair best with failure, a particular type of Norman brioche. It is a rice pudding with milk and sugar, topped with nutmeg and cinnamon. It is then baked for a few hours to become thick and caramelized. Add a local cider to quench your thirst as a great match.

Cheeses of Normandy

It is no secret France is famous for its abundance of cheeses, and Normandy is no exception. There are 4 classic cheeses that come from Normandy: Livarot, Camenberet, Pont-lEveque, and Neufchatel. The cheese from Normandy tends to be smooth and creamy and pairs well with fresh cider. For the best experience, go on a cheese tour through Normandy to experience as many tastes as possible.

Normandy Apple Tart

With its enormous amount of orchards, there is no better way to put all the apples of Normandy to use than in an old-fashioned apple tart. Normandy tends to add a splash of Calvados, giving the tart a unique flavor to the region. It is the best option for a sweet treat or dessert while exploring Normandy.

Normandy has a lot to offer visitors and will forever be a special place in world history. A trip to Normandy will, with-out-a-doubt, be a grand experience unlike any other in France. With the abundance of things to see and do, foods to try, and history to learn, it's impossible ever to be bored here. We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the famous French region and hope it inspires you to experience the wonders of Normandy for yourself.