[ad_1]
These six places to visit in Normandy, France will give you a chance to experience the unique beauty and historical richness of the region.
Normandy is one of the must-see destinations of tourism in France. Located in the north of the country, this region welcomes millions of visitors each year from all over the world. Here are six places to visit in Normandy if you spend a holiday in France.
The D-Day Landing Beaches
One of the most popular areas to visit in Normandy are the D-Day landing beaches of Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. It is on these five beaches that D-Day took place on June 6, 1944. The site, a must if you are spending holidays in Normandy, is visited by more than 4.5 million visitors each year.
The US Navy’s memorial for D-Day sits on Utah Beach in Normandy France. Photo by Gerard Koudenburg via iStock by Getty Images
In these somber spaces, you can visit various museums (Airborne Museum, Normandy Victory Museum, and World War II Museum), the famous Sainte-Mère-Église, and several cemeteries (including the Normandy American Cemetery and the British Military Cemetery). You can also see remnants of the Second World War, such as the fortified Hillman site or the Douvres-la-Délivrande radar station.
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II. Photo by Stephen Bridger via iStock by Getty Images
Mont-Saint-Michel
With 2.5 million visitors per year, Mont-Saint-Michel is the second most visited place in Normandy and one of the most featured places in Normandy tours. This island city, whose construction began 13 centuries ago, is made up of 65 buildings. You can visit its medieval village, its ramparts, its museums, and its magnificent abbey. The abbey’s most recognizable feature is its dominating bell tower, which soars to more than 515 feet (157 meters) and is topped with a statue of the Archangel Saint Michael.
Beautiful view of famous Le Mont Saint-Michel tidal island in the blue hour at dusk in Normandy, northern France. Photo by BlueJayPhoto via iStock by Getty Images
In the narrow streets of the lower levels of the Mont-Saint-Michel are also restaurants. You must try the famous Omelette soufflée (puffed omelet) de La Mère Poulard“. You’ll also find souvenir shops and a variety of Normandy hotels. A magical and unforgettable place to spend holidays in Normandy.
Giverny
Another of the places to visit in Normandy is the charming village of Giverny. It is here that Impressionist master Claude Monet lived for more than 40 years. In this place, where every corner looks like a painting, you can visit the artist’s house, his workshop and discover a large number of his works.
When you visit Giverny, you feel as if you walk into a Monet painting, such as here at a Pond of Water Lilies at Monet’s Garden. Photo by Luisa Carazzi via iStock by Getty Images
Then, you can stroll through the property’s garden and admire the beauty of its pond, its Japanese bridge, and its magnificent flowers.
Honfleur
Located in the department of Calvados in Normandy, Honfleur is a port town that is both maritime and fluvial. With its slate-covered old fishermen’s houses, this city, which dates back more than a thousand years, is the cradle of the famous pictorial movement called “Impressionism”. It is definitely one of the top six places to visit in Normandy.
The beautiful seaport town of Honfleur in Normandy escaped the ravages of WWII and is considered the birthplace of Impressionism. Photo by Bruce Campos via iStock by Getty Images
You can visit its marine museum, its magnificent Sainte-Catherine church, and its salt lofts dating from the 17th century. Take time to enjoy a stroll and perhaps a meal along Honfleur’s old port—Vieux Bassin. The port attracts more than 4 million tourists every year.
Étretat
Nestled in the hollow of the Alabaster Coast, the Norman village of Étretat is today a renowned seaside resort. It hosted famous 19th-century French writers such as Guy de Maupassant, Gustave Flaubert, and Maurice Leblanc, the creator of the Arsène Lupin character.
The white chalk cliffs and natural arches of Etretat, Seine-Maritime department of Normandy in France. Photo by encrier via iStock by Getty Images
The beautiful white chalk cliffs and gray pebbles beaches of Étretat make it a popular destination for international tourists during their holidays in Normandy. Do not leave Étretat without visiting its gardens that overlook the city and offer a sublime view of its cliffs!
Rouen
Rouen is the French city with the highest number of old buildings per inhabitant. In the heart of this town rich in history, you can visit Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (not to be confused with the Notre-Dame in Paris). Admire its nave that soars more than 90 feet (28 meters) into the air. Its exquisitely decorated façade and sublime stained glass windows date from the 13th century.
Panoramic view of Rouen, with the gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, on a sunny afternoon. Photo by e55evu via iStock by Getty Images
After the cathedral, wander through the enchanting Gros-Horloge Street with its famous great clocks. As one of the best things to do when you visit Normandy, you might want to also stop by the breathtakingly beautiful Saint-Maclou’s church, wander on to the Saint-Ouen abbey, and end your walk at the Joan of Arc museum. You can even book a full tour that takes you to all the places related to Joan of Arc in Rouen.
Gros Horloge of Rouen in Normandy, France with its famous great clock. Photo by samael334 via iStock by Getty Images
Articles Related to Six Places to Visit in Normandy
These six destinations with varied atmospheres will leave you with unforgettable memories. We hope you enjoy these places to visit in Normandy and enjoy the unique beauty and historical richness of the region. Be sure to check out Wander for more historical travel and more to see and do when you visit France.
Six Places to Visit in Normandy
[ad_2]
Source link