Normandy is a region in northwestern France, located on the English Channel. Normandy refers to the Normans who ruled this area in the tenth century. Within world history, Normandy plays an especially important role in the Second World War, because the Allies landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) and experienced heavy fighting with the Germans there. Besides the Norman culture and the typical landscapes of Normandy, the history of WWII is also an important reason for tourists to visit this area.
Top 10 Normandy Attractions
#1. Mont Saint-Michel
According to THENAILMYTHOLOGY, the Mont Saint-Michel peninsula is only accessible to pedestrians. Today the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, in the past you could only reach the island on foot at low tide. The stately abbey that stands above the mountain is a much-visited building. With just under four million visitors a year, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most famous buildings in France.
#2. Landing Beaches
American and British troops went into battle with the Germans from D-Day (the night of 5 to 6 June 1944). A large part of the troops arrived in Normandy by water and landed via the beaches. These beaches, which are divided into the five sectors Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juni and Sword, are today a place of interest for those interested in the history of the Second World War.
#3. Honfleur
Honfleur is one of the most beautiful places in Normandy; a picturesque town at the mouth of the Seine. Famous painters such as Boudin and Monet drew sufficient inspiration from this to create beautiful masterpieces. Today, tourists mainly gather in and around the beautiful harbor of Honfleur.
#4. Half-timbered houses
Normandy has a large number of half-timbered houses, some of which were unfortunately damaged or completely destroyed by WWII. However, there are plenty of places where you can see a nice collection of half-timbered houses, such as Rouen.
#5. Pont de Normandie
The Normandy Bridge is one of the most impressive bridges in the world. Spanning the Seine, this cable-stayed bridge is an almost unavoidable part of the route along the Normandy coast between Le Havre and Honfleur. Unless you are a motorcyclist, pedestrian or cyclist you will have to pay a toll to drive over the Pont de Normandie.
#6. chalk cliffs
Characteristic of Normandy are the high chalk cliffs that you find along the coastal areas. The stately chalk cliffs along the Côte D’Albâtre alternate with pebble beaches. You will find this beautiful mix in the northeast of Normandy. In the northwest there are mainly long sandy beaches.
#7. Notre Dame of Bayeux
Even if you’re a convinced atheist, a visit to Notre-Dame de Bayeux is worthwhile . Dating from the 11th century, this Gothic cathedral is one of the most beautiful of its kind. Due to destruction and looting, the contemporary structure is a combination of original parts with a large number of renovated and rebuilt parts.
#8. Monet House
Giverny is home to the home of the French impressionist Claude Monet. This painter has made a large number of paintings in the garden of his home. He has especially captured the Japanese bridge on canvas several times. Today, his home serves as a museum entirely devoted to Monet.
#9. Rouen
If you want to make a city trip within the Normandy region, it is almost impossible to ignore Rouen. This capital of the region has a beautiful center with atmospheric streets, many half-timbered houses and a large collection of sights. Beautiful are the Place de Vieux-Marché (the old market place), the impressive Palais de Justice and the flamboyant Notre-Dame of Rouen.
#10. Seafood
A visit to Normandy includes eating seafood. Along the coast you can see delicacies crawling between the rocks and swimming in the sea, before being served on your plate in one of the many fish restaurants. Mussels, crab, shrimp, crawfish are often served as a combination dish, the so-called plateau de fruits de mer.
