Creation of Normandy

It would be interesting to begin your French holidays with some knowledge of the creation of Normandy. The name Normandy actually derives from the Gaul term for ‘Northman’. Normandy began as a fiefdom created for a Viking leader called Rollo. As Rollo hailed from the North, hence the region he presided over was called Normandy. Rollo’s descendant, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy subjugated England in 1066 to become the first King of England following his victory at the Battle of Hastings.

Historical Past of Normandy

The rich history of Normandy draws numerous tourists to this spectacular region every year. The decisive Operation Overlord of World War II, which saw the mobilisation of massive numbers of Allied infantry and supplies, began the assault on France from the D-Day amphibious landings on the Calvados coast of Normandy, on 6 June 1944. The Battle of Normandy witnessed ferocious military battles for the eventual liberation of France. This crucial turning point in the war was a critical period in the historical past of Normandy.

Interesting Towns to Visit in Normandy

When you’re in Normandy during your holidays in France, visit the famous spa town, Bagnoles de l’Orne. Here you can relax and be pampered to ease away your fatigue and muscle tension or go swimming and golfing. The bourgeois villas in the town sport unique roofing, bow windows and polychrome facades.

French holidays will beckon you to visit the Mont-St-Michel, where a medieval Benedictine Abbey stands majestically on a sheer clump of rocks. The marvellous architecture of this Abbey and its unique location makes this a critical itinerary in your holidays in France.

Head on to the town of Bayeux where you can view the marvellous embroidered tapestry recounting the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England. It dates to the time of William the Conqueror.

At the town of Lassay-les-Chateaux you can visit a 15th century stone castle that is still completely standing. A little further north of this town is Domfort, which boasts narrow streets and the ruins of medieval castles.

There are 600km of Normandy coastline with beautiful beaches and sculpting cliffs.  Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, Normandy has excellent facilities around the coast.  Childen can play on the golden sand beaches.  History lovers can relive the emotional journey to the D Day landing beaches, world famous for the part it played in turning around World War 2.

About 8 kms away is the lovely village of Lonlay L’Abbaye, your destination for a peaceful conclusion to your holidays in France. This typical French village is the epitome of French holidays as you will be able to interact with the friendly local populace and enjoy the special Normandy cuisine.

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Robert Elliott

Scenic Countryside

Your Normandy vacation would be replete with views of the stunning landscapes, from the rugged cliffs at the coast to the hills to the valleys of the interior. The artistic Romantic movement of the late 18th century drew renowned painters such as Turner to admire the fabulous landscape and produce fantastic masterpieces on canvas depicting the Normandy countryside. His contemporary, Theodore Gericault, from the town of Rouen, was equally inspired by strong emotions evoked from an awe of the forces of nature which he translated into sweeping works of incredible art.

Later artists of great stature such as Claude Monet, the founder of French impressionist painting, further enhanced the general public’s appreciation of Normandy scenes with his paintings of water lilies. Monet’s water lily garden in Giverny is a focal point for tourists during their holidays in Normandy. All these striking colours, unusual light and dazzling scenery are as beautiful today as they were when first painted in the 19th century. Normandy’s artistic heritage is now on public display in museums throughout the world.

Golfing Haven

The charming countryside is enhanced with world class golf courses that are spread all across the region. When you’re embarking on golfing holidays in France, a Normandy vacation will bring you to some of the most striking courses in the land. Combine your golf with culture as you visit the numerous Abbeys, chateaux and cathedrals where you can enjoy the brilliant artistic and architectural legacy of Normandy. You can tee off in a golf course in Rouen, famous for its 100 bell towers and as the city in which Joan of Arc was martyred.

Something For the Children

When you take your children for a Normandy vacation, you can thrill them with luxurious swims in the sea off the northern coast of France. You can picnic on the beach along a 600km coastline and watch your children frolic gleefully in the cool waters of the English Channel. Normandy is famous for its love of everything equine. The local population will be more than pleased to express their fond appreciation of this swift and majestic animal. You could take your children horse riding at Haras du Pin, a horse breeding estate, and learn about the way horses are bred and cared for. You could entertain your loved ones to horse shows at Deauville and admire the precision in the movements of highly trained show horses.

Savouring Special Drinks

You’ll be amazed at the proliferation of apple trees and the sheer volume of apples in Normandy. The abundance of these cousins to the rose bush means that this French region is particularly noted for its cider, both excellent in taste and bouquet. Your holidays in Normandy won’t be complete if you don’t have a whiff of their apply brandy, called calvados. This alcoholic beverage is a popular drink which is consumed by the locals in the intervening period between courses of a meal. A blending of apple brandy and unfermented cider produces pommeau, an aperitif you must enjoy during your Normandy vacation.

Specific Normandy Dishes

With the wealth of apples in this beautiful region, you’ll find the local dishes have special cuisine that makes imaginative use of this delicious fruit. When dining out during your holidays in Normandy, you could savour the taste of moules à la normande – a dish of mussels that have been expertly cooked in cream and apples. If you’re a fan of pastries, try bourdelots or baked apples in pastry. You must also bite into the local variation of apple tart, the flan Normandy.

Staying in Normandy

To truly enjoy your Normandy vacation, you should stay in accommodation that exemplifies the beauty and history of this exquisite region. The lush countryside is home to luxurious manor houses now converted to self contained apartments with breathtaking views. Premier among these is Le Manoir Nezement in Lonlay L’Abbaye, a quaint village nestled just 6 miles from Domfort and easily accessible from Caen. Here you can relax in the gentle and laid back country lifestyle of rural France where you’ll meet wonderful local personalities at the patisserie and village bar.

Your holidays in Normandy will refresh you with adventurous outdoor activities in the verdant countryside. Revel in the local, apple based, delicacies and beverages. Luxuriate in accommodation that will rejuvenate you!

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