Normandy is one of France’s prominent historic regions. Its proximity to South England and its important links in history, the charm of Normandy is very similar to that side of England: rolling countryside and fields and meadows outlined by hedges. Note also that the architectural style of the two regions has a close resemblance to each other. Normandy is a beautiful tourism destination, visited by thousands of tourists every year. Normandy is home to a multitude of attractions and a discerning traveler surely makes Normandy part of his bucket list.
Normandy is divided into two regions, the Upper Normandy (Haute Normandie) and Lower Normandy (Basse Normandie). Both may have different legislations and geographical attributes, but the two are equal when it comes to attractive places and interesting spots. It is in the Upper Normandy where the White Cliffs of Etretat is seen, the most famous cliffs in the entire France. Rouen is one of Upper Normandy’s famous spots, a stunning historic district comprised of houses made of timbers, an antique huge clock, and a Gothic-styled cathedral.
It is also in Rouen where the Fine Arts Museum (musée des beaux-arts) is situated, a place where collections owned by renowned masters from the 15th to 20th century, including Poussin and Rubens Velasquez, are on display. Further, Le Havre is also located in the Upper Normandy, an attraction that reflects Soviet-style planning that made it to the prestigious list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Just like the Upper Normandy, the Lower Normandy has the same level of attractiveness, most of which are historic structures, too. Le Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a world-known medieval abbey settled on a rock in the bay and one of France’s most-visited monuments.
The largest ancient wooden church in the country, the Honfleur St Catherines church, is also on the premises of Lower Normandy. Apart from these relevant structures, the natural beauty of the Lower Normandy is also the reason why tourists love going to this region. Le Cotentin and the seaside resorts of Lower Normandy boast of fine sands and clear waters, making them ideal for swimming, relaxation and unwinding moments.
Normandy is a major producer of seafood, dairy products, and apples and most of the famous Normandy dishes have these three products as the main ingredients. The quality of Normandy oysters is truly world-class, the reason most of the tourists never leave this region without having a feast on it. Another prime product is the variety of cheeses, and some of the world-famous are the Pont-L’Evêque, Neufchâtel and the Camembert of Marie Harel to name a few. Normandy’s lamb and chicken meat are also commendable, and of course, the flavorful sausages. And for washing down all these delectable produce, the famous calvados apple brandy has got to do it.
The region of Normandy is truly one of France’s treasures. From historical tours to nature trips, from dining out to a unique shopping experience, Normandy has the perfect blending of elements that makes a tour truly a pleasant experience.