History and Small Town French Life Combine in Normandy

The Normandy region of northeast France is best known in America for the role it played in World War II. The famous D-Day landings at Normandy ensured its place in history, and left an indelible mark on this region of charming small towns and seaside villages.

World War II History
Many of Normandy’s towns are inextricably tied to the D-Day Invasion of 1944. Le Havre, a port city at the mouth of the Seine was heavily bombed during the Battle of Normandy.  Caen, a college town, is quite modern. The majority was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in the 1960’s. There are several war memorials in town, including the Memorial for Peace and several intact pre-war churches. Caen is also just 15 km from the D-Day beaches where you’ll find multiple memorials, war museums, and war cemeteries. It’s a sobering experience, especially if you visit around the June 6^th anniversary, when there are several memorial ceremonies and reenactments, and groups of battle survivors come to town to remember.

Other Small Towns in Normandy
Depending on your interests, you’ll have several towns in Normandy to choose from to make as a base or to spend an afternoon exploring.  Cherbourg is home to the final departure docks of the doomed Titanic, and the small village of Giverny that was the rural home of Claude Monet. Visitors can  explore the famous painter’s house or see his works at the Musée des Impressionnismes.

Dieppe is worth a visit for its beautiful beach, working fishing port, and well-stocked Saturday morning market. The little harbor town of Hornfleur is a foodie’s paradise with over 100 restaurants, and offers a lovely look at small town France. Rouen, located on the banks of the Seine River, is another historically important town. It was the birthplace of Gustave Flaubert, and Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here. Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perhaps one of the most famous landmarks in the region. The island is home to the stunning cliff-top Benedictine Abbey of St. Michel, which can be reached by walking across the tidal flats that separate the island from the mainland. The dramatic white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast in Etretat also make for a picturesque stop.

Edible Delights in Normandy
In the gourmet world, Normandy is known for its fine cows, its delicious camembert cheese, and the plentiful apples that are used to produce cider sauces, pies, and calvados apple brandy. Sausage, duck, and beef are staples of the Norman diet, as well as fresh seafood from the waters off the coast.

Getting Around
Trains connect the major towns, though it is often faster and more convenient to travel by train. It’s also possible to bike or hike from town to town along clearly marked trails that wind their way through the French countryside.

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