DK Travel : Normandy

Normandy brings a dozen different images to mind: William the Conqueror, the D-Day landings, Mont-St-Michel; the bleak landscape of the Cotentin coast, the sparkling summertime playground of the Côte Fleurie; sumptuous châteaux, historic abbeys, famous gardens; the orchards of the Auge, the picture-postcard scenery of the Suisse Normande; Monet’s home at Giverny, the Cabourg immortalized by Proust – or perhaps it’s cider, calvados and camembert. Whatever your list, it will barely scratch the surface of this rich and rewarding region.

Caille aux monstrueux

There are many ways to cook this speciality of Elbeuf, but the two essential ingredients are quail and leeks. The variety of leek cultivated in the Seine and Eure Valleys is known as monstrueux (literally, “monstrous” – they are short and fat), and their distinctive flavour perfectly complements the quail.
Calvados Dupont, Victot-Pontfol

One of the most impressive of the 20 or so producers along the Route du Cidre (see Pays d’Auge). As well as cider, Calvados and pommeau , you can buy Crème Calvados, cider vinegar and Pomme Captive – with the apple a “prisoner” in the bottle.
Calvados Pierre Huet, Cambremer

Another traditional producer in the heart of cider country, Huet has operated from the lovely half-timbered Manoir de la Brière des Fontaines since 1865. You can visit the atmospheric cider distillery before buying.
Cambremer

Local people dressed in peasant costumes, folk dancing, music-making and horse-drawn carriage rides are all part of the fun at Cambremer’s traditional market, staged every Sunday morning in the market place in July and August and on special occasions such as Easter, 1 May and Whit Sunday. Local producers mingle with regional craftsmen and artists.
Camembert

Popularized by Napoleon III, the famous cheese was first made here by Marie Harel around 1790. Some nearby farms still use her original method.
Camembert

This world-famous cheese was invented by Marie Harel during the Revolution. By the 1880s, equipped with its famous box and label, it was being exported all over Europe.
Camping de la Vée, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne

The joy of La Vée is its position – close to Bagnoles and the Andaines Forest (see Forêt des Andaines). Its 250 “pitches” are in leafy surroundings, with amenities including a snack bar, and recreation and games rooms.
Camping de l’Ermitage, Donville-les-Bains

With its own bakery, delicatessen, snack bar and visiting traders, you seldom need to leave this large, well-run campsite. Close by, you can gather shells on the sandy beach, ride, play tennis, or relax in the thalassotherapy centre.
Camping des Deux Rivières, Martigny

Hard to believe, but this peaceful campsite tucked away on an island is only a short drive from Dieppe. There are plenty of indoor amusements, but with the Arques Forest, Varenne R iver and a lake on the doorstep, this is really a place for outdoor types.
Camping du Vievre, St-Georges-du-Vièvre

Most of the campers here are fresh-air fiends, drawn by the prospect of energetic hikes through the countryside or taxing mountain bike rides. If that sounds too much like hard work, there is tennis, table tennis and a pool on site.

Jump to top

Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €60
- €60–€100
- €100–€150
- €150–€250
- over €250