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.

Féeriques de Montgothier

An extravaganza running the gamut of Norman history, with the aid of a formidable cast of 800 actors, horses and dogs.
Ferme aux 5 Saisons, Flamanville

A farm for children: visit the animals; see an apple press in action; bake bread for a splendid traditional tea.
Ferme de Bray, Sommery

On his farm on the Route du Fromage de Neufchâtel, Patrice Perrier makes and sells cider, flour, bread and the celebrated cheese.
Ferme de la Rançonnière, Crépon

Early inhabitants of this medieval fortified farm tried to keep people out: the present incumbents are far more welcoming. On Sundays, the two dining rooms only just manage to keep pace with the regulars. The rooms are baronial.
Ferme de Malte, Villedieu-les-Poêles

Owned by the Knights of Malta, who have a long connection with the town, this former farmhouse is now a smart restaurant, with two welcoming dining rooms, one contemporary, the other rustic.
Festival du Cinéma Américain, Deauville

Even though it is not quite as prestigious as Cannes or Venice, this festival dedicated to the best American movies of the year always attracts its share of Hollywood stars. Unsurprisingly, the premières are the most popular screenings. Awards are given by an all-French jury.
Festyland

Amusement park for children of all ages, with a roller coaster, bouncy castles, water slides, gokarts, a rope bridge and a circus on summer afternoons.
Fête des Marins, Honfleur

Local fishing boats, specially decorated for the occasion, meet in the Vieux Bassin on Whit Sunday to start their parade, which finishes with a priest’s blessing in the Seine estuary. The festival continues the next day when fishermen and sailors process with model ships to Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce.
Filets de sole Normande

Occupying pride of place amongst the catch brought back by Normandy’s fishermen is the magnificent Dover sole, in French, sole Normande . It is equally delicious cooked simply, with butter (à la meunière ), or, as in Dieppe, with shrimps and mussels in a creamy velouté sauce – or prepared in countless other ways.
Fin-de-siècle

Despite its name, the history of this triple-cream cheese, promoted by Androuët, is unknown.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
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- over €60
Hotel price categories

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