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.

Forêt des Andaines

You might glimpse deer or roebuck roaming through the forest that encircles Bagnolesde-l’Orne, and you will certainly see many different species of tree, including Japanese larch and Canadian fir. Try to visit the priory dedicated to St Ortaire, and the attractive observation tower of Bonvouloir.
Forêt du Perche et de la Trappe

Glimpse the characteristic étangs (pools) through the trees from the D603, which bisects these neighbouring forests, usually regarded as one. A ramble here might turn into a mushroom hunt: the ferny floor is a breeding ground for ceps and chanterelles. Don’t miss Abbaye de la Trappe, home to Trappist monks.
Forêt du Perche et de la Trappe

Combine walking with mushrooming amidst woods and pools of water.
Forêt d’Eawy

Although the name “Eawy” (pronounced “Ee-a-vee”) means wet pasture, this is a glorious beech forest covering 72 sq km (28 sq miles) on a jagged outcrop. It was originally planted with oaks, which were subsequently cut down to build houses after the Hundred Years’ War. To see other species, follow the Chemin des Écoliers.
Forêt d’Eawy

Explore one of Normandy’s most beautiful beech forests by walking the Chemin des Écoliers.
Forêt d’Écouves

With its dense thickets of oak, beech and imported spruce and Scots pine covering the eastern end of the hills of BasseNormandie, at 140 sq km (54 sq miles), this is the region’s largest, wildest and arguably most beautiful forest. It supports a varied wildlife, including rare birds, deer and boar. Tucked away in Bois de Goult is a charming 11th-century chapel, frescoed with hunting scenes.
Forêt d’Eu

This forest of beeches and many more exotic trees covers three large plateaux: Triage Forêt d’Eu, Haute Forêt d’Eu and Basse Forêt d’Eu. Among the highlights are a spectacular view of the Yères Valley from Poteau de Ste-Cathérine, and a pair of intertwined oak and beech trees, known as the bonne entente (happy couple).
Forges-les-Eaux

Quiet and dignified, Forges-les-Eaux became a fashionable spa town after it was visited in 1633 by a regal threesome: Louis XIII, his queen, Anne of Austria, and Cardinal Richelieu. Today, the spa and casino, built in the 1950s, are run as a health and leisure complex by Club Med.
Forges-les-Eaux

An excellent farmers’ market is held on Thursday and Sunday mornings in the central square of this spa town on the Route du Fromage de Neufchâtel (see Étretat). Stalls offer a range of local produce: organic dairy products, eggs, smoked meat and fish, jam and the Pays de Bray cheeses including the famous Neufchâtel. On Thursday, there is a livestock market as well.
France et des Fuchsias, StVaast-la-Hougue

Perennially popular with yachtsmen and Cherbourg ferry passengers, this captivating little hotel puts its main emphasis on the restaurant, which serves marvellous seafood platters. The best bedrooms are in the annexe overlooking the delightful English-style garden.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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