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If you like seafood, you’ll love France et des Fuchsias.

The classical poet Malherbe (1555–1628) left his birthplace Caen to study in Paris, Basle and Heidelberg. He worked for Henri d’Angoulême (grand prieur of France and governor of Provence) for 10 years before returning home. Called to Court in 1605, he became the strict arbiter of French literary style.

French Connections arranges special-interest holidays in France, such as painting, walking, climbing, horse riding, and language tuition. The majority of their houses in Normandy are owned by private individuals. The website carries full descriptions and photographs of each property, and, where possible, provides links with the owner’s own website.

A strong cheese invented near Rouen and sold by a man whose name really was M Fromage (Mr Cheese).

Forty spectacular gardens.

Braque (1882–1963), who learned to paint while working for his decorator father in Le Havre, was initially attracted to the Fauve artists, but an encounter with Picasso transformed his style. In later years, he painted local landscapes and made stained glass in a studio in Varengeville.

With two Michelin stars, Gill is Normandy’s foremost gourmet establishment. In the elegant quayside dining room, the best of Norman produce is transformed into concoctions such as pigeon à la rouennaise avec ses raviolis de foie gras .

In the capital of Norman Vexin, a fine 13th- to 14th-century church keeps company with the castle William the Conqueror built to protect his borders.

If you can’t face a hotel, consider renting a house (see Self-catering Holidays).

The Fédération Nationale des Gîtes de France was set up in the 1950s to promote country holidays. Today, it has more than 2,000 classified properties in Normandy, mostly rural cottages, and should be the first stop for anyone planning a self-catering holiday.