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.

L’Aigle d’Or, Pont-l’Evêque

The lunchtime menu de terroir is a bargain at this snug, characterful inn, bristling with beams inside and out.
L’Armada, Rouen

In late June/early July every four or five years, Rouen hosts a fleet of tall ships and battleships from across the globe. The city and its environs buzz with festivities and fireworks displays for eight lively days and nights, culminating in a colourful parade of boats down the Seine. The most recent Armada took place in 2003.
L’Attelage des Grandes Marées, Gouville-sur-Mer

In remembrance of the olden days, here you can visit an oyster park at low tide by horse-drawn carriage.
L’Etape Louis XIII, Beaumesnil

This delightful former presbytery has a convivial atmosphere and well-regarded food.
Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert)

Set near the author’s native Rouen, this classic ruffled contemporary feathers.
Maison du Lin, Routot

Learn about the history and production of linen at this captivating museum, then treat yourself to some new napkins or a tea towel from the tempting shop.
Manoir de Dur-Ecu

This lovely ancestral manor house hides a delightful surprise for children: a maize maze, designed by English maze-maker Adrian Fisher.
Manoir du Butin, Honfleur

Most of the good-sized rooms in this small, relaxed manor – round the side of a hill, minutes away from the hurly-burly of Honfleur – look out over the Seine estuary. Each room is styled individually, and residents have first call on the attractive restaurant downstairs.
Manoir du Lys, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne

A stylish and well-appointed former hunting lodge, with two pools (one indoor), a talented chef, and a smart dining room (with fair-weather terrace). A huge log fire warms the bar in winter.
Manoir du Lys, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne

Franck Quinton’s superb cooking is rooted in local tradition but respects contemporary trends. He loves cooking with truffles and mushrooms, and organizes popular “mushroom weekends”. In summer, you can dine outside; in winter, take a digestif in the cosy salon.

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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
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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
- over €250