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.

Manoir du Lys, Bagnolesde-l’Orne

This typically Norman hunting lodge is blessed with a renowned chef who marries modern with traditional (see Manoir du Lys, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne).
Manoir d’Ango

A glorious Italian Renaissance manor, built for polymath Jehan Ango in the early 16th century.
Marcel Proust

Proust was born in Paris in 1871 and died there in 1922. His A la recherche du temps perdu is permeated by memories of Normandy – perhaps most notably the Grand Hôtel at Cabourg, which he renamed Balbec.
Marmite Dieppoise

This hearty fish stew was originally concocted in Dieppe as a way of using up the many different types of fish, as well as shrimps and mussels, that were readily available. Like teurgoule , it is lightly flavoured with spices.
Matilda

Whilst abroad, William left Normandy in the hands of his wife Matilda (c.1031–83).
Memorial Pegasus

Museum and memorial to the allied troops who landed at Raneville-Benouville on 6 June 1944 and liberated the Pegasus Bridge permitting the assault onward to Caen.
Mercure, Trouville

With 80 bedrooms and an outdoor terrace, this popular hotel is a good choice in the heart of this happy-go-lucky resort.
Michelet, Granville

Near the atmospheric old town, this plain, friendly hotel is close to shops, restaurants and casino.
Miel Charozé, La Vacquerie

The art of beekeeping is explained at this lovely, isolated farm, whose shop sells wonderful honey and a huge variety of honey-based products.
Mini-train des Marais

A seven-minute ride on this charming miniature railway takes you through the green marshlands of the Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin.

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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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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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