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.

Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen

Monet’s study of Rouen Cathedral and Corot’s fine Quayside Trade in Rouen are among the highlights of this important art museum, strong on Old Masters as well as the Impressionists.
Musée du Chemin de Fer Miniature

One of Europe’s largest model railways.
Musée du Mobilier Miniature, Vendeuvre

Unique in its extent and quality, this extraordinary collection of miniature furniture is housed in the orangery of Château de Vendeuvre. The exquisite pieces – which include objets such as cutlery, porcelain, paintings and chess sets – date from the 16th to 19th centuries, and are fascinating for their meticulous detail and craftsmanship.
Musée d’Art Américain, Giverny

Now the venue for exhibitions, workshops, courses and concerts, this cultural outpost was first established to bring back works by Americans artists who painted in Giverny at the turn of the 19th century (see Giverny Paintings).
Musée Eugène Boudin, Honfleur

Honfleur’s rich artistic heritage is celebrated in this appealing museum, which includes works by Boudin himself, as well as by Monet.
Musée Malraux, Le Havre

This innovative building of glass and metal, offering views of the port through a monumental concrete sculpture known as “The Eye”, is filled with light. Inside, the galleries are linked by gangways. There are fine collections by Raoul Dufy and Eugène Boudin.
Musique en Baie, Avranches

Avranches’ “Music in the Bay” festival stages concerts by established performers, as well as running courses for novice musicians and choristers.
Natur’Aquarium de Trouville

Trouville’s famous beachside aquarium has an ecological bias, with recreated habitats such as mangrove swamps and rainforests.
Neufchâtel

Dating back to the 10th century, this creamy cheese comes as a heart, or in one of five other shapes.
Nez de Jobourg

The desolate Baie d’Ecalgrain sweeps round to this impressive promontory. From here, the road to Vauville is dominated by the huge Usine Atomique de la Hague nuclear power station.