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.

Rouen

Founded by the Romans around 50 BC, the capital of Haute-Normandie occupied a strategic site on the Seine – the last point where the river could be bridged. From the end of the Hundred Years’ War, when the French retook the city from the English, Rouen prospered through textile production and maritime trade. In the 20th century, industry expanded on the south bank. The north bank’s many treasures – including streets of half-timbered houses and the magnificent cathedral – attract thousands of visitors every year (see Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Rouen).
Rouen Cathedral

It took nearly 400 years to build this splendid monument to the Gothic style, from the beautifully harmonious nave to the ornately carved west front (see Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Rouen).
Rouen Cathedral Series (Monet)

Painted between 1891 and 1895. One is displayed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, others in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.
Rouen Faïence

Faïence (earthenware with a white tin glaze that can then be decorated) was introduced to Rouen by Masséot Abaquesne in the mid-16th century. It flowered into a fine art, before ceasing in the 1780s with the advent of imported chinaware. Beautiful examples can be seen in the Musée de la Céramique in Rouen, and modern copies are on sale all over town (see Faïencerie Augy, Rouen).
Royal Barrière, Deauville

With its grand hall dressed strikingly in red, its glamorous panelled restaurant, and its outdoor swimming pool and terrace, the Royal is the perfect Deauville hotel for anyone who wishes to see and be seen. Discreet, no; flashy and fun, yes.
Samuel de Champlain

Explorer de Champlain (1567–1635) set out from Honfleur to found Quebec.
Sand Yachting and Watersports

Normandy’s broad, sandy beaches lend themselves perfectly to sand yachting (char à voile ), particularly at Omaha Beach and along the west coast of the Cotentin Peninsula (there are large centres at Vauville and Portbail). You will also find windsurfing on offer, and something called “kitesurfing” (imagine snowboarding on water, wearing a harness with a kite attached). Sailors can choose from the 100 sailing schools and clubs along the coastline.
Sauver Chocolat, Le Havre

Latest venture of the Auzou family, chocolatiers since 1961, this irresistible shop is a chocoholic’s paradise.
Sea Trips

Cruise on a traditional ship (Les Vieux Gréements) under full sail, visit the fortifications in Cherbourg harbour, or take the Jolie France from Granville for a picnic day on Chausey’s Grand-Île.
Sées

A bishopric since the 4th century, Sées has its fair share of religious buildings: a Gothic cathedral with a very fine interior, a former Bishop’s Palace and an abbey.

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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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