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.

Verneuil-sur-Avre

Chequered walls and turrets catch the eye in this fortified town on the old Franco-Norman border, as do the 13th-century Tour Grise and the striking tower of Ste-Madeleine (see Notre-Dame, Verneuil-sur-Avre).
Vernon

This smart residential town includes a former mill straddling two piers of a medieval bridge, the tiered Maison du Temps Jadis and the Tour des Archives, a castle keep (see Notre-Dame, Vernon).
Verte Campagne, Trelly

Although recently modernized, this ivy-festooned 16th-century Norman farmhouse in a peaceful hamlet retains its charming beams and bare stone walls. If the thoughtful, well-presented menus downstairs tempt you to stay overnight, the bedrooms are very comfortable.
Verte Campagne, Trelly

Elegantly rustic on the inside, this old, ivy-covered farmhouse offers well-prepared dishes spread over a wide enough range of menus to suit most pockets.
Veules-les-Roses

In its own valley, at the mouth of the shortest river in France, this pretty village clusters round its 12th-century church.
VFB Holidays

A UK-based tour operator of more than 30 years standing, VFB pioneered the rental of French gîtes in Britain. They also offer cross-channel travel deals.
View from the Port of Dieppe (Pissarro)

Painted in 1902. Displayed in the Château-Musée de Dieppe.
View of the Coast of Normandy (Richard Bonnington)

Painted in 1823. Exhibited at the Louvre, Paris.
Village Enchanté

A miniature train whisks you around the stunning park that forms the setting for this fantasy village. Enchanted waterfalls, a valley of fairy tales, and puppet shows are aimed at the under-12s.
Villedieu-les-Poêles

For 800 years, this pretty little town – in every nook and cranny of which there are copper pots and pans for sale – has been the capital of copper (see Copper). In the Atelier de Cuivre, you can see the craftsmen at work, while the atmospheric Fonderie des Cloches gives a fascinating insight into the making of bells (clay, horse dung and goat hair are some unlikely components). Another local craft, lacemaking, is explained at the Musée de la Poeslerie.

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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.
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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €60
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