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Occupying land in the northeast formed by a geological fault known as the boutonnière (buttonhole), Normandy’s least populated area contains the Béthune, Andelle and Epte Rivers, and rich pasture perfect for dairy farming.

South of the striking white cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre, and bordered by the fertile Seine and Bresle Valleys, this immense chalky plateau provides wonderfully rich soil for arable farmland. You can catch glimpses of the half-timbered buildings and apple orchards of the farmsteads through their massive stone gateways.

When most people think of Normandy, they picture apple orchards, manor houses, rolling hills, hedgerows, meadows where brown and white cows graze, timbered farmhouses. This “typical Normandy” is the Pays d’Auge, the rural hinterland to the glamorous Côte Fleurie, and home to cider, Calvados and some of France’s most famous cheeses, including Camembert. It is also home to Ste Thérèse of Lisieux, a long tradition of horse breeding, and a type of rice pudding called teurgoule .

Rolling pastures, pretty villages, and plenty of stops for cheese and cider.

As you journey from north to south, the landscape changes from the heavily wooded Eure to the lush, green countryside of the Orne. Spanning both, the Pays d’Ouche is blessed with abundant water. Streams, rivers and lakes make it something of a paradise for anglers.

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.

Follow the GR23 along the Seine’s south bank and into the Forêt de Brotonne.

This pastoral valley makes gentle walking country. Finish at St-Vaast-la-Hougue or at Barfleur.

Normandy is wonderful walking country. Official footpaths (marked by red-and-white posts) criss-cross the region, while the National Hiking Trails (Grandes Randonnées, or GR) provide spectacular long-distance routes. These include the GR23 (Seine and Forêt de Brotonne), GR223 (Cotentin Peninsula coast), and GR221 (Suisse Normande).

Follow the river Cance, in an Alpine landscape.