traveldk.com

Embroidered in 1077, this much-loved treasure unfolds, with astonishing detail, clarity and drama, the story of Duke William’s conquest of England. The galleries leading up to the tapestry bring the historical background vividly to life. The cloth itself – all 70 m (230 ft) of it – is displayed behind glass.

A moving and contemplative museum of remembrance, the Mémorial takes the visitor on a journey through the causes and consequences of World War II and the ensuing Cold War, using a host of interactive and audio-visual techniques, as well as fascinating archive footage. A recent extension to the museum acts as a place of reflection on peace and the means of achieving it.

This new attraction, which creates an enthralling “subaquatic sensation”, has proved extremely popular, so in high season it’s advisable to arrive as early in the day as possible. The former maritime station is now home to Europe’s deepest aquarium. An added attraction is Le Redoutable, the first visitable French nuclear-powered submarine (built at Cherbourg). All of this introduces the visitor to the wonders of the underwater world, and to human adventures and achievements there. Allow three hours for your visit.

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).

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.

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

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.

Standing within the walls of William the Conqueror’s hilltop château, Caen’s fine art collection is housed in a well-lit contemporary building. French, Italian, Flemish and Dutch paintings, chronologically arranged from the 15th to the 20th centuries, present a coherent survey of the history of painting. Perugino’s The Marriage of the Virgin is a highlight.

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.

In 1665, lacemakers in Alençon were given the challenge of creating lace equal in quality and popular appeal to that of Venice. They succeeded, coming up with a new and better technique, which made Alençon lace supreme until demand dropped in the 20th century. The story is told here, along with exquisite and intricate examples of the craft.