Our inspiration was clear, we wanted to delve deeper into France’s history and how it intermingled with the British. The rolling countryside, and of course the charming French culture.

The Landscape - Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches and touring the La Route-du-Cidre
History & Culture – The ancient cities of Rouen and Caen, and Monet’s home at Giverny
The architecture – The magnificent UNESCO site of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Jumièges Abbey and the quaint timber-framed Normandy villages.
Food and Drink – The delicious galettes, cider and Calvados and regional delicacies.

Most of our European road trips start the same, and our Normandy road trip was no different. Booked on a 7:50 am shuttle, means leaving home at 6:30 am. All being well we’re hitting the A16 from Calais at 9:30 am after being mugged for an hour as we switch to Central European Time.

Therefore, in my mind, we hit the road at 9:30 – all points start from Calais.

We’ve already completed our road trip checklist, so fully fuelled & Werther’s on-board.

Our first leg stretch was at the coastal town of Hautot-sur-Mer famous for Monet paintings. On the beaches near where the Canadian forces landed during WWII.
 
Jump back in the car, continuing along the shoreline towards Fécamp via Saint-Valery-en-Caux. Saint-Valery-en-Caux looks like a delightful harbour town, one I will definitely make a note of for next time.

Arriving at Fécamp drive up to Cap view to the Chapel Notre-Dame-du-Salut and the lighthouse. The views all along the English Channel here are beautiful.
 
Then it’s onto our first stopover for the trip, and that’s Rouen.
 
After checking in to the Mercure Rouen Centre Champ de Mars, we stroll the 10 to 15-minute walk into town. We enjoy the rest of the evening getting our bearings around the attractive city of Rouen.
 
Rouen is an incredibly historic city to explore, we were looking forward to spending a full day discovering Rouen further.
 
Our total mileage for the day was around 201 miles (323km).

While based in Rouen, we wanted to make the most of the surrounding picturesque countryside and picture-postcard towns and villages.

Our first stop was for breakfast in the lovely village of Lyons-la-Forêt. We found a table in the market square. We savoured the relaxed French atmosphere by indulging in a patisserie and coffee. Watching the local residents buying their fruit and vegetables from the local traders beneath the ancient timbered covered market.

One last stop before heading back to Rouen for the evening is to the 7th-century open-air Jumièges Abbey. This also allowed us to jump on the Heurteauville car ferry across the River Seine.

Jumièges Abbey is incredible, during the 7th & 8th centuries this was a thriving monastery; however, the Vikings put pay to that.

As you enter through the striking façade, you are free to wander all amongst the ruins and crumbling gargoyles. Experience the tranquillity of the birds fluttering high above, weaving their way through the decaying windows and towers.

Rouen also witnessed the awful death of the Maid of Orléans. It was in Rouen in the early 15th century that Joan of Arc was captured and tried. She was burned at the stake at the age of 19 in 1431 by the British.

On a cheerier note, take a wander down the floral lane of Rue Eau de Robec. As a stream meanders through enjoy one of the many delightful restaurants.

It’s time to pick up the Route-du-Cidre and enjoy touring through the orchard lined lanes and lush countryside. The circular route is only 25 miles (40km) and takes in the beautiful scenery and some truly quaint timber-framed villages.
 
We stopped at Beuvron-en-Auge for a stroll around, which I can highly recommend, delightful restaurants, a charming market square and of course cider.

Then it’s onto our second stopover for the trip, and that’s Caen.
 
After checking in to the Hotel Restaurant Le Dauphin et Le Spa du Prieuré, we stroll a short distance to town. We enjoy the rest of the evening getting our bearings around the attractive city of Caen.
 
Caen is a lovely historic city to explore, we have a full list of places to discover during our full day in the town.

This is all prior to heading to the two abbeys, one for the ladies and one for the gentlemen. The striking Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey) was built in 1063 and houses William the Conqueror's tomb.
 
The Abbaye aux Dames (the Women’s Abbey) was built for William the Conqueror’s wife, Matilda of Flanders. William the Conqueror had both of the abbeys constructed to appease the pope, as William had married his own cousin, Mathilda of Flanders

An early rise and we’re off to visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah. Also, visit the British cemetery at Bayeux and the American cemetery.
 
We started our self-drive tour from East to West and grabbing breakfast en-route at a beachside café. Firstly, we visit Sword Beach, where the British landed. A touching memorial can be seen along the edge of the now peaceful beach.

Slightly to the west, we head to Juno Beach, which is where the Canadian forces landed. Also, the bunker stormed by Lt Cosy.
 
Our next visit was to Gold Beach, where there was another large British military presence. The view from the cliffs over Arromanches-les-Bains is staggering. You can still clearly see the Mulberry Harbour in the bay below.

Another reasonably early start as Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a fair distance from Caen. It’s around 78 miles (130km) and depending on traffic may take about 1-hour 30/40 minutes, and it gets very busy when you arrive.
 
Le Mont-Saint-Michel is justifiably a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you first witness its magnificence, you’ll be stopped in your tracks. It’s inconceivable that construction of this Benedictine Abbey began on this ancient outcrop in the 11th-century.

When you arrive, you’ll be directed to the ‘Park and Ride’ or ‘Park and Horse and Cart’, the choice is yours, the horse option you have to pay for. Mont-Saint-Michel does get busy, so try and arrive as early as possible.

However, it is a spectacular place to visit. We headed up to the ramparts and strolled around. It is quieter, and the views across the bay are stunning.

Arriving back at Caen late afternoon, we spent the rest of the day relaxing around the city.

Day eight and we’re off to Alençon in the far south of Normandy.

However, we are not driving directly to Alençon, we’re going to pick up segments of the Suisse Normande route as we journey south.

Alençon is full of fascinating history and some incredible architecture. The ancient Le Château des Ducs was invaded by William the Conqueror and used by the Gestapo during WWII for horrific crimes.
 
There’s an impressive Gothic Cathedral in the old town, surrounded by charming timbered dwellings. A neoclassical Palais de Justice and 18th-century L’Hôtel de Ville, with a beautiful, curved façade.

And yes, I know, Le Mans is not in Normandy; it is the Pays de la Loire region of France. However, we weren’t too far away, and it was nostalgia for Gary. Le Mans 24-hour race is located on public roads as well as the main circuit, so we able to drive part of the course and Gary giving a running commentary.
 
Time waits for no man, so we were heading back to the north of Normandy, Honfleur to be exact, for our last night in France.
 
Honfleur is a stunning harbour town, full of charm beautiful buildings and a lovely nautical feel. With locals and visitors alike coming and going in their yachts.

Our last day in France, we were up early as there were a few stops we wanted to make, especially as we had lost 3 hours on our journey from Calais.
 
First stop was the seaside town of Trouville-sur-Mer with its charming beachside boardwalk, and elegant villas and glitzy casino.

Also famed by artists Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, who painted stylish scenes of 19th-century wealthy folk promenading in their finery.
 
Journeyed on to the bustling coastal town of Étretat and strolled down to the seafront to see the spectacular sight of Falaise d'Aval. The magnificent white arch creeping into the sea from the cliff-face.

One last stop before Calais and that was to Fécamp. We sat by the marina, grabbed a filled baguette from a local boulangerie and soaked up the last of the glorious Normandy sunshine, before heading home.
 
All in all, it was a stunning trip with so many incredible memories. I can’t wait to start planning a road trip for Brittany.