by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:13th February 2018

History, cider, crepes & art, what more could you want?

Who could resist a road trip around Normandy, well we certainly couldn’t.

Normandy was a region of France that we hadn’t really toured around much previously; we’d often headed south to visit the sun-kissed regions of Provence & Cote d’Azur or east to Champagne and Alsace.

This time we wanted to discover more about our close neighbours and the history that links us.

Normandy was a region of France that we hadn’t really toured around much previously; we’d often headed south to visit the sun-kissed regions of Provence & Cote d’Azur or east to Champagne and Alsace.

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This time we wanted to discover more about our close neighbours and the history that links us.

Our Memories

These consist of Our Highlights, Our Pleasures, Our Treasures, Things we would do differently, A funny moment, Our Disappointments & and other Points of Note. You can click on a title to jump to that section and then click on that headline to return here

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D-Day Landing Beaches

Visiting the historic beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno & Sword and the touching cemeteries, holds so many poignant memories.
The shoreline and bay of Arromanches from on high. You can view, both on the beach, and out to sea, the remains of the 'temporary' mulberry harbour constructed for the D-Day landings.
The bay at Arromanches

The Mulberry harbour at Arromanches-Les-Bains is particularly incredible.

There's more in our post - The D-Day Landing Beaches, Normandy, France


Le Mont-Saint-Michel

This is one of France’s most visited sights, and it’s not surprising.
A shot of the wide, paved, causeway to the island of Mont-Saint-Michel , Normandy
The causeway to Mont-Saint-Michel

When the rocky outcrop first comes into your view it is astonishing, it hard to believe how the abbey was ever built.

Take a Medieval stroll along the lanes and the ramparts for free.

Why not check out - Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France


Rouen

This city is steeped in so much history, taking pride of place is the Gothic Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1063 in the presence of William the Conqueror.
Rouens famous Gros-Horloge. An ornate, gold-trimmed, clock mounted above an arch in one of the old town's thoroughfares next to a stone belfry.
Gros-Horloge, Rouen

This city is also where Maid of Orléans (Joan of Arc), came to her untimely death. We found some lovely local restaurants here.

Our post 'Amongst the historical lanes of Rouen, France' has more details on our stay.


Beuvron-en-Auge

While we were driving the ‘Route de Cidre’ through the Normandy countryside, we came to the quaint village of Beuvron-en-Auge
The high street in Beuvron-en-Auge with half-timbered homes, shuttered windows and tables & chairs outside a café
The high street, Beuvron-en-Auge

Having a wander amongst the half-timbered buildings and lanes was like stepping back in time.

There's more in our post - Beuvron-en-Auge, Normandy, France


We love visiting France and each region so different from one another. I find the DK Eyewitness Guides really helpful in planning a trip and so often find interesting little snippets of info.

Take a peek at this revised Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide and see what you can discover.


Caen

The colourful city of Caen has a bit of everything, a harbour, pleasant relaxing squares, ‘his’ and ‘hers’ abbeys and of course a castle!
An illuminated Caen town hall alongside L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes under a pale blue and purple sky at dusk.
Caen Town Hall at dusk

What more could you want, oh yes and some rather lovely bistros?

There's more on all things Caen, check out 'The Core of Calvados, Caen, France'


Jumièges Abbey

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The huge scale of Jumieges Abbey

It was fantastic with its imposing towers and birds soaring through the broken windows; it made it quite atmospheric just wandering around on your own.

There's more in our post - 'The ruins of Jumièges Abbey, Normandy, France'


Planning your Normandy road trip

You have various options when visiting Normandy if you’re travelling from the UK. Firstly, you can jump in your car and hop on Le Shuttle and head south, this is our preferred option.

Alternatively, if you are flying in, head into Paris Charles de Gaulle or Paris Orly Airports, it's an easy two hour drive to Rouen. This is also a great option for travellers visiting from further afield. Why not give Rental Cars a go, as they search multiple well-known car hire brands for the best deals.

Route de Cidre

If you are also planning a road trip around Normandy, this is one to add to your list.
The main route through Beuvron-en-Auge, on Normandy's Route de Cidre, with half-timbered houses lining one side.
Along the high street, Beuvron-en-Auge
As the 40km (25-mile) scenic route winds you through some lovely rural lanes and villages, where you can buy a bottle the local tipple to try once your car is parked up at the end of the day.

Giverny

If you are a fan of Monet like me, you may already know of the French impressionist's colourful home in Giverny.
The view across the lily pond to a green footbridge in the distance in Claude Monet's gardens in Giverny, Normandy
Across the lily pond at Giverny

Not only can you wander around his family home and walled garden it is also where he painted his iconic lily pond masterpieces.

Why not check out our post - 'Monet’s Giverny, France'



Cider & crepes

Well what a combination.
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Cidre de Normandy

You’d struggle to better the experience of sitting at Honfleur’s harbour front enjoying the crêpe of your choice, washed down with a glass of sparkling cold cider.

Would you like to read more about - 'The call of Honfleur, France'?



Oeuf Cocotte

On this journey I discover this simplest of egg dishes. Whilst struggling to find a starter that appealed, Gary suggested I try an oeuf cocotte with bacon and red wine. It was delicious, which begs the question why hadn't Gary suggested this before?

Étretat

The unforgiving white cliffs at Étretat, do draw a few crowds, so parking may be tricky in town.
A beach view of Étretat's shoreline, including its white cliffs and legendary arch formation.
The cliffs at Étretat
However, you can see why artists have been flocking here over the decades, as it is a beautiful view and worth the visit.


Alençon

Perhaps not prominent on the tourist map, but that was part of its appeal.
A tiny little chapel built next to the home of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux in the centre of Alençon, Normandy
Maison Natale de Sainte Thérèse, Alençon

Along with its impressive cathedral, Le Chateau des Ducs which was used by the Gestapo and a Hogwarts styled library, hidden behind the walls of a 17th-century Baroque church. To top it off it had some very reasonably priced bistros.

There's more in our post - 'The making of a Saint, Alençon, France'


Where to stay in Normandy

For our Normandy road trip, we picked the four following locations, Rouen, Caen, Alençon and Honfleur. Each hotel was picked for location and the ability to park our car onsite or nearby.
Mercure Rouen Centre Champ de Mars

The hotel’s location is about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the heart of the old town, an ideal place for discovering Rouen as its surrounding towns & villages.

If you are driving, this hotel has a chargeable underground car park with direct access to the hotel. We had no problem parking here for the 3 nights, and ideal if you have a larger vehicle.


ibis Alençon

The location of the hotel is only about a 5-minute walk to the old town and is relatively central overall and comfortable.

There is on-street chargeable parking in front of the hotel. The charge is fairly reasonable & you only pay from 9am to 12 & 2pm until 5pm.


Hotel Restaurant Le Dauphin et Le Spa du Prieuré

The Hotel Restaurant Le Dauphin et Le Spa du Prieuré in Caen is reasonably central and just a short stroll across to the charming Place Saint-Sauveur.

If you are driving, this hotel has free onsite parking, although the spaces are limited.


Hotel La Diligence

We chose Hotel La Diligence for its close proximity to the town and harbour, and onsite parking.

The parking at the hotel is on a first-come, first-served basis, which you may have to be lucky with your timing; however, the spaces are a reasonable size.


For your road trip, you may want to pick different destinations.  There are a few alternatives listed throughout this post and the others listed.

Why not check out what Booking.com has to off in your ideal locations?

Booking.com

Rouen Cathedral Light Show

This is certainly a memory that will remain with us. It may appear a simple concept.

However, the free light display of Rouen’s ancient history projected across the front of the cathedral was impressive. The show lasted around 15 minutes and charted through sight and sound the lives of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc.


Discovering little villages

We came across Lyons-la-Forêt while we were touring, and couldn’t resist pulling up and enjoying some petit déjeuner.
A street scene from the little Normandy village of Lyons-la-Forêt. People are sitting at tables and chairs outside the cafes in this quaint slide of French life.
Lyons-la-Forêt - a perfect place for breakfast

History

As with any place Gary & I visit, we are always in search of the local history and this region of France has so much of it.
A stone monument in front of the now relocated Pegasus Bridge in Normandy.
Pegasus Bridge - just outside Caen
I found that the museum at Pegasus Bridge was indeed worth a visit, the incredibly touching military stories are not for the faint-hearted.

Stay Longer

I know it’s a cliché, but we love France.

And again...

Seeing Gary’s face when I drag him around another cemetery.
A field of headstones in the Normandy American Cemetery. The cross of Frank D Peregory is decorated with a gold star and Medal of Honor inscription.
The American Cemetery and Memorial

Honfleur

The disappointment was that we had visited Honfleur 10 years previously, and I wanted to match those memories.
The old merchant houses that line the sides of Honfleur's harbour that are now home to bars, cafes & restaurants.
The harbour at Honfleur

Rouen’s Cathedral Light Show

Only takes place during the summer months, so check the timings here.

Have You?

Visited Normandy? Does our reminiscing bring back any memories for you? What’s your favourite place in France?

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