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.
Why not Pin it for later?
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
D-Day Landing Beaches
Visiting the historic beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno & Sword and the touching cemeteries, holds so many poignant memories.
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.
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.
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, 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 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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