Normandy Places Of Interest

Alencon is a market town famous for its lace making in 17th & 18th centuries.

Visit the Musee de la Dentelle to see examples of 17th century lace work.

Also visit the Musee des Beaux Arts which shows the history of the lace industry along with a collection of paintings.

The Eglise de Notre Dame is a must see as the stonework on the facade resembles lace.

Argentan played a signficant role at the end of the Battle of Normandy, which is commemorated by the Memorial de Montormel. The town is also know for its lace making and horse racing / breeding

Not far from Mont St Michel and overlooking the bay there are several places to visit including the manuscripts of Mont St Michel Abbey at the Town Hall. There are gardens and a Museum. Every July there is also the Music in the Bay festival.

Bagnoles de L Orne attracts plenty of visitors to its Thermal Spa, Lake, Casino, Church, Chateau and Park, or you could simply walk though the streets admiring the lovely town houses and do some shopping.

Bayeux is of course home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Apart from this there is the General de Gaulle Museum, The Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum, The British Cemetery, shopping and lots more.

One of the greatest attractions here is the chateau which shows fine examples of Louis XIII style 17th century architecture. If you prefer something a little different why not visit the Ostriches Park (Eur Autruche) and interact with live Ostriches or meet the new borns in mid may.

Caen the lively, cultured capital of Normandy. There is Chateau Ducal, home to William the Conqueror which dominates the town and Musee des Beaux Arts which is in the castle walls. There are also two abbeys - Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames. an Art Museum, the Memorial Peace Museum and the Botanical Gardens. There are also extensive shopping malls / department stores. Ouistreham is the port of Caen which most visitors come to when visiting Normandy

Camembert world famous because of its cheese. The cheese was first made around 1790 by Marie Harel and some nearby farms still use her original method.

Originally a little fishing village, Cherbourg developed into the historic port by Vauban. It is the first place many visitors see on arriving in France. Visit La Cite de la Mer and wonder at all the fish or recall the events leading to Cherbourgs liberation on 27th June 1944 at the Musee de la Liberation. Along with sightseeing and shopping there is plenty to do.

On June 6th 1944 France was invaded by British, American, Canadian and Commonwealth troops resulting in the liberation from the Nazis occupation. The Allied Landings on the beaches and the intense Battle of Normandy that followed is commemorated through museums, memorials and cemeteries.

We can offer Normandy Battlefield tours with an English speaking guide. Please see our Normandy Private tours page for more information

Deauville developed into a seaside resort in 1860, and after the World War I became a popular holiday destination, particularly for the rich and famous.

It has two marinas, a casino, smart hotels and restaurant. The famous Planches boardwalk were built in 1923 and in 1931 an airport was built which gives the city its international status.

In September every year Deauville hosts its international film festival to rival Cannes

Dieppe a seaside resort and cross channel port is full of restaurants serving delicious food but in particular seafood. On the cultural side there is the Chateau Museum with its collection of ivory carvings on which much of Dieppe’s early wealth was built.

The medieval town of Domfront dates back to the 11th century. It is steeped in history and there are wonders at every turn, from the castle ruins, half timbered houses and the church. You can stroll along the cobbled streets exploring the secret courtyards, bars, and gourment restaurants, or travel a little further down the hill to the Notre Dame Quarter and visit the local Calvados distillery, where you can try and visit the distillery.

Our B&B accommodation in Domfront is ideally located for exploring most of the sites of Normandy; Le Mont St Michel, Bayeux, D Day Beaches, Granville, Paris for a day trip and many more. It makes a great place to stay for a holiday in Normandy, short break or if travelling further south an ideal over night stop.

Cycling is very popular in France and the best way to take in the Norman countryside. In Orne old railway lines and towpaths have been turned into cycle paths. Domfront has many routes to explore. Just stop at one of the many cycle / walking maps and choose your routes.

Mountain Biking is great way to explore the natural terrain. The Perche has marked trails at various levels. Maps can be obtained form the tourist information office in Domfront.

Golfers are spoilt for choice in Normandy. Domfront has two golf courses near by.

Bagnoles de L’Orne has a golf course which was built in 1925 and is situated in the middle of the Andaine forest. It is a physical course that dominates in the “doe-ford” glade. A river meanders through the forest and often borders the fairways. A pretty flat nine-hole course open all year round, it is nevertheless not easy to score. The total length of this nine-hole course is 2401m for a total par of 66 and a FFG slope rate of 120 from the back tees which is normal, the river is present on 7 holes, several out of bounds and there is not one par 5 to relax. The stags and deer that come and eat the roughs could also distract you. Luckily the excellent greens will bring you back to the reality of the game. There is a restaurant and Pro shop. Covered driving range, practice bunker and putting.

Flers Le Houlme Set in the village of La Salle la Forge near Flers, this nine hole golf course is a joy to play on.

Normandy has many equestrian centres, especially in the Orne area near to Domfront. It is a charming way to explore Normandy whether with a riding tour or horse drawn wagon. Le Village du Cheval in St Michel des Andaines near Domfront offers a wide variety of activities including afternoon rides.

Travel  a little further and visit Haras du Pin which is by the far the most exceptional breeding estate in Normandy, if not France

Walking and rambling is a great way to explore Normandy. Domfront has many routes and makes a great base to explore lower Normandy.

Etretat is famous for its two famous chalk headlands, the Falaises d Aval and d Amont, its clifftop walks and its recreational Parc de Loisirs des Roches, It is an inviting resort town with many visitors every year.

Falaise is ovelooked by its fortress, Chateau Guillaume le Conqueror the birthplace of William the Conqueror in 1027. Today the castle is an amazing museum with a great audio guided tour. Also worth a visit are Musee Aout 1944 and Automates Avenue.

Fecamp is half between Dieppe and Le Havre and is a very serious fishing port with an attractive seafront promenade.

It has also a pilgrimage centre since the 1st century, when it is said that a casket containing precious drops of Jesus' blood was washed ashore. An abbey was promptly built to house the holy relic.  Unfortunately it is a ruin today. Then in the 12th century the Abbatiale de la Trinite was built. A must see on any trip.

Fecamp is also known for Benedictine, first made in 1863 from an old monastic receipe.  It is still distilled at the Palais Benedictine where you can taste and buy.

Fougeres is in Brittany, not too far from the Normandy border and is well worth a visit. Fougeres boast the largest medieval castle in Europe in addition to the other historic monuments and gardens in its vicinity.

Giverny is where Claude Monet lived for more than 40 years. Visit the house and garden that he created.There are many highlights especially the House itself, the Water Garden and Japanese Bridge as seen in his paintings.

Also visit the Musee d Art Americain which is a foundation dedicated to Givernys American Painters.

Granvile is a town of 2 halves. The Upper Town is enclosed by the castle ramparts whilst the other is a lively seaside resort with exceptionally good food, a sailing centre and commercial fishing port.

Whilst in Granville visit the childhood home of Christian Dior which now is a museum dedicated to him, the Thalasso therapy centre, the Aquarium du Roc (which is dedicated to shells), the beach and marina or the casino.

There are many interesting things to see in Honfleur. Wander through the cobbled streets and visit the Vieux Bassin with its boats, quays and signature buildings: the tall, narrow, slate- fronted waterside houses. Today you can still by your fish directly from the men and their wives directly from their boats.

The church of Ste- Catherine which was built by local ships carpenters, entirely from wood (except for the foundations), to celebrate the departure of the English after the Hundred Years War. The church stands apart from its massive oak belfry, which is now a part of the Eugäne-Boudin museum.

Honfleur is one of those places you never tire of visiting

The city of Le Havre was severely bombed during the Second World War and most of its historic buildings were destroyed except for a few. The 16th century Cathedrale Notre Dame is well worth a visit.

Le Havre was rebuilt by Auguste Perret and his team from 1945 to 1964. The town now combines a reflection of the past but with very modern twist. It is an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture. Le Havre was given its World Heritage status in 2005 and is more than a city, its a site to be discovered with its beach, marina, museums, good restaurants, parks & gardens and Water Sports. Also you must visit The Malraux Museum which holds France's most important collection of impressionist masterpieces after the Orsay Museum in Paris

2008 celebrates the special double jubilee of Mère Poulards 120th anniversary and Mont Saint Michels 1300th anniversary.

Mont Saint Michel, a Marvel of the Western World, was founded 1300 years ago when the Archangel Saint Michael appeared at the summit of a rocky islet pounded by the worlds strongest tides and called for a sanctuary to be built to the glory of God. For over 1000 years, the peoples faith and skills were applied to create the pinnacle of medieval architecture.

On this unique site, classified as a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage sit in 1979, Mère Poulard, the famous chef, founded her inn in 1888 and there created her famous recipes, renowned in France and the world over.

Today over 3 million people visit Mont Saint Michel to see the Abbey, Ramparts, walk along the Grand Rue and attend Mass.

Two of the most wonderful things to do is to take a night time tour of the Abbey (July & August only) or take part in the Pilgrimage across the shore which is on Saturday 26th July 2008.

Rouen is steeped in history and a centre for  industry and commerce; it is also the fifth largest port in France.  William the Conqueror died here in 1087 and in 1431 it was the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake in the Place du Vieux-Marché (the Old Marketplace); the position is still marked by a huge bronze cross.

Allied bombing largely destroyed the city; all of its bridges and many of its great churches were ruined, however substantial investment has been focused on restoring parts of the city to its former medieval glory.

The great Cathédrale Notre-Dame, immortalised by Monet, remained fairly unscathed and is well worth a visit for its wonderful stonework. Especially interesting is the Chapelle de la Vierge, where the heart of Richard the Lion-Heart is entombed as a token of his affection for the people of Rouen.

The chapel also contains the Renaissance tombs of the cardinals d Amboise.

There is no shortage of attractions in Rouen; dozens of churches and some fine museums can be explored including the Musée des Beaux-Art, which is one of Frances best provincial museums and includes the works of great French artists such as Veronese, Velasquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, Poussin, Fragonard, and Monet

St Fraimbault is a true village fleurie and has won Frances annual floral village competition many times. 100,000 visitors swamp the village every year as villagers try to out do each others displays.

In the summer months rowing boats and pedalos may be hired at the lake.

Whilst there you must visit the only restaurant in the village, Papillon and enjoy the wonderful food. Every year on August 15th the village holds its annual fair, which is a wonderful day out for all the family

Vernon, on the banks of the Seine, makes a good base from which to explore both Les Andelys and Giverny. Vernon can trace its history back to Rollo, first Duke of Normandy in the 9th century and is the closest town to Paris. There are many sites to visit and wonder at the architecture of the Collegiat Church Nore-Dame, the Archives Tower and Tourelles Castle.

For nearly 900 years Villedieu les Poelles has been the capital of copper. It has a numbe of different workshops. A must see is the Atelier de Cuivre where you can see the craftsmen at work and the Fonderie des Cloches gives an insight into the making of bells. Its also a great place to let the children have a go and ring a few bells.