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.

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

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

Please contact us for more information on your D Day Tours in NOrmandy, Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

D Day 65th Anniversary - 6th June 2009

Open Air Mass, Remembrance Ceremony, Veterans Parade, Normandy Veterans Association Parade

Although the Allies did not actually land in Arromanches on June 6th, 1944, the town was liberated that very day. For Arromanches was a highly strategic position. This seaside resort had been chosen by the Allies in 1944 as the location of an artificial harbour which would be used to keep the troops in Normandy supplied with equipment, weapons and ammunition.

The enigmatic shapes which rise out of the sea today, opposite Arromanches, are the actual remnants of Mulberry Harbour B, which helped to ensure the success of the Normandy Campaign and guaranteed Arromanches a place in the history books.

To gain a clearer understanding of how this pivotal event in World War II unfolded, visit our museums, cemeteries, Landing Beaches, viewpoints and historic landmarks.

Visit the Arromanches 360 degress Museum and Arromanches D Day Museum

Avranches, 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.

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

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.

Every year enjoy the music, culinerary and wine events.

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour

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.

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion with   English speaking driver / guide 

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.

www.memorial-caen.fr/fr/circuit_tour/index.php?lang=EN

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour throughout Normandy and the surrounding area

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.

http://www.camembert-aoc.org/

Please contact us for more information on your D Day Tour, Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

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.

Please contact us for more information on your D Day Tour, Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

D Day 65th Anniversary - 6th June 2009

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 D Day Tours Page or Shore Excursions Page for more information.

For your private D Day Tour, Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion please contact us

Deauville Sailing Week - 4th - 7th June 2009

For its fourth edition from 4th to 7th June 2009, Normandy’s grand marine meet is reinforcing its sports dynamic by playing host to the most competitive series in crewed sailing, which have once again put their trust in the event’s organisation

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

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour or Shore excursion to Deauville and the surrounding Normandy area  

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.

DOMFRONT MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL - 1st & 2nd  August 2009 - Book your accommodation now for this bi-annual event

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.

Please contact us for more information on your accommodation requirements, D Day Tour, Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

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.

Also make a day of it play a round of golf and visit a historical site. Visit the famous golf courses at Omaha Beach and Deauville.

Please contact us for more information on your accommodation in Normandy, visiting the many golf courses, D Day Tour Landing Beaches and other historical sitea

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

Domfronts Bi-annual Medieval Festival takes place on 1st & 2nd August 2009

Every 2 years Domfront really comes alive in August when for 2 days the whole town goes back in time to Knights of old, fair maidens, horseback riding tournaments, medieval parades, cooking demonstrations, markets and old fashioned fun.

There is plenty to do with a grand open air dinner in the evening.  Why not hire a medieval outfit and really join in the fun.

Book your accommodation now and stay with us, just a minutes walk from the festivities.

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

Enjoy the clifftop walks and its recreational Parc de Loisirs des Roches, It is an inviting resort town with many visitors every year.

Combine with a a visit to Fecamp and the surrounding area and you would have spent a unique day in Normandy.

Let us help you plan your  Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion. Contact us for more information 

Falaise is ovelooked by its fortress, Chateau Guillaume le Conqueror the birthplace of William the Conqueror in 1027.  http://www.falaise.fr/tourisme/chateau.htm

Today the castle is an amazing museum with a great audio guided tour. Also worth a visit are Musee Aout 1944 and Automates Avenue.

Visit Falaise as part of our Medieval Tour. (see our page Private Normandy & Loire Tours)

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy private guided tour

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.

Fecamp is also home to one of our favourite family run local fish restaurants. Combine this with a trip to Etretat and enjoy a unique day out.

Please contact us for more information on your  Normandy shore excursion to Fecamp, Etretat and its wonderful coastline with hidden treasuries 

Visit our friends Corinne at Alain Aleaume at Ferme des Martellieres who specialise in Calvados, Cider, Poire, Pommeau and Poirissimo. They are the only people in Normandy who make Poirissimo and the receipe is unique to them.

They provide private tours in French & English so you can discover the process behind the products they make.  Visit their distillery and try their produce. Tours are available by prior arrangement.

Their address is Les Martellières – 61330 Sept Forges.  Tel:   00 33 (0)2 33 38 30 95

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

A great day out for all with on site demonstrations, falconery, historical displays and much more

Please contact us for more information on your private guided tour to Fougeres and the surrounding villages.

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.

Please contact us for more information on your tour or shore excursion to Monets Gardens to Giverny

The Musée d'Art Américain was opened in Giverny to explore the connections between French and American artists. Giverny home to the the impressionist Claude Monet, was where the American artists\' colony started at the beginning of the nineteenth century. In Giverny many of these artists began to experiment with the impressionist feel and the results contributed to what has become a long-lasting link between the art of France and America

In 1980, Daniel J. Terra opened the first museum to the public, and it was the beginning of two of the most unique and important institutions : The Terra Museum of American Art in Chicago, Illinois (founded in 1987), and Musée d'Art Américain in Giverny (founded 1992).

A new museum will open in Giverny on May 1, 2009 under the aegis of the Conseil Général de l’Eure, de la Seine Maritime, and of the region Haute-Normandie and in partnership with the Musée d’Orsay and the Terra Foundation for American Art. The mission of this new public institution will be to contextualize the impressionist movement. Its ambitious inaugural exhibition is entitled Monet’s Garden in Giverny: Inventing the Landscape.

In order to further develop its activities outside the United States, the Terra Foundation for American Art will open a Center in Paris in 2009. The Center will provide access to resources on American art, with a specialized library, and will play the role of initiator and facilitator for projects concerning historic American art (from the Colonial Period to the 1980s). The Paris Center will also develop cultural projects (exhibitions, colloquia and public programs, academic research and teaching) with European cultural institutions through grants or partnerships.

Please contact us for more information on your tour or shore excursion to the Musee d'Art Americain at Giverny

D DAY 65th ANNIVERSARY - 6th June 2009

Friday 5th June 2009 at 2.45pm - British Ceremony at Bayeux.  Religious ceremony and Laying of wreaths

Gold Beach was the given code name for this stretch of coastline during the Allied linvasion during the D Day Landings. It was one of the Beaches used by the British allied troops and was selected as one of the sites for the 2 Mulberry Harbours.

Today you can walk along the beach and see the remains of the Mulberry Harbour. Arromanches Les Bains is home to the D Day Musuem and 360 Cinema

GRANVILLE FESTIVAL - 20th - 24th February 2009

Granville 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.

Let us help you plan your day out in Normandy.  Contact us for more information

Honfleur is a working port with a long maritime history.  Honfleur was first recorded in documents back in the 11th century and since the 15th century has been a significant port.

Le Vieux Bessin is the old dock at the heart of the town and full of colourful sailing boats. Artists have flocked to Honfleur since the early 19th century - Monet, Turner, Courbet, Dubourg and today there is still thriving art scene.

Today Honfleur is very popular with tourists arriving by cruise ship, car, motorbike or bicycle.

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 buy 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.

Cruise ships are on the increase, arriving at Honfleur Port more and more. Contact us for more information on your Normandy shore excursion or D Day Tour

D Day 65th Anniversary - 6th June 2009

Friday 5th June 2009 4.15pm , Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles sur Mer - Inauguration of a momument dedicated to the Canadian soldiers.  Laying of wreaths

Juno Beach was also known as the Canadian Beach. It was one of the landing sites for the Allies during D Day and was assigned to the 3rd Canadian Infantry and the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade.

Today you can visit the Juno Beach Centre which is located in Courseulles sur Mer. Here you can discover various exhibitions and films depicting Canadas' campaign from the eve of WW11, the military campaigns, D day and the events leading to VE Day. Also visit Juno Park to see remains of the Atlantic Wall.

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.

Le Havre is also the main cruise ship port in Normandy.

Please contact us for more information on your Normandy Shore Excursion, D Day tour or Normandy short break

Lonlay which means “Long Valley” is an ancient and important community in the Normandy Bocage area.  It is situated 10km from Domfront.

Lonlay L’Abbaye is famous for its Benedictine Abbey, which today is a church & its Biscuit Factory which provides guided tours.

Between Chambois and Vimoutiers, in the exact location where Memorial is situated today, the ultimate and most bitter battle of Normandy took place, from August 18th to 22nd, 1944. Montgomery called it “the beginning of the end of the war”.

The Memorial of Montormel was built by the Conseil Général de l’Orne and is dedicated to all who fought on this site.  Ten of thousands of men fought in this small area when the Poles, Americans, Canadians, British and French encircled the Seventh German Army from August 18th to August 22nd. Thousands of civilians were caught up in the battle; some lost there lives as the  fighting overan their villages and hamlets.

The complex of Coudehard - Montormel is an unforgettable testimonial to the efforts of the combined four allied nations in order to overcome a common enemy. It constitutes an unforgettable introduction to the terrible days of the battle of Normandy. The events that took place here are of immence importance, but are bit common knowledge to all. Visiting and exploring this historical location is without a doubt, a rare learning experience.

http://www.memorial-montormel.org

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 held in July every year.

The nearest ferry port and cruise ship port is St Malo.  Please contact us for more information on private tours to Mont St Michel, St Malo and your Normandy shore excursions

On 6th August 2009, this small village became the focus of a German counter attack personally orderd by Hitler.  Operation Luttich (as the attack was called) was ordered with the intention of splitting the American Forces.  The Germans needed control of the road network around Mortain so allowing a drive to Avranches on the coast.

The Germans managed to capture the village, but did not gain control of the roads, due to the artillery fire from  The 120th Regiment of the 30th Infantry division on Hill 314.  The Germans continued to attack and fierce fighting ensued.  This situation continued until the morning of 12th August, when troops from the 35th Infantry Division arrived.

The heroic stand of the 30th American Infantry Division at Mortain made a tremendous contribution to the Allied Victory in France.

Today Mortain is steeped in history and a popular site for visitors.  You can visit the memorials and plaques dedicated to the 30th American Infantry Division eg. Le Petit Chapel Hill 314.  Also many walkers come to visit the Grande and Petite Cascades, set in the heart of Mortains rocky landscape.  This area provides marked paths around the falls and is a wealth of natural beauty

6th June 2009 - D Day 65th Anniversary

Picnic on the Beach - Saint Laurent sur Mer and Fireworks at 11pm

Omaha Beach was the site of the landing of the 1st & 29th Infantry Divisions on 6th June 1944. So code named to give patriotic meaning to the landing troops

The first assault waves were met by tremendous resistance from the German coastal defensive positions, which to hundreds of casualties in the first waves.

Today you can visit the Memorial museum at St Laurent sur Mer, which is located just behind Omaha Beach. The musuem shows an informative collection of uniforms, weapons and vehicles and through photographs and film guides you through the D Day landings

This outstanding region in Normandy is famous for its cider, cheese, its great landscape, orchards and half timbered houses.  There is something for everyone.

Visit the Calvados distilliery in Cormeilles where you can learn about the process of making cider and calvados; St Pierres sur Dives is a market town which has a great weekly market held in an 11th century medieval hall, the largest in Normandy; Vimoutiers as a statue dedicated to Marie Harel credited with inventing Camembert; Beuvron-en-Auge which is one of the most lovelisest village in the area with half timbered houses and striped old beams; Pilgrims flock to Lisieux as it is linked to Ste Therese and the capital of Pays d'Auge; and lots more....

Contact us to see how we can make your trip to Normandy to much more exciting

The capture of the River Orne bridge at Ranville and the bridge across the Caen Canal at Bénouville is the most famous mission of the airborne division. 180 troops of the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, commanded by Major John Howard, captured the bridges after landing in Horsa gliders only metres from their objectives.

In less than ten minutes both bridges had been captured intact. The sea borne reinforcements commanded by Brigadier Lord Lovat, preceded by his bagpiper Bill Millin, were able to cross the waterways to reinforce 6th Airborne Division on the eastern flank. Among these Green Berets, 177 French Commandos commanded by Philip Kieffer.

On June 26th 1944, the Caen Canal bridge was baptised Pegasus Bridge as a tribute to the British troops. Pegasus, the winged horse, was the emblem worn on the sleeves of the men of the airborne division. The insignia was chosen by the author Daphne du Maurier, wife of the wartime commander of British airborne forces General Sir Frederick Browning.

In 1961 the bridge acquired celebrity status due to the D-Day film, produced by Darryl Zanuck, The Longest Day.

Replaced in 1994 by a new bridge the original Pegasus Bridge is now on display in the park of the museum.

JOAN OF ARC FESTIVAL 6th & 7th June 2009

ROUEN - 2010 The Year of Impressionism in Rouen

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

Rouens is now also welcoming Cruise ships from all over.   Please contact us for more information on your  Normandy private guided tour or Normandy shore excursion

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

D Day 65th Anniversary - 6th June 2009

Many events are taking place for the 65th Anniversary of D Day at Ste Mere Eglise - Official Ceremony, Covered Market, Organised lunch with concert and musical entertainment, Airborne Festival and later in the evening Fireworks.

900 American military force, 100 French soldiers, 3 military bands French, American and German are already scheduled into the events program. On D-Day (6th June) at 11 am, 5 U.S. veterans will receive the Legion of Honor, by laying the 1st stone for the new extension to the Museum. The Museum will become the 1st cultural Airborne, energy autonomous building in Europe.

Sainte Mere Eglise has become world famous due to the film The Longest Day, which depicts the landings by American troops on the night of June 5th /June 6th 1944.

German troops had first entered Sainte Mere Eglise on 18th June 1940 and occupied this small Cotentin town 12km from Carentan.

On 5th / 6th June 1944 C47 planes dropped over 13,000 men from the 82nd & 101st Airborne onto the Cotentin peninsula near Sainte Mere Eglise,  taking the Germans by surprise.

The planes and airmen came under extreme fire from the German troops, several parachutists were killed as they dropped into the town and some aircrafts were damaged.

On the outskirts of the town Lieutenant Colonel Krause, Commander, 3rd Battalion of the 505th Parachutist Infantry Regiment assembled 158 men.

Krause and his men encircled the town and captured Sainte-Mère-Église at dawn, where they took about thirty prisoners

At 6.30am the landing began at the Madeleine in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont 22000 men and over 1600 vehicules arrived onto the beach where the troops then secured the aread between Utah and Sainte-Mère Eglise.

Today Ste Mere Eglise is visited by thousands of tourists every year to visit and remember this historical site.  They can visit The Airborne Museum and the famous church tower in the town square which bears an effigy of American Parachutist John Steele.

John Steele landed on the church belfry and hung there for several hours until he was cut down by the Germans.  Ken Russell also landed on the church, but managed to release himself from his parachute.

Ste Mere Eglise is the starting point of our American Highlights tour.  Please contact for more information on your private D Day tour.

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.

Contact us to find out more information on a combined tour to Vernon, Giverny and Les Andelys.

For nearly 900 years Villedieu les Poelles has been the capital of copper. It has a number 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.