Towns and Cities

Caen - the Capital of 'Basse Normandie', here you can visit the Abbaye aux Hommes to see William the Conqueror's tomb, the Abbaye aux Dames, Caen Castle, Musée des Beaux Arts and the Musée de Normandie. The Caen Memorial peace museum offers a spectacular audio visual presentation of 20th century history. Caen also boasts two colourful markets (Friday and Sunday mornings).

Deauville - a visit to the ancient port of Honfleur is like stepping back in time. The town maintains its 16th/17th Century appearance and has strong associations with the Impressionist painters. Visit St Catherine's 14th Century wooden Church.

Rouen - The capital of Normandy, with its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets. Visit the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Joan of Arc Museum and the Place du Vieux Marché, and see the Gros-Horloge, a one-handed clock.

History and Landmarks

Bayeux and The Bayeux Tapestry - the story of William and Harold dominates the area and is brought to life by a visit to the legendary tapestry at Bayeux. Also visit the impressive cathedral, the Battle of Normandy memorial museum and British military cemetery. There are markets every Wednesday morning and on Saturday.

Arromanches - Arromanches is a small seaside town which played a critical role in the D Day landings of World War II. There are the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, an informative museum dedicated to the landings and a 360 degree cinema showing a film of the events.

Falaise - this is the town where William the Conqueror was born and the site of the end of the Battle of Normandy.

The Normandy Beaches - Follow the 'Circuit de Débarquement', a signposted route along Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah landing beaches which follows the execution of 'Operation Overlord'. Major places of interest en route include Pegasus Bridge Museum, The Mulberry Harbour and 1944 Invasion Museum at Arromanches, a 360 degree cinema at Arromanches showing a film of events, the American military cemetery at Omaha Beach and the 1944 Battle of Normandy Museum at Bayeux. The Caen Memorial Peace Museum is not a war museum but a journey through history, plotting the failure of world peace, the dark years in occupied France, the world at war, D-Day, the Battle of Normandy. A new wing focussing on the years 1945-1989 has recently opened.

Natural History and the Enviroment

Suisse Normande - an area of outstanding beauty. A signposted route guides you through lush countryside with its deep gorges and woods with suggested stop-off points. Continue past the picturesque town of Thury-Harcourt and Clécy with its Miniature Railway Museum.

Leisure

Courseulles - Bowling (open all year). Swimming pool (open May - September).

Normandy - Bungee Jumping. Situated in the heart of the green Normandy countryside, A.J. Hackett Bungy Jumping has created an ideal setting for those wishing to experience the exilaratiing thrill of bungy jumping. Horses and riding, Golf, Fishing, cycling or an adventurous journey by canoe!

Special Interests

Calvados Distillery - visit the Distillery to learn about the processes used to produce the famous apple brandy.

Sweet Factory - production of regional confectionery at Carentan and Isigny.

The Bell Foundry & Copper Workshop - at Villedieu Les Poeles.

Goat Cheese Farm - Various locations.

Cider production - Various locations.

Maison de la Mer - at Courseulles.

Full Day Excursions

Villedieu-les-Poëles - Visit the Bell Foundry, the Copper Workshop and then continue to Mont St Michel.

Mont St Michel - known as the 'Merveille des Merveilles' and the eighth wonder of the world.

Paris - depart early morning and visit France's beautiful capital city. The Métro provides a frequent service making it easy to explore the city. We would recommend a visit to the Sacré Coeur and Montmartre, a cruise down the Seine and a trip up the Eiffel Tower.

For more information please visit the Normandy Tourism Board website.