HOLIDAYS IN NORMANDY

HISTORIC NORTHERN FRANCE

Seemingly designed for a self-catering holiday on the coast, Normandy's wealth of sandy beaches and rustic way of life observed when moving inland is a perfect base when you need a break from a hectic lifestyle.

Those interested in WWII history can take in the sobering opportunity to walk in the footprints of Allied D-Day soldiers, with the still visible marks of war including remnants of German defences quite remarkable.

Beyond the opportunity to discover more about a lengthy history dating back to Norman times (hence the name!) and the chance to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, regional takes on cider, pancakes and seafood makes a Normandy holiday one you will want to repeat. 

Section 1

REASONS TO VISIT

Short drive from ferry ports 
Historic sites and museums
Great cycle routes

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

Hidden Gem: Pegasus Bridge

Visit the café at Pegasus Bridge, made famous by Major John Howard and his men, who landed in their gliders the early hours of the 6th June 1944. It's now an interesting stop, inside being full of artefacts from D-Day.

Old Favourite: Bayeux

Famous for the Bayeux tapestry and the Notre Dame Cathedral, this beautiful place is also the resting place to a large number of fallen British military from WW2, housing 4648 graves.

Local Cuisine: Calvados

This famous apple brandy is served all over the Normandy area, commonly served in between courses, or used in cooking. A particular treat not to be missed is apples flambéed in calvados and served with ice cream.

What to See & Do: A tour of Normandy!

From the sandy beaches to the rolling countryside, Normandy offers so much for a self-catering holiday. Take to the forested slopes of the Seine Valley, through cider orchards, and to the shores of the Alabaster coast.

Festivals and Events: D-Day celebrations

Around the 6th June numerous military vehicles processions, shows, and exibitions will take place for the 71st anniversary of D-Day.

Beaches & Lakes: Dieppe

Dieppe is a small coastal community with a lovely stretch of beach. It offers a whole host of activities from windsurfing and sailing to fishing or just lolling around making dams or putting together sand castles.

YOUR NORMANDY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Where is Normandy?

Take a ferry crossing from the ports of Portsmouth or Poole and you can arrive in Normandy's Caen, Le Havre or Cherbourg harbours within as little as three hours, or up to eight with an overnight cabin. The region covers the northern centre of France's coastline across from the English channel, making it ideally situated for a short-hop family beach holiday from the UK.  

What's the weather like in Normandy?

Weather wise at least, it is best to visit Normandy in the summer months of June through August. Average maximum temperatures of just over 20 degrees during the warmer summer season ensure it's the most pleasant time to explore the region's famed stretches of sand. 
 

I'm interested in finding out more about the Normandy landings. Which beaches are these?

During D-Day, the Allied forces concentrated their attacks on the coastline between the city of Caen and Cabourg commune to the east and Carentan/Sainte-Mère-Église to the west. Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword are the main beaches to visit during your stay when considering the Normandy beach landings. 
 
Moving walks along these beaches still carry visible scars of the battles that took place, while memorial statues, cemeteries and museums across this 70km stretch bring the epic tale of human bravery and sacrifice to life.