During World War II, Normandy became famous for the Normandy Landing, which wreaked havoc on the region. It has consequently earned a reputation as France's cultural and culinary capital. The region’s tourism industry is one of its highlights, as it is famous for its well-preserved villages, museums, and fortification grounds that were built during the war.
With a vast beach backed by magnificent cliffs, the coastline of Normandy is one of the most famous in the world. Traveling to Normandy is more than just sightseeing and activities, because of the culture and history, most travelers hope to become engaged and immersed with the locals and they get to feel and understand French culture.
10 Experience Mont-Saint-Michel
Famous for its lovely monasteries, Mont-Saint-Michel has been one of the most famous tourist destinations in Normandy. Being a Christian pilgrimage since back in the 8th century, the island has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Previously, access to the island was possible only at low tide, however, in July 2014 a bridge to the island was opened. It was designed by an architect named Dietmar Feichtinger. Passerelle Mont Saint-Michel, and is currently being used as a walkway to the island.
9 The Château de Fontaine-Henry
Registered as a historic monument since 1924, the Chateau De Fontaine-Henry is known for its Renaissance ambiance, magnificent furniture, interior design, and for its explicit medicinal garden, the Chateau de Fontaine-Henry is a must experience. It has been owned by the same generation for over 800 years, currently, the presiding lord is named Marquis Pierre-Apollinaire d’Oilliamson. Built in the early 13th century, the chateau has remained magnificent and stunning, making it one of the best places to visit when in Normandy. VIP tours cost about 19 euros.
8 Experience The Pays D'Auge
The Pays d'Auge is a natural region of Normandy and is divided into the departments (counties) of Eure, Orne, and Calvados. Famous for its Calvados - a brandy made from distilling cider, from harvested apples in the orchards in Normandy, processed and fermented in a traditional way, it surely is one of the things every visitor should try. The area is famous for its French gastronomy, thus tour packages in the area mostly focus on the areas where ciders are processed. Explored best when driving around the area.
7 Experience The Hague
Home to the famous poet, Jacques Prévert, the Hague is where he is also currently buried together with his wife and daughter. The houses in La Hague are very popular amongst tourists mainly because of the well-preserved artists’ imprints in the collections of the works of Jacques Prevert and Alexandre Trauner. The tour also includes a visit to their tombs at the end of the tour. The solemnity and the peacefulness of the area will give every visitor a unique experience.
6 Experience The Channel Islands
The Channel Islands is a group of British islands located in the Channel Sea, west of the Cotentin peninsula. One of its islands is Jersey, referred to as the “British Isles,” it is considered the largest island stretching 47 square miles. It is popularly known for its beaches, great climate, and the "franglais" culture. Other islands include the Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark, which are considered the main ones, and there are also smaller islands that surround them.
5 Experience The City Of The Sea
Located in an old ferry terminal dated back to 1933, the Cite de la Mer, or the City of the Sea is a maritime museum dedicated to the history of maritime research and the underwater world. It is the heart of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and is home to over 1,000 fish and other sea animals situated in the 17 aquariums. Guests may embark on the famous Redoutable, the largest nuclear submarine, with a multilingual audio guide, telling the daily life of the submariners during their missions. Visitors can also experience the magnificent collection of 53 objects recovered from the wreck of the Titanic, the magnificent liner that stopped in Cherbourg a few days before its sinking. And in the auditorium, visitors will be told the stories of Normandy.
4 Experience The Bayeux Tapestry
Many tourists enjoy seeing the magnificent 11th-century linen and woolen tapestry. It is famous for being huge, stretching to 70-meters long and 50 centimeters high, this unique artifact tells of the conquest of the throne of England by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy in 1066. It is exhibited at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and attracts 400,000 visitors a year from all over the world. A tapestry similar to the Game of Thrones series has been created and is on display in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
3 Cliffs Of Etretat
Etretat is known around the world for its cliffs and the Aiguille Creuse. These natural wonders, which reach approximately 90-meters in height, are historic witnesses to the evolution of the Normandy coast. For centuries, people have been lured to the area by the magnificent white chalk cliffs, particularly artists such as Claude Monet and Guy de Maupassant. The cliffs are frequently likened to Dover's iconic White Cliffs. Hiking along the cliffs and on the beach are both options for viewing the stunning scenery.
2 The Vauban Tower On Tatihou Island
During the 17th century, the French kingdom was always in the middle of a war, as caused by the greedy ambitions of King Louis XIV. In 1694 the Vauban Tower was built on Tatihou Island as a defense against the British. Designed by military architect and engineer, Marquis de Vauban’s designs were copied and built throughout France, The tower is now famous and considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a popular tourist destination in Normandy.
1 Locations Of The Normandy Landings During WWII On June 6, 1944
The landing beaches of the allies (Americans, English, Canadians) against the Germans who occupied part of France are places of memory for people all over the world. They are a reminder of the sacrifice of all those thousands of men who died on the beaches such as Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and Juno Beach. Travelers can visit many museums, especially in Carentan, Sainte Mère Eglise, and Sainte Marie du Mont, which relate the memories and military maneuvers of the soldiers to liberate France.
Commemorations take place every year, at the beginning of June in American cemeteries, notably the Colleville Cemetery, the last American veterans of that war return to visit these places, and warplanes parade in the sky, dropping parachutes. These commemorations bring together many people and heads of state. There are also reconstructions of military camps, and parades in uniforms and war gear of the time that visitors may want to see.