In conversation with Celine
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Barb Guides
Normandy Guide
Normandy is a place to be discovered at a slow pace. Small coastal towns, long beaches, local markets, oysters, cider, and vast green landscapes. Here, beautiful nature and French culinary tradition blend with a history that truly makes its presence felt.
Here are some of our favorites and things we think you shouldn't miss if you go to Normandy.
Sightseeing
Mont Saint-Michel
One of France's most spectacular places and well worth a detour.
The medieval monastery sits high up on a small rocky island, surrounded by a landscape that changes completely with the tide. At low tide, the sand spreads out around the island, and when the water returns, the entire view changes.
Try to arrive early or later in the day, when the pace is a bit calmer. And don't miss the walk up through the narrow alleys to the monastery.
Sightseeing
D-Day Beaches
The history of Normandy is ever-present along the coast, and a visit to the D-Day beaches is a must for all visitors.
Start at Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches where the Allies landed on June 6, 1944. Then continue to the American Cemetery, which is situated overlooking the sea and Omaha Beach. A beautiful, peaceful, and very moving place.
Sightseeing
Bayeux
Bayeux is a little gem and a favorite city in Normandy. Small enough to explore on foot, yet with a great deal to see.
In the heart of the city lies the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux, whose history dates back to the 11th century. Stroll further through the old medieval quarters, along the River Aure, and stop for lunch, coffee, or shopping.
Food & Drink
Eat from Normandy
Normandy is a foodie's dream! The region is particularly well-known for its dairy products, apples, and, of course, everything that comes from the sea.
Local cheeses include Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, Livarot, and Neufchâtel. Why not enjoy one with a glass of cider?!
If you are on the coast, order oysters, moules-frites, or the catch of the day. In restaurants, keep an eye out for agneau de pré-salé, which is lamb that grazes on the salt marshes around Mont-Saint-Michel. It tastes divine!
Food & Drink
Cider & Calvados
Apples are a major part of Normandy's identity, and along the country roads are small and large producers of cider, pommeau – an apple apéritif, and of course Calvados – the classic apple brandy.
Make a stop at a producer, see the orchards, and taste directly at the farm. A perfect stop on the way between the villages.
Food & Drink
Shop at the market
Do as the French do and start your day at a local food market. Fill your basket with shellfish, tomatoes, fruit, bread, butter, cheese, and whatever looks best that day. Normandy has plenty of small markets, and that is often where you find the best produce.
Tip!! Don't plan the menu in advance; instead, buy what is fresh and cook something simple. With good ingredients, you get a long way without any fuss.
Shopping
Bayeux
Between sightseeing and lunch, Bayeux is perfect for shopping. All the shops are lined up along a single long street, so it couldn't be easier.
Keep a special lookout for classic French brands such as Saint James and Armor-Lux. Striped sweaters, knitwear, and navy blue – French coastal style at its best.
Shopping
Brocantes
Leave some space in the car, as Normandy is full of brocantes, vide-greniers, and antique markets, especially on weekends. Here you will find everything from old French porcelain and glassware to linen napkins, baskets, furniture, and things you didn't know you were looking for.
Activity
The beach
Spend plenty of time on the beach! The Normandy coast is constantly changing with the tides. At low tide, vast beaches and sandbanks open up, only to be submerged again a few hours later. Take a long walk as the sea recedes and come back a few hours later to a completely different beach.
In Deauville and Trouville, the beaches are long and wide, perfect for a morning walk or run by the sea.
Swimming, walking, oysters, a book in the sand, and an apéritif as the sun begins to set. That is exactly how Normandy can be enjoyed.
Activity
Walk, hike & cycle
You don't need a grand or detailed plan to experience and discover Normandy.
Take long walks along the beaches, go hiking or cycling along the coast. Discover small villages and country roads. The landscape is green, rolling, and made for little detours.
And when you pass the Norman cows: feel free to roll down the window and play some jazz.
Bisous 💋
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