Bordering the English Channel, the region of Normandy in northern France is a popular tourist destination. It is an area rich in history, from buildings of the Roman Empire, to the castles of the Dukes of Normandy to the D-Day landing sites of the Second World War. It is also an area rich in natural beauty. Here, golden beaches meet wave-sculpted cliffs and vast expanses of regional nature parks. The river Seine cuts through Normandy, and its banks are the sites of many beautiful buildings.

Make your Normandy holiday house your home base while you explore the wonders of the large regional nature parks. Stroll up the gentle slopes of the regional park of Perche. Bike ride through the regional park of Normandie-Maine, admiring the numerous castles it holds. Canoe along the river Seine as it cuts through the regional park of Boucles de la Seine-Normande. For the active holidaymaker Normandy has plenty to offer. Have a hit of golf, or go horseriding through the beautiful countryside. If you are feeling daring, why not have a go at bungee jumping of the historic viaduct built by Gustave Eiffel over the Souleuvre River? Alternatively, the small town of Lisieux has a water theme park, with a 52-metre water slide, bubbling pools, saunas and more. For a more relaxing day, Normandy offers some of the best fishing locations in France. There is an abundance of salmon, and this region is known as the best location for sea trout. Pike and other carnivorous fish can also be found in the marshlands, lakes and rivers.

A Normandy vacation also means a chance to visit many fascinating historical buildings, churches and castles. The most famous of these is Mont-Saint-Michel; an abbey built on an island only accessible on foot at low tide. Rouen is Normandy's historical capital city, and boasts many historical buildings, including the Palais de Justice - once the seat of the court of law of Normandy. The cathedral of Notre Dame is worth a visit, as is the 15th century gothic Church of Saint Maclou, and the Church of Saint Ouen. There is also a modern church dedicated to Saint Joan of Arc, in the Place du Vieux Marché where she was famously burnt at the stake. The city of Le Havre is one of the largest in Normandy, though sadly many of its historic buildings were destroyed in WWII. However, the cathedral, the Church of Saint Joseph, the 15th century chapel of Saint Michel d'Ingouville and the 11th century Graville Abbey survived the bombings and should not be missed.

The city of Caen on the northern coast is steeped in history. It houses William the Conquerors majestic castle, the Château de Caen, along with the notable Church of Saint Etienne, however it is best known as the sight of the D-Day landings. The area is called "the Historical Area of the Battle of Normandy", and is a shrine dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives. Explore the cemeteries, landing sites and museums connected with D-Day and the conflict that occurred on this site.

Take advantage of your stay in Normandy to discover the smaller towns of the region. Beuvron-en-Auge, Etretat and Lyons-la-Forêt boast covered marketplaces, ancient manor houses and churches. Marvel at one of the best examples of Romanesque churches in the area in the town of Saint-Cénery-le-Gérei. Take a walk through the picturesque lanes of Granville's fortified old town, or wander down to visit its harbour. The seaside resort of Courseulles offers a chance to see windmills, or to visit the castles of Creully, Brecy and Fontaine-Henry.

While on your holiday in Normandy, be sure to sample the delicious local cuisine, which is characterised by rich cream and butter sauces. Its location on the coast means seafood is a large part of the local die; taste 'Sole à la Normande' - an oyster and mussel based fish dish. Normandy is also home to Camembert, is one of the nations most well known cheeses, along with Pont l'Evêque, Livarot and the children's cheese, Le Petit-Suisse. Apples are used in many ways in this regions cooking, notably they are used to create Calvados, a popular apple brandy.

Festivals and Events in Normandy
Bayeux - Bayeux Medieval Festival (July)
Beuvron-en-Auge - Cider festival (October)
Caen - Figaro Regatta (July)
Cabourg - Romantic Film Festival: held on the beach! (June)
Deauville - American Film Festival (September)
Granville - Mardi Gras (February)
La Hague - The Festival International de Musique de La Hague (August)Lisieux - the Picot (turkey) market: market of local farm produce (August)
Lyons-la-Forêt - Feux de la Saint-Jean midsummer festival (June)
Rouen - Rouen Armada Festival: fireworks, concerts and parade of ships (July)
Trouville - Fête de la Mer et du Maquereau: Sea Festival (July)