Lower-Normandy Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Lower-NormandyNo shortage of things to do in Lower-Normandy
Lower-Normandy is easily accessible from the UK, and makes a great weekend getaway spot. Of course, if you have more time to spare for a holiday, there is no shortage of fantastic things to see and do, as the region is rich in heritage, culture and gastronomy in addition to its natural attributes of coast and countryside.Top 5 Things to See and Do in Lower-Normandy
1. Mont St Michel
The premier attraction of its department, Mont St Michel is a stunning sight. The old abbey and surrounding mediaeval town rise magically out of the sea, dominating the views and creating a lasting memory for all who see it. Mont St Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and holds the distinction of being the most frequently visited monument in France.2. Enjoy the seaside
With many good beaches and resort towns to offer, Lower-Normandy is a perfect seaside holiday destination. With attractions for families as well as for adults, towns like Trouville sur Mer bring you the very best of seaside fun.3. Kingdom of the Horse
Lower-Normandy is known as the Kingdom of the Horse, and if you love to see or ride these beautiful creatures you will enjoy all the opportunities that the region offers to indulge your passion for the horse. The Orne, in particular, is prime horse breeding country, and here you can visit stud farms, watch spectacular displays of equestrianism, enjoy competitions in all horsey disciplines and get hands on and go horse-riding in the gorgeous, unspoilt countryside.4. Indulge in the gastronomy
Normandy's gastronomy is world famous. With dairy products topping the list, cheeses like Camembert, rich butter, luxurious cream and many dishes made from any combination of the foregoing, there is every opportunity to treat your taste buds in Lower Normandy! Apples and apple products are also a prime feature of the gastronomy, and apple cider and Calvados brandy are the regional drinks.5. Trace the history
Lower-Normandy is also rich in history and heritage, and this is evident in the towns, the chateaux that dot the landscape and the wonderful religious buildings such as the abbeys, cathedrals and churches found all over the region. Any heritage tour should also take in a visit to see the famous Bayeux tapestry in the Calvados department, and the D-Day landing beaches which were of such importance in the Second World War.Top 5 Towns and Cities in Lower-Normandy
1. Alençon
Alençon, the Orne's capital city, has plenty of historic features to discover alongside a lace-making tradition which is fascinating. Its mediaeval colombage houses are lovely, and the town's markets are an added attraction.2. Honfleur
Prepare to be bowled over by the charm of this little City of Art and History. Period streets and half-timbered houses are part of the attraction, while even more appeal is added by the lovely old fishing port and sailing marina.3. Deauville
Deauville is a seaside resort par excellence, with all the kudos of being the favoured holiday spot for the rich and famous since the days of Coco Chanel. Deauville offers all the fun of traditional beach holidays along with the sophistication of luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and designer shops. It is also notable for horse racing and polo!4. Domfront
Domfront is a gorgeous, mediaeval fortified town. Picturesque and atmospheric, it makes an ultimate romantic destination when love is in the air!5. Coutances
Coutances is found in the Manche department and offers, among other attractions, a splendid Gothic cathedral, pretty botanical gardens, lots of cultural venues and entertainment and a great jazz festival.Food and Drink in Lower-Normandy
It might be a good idea to go on a strict diet in anticipation of any holiday in Lower-Normandy, so great are the region's gastronomic temptations! Think fish and seafood from the coastal areas, cream, cheeses and butter from the lush pastures of the countryside and flagons of cider or a glinting glass or two of Calvados brandy.How to get to Lower-Normandy
Getting to Lower-Normandy from the UK is as easy as ABC. Travel by ferry to any of the northern ferry ports, all of which are easily accessible, with the closest being Caen (Ouistreham) and Cherbourg, depending where in the region you are going in the region. You can also take the Eurotunnel train or fly to Dinard (Aurigny, Ryanair) or Rennes (Flybe) in Brittany.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Lower-Normandy
Calvados Holiday Guide
Calvados is one of the three departments that make up the region of Lower (Basse) Normandy (Normandie) in northern France. Its name is synonymous with Calvados brandy, of course, but it is also a popular holiday destination, being easy to reach from the UK.
Manche Holiday Guide
The Manche is the department of Lower Normandy that juts out into the Channel in the north-west of the region. With an extensive coastline, beautiful countryside and packed with heritage, the department is easily accessed from Britain and makes an ideal holiday destination.
Orne Holiday Guide
The Orne department is the most southerly of the region of Lower Normandy in northern France. It is easy to reach from the UK, being quite close to the port, railway station and airport of Caen, and although it is an inland department having no coastline, it offers many attractive holiday destinations and activities.
