Calvados Holiday Guide
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Calvados has lots of attractions to offer
Calvados, lying just across the Channel from England, is well worth considering if you are looking for a holiday that doesn't involve too much travelling. The department has many attractions, with lovely seaside resorts, a pretty countryside and bags of history and heritage.
Top 5 things to see and do in Calvados
1. The Bayeux tapestry
It is one of the most famous historical artefacts in the world, and it can be found in the town of Bayeux in Calvados, in the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant Museum. The tapestry depicts events from the Norman Conquest, and is a wonderful way to see a piece of history brought to life.
2. Relive D-Day and the Normandy Landings
The beaches of Calvados are not just bucket and spade beaches, but the sites of the Normandy Landings and the final battles of the Second World War. Names such as Omaha, Sword, Gold and Juno reverberate today, and it is a moving experienced to stand at the spot where these historic events took place. Numerous excellent museums are also found here to commemorate the landings.
3. Enjoy nature and outdoor pursuits
If it is unspoilt landscapes and outdoor pursuits that appeal to you, head for the Swiss Normande area of Calvados, where the countryside is said to be very similar to that of Switzerland. Walk in the meadows, try rock climbing or take to the water for a spot of kayaking or canoeing.
4. Bellefontaine Enchanted Village
If you are holidaying with young children, you will be all too aware that keeping the kids happy is a vital part of any holiday. Little ones will love the Enchanted Village attraction in Bellefontaine, where they can ride on miniature trains, explore a pirate's cove, pet the animals in a mini farm and enjoy ice skating and water slides.
5. Deauville races, show jumping and polo
The swish resort of Deauville is not just a lively seaside holiday spot, but also a place where you can enjoy a day of horse racing. Other horsey events can also be found here, with show jumping and polo being among the most popular.
Top 5 towns and cities in Calvados
1. Caen
The capital of Calvados is Caen. Caen is a vibrant and historical town with a wealth of history and heritage. Don't miss, among the many sights, the castle built by William the Conqueror or the Church of Saint Etienne. Caen is also well equipped with hotels, restaurants and cultural venues.
2. Deauville
Deauville is the Queen of the northern coast of France, and has been a top holiday resort for many years, attracting such luminaries as Coco Chanel, who opened a fashion boutique there, really putting the town on the map. Deauville has excellent, top of the range facilities, and a lively programme of events and entertainment.
3. Honfleur
Honfleur is impossibly picturesque, with its port, its narrow old streets and quaint architecture. It's a designated "Town of Art and History", and promises plenty to see and do for all members of the family.
4. Lisieux
Lisieux will appeal to lovers of majestic architecture, as it has a splendid Basilica to see. The town also boats the relics of Sainte Thérèse, and as it is surrounded by the beautiful dairy farming countryside of the department, it also makes a good base for enjoying country walks and tasting the delicious cheeses and apple products for which Calvados is known.
5. Falaise
Falaise is an attractive market town whose claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of William the Conqueror. The main sight of the town is the superb castle, once the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Normandy.
Food and drink in Calvados
Calvados apple brandy is rightly famed throughout the world, and it comes, along with cider and other apple-based drinks, from the lovely apple orchards of Calvados. Other local specialties include creamy cheeses, seafood from the coast and delicious pastries and crepes.
How to get to Calvados
Skysouth used to run flights from Shoreham Airport to Caen and Deauville, but it ceased operating in 2009, so the ferry is now the best way to access the department of Calvados. The ports of Caen (Ouistreham) and Le Havre are ideal arrival points, while Cherbourg and St Malo are also possibilities. Train fans can take the TGV to Le Havre, Caen or Cherbourg, or, of course, you can drive there via the Channel Tunnel.
