Upper Normandy Holiday Guide
Being on the north coast of France and not too far from Paris gives the ports of Upper-Normandy a major advantage. Le Havre and Dieppe have both developed into important ports on international trading routes. Dieppe in particular, has retained its considerable charm with its attractive markets and friendly atmosphere.
The area has a number of attractive seaside towns such as Etretat and Fecamp. And unlike much of the coast further west, the area boasts white cliffs to compete with the UK's own not too far away in Dover.
Wherever you go, the region reveals new attractions. With its timber-framed houses, majestic ruins of abbeys, chateaux and churches, and the soft light of the Seine, it's no wonder that artists found the area a source of inspiration.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Upper Normandy
- Jumièges
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and impressive ruins in France, Jumièges comprises of a group of splendid monastic buildings in wonderful grounds.
- Claude Monet Museum in Giverny
Claude Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 where he lived until he died in 1926. Some of his most famous paintings, such as his water lillies and Japanese bridge paintings are of his garden there.
- Le Parc de Clères
Situated just north of Rouen, the Parc de Clères is a 53 hectare zoo and botanical garden with a superb collection of exotic birds, emus, monkeys, antelopes and even kangaroos.
- Le Bec-Hellouin
Southeast of Pont –Audemer, the abbey of Le Bec-Hellouin is a leading religious centre which dates back to the 11th century. The monastery remained until the Revolution, when it was dismantled but monks returned in 1948 and rebuilt a church beside the ruins. The atmosphere of this very active monastery is especially unique and spiritual.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: Rouen
This splendid fine arts museum presents an important collection of paintings and sculpture dating mainly from the 16th to the early 20th century.
Top 5 Towns and Cities in Upper Normandy
- Rouen
The city of Rouen is both beautiful and historic. The capital city of its department, the Seine-Maritime in northern France, Rouen is famous for a number of great (or tragic) historical events. It is here that William the Conqueror died in 1087. It was also in Rouen that Saint Joan of Arc was tried, condemned and burned at the stake in 1431. Not all of Rouen’s history is sad, however, as the city has a huge tradition of art, particularly in connection with the great impressionist painters, and also has some wonderful buildings to admire.
- Le Havre
The port city of Le Havre in northern France is known as La Porte Océane. It is not only France's largest export port but also the port of call for ocean liners making the transatlantic crossing. Le Havre is more than a port, however, and has a reputation as being a shining example of Modernist architecture. The city centre was rebuilt after heavy bombing devastated it during the Second World War, by a renowned Modernist named Auguste Perret.
- Les Andeleys
Les Andelys is a town that is located on a bend in the River Seine as it makes its way through the Eure department. It is home to a ruined but still imposing castle, built for none other than Richard the Lionheart during his tenure as Duke of Normandy. Below the castle, the town is also full of interest and charm, with a beautiful setting and lying in an enviable location between the ferry ports of Normandy and the capital of Paris.
- Dieppe
An attractive port and seaside town, Dieppe has a little of everything. It is still an active fishing port, and it is a never ending delight to purchase the fresh catch straight from the boat as it pulls into the harbour, or to eat at one of the many colourful waterfront restaurants knowing that the catch of the day really is the catch of today... not yesterday, or the day before, or the day before that!
- Evreux
A pretty cathedral town set in stunning countryside. It has some architecturally interesting and attractive buildings, such as the town hall with its picturesque fountains, and there are also some parts of the old ramparts left, around which you can walk. Evreux's lovely 12th century cathedral is famed for its beautiful, stained glass windows which date from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Food and Drink in Upper Normandy
Like Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy also makes use of the regions apple industry with a number of superb beverages and dishes using apples. Perhaps the main specialty of Upper Normandy over Lower Normandy is the seafood. The Marmite Dieppoise (Dieppe Fish Stew) and Hareng Saur (Smoked Herring) are particular fortes.
In terms of dining, most restaurants in Normandy serve traditional, solid meals, which incorporate the excellent quality of meat, game and vegetables which the region’s green pasturage provides. Good restaurants can be found throughout Normandy and some are very reasonable. Whilst some are better than others, very few are bad.
How to get to Upper Normandy
Airports in Normandy with direct flights from the UK include Caen and Le Havre, where Skysouth offers regular services from Shoreham Airport (Brighton). Flybe also flies to Cherbourg. Your best option however is likely to be one of the Parisian airports where you shouldn’t have any problem finding deals. Travelling by ferry is another option. Ld Lines travels from Portsmouth to Le Havre whilst Hoverspeed connects Newhaven and Dieppe, as does Transmanche Ferries. The Channel Tunnel is another easy option. If you are travelling without your car then you can take the TGV service into Evreux.
