Upper-Normandy Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Upper-NormandyStunning views, lovely beaches and gentle countryside
The Upper Normandy coastline, gazing out towards England across the Channel, has stunning views with dramatic white cliffs dropping to lovely beaches and lively resort towns, making it perfect for seaside holidays. Inland, the countryside is gentle and picturesque, with peaceful orchards and pastures, mysterious forests and heritage towns.Top 5 Things to See and Do in Upper Normandy
1. The Alabaster Coast
There are 130 kilometres of stunning white cliffs, pretty beaches and wild, cliff top walks making up the Alabaster Coast of Upper Normandy. Good little resort towns welcome families, and holidaymakers can find all the facilities they need to enjoy seaside fun and relaxation, while walkers will never tire of the glorious views from the waymarked "randonnées" on the cliff tops.2. Boucles de la Seine Nature Park
Upper Normandy is home to the Boucles de la Seine Nature Park, and anyone wishing to get away from city life and traffic would do well to spend a day or two in the natural beauty of this 81,000 acre protected area. The terrain varies from wild grasslands to rivers and marshes, with architectural and historical monuments to enjoy along the way.3. Follow the Monet trail
Upper Normandy is the land of Monet, the best loved of all the great Impressionist painters. From the Cathedral of Rouen to the beautiful gardens of Giverny, the artist's home, the region offers art fans the opportunity to see the inspiration behind these iconic works, and to catch a unique glimpse of the artist's life.4. Explore the religious heritage
Upper Normandy has a wonderfully rich religious heritage, and offers some magnificent examples of cathedrals, churches and abbeys to explore. Sights worth seeing include the beautiful and impressive monastic ruins at Jumièges, and the Abbey of Le Bec-Hellouin, which is found south-east of Pont Audemer, and 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.5. 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.Top 5 Towns and Cities in Upper Normandy
1. Rouen
Rouen is one of the great cities of France, with a massive historical and architectural heritage. Top of the sightseeing list is the Notre Dame Cathedral, famously painted by Monet, but there is so much to see in this city that it can easily form an art and architecture based holiday all on its own. Perfect for a city break.2. Dieppe
Dieppe is a fabulous port town, and as it is also classified as a Town of Art and History you can be guaranteed that there will be plenty to see and enjoy. With a picturesque sailing port adding to the buzz and colour that is part and parcel of any ferry port, Dieppe is always an exciting place to be. As the owner of the distinction of being the oldest seaside resort in France in addition to its other charms, Dieppe really does offer many holidays in one place.3. Etretat
Etretat is a seaside town which typifies the beautiful land and seascapes of the Alabaster Coast. With high, white cliffs and wonderful cliff top walks, the beaches are safe and appealing. The town itself also offers lots to interest and charm visitors, with elegant Belle Époque villas and many other period features.4. Evreux
Evreux is the capital of the Eure department, and is another wonderful heritage city to explore. Ancient ramparts and a beautiful cathedral, an Episcopal palace and an abbey are all part of the charm of Evreux. A full programme of cultural events runs throughout the year in the city too, so whenever you visit the chances are that you will be royally entertained.5. Lyons la Forét
Lyons la Forét is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, so take your camera when you visit! With a mediaeval covered market place and a beautiful forest setting, this really is a little gem and well worth a visit.Food and Drink in Upper Normandy
Normandy is famed for its cheeses (a specialty from Upper Normandy is the heart-shaped soft cheese from Neufchatel-en-Bray), for its cream, butter and apples. Combine this bounty into a gastronomy that brings you apple pie dressed with rich cream, preceded (if you are eating the French way) or followed by (if you prefer the British order) by gloriously soft and creamy cheeses eaten with good country bread and golden butter, all washed down with a glass of strong local cider, and you will begin to understand why foodies travel to Normandy just to enjoy the local goodies! And don't forget the seafood - Marmite Dieppoise (Dieppe Fish Stew) and Hareng Saur (Smoked Herring) are particular fortes.How to get to Upper Normandy
To reach Upper Normandy by air you can fly into Paris with a variety of airlines and from departure airports all around the UK. Other options include taking the TGV, or arriving by ferry into the ports of Dieppe and Le Havre.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Upper-Normandy
Eure Holiday Guide
The department of Eure is the southern part of the Upper Normandy region. The department has a beautiful countryside, peaceful and unspoilt, making it an idyllic location for walkers and nature lovers. Heritage towns such as Evreux add history, culture and breathtaking architecture to the package.
Seine-Maritime Holiday Guide
The Seine-Maritime department of Upper Normandy makes a great choice for short break holidays as it is so easily accessed from the UK. Time not spent travelling means more time to spend exploring the stunning coast and countryside, discovering the fascinating heritage of the towns and enjoying the culture and gastronomy of this lovely part of northern France.
