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NORMANDY, PLACE OF...
Normandy, place of many faces
The land of Vikings, of William the Conqueror, of Second World War Landings and of tarte au pommes, Normandy is divided into two regions: Haute-Normandie and Basse-Normandie.
With its seaside resorts which were so fashionable at the beginning of the 20th century, Normandy attracts modern holidaymakers with the promise fresh air and horse riding on the beach, combined with the rustic flavours of its cuisine. A visit to the seaside towns of Deauville and Trouville might involve simply relaxing on the beach or perhaps the pleasure of gaming in the casinos. The ports of Dieppe, Fécamp and Tréport will surprise you with their charm and Le Havre has become a veritable hub of creative and artistic activity. Villages perched on cliff tops, such as Etretat, afford unforgettable views. Timber-framed and half-timbered houses typify the architectural heritage of the area, while apple trees, cider, and sleepy coastal villages are all symbols of this charming region.
Normandy, place of history
The region was marked in the 9th century by the invasion of the Vikings, who were to become the Normans. In the 11th century, the influence of the Duchy of Caen was to spread further with the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. The 19th century was characterised by the development of agriculture and seaside resorts (Trouville, Deauville and Cherbourg). In 1944, the region was the landing point for operations of the Second World War. During the Hundred Years’ War, Rouen was held by the English from 1419 to 1449 and it was here that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The cities of Rouen, Evreux and Le Havre were destroyed during the German bombings of 1940 and the Allied bombings of 1944. After the war, Le Havre was rebuilt by local man Auguste Perret, and asserted itself as one of the leading European ports, whilst Rouen took its place as the outer harbour of Paris.
Normandy, place of gastronomy
As well as being a producer of good quality butter and cheese, Normandy is well known for its apples. Cider has been the regional drink since the 13th century. Discover it in all its different varieties: sweet, dry or sparkling. In its distilled form it becomes calvados. Among the specialities of Basse-Normandie are warm oysters "au pommeau" (with apple brandy), shrimps from the bay of the Mont Saint-Michel and Bouchot mussels, followed by the famous Trou Normand (sorbet). Also try salt meadow lamb with flageolet beans, Caen-style tripe and "Trouville-style" sole. Haute-Normandie is just as famous for its meat (salt meadow mutton, Rouen-style duck, Auge Valley chicken with cream) as for its seafood: fish (sole, lemon sole, turbot, lisette or mackerel), crustaceans and shellfish (Coquilles Saint-Jacques and Cotentin oysters). The cheeses from the Auge area are particularly renowned: camembert, pavé d'Auge, livarot and pont-l'évêque are the most famous. Finally, don’t forget to try the sweet specialities of the region: teurgoule (rice pudding), and tarte Normande: a delicious tart made with apples cooked in cider.
DISCOVER THE TAPESTRY OF BAYEUX
From Thursday, January 01-2009 to Friday, December 31-2010
For nearly 1,000 years, this huge woollen tapestry, which has come down through the centuries, describes in pictures the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. Like a cartoon, the Bayeux Tapestry transports you to a mediaeval epic in the middle of Viking boats and Norman knights. For its full 70-metre length, it mixes realistic representations of battles with Norman forces assembled by William facing Saxon troops led by Harold, as well as incursions by mythical animals and allegorical allusions.
Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
Rue de Nesmond - Centre Guillaume le Conquérant - 14400 BAYEUX - Tél. : +33 (0)2 31 51 25 50 www.tapisserie-bayeux.fr
JAZZ UNDER THE APPLE TREES
From Saturday, May 8 2010 to Saturday, May 15 2010
Jazzy times under the apple trees… Let your curiosity take you where it will throughout the city of Coutances... The "Jazz under the Apple Trees" Festival is an invitation to wander aimlessly to the soothing sound of quality music.
The festival's program grew out of extensive teamwork, debates and discussions: Festival organisers compared and contrasted their likes and dislikes, creating a wide thematic with new, innovative and fresh ideas.
Experience the latest acts, unseen in France and even Europe; big names alongside the new generations of musicians; and different band formations, from the trio to the concert band. A program which sometimes makes unorthodox combinations of artists is what give this festival character and originality.
Website: www.jazzsouslespommiers.com
Théâtre municipal de Coutances
2, rue Milon - 50200 COUTANCES - Tél. : +33 (0)2 33 45 11 81
Office de tourisme
Place Georges-Leclerc - 50200 COUTANCES - Tél. : +33 (0)2 33 45 17 79
E-mail:
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SUMMER OF IMPRESSIONISM IN NORMANDY
From Tuesday, June 01-2010 to Thursday, September 30-2010
Summer of impressionism in Normandy. Normandy, as the birthplace of impressionism, is closely linked with this artistic movement. This new festival Impressionist Normandy will run from June to September 2010. Exhibitions, sound and light shows, recitals, concerts, conferences, dances and picnics will enliven many towns and rural areas in the region. As part of this festival there will be a major exhibition A Town for Impressionism: Monet, Gauguin and Pissarro in Rouen at the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen. You will also have the opportunity to discover the lesser known aspects of this artistic movement, with a print exhibition at the Fine Art Museum in Caen and ceramics of this period on display at the Ceramic Museum in Rouen. Now you just need to decide what to see first!
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
Esplanade Marcel-Duchamp - 76000 Rouen - Tel. : +33 (0)2 35 71 28 40
Website: www.rouen-musees.com (in french)
This festival takes place in various communes in Normandy: Evreux, Giverny, Vernon, Clères, Caen, Honfleur, Rouen, Le Havre, Deauville, Jumièges, La Bouille, Lisieux, Dieppe, etc
Office de tourisme
25, place de la Cathédrale - 76000 Rouen - Tél. : +33 (0)2 32 08 32 40
Website: www.rouentourisme.com (in french)
PLACE TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT WORLD WAR 2
CAEN MEMORIAL
From Wednesday, January 27-2010 to Friday, December 31-2010
Memorial for peace. The Caen Memorial is a museum not to be missed in the Caen region. Each year, thousands of visitors discover or rediscover this museum dedicated to the history of the 20th century, unique in Europe. You will find two major films, unpublished photographs, documents and objects: it is a journey through events that shook the history of the people of Europe. Experience moments of emotion and reflection that will definitively change your outlook on the world.
Esplanade Général-Eisenhower - 14000 CAEN - Tél. : +33 (0)2 31 06 06 45
E-mail:
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- Website: www.memorial-caen.fr
Closed on 25 December
FRANCERAILPASS ADVANTAGE : from 12 % up to 30 % discount on entrance + 20 % discount on the Day Pass ticket + guided tour of the D Day landing beaches.
Office de tourisme
Place Saint-Pierre - Tél. : +33 (0)2 31 27 14 14
E-mail:
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- Website: www.caen.fr/tourisme (in french)
AMERICAN CEMETERY OF OMAHA BEACH
Memories of war
Close to the town centre of Colleville-sur-Mer, 9 841 soldiers are buried in the American cemetery of Omaha Beach, near the site of the Landing of 6 June 1944, a tribute to the Second World War and the Normandy Landings. On the never-ending lawns, the lines of white crosses remind us of the courage and folly of man.
Closed on 1 January and 25 December
Route départementale - 514 14710 COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER
Website: www.abmc.gov
ARROMANCHES D-DAY LANDINGS MUSEUM
From Monday, January 25-2010 to Friday, December 31-2010
Remember the Landings. During your visit, you will find out about the history and operation of the city's artificial harbour, a success in the Battle of Normandy and on which the site is built. This pioneering museum of the Landings also offers a presentation of various stages of the Allied Landings, from the conception of the Port Winston artificial harbour to the liberation of the Normandy coast (models, animations, diorama, video, etc.).
Closed from 4 to 24 January
Website: www.musee-arromanches.fr
Length of visit: around 1 hour 15 minutes
Place du du 6-Juin
Tél. : 02 31 22 34 31 - Fax : 02 31 92 68 83 - Email:
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D-DAY FESTIVAL
From Saturday, June 05-2010 to Monday, June 07-2010
Emotional focus. On 6 June 1944, the region of Bayeux and Bessin was the setting for the largest military operation in history. As happens every year in Normandy, at the instigation of the Bayeux Intercom tourist office, the D-Day Festival will take place in June. The programme includes fireworks, rambling, camping and picnicking. This major celebration of the Liberation and of freedom itself promises to be a particularly moving yet festive experience. Centre-ville de Bayeux - 14400 BAYEUX
For information, call 02 31 51 28 28 (Bayeux tourist office)
Pont Saint-Jean - 14400 Bayeux
E-mail:
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- Website: www.bessin-normandie.fr
OVER PLACES TO DISCOVER WITH YOUR FRANCE RAIL PASS
SAILOR'S FESTIVAL IN HONFLEUR
From Sunday, May 23 2010 to Monday, May 24 2010
Honfleur pays homage to its maritime past. The Fête des Marins has honoured the tradition since 1861. It is an outstanding event for those of Honfleur, people of the sea.On Sunday, mass is held at Sainte-Catherine’s church and the blessing of the sea takes place. On Monday there is the procession from the town centre to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce chapel on the hills above the town. Events are put on during the whole weekend, including exhibitions in the salt barns, games, concerts, etc.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Plateau de Grâce - 14600 HONFLEUR
Office de Tourisme
Quai Lepaulmier - 14600 HONFLEUR - Tél. : +33 2 31 89 18 90 - Fax : +33 2 31 89 31 82
Website: www.ot-honfleur.fr
CLAUDE MONET FOUNDATION, GIVERNY
From Wednesday, April 01-2009 to Monday, November 01-2010
Exceptional closure on Monday 26 April. Since 1980, the property of the artist Claude Monet has belonged to the Claude Monet Foundation. The impressionist artist lived from 1883 to 1926. See the collection of Japanese prints collected by Claude Monet inside this house. After visiting the house, the garden invites you to enter its Clos Normand and its Water Garden. Changing in harmony with the seasons, this natural area is known mainly for its Japanese bridge, which you can spot on several canvases painted by the artist. "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers", said Claude Monet; visit Giverny and you will understand why.
Fondation Claude Monet
84, rue Claude Monet - 27620 GIVERNY - Tél. : +33 (0)2 32 51 28 21 - Fax : +33 (0)2 32 51 54 18
E-mail:
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- Website: www.fondation-monet.com
SPRINGTIME IN ROUEN 2010
From Saturday, April 03-2010 to Saturday, June 05-2010
From the first rays of April sunshine… Rouen will be celebrating springtime! The festivities will start at the main museums which will offer free entry to all. Stories, street theatre and performances will follow. And what kind of a festival would this be if there was no music? Classical and jazz music will accompany the commemorations of Joan of Arc. Finally, on the 5th June, the Great Ball at the town hall will mark the end of the festival… and the beginning of the summer!
Office de tourisme
25, place de la Cathédrale - 76000 Rouen - Tél. : +332 32 08 32 40
Website: www.rouentourisme.com (in french)
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