The mere mention of vacations in France conjures up romantic notions of having coffee in a Paris cafe or taking a stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. However, holidays in France can be just as enchanting in Normandy. This region is among the lushest and greenest forests in all of France, with stunning landscapes and historic towns.
Creation of Normandy
It would be interesting to start your vacation in France with some knowledge of the creation of Normandy. The name Normandy actually derives from the Gaulish term for ‘Northman’. Normandy began as a fiefdom created for a Viking leader named Rollo. Since Rollo came from the north, the region he presided over was called Normandy. Rollo’s descendant, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, subjugated England in 1066 to become England’s first king after his victory at the Battle of Hastings.
Normandy’s historical past
Normandy’s rich history attracts many tourists to this spectacular region each year. The decisive World War II Operation Overlord, which saw the mobilization of massive amounts of Allied infantry and supplies, began the assault on France from the D-Day amphibious landings on the Calvados coast of Normandy, on June 6, 1944. The Battle of Normandy witnessed fierce military battles for the eventual liberation of France. This crucial turning point in the war was a critical period in Normandy’s historical past.
Interesting towns to visit in Normandy
When you’re in Normandy on your holiday in France, visit the famous spa town, Bagnoles de l’Orne. Here you can relax and be pampered to relieve fatigue and muscle tension or go swimming and play golf. The city’s bourgeois villas boast unique roofs, bay windows and polychrome façades.
Holidays in France will invite you to visit Mont-St-Michel, where a medieval Benedictine abbey stands majestically on a mound of rocks. The wonderful architecture of this Abbey and its unique location make this a critical itinerary on your French vacation.
Head to the city of Bayeux, where you can see the wonderful embroidered tapestry recounting the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England. It dates from the time of William the Conqueror.
In the town of Lassay-les-Chateaux you can visit a 15th century stone castle that still stands. A little further north of this city is Domfort, which has narrow streets and ruins of medieval castles.
About 8 km away is the charming village of Lonlay L’Abbaye, your destination for a peaceful conclusion to your holiday in France. This typical French town is the epitome of a French holiday, as you will be able to interact with the friendly local people and enjoy special Normandy cuisine. Stay in luxurious surroundings at Le Manoir Nezement, an imposing 18th-century manor house, lovingly restored to its former glory by its English owners.
Your vacation in France will fill you with wonderful memories of the historic places and towns you visited in Normandy. Find great accommodation in picturesque Norman villages and experience an unforgettable French holiday in Normandy!
