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Normandy is a strip of northern France between Brittany and the Pays du Nord, that offers picturesque scenery, splendid beaches and quaint villages with a distinctive architecture.  Easily accessible from the channel ports, Normandy is the perfect destination for short stays in France although there is good reason to come here for a longer holiday, especially if you prefer a short drive to your destination!Parc du Château de Nacqueville and the best Gardens in NormandyLe Mont St-Michel...not quite in Normandy, but easily in reach and well worth the small detour!Tour of the recommended D Day sitesBayeux TapestryFavourite beach at DeauvilleFavourite beach at TrouvilleGiverny and the best towns in NormandyHonfleur and the best towns in NormandyCalvados tasting at the Coeur de Lion Estate near Pont l'Evêque.Famous Normandy cheese villagesJumièges AbbeyChâteau de CrevecoeurJardin du Château d’Harcourt and the best Gardens in NormandyParc et Jardins du Château de Vendevre and the best Gardens in NormandyJardins du Pays d’Auge and the best Gardens in NormandyLittle SwitzerlandCité de la Mer in CherbourgLa Musée du Chemin de FerLe Souterroscope des ArdoisièresViaduc de la SouleuvreVieux-la-RomaineZoo de ChamprépusCalvados tasting at the Château de BreuilCrème frâiche factory at Isigny Ste MèreArromanches 360 MemorialCaen MemorialNaturospace and the best châteaux and gardens in NormandyVilledieu-les-Poêles and its copper&brass foundriesChatêau de VendeuvreFestyland theme park at CaenEnchanted village at BellefontaineAdventure park at Le Val des CimesInformation on EtretatCycling in Normandy (well this place is just over the border in Brittany actually!)Cycling in NormandyVélo rail cycling at EtretatPegasus BridgeThe Canadian Museum at Juno beachThe American Cemetery at Omaha BeachMap of Normandy Tourist Attractions

The region is steeped in history, a lot of which is a consequence of the Second World War (see the panel below left for more information).  The region is also beautiful inland as well as boasting some dramatic coastline and delightful sandy beaches.

Having enjoyed many family holidays in the Normandy, France For Families is well positioned to bring you a wealth of advice on the best places to visit, including our favourite towns such as Honfleur, toursist attractions, beaches, local markets and regional cheese, cider and spirits.  Also we list our favourite restaurants.  And we welcome your feedback if you know of any we've missed!

Best Normandy Attractions

The Musee du Chemin de Fer near Caen

Favourite Normandy Restaurants

The Chateau de Crevecoeur

Normandy Gardens & Châteaux

 Pegasus Bridge and World War II history in Normandy

 

Remembering the Second World War

One of the lasting memories you will get from Normandy is a rather sobering one – there are reminders of the 2nd World War everywhere – in the immense American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, the D day landing sites on the coast north of Bayeux, in Arromanches, Avranches, Cherbourg, Ouistreham….  See our special section here.

Temperature ProfileWeather Normandy's weather is influenced by the Atlantic, resulting in pleasant and mild summers.  In fact the whole climate is very similar to that of Southern England.    For an up to date forecast, select here.

 

Travelling to Paris from Normandy by train  A recent holiday in Normandy gave our family the opportunity to travel by train to Paris for the day. This alleviated any need to take the car into central Paris where parking (and traffic) is difficult. All planning was effortlessly done prior to leaving the UK, thanks to the excellent SNCF website that enables you to book journeys on-line and even have your tickets sent to you in the UK. We found that ticket prices are remarkably reasonable for travelling within France with great bargains to be had  - even using the TGV.