Tourism in Normandy from the Mont Saint Michel to the North of Normandy and the norman coasts ; visit of castles and gardens along the Seine

"Chateaux and Manors in Normandy" derives it's name from the history of Normandy and from the extraordinary wealth and diversity of it's architecture, making it one of France's most charming tourist areas. To the West, between land and sea, the semi-island of Cotentin calls to mind the bows of a ship, like the Viking longships that beached here over a thousand years ago, leaving traces of their passage in the form of mysterious objects. Normandy and the territory of France begins here, facing the Anglo-Norman islands of Jersey and Guernesey.

["Hotel des Ormes", Barneville-Carteret, Manche
facing the isle of Jersey, 20 minutes away by shuttle]

Further to the South, the remarkable silhouette of the Mont Saint Michel stands out against the sky, visible from miles around, surrounded by a bay of constantly changing hues. Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, had a vision of the archangel Saint Michel in 708 : he promised to build a church to his glory, which was soon surrounded by a small town. A bitter struggle then began, with fires, reconstructions and royal edicts. In 1204 Normandy was attached to the Kingdom of France and King Philippe Auguste ordered the construction of one of the seven wonders of the world according to the Unesco ranking : the Mont Saint Michel.

["Chateau de Goville" 1h 15mn away from Mont Saint Michel ]

The Bayeux Tapestry relates the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. An extraordinary work of art for it's time, the Tapestry is a precious source of information to understand the daily life of Dukes and their castles. A picture book 70 meters long and 55 cm in height, the Bayeux tapestry is on exhibition at the "Musée de la Reine Mathilde" in Bayeux.


The D-day landing beaches stretch along the "Côte de Nacre" : Arromanches is one of the symbols of the cruel battle of Normandy and reminds us of what this terrible moment of history was like. Beaches to visit, memorial, Battle of Normandy museums.

[ "Ferme de la Rançonnière", 6km from Arromanches ]
[ "Château la Chenevière", 10km from Omaha beach ]
[ "Château de Bellefontaine", 10km from Arromanches ]
[ "Château de Goville", 20km from Omaha beach ]

The visitor to Caen is greeted by the powerful silhouette of William the Conqueror's castle, a heritage from medieval military architecture. Built during the same period, the "Abbaye aux dames" and the "Abbaye aux Hommes" have remained intact throughout the various wars that have plagued the region. Also spared during the bombings, the "Maison de Quatrans" is a fine example of 14th century architecture in Normandy.

[ "Château de Bellefontaine", 30 km from Caen ]
["Château de Goville", 38km from Caen ]

In the extreme South of Normandy, stands a delightful river town : "Bagnoles de l'Orne". Art Deco villas and cross-timbered architecture line the high street that leads to the Casino. With the refined luxury of a 19th century Spa, Bagnoles sur Orne soothes the spirit. 30 km away lies the "Haras du Pin", also christened the Temple of Horse-riding. It houses the National Stables designed by Colbert in 1665. A public establishment, the "Haras du Pin" caters to all the protagonists of the horse trade. A leading tourist venue, the "Haras du Pin" offers visits and rides in a pony trap, on the verges of the forest of Gouffern, near Argentan.

[ "Hotel Bois Joli" in "Bagnoles de l'Orne" ]
[ The "Pavillon de Gouffern", 3km from "Haras du Pin" ]

The "Côte Fleurie", the gaily-coloured parasols, the promenade : who has not heard of Deauville, the ultra-sophisticated seaside resort on the "Côte Fleurie". Trouville, Honfleur and Cabourg, whose Grand Hotel was immortalized by Marcel Proust. One of France's most famous tourist venues, Deauville draws the visitor like a magnet and makes him lose his bearings.

[ "Domaine de Villers", 6km from Deauville ]
[ "Manoir de la Poterie & Spa", 6km from Deauville ]
[ "Hostellerie de Tourgéville", 7km from Deauville ]

Cross Normandy Bridge and visit the town of "Arsène Lupin" : Etretat. As soon as one arrives in the town, the atmosphere of mystery is palpable …Arsene still has some surprises in store for us and his town resembles him. Nestled in a small creek overshadowed by tall cliffs on each side, Etretat, with it's delightful 19th century villas, charms the visitor at the first glance and offers plenty of interest for those with an eye for the unexpected, especially near the Clos Lupin...

["Domaine de Saint Clair", in Etretat ]
[Château de Sissi, North of Etretat]

Rouen, half-way between Paris and the sea, in the heart of the Seine Valley, was built in Gallo-Roman times. Invaded on several occasions by the Vikings, Rouen became the capital of the Duchy of Normandy in 843 and was taken by Rollon, the Viking chief. Later, in 1431, Jeanne d'Arc was imprisoned and then burned at the stake there, while the town was in the hands of the English. The cathedral with it's tall spires, which has been rebuilt several times, inspired Claude Monet's famous series of impressionist paintings. Today, every 4 years, the invincible Armada sails up the Seine, bringing together visitors from all over Europe.

[ "The Clos des Fontaines" 28km from Rouen ]

Giverny enchanted Monet. Tireless painter of light, fervent admirer of Turner, Monet came to Giverny to take a break and painted nature, his Sunrise Impression, the nympheas, the Japanese bridge and the gardens with dedicated passion. His colourful house, his Chinese collection and his workshop are open to visitors all the year round. Stroll in the gardens of Giverny and around the lake and see Monet's light at first hand.

[ "The Clos des Fontaines" 84km from Giverny ]

In the year 1000, Dieppe was a small fishing harbour. The town reached the zenith of it's maritime power during the 16th century under François 1er. The inhabitants of Dieppe were explorers and adventurers and sent expeditions to Canada, Brasil and as far as Sumatra, in Indonesia. A castle was built, probably in the 12th century, but construction of the present castle did not begin until the 14th century. In the early 20th century, Dieppe was a rival of Le Touquet and Trouville and it's Art Deco casino was built in 1932.

[ "Domaine de Joinville" in Eu, 30km from Dieppe ]