DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Normandy (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Boats on the beach at tretat; Pont de Normandie; Abbaye de Mont-St-Michel; detail on the Bayeux Tapestry; Le Vieux Bassin, Honfleur; gargoyle at Notre-Dame, Louviers; interior of Basilique de Ste-Thrse, Lisieux

Magnificent Gothic architecture, rugged coastlines, sublime chteaux, ancient sea ports, bucolic countryside, pungent cheeses and heady ciders. These are just a few of the attractions of Normandy, a region that has inspired countless artists and writers. With Eyewitness Top 10 Normandy, it is yours to explore.

Normandys rich and fascinating history is most apparent in the stunning island monastery of Mont-St-Michel, the Gothic masterpiece of Rouen cathedral and the tale of the Norman conquest of England depicted in the exquisite Bayeux Tapestry. No less absorbing are the more recent traces of history seen in the D-Day beaches, with their poignant memorials and cemeteries. Normandy is also full of natural splendours. Its varied coast ranges from the spectacular cliff formations at tretat to the vast beaches and remote headlands of the Cotentin. Inland, in the Pays dAuge, you will find lush, rolling countryside full of orchards, cow-grazed meadows and handsome half-timbered manor houses.

A visit to Normandy also offers the chance to indulge in some fabulous seafood and fine cuisine, not to mention cheeses and cider. To work some of it off, you can cycle along idyllic tracks, walk through ancient forests, climb the wooded peaks of the Suisse Normande or ride a horse through the lovely Perche countryside.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the region has to offer, from charming, rustic villages to elegant belle poque resorts. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Normandy.

EXPLORING NORMANDY

Normandy boasts a scenic coastline, beautiful countryside and historic towns. To help make the most of your stay in this fascinating region, here are some ideas for two or seven days of sightseeing.

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Two Days in Normandy

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Day 1

Morning

Start in , one of Normandys most appealing seaside resorts, with its dramatic coastal formations, clifftop walks and enticing seafood restaurants.

Dramatic cliff formations characterize the coastline at the resort of tretat.

Afternoon

Head to and explore the picturesque harbour, lined with cafs and medieval houses. Dont miss the extraordinary wooden glise Ste-Catherine, the quirky Le Maisons Satie and Boudins beautiful seascape pastels at the Muse Eugne Boudin.

Day 2

Morning

Immerse yourself in the , one of Frances plus beaux villages.

Beuvron-en-Auge is one of the prettiest of the regions villages.

Afternoon

Head northeast to , which brilliantly tells the story of Joan of Arc.

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Seven Days in Normandy

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Day 1

Follow Day 1 of the two-day itinerary.

Day 2

Spend a relaxing morning in one of the seaside resorts on the , perhaps Deauville or Trouville. After lunch, visit Cabourg, associated with Marcel Proust, and go fossil-hunting along the Falaises des Vaches Noires.

Day 3

Tour the to see its famous tapestry, as well as its lovely cathedral.

The Bayeux Tapestry records the Norman Conquest through 58 scenes.

Day 4

Start out early and head south to , Normandys most spectacular sight. Cross the footbridge and explore the abbey and the rest of the island.

Day 5

Drive inland to , where Normandys famous cheeses are made. Follow the Route du Cidre and end your day with a tour of a distillery.

Day 6

Explore .

Day 7

Head northwest to the provincial capital of .

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Top 10 Normandy Highlights

The Porte dAval and the Aiguille dtretat

Top 10 Normandy Highlights

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MONT-ST-MICHEL

One of the most spectacular sights in Normandy, this craggy rock crowned by a magnificent abbey appears to erupt from the surrounding landscape a broad expanse of sand or sea, depending on the dramatic tides. The regions star attraction since pilgrims first flocked here 1,000 years ago, it now draws some three million visitors each year and has perhaps 50 true inhabitants.

NEED TO KNOW

Office de Tourisme: Blvd de lAvance 02 33 60 14 30

Abbey: 02 33 89 80 00; MayAug: 9am7pm; SepApr: 9:30am6pm; adm

Muse Historique: 02 33 60 07 01; mid-FebNov: 10:30am5pm daily; Nov mid-Feb: 10:305pm FriTue; adm

Logis Tiphaine: 02 33 60 23 34; mid-FebNov: 10:30am5pm daily; Novmid-Feb: 10:305pm FriTue; adm