Normandie

Normandie (Normandy) spreads from Picardie to Bretagne and borders the Western part of the Parisian Basin. Its name comes from the Men from the North (Normans or Vikings) who invaded the region in the 10th Century. Normandie is composed of the regions: Haute Normandie (High Normandy) in the North and Basse Normandie (Low Normandy) in the South. It borders the Channel on 600km. The landscape is shaped by a vast plain covered by pines and prairies with green grass, apple trees and herds of dairy cows. The region produces milk, butter, cream and excellent Camembert. It is a abundant land with a great history, fertile lands, a beautiful coast and magnificent cities. The well-known Omaha Beach, where the Allied forces landed on June 6th 1944 and lost 3000 soldiers is located between Cherbourg and Caen.
Amongst the interesting cities are Caen and its castle from the 10th Century, Le Havre and its 2,8km long Normandy Bridge, but the most beautiful is Rouen. Joan of Arc, who is the Holy Patron of France, was burned is this city in 1431 accused of witchcraft. Rouen ca be proud of its old town with half-timbered houses admired by everyone. Do not miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the highest in France (its tower is 151m high) built in the 14th Century. One should take its time visiting this city because the most narrow street his hiding some surprises.

Plus, one should not forget the famous Mont Saint Michel classified World Heritage. It is a small island near the Bretagne which is only reachable by feet when the tide is out. The only link to the mainland is a 2km long dike.
According to legend, the archangel Gabriel has told Aubert, Bishop of Avranches to build a church on this rock. The church and monastery rise supremely on the rock which later welcomed an authentic village.
When the tide is in, the Mont Saint Michel is nearly cut off from the world. The tides are the greatest of Europe with an amplitude of 14m.

White and yellowish limestone cliffs fall like cascades on narrow beaches. They have been sculpted by the sea and the wind in a hundred million years. Some beaches are sandy, others rocky as to please everyone.
The Normandy coast is extraordinary in every moment. The sun plays with the colours. Thus, the 70m high cliffs are turquoise or bright white, the prairies are intense green or bright yellow like mature wheat. But when the wind brings dark clouds this idyllic landscape turns from a minute to another into a mystery and horror scene.
The villages along the coast are quiet fishing ports or marinas, normally asleep and silent.

Let's enjoy Normandie as long as it has not been invaded by tourists!