Recently updated on September 2nd, 2021 at 11:29 am
Home to a rich history and culture that will appeal to any traveller, Normandy, which is located in Northern France and bordered by the English Channel (La Manche in French), is one of the most beautiful regions in France. From a rolling green landscape dotted with châteaux and picturesque villages to a stunning coastline with elegant seaside resorts, there is so much to see and do in Normandy. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover or a connoisseur of the finest food and drinks in France, here are 11 fun facts about Normandy that are sure to pique your interest.
Fast facts about Normandy
It is the birthplace of Impressionism
Normandy is the land of Impressionism, an artistic movement inspired by Monet’s painting of the sunrise at Le Havre. Intrigued by the unique light and picturesque beauty of the region, artists travelled from Paris to set up their easels along the Normandy coastline throughout the 19th century. Normandy inspired some of the most exquisite artists of the late 1800s, including Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and many others.
You can eat at the oldest restaurant in France
Established in 1345, La Couronne in Rouen is the oldest inn in France. Over the centuries, La Couronne has become one of the finest gourmet restaurants in Europe. More recently, La Couronne gained international fame thanks to legendary American chef Julia Child. Her first meal in France was at La Couronne way back in 1948. The meal was so incredible it inspired Julia to dedicate her life to teaching the wonders of French cuisine.
The most beautiful abbey in France
If you haven’t been to Mont Saint Michel, then you absolutely must visit. The abbey is perched atop a 264-foot-high rocky island connected to mainland France by a boardwalk. The second most-visited site in France (after the Eiffel Tower, of course) Mont Saint Michel is transformed during high tide. It is said that when the tides come in, it sounds like hundreds of horses galloping.
Join a Local Specialist for a tour of Mont-Saint-Michel’s medieval Benedictine Abbey when you travel with Trafalgar on the Treasures of France tour.
RELATED CONTENT: 8 of the most beautiful castles in France
See the Bayeux Tapestry
You may wonder why, when Camembert cheese, crisp cider and the rolling Norman hills are beckoning, you would stop to see a tapestry. Well, this 230-foot-long embroidered cloth (yes, the Bayeux Tapestry is actually an embroidery) depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, and culminating in the 1066 Battle of Hastings. This almost 1000-year-old tapestry is displayed in a dark room, illuminated by special lighting so you can see every detail. This is a must-see sight for anyone interested in French and English medieval history and facts about Normandy.
GET INSPIRED BY: Treasures of France
What is Normandy known for?
The sight of Jeanne d’Arc’s demise
The modern Eglise Jeanne d’Arc church (built 1979) sits on the site where Jeanne d’Arc (or Joan of Arc) was burned to death on charges of heresy. The monument is both a church to honour Saint Joan of Arc and a civil memorial to commemorate the heroine. The remarkable stained-glass windows are awe-inspiring, and visitors say that it is quite moving to stand in the spot where Joan of Arc was killed.
Normandy is the site of D-Day
The most ambitious and largest military assault in history took place in Normandy on June 6, 1944 (also known as D-Day). Prior to this date, much of northern France was under German occupation. After extensive planning by Allied Forces, 156,000 American, British, and Canadian troops landed on five beaches along the Normandy coast. By late August, all of northern France had been liberated.
You can tour the battlefields of World War I and II while paying your respects to those who fell on the frontlines of Europe when you travel with Trafalgar on the WWI and WWII Battlefields tour.
RELATED CONTENT: 76 years on, where to go to retrace the D-Day landings in Normandy
What food is Normandy known for?
The best cheese in France
Normandy is famous worldwide for its specialty cheeses. The history of cheese-making in Normandy dates back to the 10th century, making the region one of the best cheese producers in France. Well-known Norman cheeses include Pavé d’Auge, Livarot, Pont l’Evêque, Neufchatel, Boursin, Brillat-Savarain, Brin de Paille and, of course, Camembert.
Follow the journey from apple orchard to table
Apples abound in Normandy’s rich, fertile farmlands, making it one of the world’s largest apple producers. Among other uses, cider from this part of France is delicate and delicious. French-style cider is characterised by the perfect balance of sweet and bitter and a rich amber colour. More than 7,000 farms grow cider apples in Normandy’s heartland, around Caen and the Pays d’Auge.
RELATED CONTENT: 14 essential French phrases to learn before your next trip to France
Some of the finest food in France
One of our favourite facts about Normandy is that the area is a goldmine for exquisite food. Alongside the exceptionally fertile farmlands, the region’s coastline is abundant with seafood. Normandy is the leading producer of oysters, mussels and scallops, so if you’re in the mood for the delicate flavours of the best seafood in the country, this is the only place to be. You will also find that Normandy’s culinary delights have resulted in an impressive 38 Michelin-starred chefs.
Are there any traditions in Normandy?
A rich medieval history
Due to its fertile farmlands and crucial strategic location on the English Channel, Normandy and the surrounding region has a rich history stretching all the way back to the Medieval period (and beyond). The locals love to celebrate their history with a number of festivals and celebrations. The Fetes Jeanne d’Arc and Medieval Market in early May in Rouen is dedicated to the 16th-century heroine. The peasant girl who led the French army to victory is honoured with a parade, religious procession and even re-enactments of the famous siege of Orléans. Early July sees the streets of Bayeux explode into colour with people parading in Medieval garb, with feasts, balls and period pieces taking place throughout the town.
RELATED CONTENT: Discovering the Battlefields of Normandy
UNESCO-recognised lace making
The rare and unique craftsmanship of Norman lace-makers is recognised by anthropologists and scholars around the world. The technique of point d’Alençon is unusual due to the high level of craftsmanship required and the very long time it takes to produce. It can take seven hours to produce one square centimetre of this lace. To master Alençon lacemaking can take up to 10 years of training.
With historical and cultural wonders, and the culinary delights of orchard, pasture and sea to tantalise the taste buds, there is something for everyone in Normandy. Have these facts about Normandy sparked inspiration for a French holiday? Let us know in the comments below, or visit our website to learn more about how you can travel to Normandy with Trafalgar.