Normandy

Some great reasons to visit

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Mont St-Michel is truly one of the great sites of the world. Whether it's to watch the extraordinary high tides in action or to stand in awe at the magnificence of the architecture, a visit to this magnificent abbey is an incredible experience.

D-Day Beaches Just about everywhere you drive in Normandy you'll be reminded of 6 June 1944, the day of Operation Overlord--the largest military operation in history. The Landing Beaches, the small towns so critical to the success of the following Battle of Normandy, and the cemeteries are emotionally moving. You'll need a car, or take one of the many tours that are offered. The sights cover a wide swath of area, so allow plenty of time.

Bayeux One of the few towns to escape heavy damage from WWII, Bayeux offers a stunning cathedral, the British War Cemetery, pedestrian streets lined with traditional houses, and most of all: the Bayeux Tapestry, the amazing 70-meter long, 11th-century embroidered tapestry that recounts William the Conqueror's invasion of Britain in 1066.

Rouen Restoration efforts have transformed this ancient city of half-timbered houses into one of the most delightful of France.

Spend an easy day wandering its medieval quarter, stopping in at the Gothic Cathédral Notre Dame--a favorite subject of Impressionist artist Claude Monet.

Rouen can also boast of one of the finer regional art museums of France, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, with fine works from the 15th to the 20th century, including Velásquez, Rubens, David, Monet, and Renoir.

Caen Even though Caen was obliterated during World War II, today's lively city offers a number of stunning abbeys founded by William the Conqueror, an enormous 11th-century château (which houses a number of art museums), and Le Mémorial de Caen--a comprehensive exhibit commemorating the Battle of Normandy as well as promoting a future world of peace.

Côte Fleuri Perhaps a tad overdeveloped, the beach side towns of Honfleur, Deauville, and Trouville burst with charm and grace. Honfleur especially is a snapshot of time when artists came to paint the picturesque old harbor and flower bedecked stone buildings. With a 1000-year seafaring tradition (French explorers Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain sailed to the New World from here), you'll still find fishing fleets unloading their catch along the waterfront--as well as the occasional cruise ship!