The Beautiful Region Of Normandy

Girl’s trips are always fun, and my cousins and I had a reunion after almost 20 years! We decided to take a trip to the French region of Normandy. Normandy is known for its picture-perfect, fairytale towns and its lush green surroundings. More importantly, driving through the region of Normandy allows you to see charming chateaux that are so beautiful that you can’t take your eyes off them. I expected all of that, and it was truly as beautiful as I imagined.

We started our trip from Gare Saint-Lazare, Paris. This station serves trains heading to Normandy. We took a train to Caen and it was the beginning of our memorable adventure.

After nearly 20 years, my cousins and I were finally catching up with non-stop conversations during our train ride. We reached Caen after two hours. Once in Caen, we went to every car rental company, only to our absolute surprise, find that all the cars were booked. The spectacular weather forecast for the next four to five days had attracted huge crowds and tourists in Normandy. While the great weather was good news, we still needed a car.

It is important to note that the best place to find a car in the Normandy region is Caen, as it has many car rental options that our located opposite the main station.

Fortunately, luck was on our side. We were told that a car would be arriving around 4 pm, and we eagerly agreed to wait. To truly enjoy Normandy, having a car is essential, so whopped on to the idea and decided to wait for the car to arrive. Lesson learned : always pre-book a car.

The Pretty Town Of Bayeux

Finally, after completing all the formalities to rent a car, we were off to the pretty town of Bayeux.

I stayed at the Hotel Brunville de Spa which is located right in the heart of the city center. The location is as convenient as it can get.

The rooms were cute! Sure, they were a bit on the cozy side, but they were spotlessly clean. Basically, the hotel is charming, convenient and just downright lovely.

I was just steps away from charming cafes, fabulous shopping alleys, and all the historical gems that Bayeux had to offer. We were pleasantly surprised to find a shopping store that had all the articles sourced from Jaipur, India.

We also had the pleasure of dining at this charming restaurant called Le Garde Manger. This delightful eatery is located in the picturesque part of the town. It offers an array of delectable dishes, but we were particularly impressed with the vegetarian options. The ambience was perfect for a relaxing meal, allowing us to fully soak in the charm of the surroundings.

My cousins opted to stay at the enchanting Chateau de Bellefontaine in Bayeux. The chateau dates back to the 18th century and is steeped in history. The architecture and interiors reflect a classic elegance, with lovely furnishings and decor that will transport you back in time.

However, the chateaux is a bit of a walk from Bayeux town as it is situated on the opposite side off the highway. While it surely adds to the peaceful and secluded charm of the stay, having a car is highly recommended to make getting around more convenient.

The Bayeux Cathedral

First things first, the Cathedral. It is absolutely breathtaking. It is also known as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and is the crown jewel of the town. It dates back to the 11th century. The facade is adorned with detailed carvings and sculptures. This grand Gothic structure towers over the town with intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows. The windows are a highlight, with vibrant colours and intricate designs. When the sunlight streams through, the interior is bathed in a kaleidoscope of colours. Inside, it is just as impressive, with a serene and awe inspiring atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

Another unique feature of Bayeux Cathedral is its connection to the Bayeux Tapestry. Apparently the tapestry was originally housed here for centuries before it was moved to the current museum.

The Tapestry Museum

This place is quite cool and unlike any other museum that I have been to. The star of the show is a 70-meter-long medieval tapestry that tells the epic story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Imagine a comic strip, but from the 11th century and embroidered on fabric! The details are mind blowing – from fierce battles to feasting kings, every scene is like a snapshot of history.

The museum does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life with audio guides that explain each panel. The artistry and craftsmanship are very impressive so we felt quite captivated. So, don’t miss this gem if you are in Bayeux. Photography was not allowed so unfortunately I do not have any pictures to share, but the experience is well worth it.

Mont Saint-Michel

A day trip to Mont Saint-Michel from Bayeux is an absolute must. The drive is fabulous, taking you through quaint villages, charming houses and beautiful chateaux. It is a scenic route that adds to the overall experience. The drive takes about an hour and a half, making it a perfect excursion from Bayeux.

As we’re driving closer to Mont Saint-Michel, we could see it from quite far away and it is a spectacular sight. The abbey appears almost mystical, emerging majestically from the horizon. This breathtaking view built our anticipation and set the stage for an unforgettable visit.

Mont Saint-Michel is nestled on the coast of Normandy and it rises like a fairytale island from the sea. This place is so enchanting, that it felt like stepping into a storybook. It was an experience that we will treasure forever.

Parking was ample and convenient, making it easy to start our adventure. After a short walk from the parking area we took the shuttle bus that took us quite close to the monument. So if you prefer not to walk, the shuttle is a great option, though the stroll is lovely if the weather is nice. We were lucky to have a beautiful day with clear skies, which made our visit even more magical.

The climb up the abbey is filled with delightful discoveries. Cute little shops, charming cafes line the path, each adding the island’s unique charm. However, we did find that there were just too many cafes and shops selling similar things. It was quite crowded, and there was barely any space for us to stand or walk leisurely which was our only disappointment.

The abbey itself is a masterpiece. Its Gothic spires and detailed stonework are impressive, and the views from the top are unparalleled. We could see miles of coastline and the surrounding tidal flats, which adds to the beauty of this place.

After exploring the abbey we treated ourselves to a meal in a rather unfriendly restaurant. As vegetarians, we found the options were not very great. The owner was not willing to alter the menu even slightly to accommodate our preference which was very disappointing. So, we ended up having an okay ish meal but the experience was not great. Also the restaurants and the boutiques inside are extremely overpriced.

One of the most magical aspects of Mont Saint-Michel is the changing tides. Depending of the time of the visit the Island is either completely surrounded by water or accessible by a wide expanse of sand. On the day we visited, we had vast expanses of sand that we could actually walk on. It was incredible to stroll along the sand, taking in the breathtaking views from every angle. We took some nice photos and were lucky to have such a perfect day.

You can also opt to do a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris, but we preferred to do it from Bayeux and experience the Normandy region. As a day trip from Paris is quite far and makes for a long day. It is much more enjoyable when you base your stay in Bayeux and spend a couple of days in Normandy, truly soaking in the charm and beauty of the region.

As the day came to a close, we took a moment to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this place and it is a sight that will stay in our minds forever.

D-Day Beaches – Omaha

The next day we went on a memorable journey to the historic D-Day beaches, specifically Omaha Beach. The drive itself was wonderful offering scenic views and a sense of anticipation. Upon arriving, we were struck by the serene beauty of the beach, despite the windy and cold weather.

Omaha Beach holds a profound place in history as one of the key landing sites during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. This event marked the beginning of the Allied forces’ liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II. The bravery and sacrifice of the Allied soldiers who stormed these beaches were instrumental in turning the tide of the war.

Spending some time at Omaha Beach was an enriching experience reminding us of the courage and determination displayed by the Allied Forces. We were glad we took the time for this short but impactful visit. It was truly a worthwhile experience.

Rouen

We barely spent less than a couple of days in Rouen, (Grand Studio De Charm) but wow, what a stunning town! If you are into history or art, this place is an absolute must visit. Situated along the Seine River, Rouen perfectly mixes old-world charm with modern vibes. Paris might steal the show, but Rouen was definitely worth our time.

The Rouen Cathedral is the star of the show. Immortalised by Claude Monet, this Gothic masterpiece is a sight to behold with its intricate details and towering spires. What we loved most was the Gros-Horlodge, one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world. As we wandered the cobblestone streets, we found this beautiful golden clock arching over the street, a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Well, due to very little time we missed the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen. I’m told it has an impressive collection featuring works by Caravaggio, Delacroix and Monet. The museum offers a great overview of European art history.

Since we are vegetarians, our options were limited so we frequented an Italian restaurant called Trattoria. The pastas, pizza and the tiramisu was awesome. If you are a foodie, then Rouen is known for its culinary delights. The local food scene blends traditional Normandy flavours with a modern twist. Teurgoule, a yummy cinnamon rice pudding is very popular and the region is very famous for its apple brandy. Having said this I did observe one of the longest line was for an Indian restaurant serving North Indian food. It seemed to be quite popular in Rouen.

We have had the pleasure of visiting Monet’s house in Giverny from Paris on our previous trip, it is worth noting that this enchanting destination can also be conveniently reached from Rouen. Giverny is just over an hours drive from Rouen making it an easy excursion.

Normandy is a beautiful region that deserves ample time to explore its charming towns and picturesque villages. With its rich history, stunning landscapes a leisurely week-long visit is ideal for truly experiencing all it has to offer. Given all there is too see and do, another trip to this enchanting region might just be on the cards for me.

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