The Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) region of northern France consists of the Departments of Calvados, Manche and Orne making this quite a compact area to explore.
The whole area just oozes history ranging from the Bayeux tapestry to the D-Day Normandy landing beaches. All this is set in charming towns and villages filled with the characteristic half-timbered buildings of the region.
It's a very touristy region and so you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of your accommodation amongst the many rural gites (self-catering/vacation rental) properties and B&Bs.
Amongst the collection of Les Plus Beaux Villages in this region are Barfleur, Beauvron-en-Auge and St Céneri le Gérei.
Although the region is popular it's not particularly well served by airports and your best bet is probably one of the Parisian airports such as Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY).
Ferries are plentiful in and near the region arriving to Cherbourg within the region but Calais isn't far away.
The rail network is extensive and very practical given the compact nature of the region. You can get the Eurostar from London to Lille and change there.
Family run accommodation
These are places where you can find the level of personal service that you thought had long since gone. Places like bed and breakfasts (B&B), pensions, guest houses, self-catering accommodation and vacation rental homes.
Inns for You in Basse-Normandie
Bayeux - the tapestry and the town
Bayeux is most famous for the tapestry which depicts the conquest of England by the Normans way back in 1066.
One thing that will strike you right away is that the tapesty is enormous, snaking right along the wall of the building in which it's displayed. It's also surprisingly well preserved as you can see from our photo depicting the moment when the arrow went into Harold's eye. The audio comm...
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Last updated 1 Nov 2007
The D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, France
The D-Day landing beaches in Normandy are a major pilgramage site for many people these days.
Perhaps surprisingly, a number of the constructions of the second world war period are still in existence at various points along the coastline, most notably the Mulbery Harbour at Aramanche although there are numerous German pillboxes (shelters) dotted along the hilltops overlooking the sea.
The co...
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Last updated 1 Nov 2007
World Heritage Listed Benedictine Monestary - Mont St Michel
Firstly before visiting this landmark there is a warning that must be heeded: It is NOT advised to try to approach the Mont any other way than the causeway, unless with an experienced guide, people have been cut off and even drowned due to rising tides.
Upon a rocky outcrop standing prominently against the highest tides in Europe within the Baie du Mont Saint Michel, Aubert, Bishop of Avranches...
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Last updated 1 Nov 2007
