An Introduction to Upper Normandy

Upper Normandy is made up of the Eure and Seine-Maritime counties - it is here that the Seine flows into the English Channel.

This cloudy land of rolling hills and valleys was a central stake in the many wars between France and England during the Middle Ages. Gastronomical culture revolves around typical farm products (cheese, such as camembert and neufchâtel, or Normandy cider) as much as seafood.

Beautiful port cities such as Dieppe, Fécamp or Le Tréport are remarkably easygoing areas, while in contrast Le Havre is a bustling metropolis. Cliff-top villages like Varangeville-sur-Mer provide stunning panoramic views, and Etretat in particular seems a monument carved into the cliff face by Neptune himself.

The region's architectural heritage is one of half-timbered houses, examples of which can be seen among the seaside villas of Fécamp, or further inland, in Rouen's old-town. There is so much to see in Haute-Normandie - it is a treasure trove of architectural, natural and cultural gems.