Events & festivals in Normandy in November

On your marks…

This famed marathon is a 21,1km race straight from Honfleur to le Havre which boasts a national label and is thus accounted for in other major competitions.

Participants will be leaving Honfleur, passing across the Pont de Normandie (a technological masterpiece) and then across the Seine estuary before entering Le Havre harbour, then on to the town centre and shoreline, and arriving finally at the town hall.

Just around the château corner…

These works are an illustration of the evolution of sculpture. Each is a step in the progress of modern and contemporary sculpture either because of aesthetic choices, or because of the materials used. These works are obviously an important addition the the museum's collections, but more importantly they represent an arresting scene, an artistic surprise for the wanderers and visitors passing by…

Down in the crushing depths where man has no place…

A new attraction is available for visitors of the Cité de la Mer. From February 2nd, you can enjoy this fantastic experience thanks to cutting-edge 3D-animation and simulator technology: discover the abyss from the point of view of a submarine surrounded by deep-sea creatures!

From there you can enjoy an hour-long virtual tour… Open your eyes and admire the riches of Neptune's Kingdom!

Normady goes Goth-style…

This exhibition was timed for the inauguration of the new Salles des Ramparts ("Ramparts Hall") of the Normandy museum. "Chefs-d'œuvre du Gothique en Normandie" is dedicated to Gothic art in Normandy, and in particular local art production as can be found ornamenting Medieval monuments.

This relatively unknown period will be revealed to the public thanks to decorative sculptures and monuments throughout the five counties of the Normandy region. This exhibition will represent the largest concentration of Normandy art and sculpture in history.

A tour you won't soon forget.

The museum will be organising a special tour for the opening of the Hall of Ramparts. The tour will explore a forge, a 14th-century house, and a mysterious underground network.

Be sure to visit the belvedere, from which there is a unique view of the ducal palace and dungeon… To get there, you have to find the secret lift that runs up the Medieval tower.

Fragile, but worthwhile art.

This fascinating exhibition deals with the history of porcelain production in Bayeux, some of the highest quality in the world!

The Porcelaine de Bayeux expo is a sort of grand retrospective based on the immense collections of Michel J. Morlent and Ginette Aulombard-Morlent. Expect to see some magnificent pieces!

Jaws: a nefarious myth debunked.

With Rob Stewart's recent film production, Sharkwater, there has been a revival of the public interest in these fascinating creatures. The Channel General Council has thus put together this latest exhibition, Du mégalodon à la roussette, requins de nos côtes , at the Maritime museum in Tatihou.

To the average member of the public, sharks are bad news… Yet, far from this common misconception, the exhibition attempts to shine a more positive light on a creature that has gone from prehistoric predator to being the prey of modern humans.

From swing to rhythm and blues…

From swing to rhythm and blues and even some choreographed street dance…the best music and the best dancers find their place in a succession of different sets presenting acrobatics, vocals, magic and dance.

To bring out the very best response in the audience, the troop of artists and magicians pull out all the stops: virtuosity, energy, seduction, glamour, etc.

This is a review that is suitable for families, offering everyone an evening of spectacular entertainment.

A story to commemorate the fallen.

This expo will be telling a story. The story of the World Trade Center; of an attack in 2001; of firemen and rescue workers and construction workers; of a police force and hospital workers; of the 2 700 people who lost their lives; and finally of the response that these events brought about…

These powerful themes are the very soul of this exhibition built on a collection of personal objects, pictures, films, testimonies and remains found amidst a mountain of rubble. The tale of rescue operations will be told through various things… Things that we all use in everyday life, objects, fragments, debris, a crooked steering wheel, a souvenir…

Organised by the Lisieux tourism office and the Pays d'art et d'histoire du Pays d'Auge, these guided tours last approximately 1hr30mins. Guides are licensed by the Ministry of Culture.

Abbey founded in the 6th century by Saint Evroult.

The abbey was pillaged and rebuilt in the 18th century, then dissolved at the time of the Revolution.
In 1839, the abbey became a major seminary.
The present Neo-Classical chapel dates from this period.
Purchased in 1936 by a national health fund, the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie of the Ile-de-France, the abbey is now used as a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre.
It is only open for visits on national heritage days (Journées du Patrimoine).

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

A place of character.

This tiny commune surrounded by forest is a site of historic, architectural, geological and botanical interest.
When you visit, don't miss:

- the chapel of Saint-Michel, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, lies on the pilgrim routes used throughout the Middle Ages by pilgrims making their way to Mont Saint-Michel.
It suffered during the Wars of Religion and under the Revolution.

- The priory: it features an 11th century Romanesque porch, undoubtedly the finest of its kind in Normandy, six splendid capitals representing hunting scenes, and some restored frescoes.

- Neolithic settlement: the settlement has four enclosure walls looking down over the valley of the Cance.
According to local tradition, it was once a Roman military camp.
It is certainly an ancient site dating from th Bronze Age and would have served as a place of refuge, a defensive position and a look-out post.

Lover of authentic local foods?

The farm is organised to handle the full range of farming operations starting with 2 day-old ducklings and ending in finished products for sale at the farm or at market.
The ducks grow and develop peacefully on the farm's three hectares of meadowland.
At 13 weeks, they are force-fed exclusively on whole grain corn.
The next step in preparation takes place in spacious areas under strictly-controlled conditions, to arrive at our outlets in the form of pâtés and ready-cooked dishes, duck terrine with whole foie gras or blocks, rillettes... Bon appétit!

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

In the course of your visit, you will learn all about the history of the building of the artificial Mulberry harbour that was the key to the success of the Battle of Normandy.
The museum also presents the various phases of the Allied landings, from the design of the artificial harbour known as Port Winston to the liberation of the coast (mechanical models, diorama, video, etc.), plus screenings of British Admiralty archive film footage of the construction and operation of the Mulberry harbours.

Producing and selling foie gras.

The farm, started by Philippe Beaudouin in 1986, is in Normandy. The setting is beautiful, at the foot of the Massif d'Ecouves, in the Normandie-Maine national park and 25 km from the administrative centre (préfecture) of Alençon.
Production, processing and sale of foie gras. The team welcomes visits from individuals and from groups of 50 to 60 people.

One of the finest Gothic churches in Normandy.

The cathedral of Sées is one of the finest 13th-14th century Gothic buildings to be found in Normandy.
Its 70m high spires are visible from over 10km around.

Worth visiting:
Outside: the central and lateral portals;
Inside: the fine "Romanesque" main altar dates from the period of Louis XVI and is the work of Brousseau;
The organ is a 1743 Parisot, transformed into a Cavaillé-Coll in 1883 and restored in 1972.

In praise of "xocoatl".

Chocolate had to journey from the other side of the world to bring its delights to Europe. The Chocolate Museum prides itself on explaining that journey and the history of chocolate from the time of the first cocoa trees, venerated by the Maya, until the arrival of the precious cocoa beans in Europe to be processed and turned into various preparations.
The highlight of the show? Watching, from behind glass windows, the preparation of drakkars, chocolates, mouldings and apples in Calvados.

36,000 hectares of unspoilt nature.

The Perche is an ancient French province enjoying something of a revival, and is distinguished by a strong geographical, historical, landscape and architectural identity. The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, created five years ago, covers 118 communes divided between two départements, the Eure-et-Loir and the Orne. The Perche is characterised by a wide diversity of natural habitats: bocages (a mixture of fields, hedgerows and woodland), pastures, 36,000 hectares of forest, ponds and wetlands, hillsides and moorland supporting over 1,200 plant species and a varied fauna including some thirty species listed as of European interest.
The Perche also enjoys a remarkable architecural heritage: manor houses, splendid farms and picturesque villages. The identity of the Perche is also expressed in its customs, local events, traditional activities and popular arts and crafts.
The Manoir de Courboyer, standing in a 65 hectare landscaped estate, houses the Maison du Parc. The estate is a focal point for tourism and cultural activities, offering a range of events and activities: tours of the manor house, exhibitions, Perche produce stalls, a gastronomy centre, etc.

Bringing to life the epic history of William the Conqueror.

This mind-blowingly immense tapestry, made entirely from wool, has told the story of the conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy for the past millenium…

This archaic comic strip, truly a graphic history book, will transport you into a medieval epic filled with viking "Drakkars" and Normand knights.

"A wondrous pyramid".

On the border between Brittany and Normandy, between Cancale and Granville, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a fascinating place. The Mount itself, perched on a rocky outcrop, forms a tiny village whose Grande Rue (the main and, indeed, the only street on the Mount) climbs up to meet the Benedictine abbey at its summit.

The bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, is a land of history and legend, shaped over the millennia by the hidden forces of nature. It is here that you will find the highest tides in Europe.
Don't leave the village without tasting the delicious omelette de la Mère Poulard.

A bike, my kingdom for a bike!

March 23rd 2008 is the inauguration date for the new self-service bicycle-rental system organised by the Caen town hall: V'eol.
With over 40 parking stations throughout the city, a new transport system is available for locals and tourists alike. The service will be at your disposal 24/7, forever changing the workings of inner-city transportation. Not only will it reduce pollution, but users will be getting fitter at every ride!

V'eol parking stations are positioned throughout the city.

Truly traditional cuisine…

The Mère Poulard Inn, located on the famed Mont Saint-Michel, is turning 120 this year!

Established in the late 19th century, the inn owes its name to person who orchestrated its foundation and success: Annette Poulard. Annette was only 20 when the Mont, which had become a prison after the French revolution, returned to its normal state as a site of pilgrimage.

In 1888 Annette and her husband decided to open an auberge or inn, a place where pilgrims and visitors could enjoy a healthy meal and a warm bed. Annette was soon known as Mère Poulard ("Mother Poulard"), for "mère" was at the time used to designate exceptionally good cooks. Year by year, visitors would pour in to delight in the 700 or so recipes served by the Auberge, including the now famous Mère Poulard omelette.

Nowadays, years after Annette passed away, the Auberge strives to perpetuate her gastronomical tradition. Some of her recipes found their way into supermarkets, and a number of traditional products (buiscits for example) bear the Mère Poulard label.

The biggest forest in the département.

The forest of Ecouves, covering an area of 8,153 hectares, is managed by the French forestry commission, the Office National des Forêts, and is the largest in the département.
The ONF, which manages 27,000 hectares of state-owned forests in the Orne, is charged with preserving France's natural heritage by implemeting multi-functional management of the three main functions assigned to the national forests:
- economic activity, through the production of high quality workable wood;
- A choice of tree species and techniques appropriate to the ecological conditions (climate, soil, etc.);
- Sustainable game management;
- Recreational functions including:
- public amenity areas;
- environmental education in schools and for the general public;
- Opening of footpaths;
- An environmental function: with a programme of campaigns aimed at the conservation and/or rehabilitation of habitats and species of special heritage interest.

A selection of treasures of sacred art.

The museum displays a selection of masterpieces of sacred art: paintings, sculptures, gold and silver work, cabinet-making, liturgical ornaments from the Middle Ages down to the present day.
These include the ivory liturgical comb of Saint Thomas à Becket, reliquaries from the abbey of Saint-Evroult, the Carrouges chasuble.

An open history-book...

Situated in the centre of the Orne département, a stone's throw from the forest of Ecouves, Sées has been an episcopal town city since the 5th century and has managed over the centuries to retain all the charm of a small town while gradually acquiring the essential facilities of everyday life.
Any visitor who enjoys characterful towns will appreciate the simple pleasure of exploring the historic, craft and gastronomic legacy of this administrative centre of 5,000 souls living around their cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art bearing witness to a long history of some considerable interest.

To explore Sées is, above all, to open up a precious history book to be deciphered street by street, monument by monument, with an epilogue that gives pride of place to local craftsmanship.
The Tourist Office organises guided tours of the episcopal city and its cathedral, by appointment only and for groups.

Remembering D-Day.

The Omaha D-Day Museum is a place outside of time: it features extraordinary exhibits and equipment that clearly illustrate technological progress in times of war and the repercussions of such progress on normal civilian life. Omaha Beach is marked forever in history as the spearhead of the Allied landings on Tuesday 6 June 1944 at 9,.32 a.m. precisely.

A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

A taste for the authentic.

Every Wednesday morning, Honfleur holds its organic market in the Place Sainte-Catherine.
All those who love truly healthy fruit and vegetables, often smaller than usual because not artificially swollen with water but tasting the way fruit and vegetables used to taste, will find a wide selection of organic food products guaranteed free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or additives.

When in Normandy, drink cider!

Le Buhot farm is located near the town of Sées, in a former 15th century priory.
We make our cider from eight varieties of cider-apple.
You are cordially invited to taste our products at the farm.

On sale:
Cider: 2.03€ to 2.45€ per bottle;
Apple juice: 1.70€ ;
Aperitif: 9.15€.

Porcelain and old lace.

The Hôtel du Doyen presents part of the artistic and historical collections of the Musée Baron Gérard (porcelain and Bayeux lace, paintings) in the form of temporary exhibitions.
Admission is free on presentation of the ticket to the Tapestry Museum.

Entrancing in its beauty and serenity.

It is to the Benedictine monks of the Middle Ages and the Classical period that Caen owes the majesty of its Town Hall, which occupies the former abbey of Saint-Etienne, known as the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. And, of course, to William the Conqueror who built the castle and, with his wife Matilda, founded the two abbeys that dominate the landscape.

All the civilisations in one museum.

Founded in 1832 and surrounded by a magnificent botanical garden, the museum invites visitors to discover a fascinating and original collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits from the 5 continents.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the one-time "cabinets of curiosities" to discover a fabulous collection of stuffed animals, fossils, minerals and exotic objects (rooms dedicated to Egypt, Asia, Oceania, Africa and America) or yet more treasures unearthed by archaeological digs in the region.

The thrill of the deep.

La Cité de la Mer, which opened on 29 April 2002, is a vast scientific, cultural and fun centre devoted to the immense riches of the oceans and oceanographic exploration.
Exceeding all expectations, the Cité welcomed its millionth visitor in July 2005.!
Encouraged by these visitor numbers, the Cité de la Mer is now launching a second extension phase.
The origins of the Cité de la Mer, which enjoys an enviable situation in the former Cherbourg trans-Atlantic passenger docks, were twofold: to revive an Art Deco masterpiece, the former trans-Atlantic passenger terminal, and to make the nuclear submarine Le Redoutable the biggest submarine open to the public in the world. Those aims have been achieved.
The gradual descent into the abyss, during a three-hour journey into a fault in the ocean floor, is organised according to two major themes:
The Submarine, with an introduction to the Redoutable, the biggest submarine open to the public anywhere in the world.
For 45 minutes, the voice of the Captain explains how a nuclear submarine works and what life onboard is like for its crew.

The Ocean, which concentrates on exploring and using the rich resources of the ocean, and which centres around one of the deepest aquariums in Europe (10.70m) containing over 3,500 fish.

Time-honoured knowhow.

The workshop exists to safeguard the knowhow handed down by the lace-makers of Bayeux from the 17th century.
The Conservatoire, a place to learn and perfect lace-making skills, keeps alive the technique of bobbin lace making.
Year-round exhibition, events and articles for sale.

The Longest Day.

A short distance from the beaches of the Normandy Landings, the Battle of Normandy memorial museum in Bayeux, the first town to be liberated on the morning of 7 June 1944, presents a unique and exhaustive picture of the fighting that took place on Norman soil between 7 June and 29 August 1944.
The museum displays were updated in 2006 and now alternate a classic historical account with themed sections, a new 25-minute archive film and presentations of Second World War equipment and uniforms illustrating the historical account. The new presentation gives a better understanding of the enormous war effort made in the course of this battle to win back freedom in Europe.

Norman cider.

What could be more natural when in Normandy than buying cider?
Discover cider and cider-related products made by Fournier Frères, several times medal-winners at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris.
Find out how cider is produced.

Label Orne Terroir.

Buildings new and old on the edge of the Forêt d'Ecouves, with free-range birds roaming in green fields.
On sale, per kilo:
Chicken: 6.10€
Duckling: 7€
Guinea fowl: 7.10€
Turkey: 7.62€
Duck: 6.40€
Capon: 13.10€

A sanctuary made of silica.

10km from Arromanches, the Juno Beach Centre is the only Canadian museum on the Normandy Landings. It retraces the history of Canada during the Second World War and presents a picture of Canada today (films, interactive terminals, sound archives, collections, etc.). The Juno Beach Centre is also the only museum offering guided tours of the beach and its remains of the Atlantic Wall.

Changing over the centuries.

Attractive in its austerity, the castle of Carrouges is a distillation of history from the 14th to the 20th century. Initially a fortress that came under siege by the Plantagenets, it was rebuilt during the Hundred Years War (keep), extended in the 15th century (Blosset wing), ornamented during the Renaissance (Cardinal Le Veneur's pavilion) and fortified yet again during the Wars of Religion (western bastion). In the 16th century, it became a magnificent residence (suite of spacious apartments) and was redesigned under the Enlightenment (music room).
The former canonry, founded by Louis XI, is now the headquarters for the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine.

235,000 hectares of greenery!

Le Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine is one of France's 44 regional national parks.
It covers a rural area recognised nationally for its heritage and landscape.
Between Argentan and Sillé-le-Guillaume from north to south, and between Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe and Mortain from east to west, the Park covers a total of over 235,000 hectares.
Vast moorlands, the hills of Normandy and the Maine (the westernmost point), forests, orchards of full-size fruit trees (pears in particular), streams and rivers flowing down from the watershed, outstanding cultural heritage (chateaux, manor houses, religious monuments, knowhow and traditions, etc.) set the countryside apart.

Not to be missed:
- The Maison du Parc in Carrouges: Park information centre (walking guides and maps, climbing site, discovery guides, programme of events);
- In Carrouges: exhibitions and sale of craft and food products in July, August and December, in a remarkable 16th century collegiate church;
- An outdoor activity centre in the Alpes Mancelles: outdoor activities for a better knowledge and understanding of nature (kayaking, climbing, mountain-biking, orienteering, archery, understanding the environment).

In honour of a great man.

It is in the splendid Renaissance "Logis du Gouverneur" (late 15th century), just 100 metres from the Sous-Prefecture that became the seat of the first authorities to assume control of a newly-liberated France in 1944, that a record is kept of the five key encounters between General de Gaulle and Bayeux.
Two of these encounters have left their mark on French history: 14 June 1944 and 16 June 1946. The five encounters are recalled in a collection of numerous archive documents, both printed and photographic, in film footage from the period and of objects that once belonged to the General.

Delicious duck

Duck farming, production of farmhouse foie gras;
Sale of duck products: foie gras, confits, terrines, rillettes, smoked breast fillets;
Ready-cooked dishes in sealed jars: cassoulets, sauerkraut with duck confit, duck with orange, duck thighs in cider, etc.

Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

An architectural monument.

Built in 1631 to plans drawn up by architect François Mansart, the Château de Balleroy is part of one of the first town-planning schemes ever executed in France, and that was to inspire Versailles.
In 1975, the first Balloon Museum was founded by Malcolm S. Forbes in one of the former stable buildings.
The 17th century dovecote and the grounds are also not to be missed.

Not just on Fridays!

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, the catch of the day is sold at Honfleur fish market on the Jetée de Transit.
If you love fresh-caught fish, here is the place to find all the best of the seasonal catch, to be cooked or eaten raw, as tartare in a lemon -juice marinade, as a ceviche, or as sushi.

Discover the Andouille fo Vire

Typical component in the cuisine of Normandy, and source of pride, the andouille (special sausage) of Vire is still produced artisanally in the Andouillerie in Sienne Valley.
Located near the Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, this small family business, run by Jacqueline and Bernard Boscher, produces andouille, smoked ham, traditional pates and other regional products.

During guided tours of the facilities, the public is invited to discover the manuel fabrication of the andouille followed by a tasting of this speciality whose recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.