Basse Normandy Guide
CDT Calvados
The sword of Saint-Micheal, pointing to the heavens, has been a beacon for pilgrims and travellers for over a thousand years.
Lower Normandy (Basse Normandie) is the land of the Vikings, of William the Conqueror, of early 20th century seaside resorts and of the infamous landings of the Second World War... The healthy "countryside" taste of local pie, the tarte Normande, and the range of excellent dairy products provide a light and savoury counterpoint to the awe-inspiring historical grandeur of this region.
The choice is yours: admire Aleçon's mythical architecture, feel the adrenaline rush of climbing down the wild gorges of Villiers or canoeing on the Vire, or discover local landscapes at your leasure on horseback. For the more easygoing visitor, Deauville and Trouville offer a relaxing break on the beach or an exciting night at the casino. Walks along the Cotentin peninsula towards Cherbourg are riddled with tourist spots which offer breath-taking landscapes and impressive listed heritage sites.
Apple orchards, cider-houses, little fishing ports and backcountry villages - all are timeless favourites that together give you a snapshot of life in Normandy.
Lower Normandy (Basse Normandie) is the land of the Vikings, of William the Conqueror, of early 20th century seaside resorts and of the infamous landings of the Second World War... The healthy "countryside" taste of local pie, the tarte Normande, and the range of excellent dairy products provide a light and savoury counterpoint to the awe-inspiring historical grandeur of this region.
The choice is yours: admire Aleçon's mythical architecture, feel the adrenaline rush of climbing down the wild gorges of Villiers or canoeing on the Vire, or discover local landscapes at your leasure on horseback. For the more easygoing visitor, Deauville and Trouville offer a relaxing break on the beach or an exciting night at the casino. Walks along the Cotentin peninsula towards Cherbourg are riddled with tourist spots which offer breath-taking landscapes and impressive listed heritage sites.
Apple orchards, cider-houses, little fishing ports and backcountry villages - all are timeless favourites that together give you a snapshot of life in Normandy.
Location:
Lower Normandy is a region that opens its arms to the world - geographically and historically, it has been a strategic point of passage since time immemorial. The 19th-century beach-resorts, such as the majestic Dauville or even Cherbourg, and the small village-harbours and back-country towns, are all favoured locations among visitors of the region.
Walking through the countryside, one can take the time to admire the expansive, sweet-scented apple orchards, or partake in the area's numerous horse-riding activities.
Lower Normandy is a region that opens its arms to the world - geographically and historically, it has been a strategic point of passage since time immemorial. The 19th-century beach-resorts, such as the majestic Dauville or even Cherbourg, and the small village-harbours and back-country towns, are all favoured locations among visitors of the region.
Walking through the countryside, one can take the time to admire the expansive, sweet-scented apple orchards, or partake in the area's numerous horse-riding activities.
History
The towns of Luc-sur-Mer, Vaucelles, Fontenay-le-Marmion, Condé-sur-Ifs and Villy-Bocage, all have traces of the first human settlements in Normandy as far back as 6 000 BC. Various communities within the newly-conquered dominion of Julius Cesar were united in 56 BC.
The Northmen, which were locally known as the "Normands", invaded the area in the 9th century - it is this clan's name which later came to designate the region. As William the Conqueror began to take over England in the 11th century, the dutchy of Caen became more influential and Lower Normandy became the central claim throughout the endless conflicts between France and England, and this until the 15th century.
It is in 1790 that the region's three "départements" or counties were created, and the 19th century saw the extensive development of agriculture and the establishment of now-famous beach resorts (Trouville, Deauville and Cabourg).
The Second World War was a difficult period for Normandy in particular. As the main landing point for Allied troupes in 1944, the area suffered considerable damages and certain cities were almost completely destroyed.
The towns of Luc-sur-Mer, Vaucelles, Fontenay-le-Marmion, Condé-sur-Ifs and Villy-Bocage, all have traces of the first human settlements in Normandy as far back as 6 000 BC. Various communities within the newly-conquered dominion of Julius Cesar were united in 56 BC.
The Northmen, which were locally known as the "Normands", invaded the area in the 9th century - it is this clan's name which later came to designate the region. As William the Conqueror began to take over England in the 11th century, the dutchy of Caen became more influential and Lower Normandy became the central claim throughout the endless conflicts between France and England, and this until the 15th century.
It is in 1790 that the region's three "départements" or counties were created, and the 19th century saw the extensive development of agriculture and the establishment of now-famous beach resorts (Trouville, Deauville and Cabourg).
The Second World War was a difficult period for Normandy in particular. As the main landing point for Allied troupes in 1944, the area suffered considerable damages and certain cities were almost completely destroyed.
Traditions
Lower Normandy is a region respected for quality butter and cheese, but above all it is the local apples orchards which produce particularly good fruit. Consequently, cider has been the regional beverage par excellence as far back as the 13th century! To fully appreciate the subtlety of the various types - soft, hard and sparkling cider - each must be sampled at least once.
At the other end of the spectrum, the other local specialty is… horses! For if good cider makes happy men, then good apples make healthy horses! The region has some of finest breeds of horses and, alongside these magnificant beasts, an army of specialists to care for them: breeders, trainers, grooms, vets, farriers, saddlers… In their horsetracks and stud farms, these fine specimens of equestrian perfection will amaze riders, gamblers, and animal-lovers alike.
Lower Normandy is a region respected for quality butter and cheese, but above all it is the local apples orchards which produce particularly good fruit. Consequently, cider has been the regional beverage par excellence as far back as the 13th century! To fully appreciate the subtlety of the various types - soft, hard and sparkling cider - each must be sampled at least once.
At the other end of the spectrum, the other local specialty is… horses! For if good cider makes happy men, then good apples make healthy horses! The region has some of finest breeds of horses and, alongside these magnificant beasts, an army of specialists to care for them: breeders, trainers, grooms, vets, farriers, saddlers… In their horsetracks and stud farms, these fine specimens of equestrian perfection will amaze riders, gamblers, and animal-lovers alike.
Gastronomy
On a typical Lower Normandy menu you will find: warm oysters "au pommeau" (with apple brandy), gray shrimp from the Mont-Saint-Michel bay (with a slice of buttered rye bread and a drop of lemon juice) or "bouchot" mussels, and "trou normand" (apple sorbet with a shot of Calvados) in the dessert section.
For meat-lovers, the local specialties include lamb from the Saint-Michel Bay's salt meadows accompanied by flageolets or green beans, Caen-style tripes or Trouville-style sole.
A lovely camembert, pont l'évêque or Livarot cheese will delight the senses before dessert.
Those with a sweet-tooth will love a Normand apple-pie, a brioche or a "teurgoule" (oven-baked rice pudding), all of which should be splashed with a healthy dose of cider or Calvados.
On a typical Lower Normandy menu you will find: warm oysters "au pommeau" (with apple brandy), gray shrimp from the Mont-Saint-Michel bay (with a slice of buttered rye bread and a drop of lemon juice) or "bouchot" mussels, and "trou normand" (apple sorbet with a shot of Calvados) in the dessert section.
For meat-lovers, the local specialties include lamb from the Saint-Michel Bay's salt meadows accompanied by flageolets or green beans, Caen-style tripes or Trouville-style sole.
A lovely camembert, pont l'évêque or Livarot cheese will delight the senses before dessert.
Those with a sweet-tooth will love a Normand apple-pie, a brioche or a "teurgoule" (oven-baked rice pudding), all of which should be splashed with a healthy dose of cider or Calvados.
Tourist Information
Basse-Normandie
FRANCE
Tel: |
|
Fax: |
Our Ferry Route Network
- Our Ferry Route Network
- Portsmouth to Caen
- Portsmouth to Cherbourg
- Portsmouth to St Malo
- Poole to Cherbourg
- Plymouth to Roscoff
- Plymouth to Santander
- Cork to Roscoff
Customer Service & Help
Events & Festivals
Holidays in France
- French Gites & Cottages in France
- French Villas with Pool
- Apartments & Holiday Resorts
- Chalet Camping Holidays in France
- Golf Holidays & Breaks
- Pet Holidays in France
Hotels & Touring Holidays
- Hotels in France
- Premier Hotels in France & Spain
- Car Tour Holidays in France
- Boating Holidays in France
- Motorbike Touring in France
French Holiday Directory
Holidays in Spain
- Casa holidays in Spain
- Apartment Holidays in Spain
- Chalet Camping Holidays in Spain
- Golf Holidays & Breaks
- Pet Holidays in Spain
Hotels & Touring Holidays
- Hotels in Spain
- Parador Hotels in Spain
- Premier Hotels in France & Spain
- Car Tour Holidays in Spain
- Activity & Walking Holidays
- Motorbike Touring in Spain
Spanish Holiday Directory
Other Sites
Other Sections
Company Information & Legal
- About Brittany Ferries
- Press Office
- Brittany Ferries Recruitment
- Ferry Terms & Conditions
- Holiday Terms & Conditions
- Website Terms & Conditions
- Security and Privacy
