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The 5 best things to do in Normandy

Normandy is a region in the north-west of France, offering a fabulous diversity of landscapes and activities. Rent a holiday house there and discover a generous nature with an Atlantic coastline of endless sandy beaches. Rediscover history, from the Vikings who landed here to sail up the Seine to conquer Paris, to the D-Day landings that helped liberate northern Europe from the Nazi occupation during World War II.

Do you enjoy good food on holiday? Then look for a holiday house in Normandy, gastronomy there is well known and it is waiting for you. Whether it is the simple sweet crêpes or galettes de sarrasin – buckwheat savoury pancakes -, which are eaten on every street corner, or the generous seafood platters that are the envy of the whole world. With its fresh seafood from the
morning catch and the fine flavours "à la française", one can clearly say that we eat well in Normandy.

Mont-Saint-Michel

One of the near-intact wonders of the world, Mont-Saint-Michel stands in the middle of the sea at high tide, and it is surrounded by greenery and salt-meadow sheep at low tide. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is home to a beautiful abbey, first built in the 8th century. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the abbey and admire the surrounding countryside from its summit as far as the eye can see.

The D-Day Landing Beaches

For history buffs, after a medieval tour of Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day beaches of Normandy await you. Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold and Sword beaches, all with English names to recall one of the most impressive strategies of the Second World War when the Allied troops liberated France by sea.

The Beaches

Normandy boasts 620km of coastline, and some of the most exclusive seaside resorts. Whether it's the sandy beaches at the foot of the cliffs at Étretat, or Deauville, with its film festival and casino, the choice is vertiginously diverse. History buffs can take a trip to the D-Day beaches, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy sand yachting, kitesurfing and windsurfing, to name but a few options. Or go horse-riding at sunset. The dunes, fine sand and mild summer climate make this a popular destination.

Chausey island

A change of scenery is guaranteed. Leave your holiday house and take the ferry from Granville, and an hour later you'll find yourself on a car-free island of white sand and turquoise beaches. Take the ferry back in the evening, and you've got yourself a great day out!

National parks

For nature lovers, no less than four regional parks will thrill you:

* The Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Nature Park

* The Perche Regional Nature Park

* Cotentin and Bessin Regional Nature Park

* The Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park

The fauna and flora are marvellous, hikers and cyclists will be delighted.

And wherever you go, charming little shops, half-timbered architecture and delicious restaurants await you. Normandy has a lot to offer, everything is within reach of the holiday houses we have selected for you - we have simply listed the must-sees!