Normandy

A region of castles, abbeys and coast with a thousand years of history behind it.

Mont-Saint-Michel at sunset across the tidal flats. Photo by Alain Bonnardeaux on Unsplash.

Normandy is a region in north-western France. Wikipedia says the duchy was formed by a treaty in 911, that William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066, and that mainland Normandy joined the French royal domain in 1204. The Normandy landings of 6 June 1944 and the Battle of Normandy are a major part of the region's story, and the D-Day beaches can be visited all year, according to Normandy Tourism.

Highlights

What to see

Mont-Saint-Michel

UNESCO listed it in 1979. Wikipedia says the first monastic establishment dates from the 8th century (legend says 708), the island covers about 7 ha, the tidal range is roughly 14 m, and it is the region's most visited monument. It is a heritage site, not a chateau.

Château Gaillard

At Les Andelys above the Seine, begun by Richard the Lionheart in 1196 and largely complete by 1198. Philip II besieged it from September 1203 and the garrison surrendered on 6 March 1204. The ruins were classified a monument historique in 1862, and Wikipedia says the inner bailey is open from March to November and the outer baileys all year.

Château de Falaise

The current castle dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, with construction beginning in 1123 under Henry I of England. Wikipedia says William the Conqueror was born around 1028 at an earlier castle on the site. It has been a monument historique since 1840.

Food and wine

Wikipedia names cider, calvados, Camembert and Livarot, and Claude Monet's scenes including Giverny.

When to go

Normandy Tourism's spring page says spring blooms are tentative in April and truly spectacular by May and June, and describes spring, autumn and winter as quieter. Our when to go page has monthly weather for Rouen.

Good to know

A few facts

Mont-Saint-Michel's annual visitor figure of more than three million is undated in Wikipedia.
Château Gaillard was begun by Richard the Lionheart in 1196.
William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066, according to Wikipedia.

Keep planning

Other regions

Questions

Quick answers

Is Mont-Saint-Michel a chateau?

No. It is a UNESCO-listed abbey island, listed in 1979 according to Wikipedia.

Can you visit the D-Day beaches all year?

Normandy Tourism says the D-Day beaches can be visited year-round.

Who built Château Gaillard?

Richard the Lionheart began it in 1196, according to Wikipedia.

Sources

Facts on this site come from gov.uk, Atout France, regional tourism boards, UNESCO and the operators named, each listed at the foot of the page. Check dates, prices and entry rules with the provider before you book.