Normandy Cottages

Holiday Cottages in Normandy

Welcome to Normandy  

To the south of Pas de Calais and west of Ile de France, Normandy looks out towards our southern coast with it’s high alabaster cliffs, castles, great beaches and historic towns and cities.  A really super location for your Normandy country cottage or gîte holiday, the place bristles with heritage, from World War II to medieval; half timbered villages, gardens and towering gothic cathedrals alongside gorgeous landscapes and bags of family activities and attractions.

In upper Normandy you’ll find the charming département of Seine-Maritime with its beautiful abbeys, Monet’s gardens at Giverny and city of Rouen with its fine cathedral. Lower Normandy includes Calvados and charming Manche along with historic Bayeux, city of Caen and the broad sweeping World War II landing beaches.  By the sea enjoy the chic resort of Deauville, its neighbour popular Trouville with its active little fishing fleet and broad beach, plus nearby Honfleur renowned for its beauty and inspiration to artists including Monet and Boudin. You’ll also be within reach of one of France’s top tourist destinations outside Paris, that of World Heritage site of Mont Saint Michel, an ancient island abbey of immense beauty.

Well known for its cider Normandy is a great place for seafood including best lobster, mussels, scallops, sea bass, monkfish, and herring, plus a wealth of superb seasonal farm fare.  To work off this feast there are bags of activities throughout Normandy to enjoy including great coastal and inland walks, cycle ways, great golf, horse riding, fishing and canoeing.

Things to do in Normandy

Step back in time and enjoy the beautiful gardens at Giverny, kept as close to Monet’s original much loved gardens as possible. Explore the 12^th century village of Lyons la Foret and romantic hilltop ruins of Richard the Lion Heart’s Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys with panoramic views over the Seine Valley.  A visit to the Bayeux Tapestry depicting William the Conqueror’s victory over King Harold is a ‘must see’, also the vast Normandy World War II landing beaches and award-winning Memorial Museum in Caen.

If you enjoy cider take the Cider Route, a great way to enjoy the countryside and villages, tasting is of course obligatory, but not when you’re at the wheel!  Beginning in Cambremer, some 35 kms east of Caen the route is clearly sign posted Route du Cidre. It’s around 40 kms long and takes you past producers of the “AOC Pays d’Auge”.

Take your golf clubs and choose from the 36 courses throughout Normandy, 12 of which boast sea views.  Head for Deauville for upmarket luxury greens or the more scenic and traditional courses around Seine Maritime, just about all welcome non-members.  Manche is a paradise for walkers and wildlife lovers.  With coastal and inland waymarked paths there are miles of trails and cycle routes, as the area is home to two wilderness areas and five nature reserves.

As well as Normandy’s excellent beaches and seaside resorts everyone will love the wide range of family attractions including the trails of La Foret des Elfes (Elves Forest), undersea adventure at La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg, Festy Land, Normandy’s largest theme park and Zoo de Jurques near Caen.