NORMANDY - Tourist Information

	Le Mont Saint Michel (Normandy) Mont Saint Michel is a village in itself, brimming with cafes, bars and superb craft shops. Mont Saint Michel must be the 8th wonder of the world.....The views are magnificent both within the ramparts and from out into the bay. In the 11th century, there was once a small chapel, built on top of a rock, that had already become a major place of pilgrimage. Over the centuries, the small chapel grew to become a magnificent abbey, commonly known as the 'Merveille' or 'Wonder', with its glorious Gothic buildings. Within the abbey are the Cellier (storeroom), the Salle des Chevaliers (knights' hall), the Refectoire (refectory), the Aumônerie (chaplaincy), and the Salle des Hôtes (guests' hall), all of which have welcomed Saint Louis, Louis XI, and Francois I. A cloister with beautifully carved columns seems to be suspended between sky and sea. Mont Saint Michel Bay has the highest tides in Europe. As the tide ebbs the sea reveals one of the largest areas of mussel growing and oyster farming in France upon thousands of wooden stakes. Covering about 14 miles is the Duchess Anne Dike providing a view over the ever changing landscapes and multitude of species of birds and wildlife.
	Bayeux The famous Bayeux Tapestry is situated within the Cathedral Notre-Dame; outstanding with rounded arches decorated with Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon designs. Places to see must be The Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie 1944, Musée Diocésain d'Art Religieux. Bayeux is a pretty town with cobbled streets and historic houses, abundant cafés and restaurants. Just outside you could also visit Arromanches-les-Bains, A mulberry Harbour made in England and floated across the Channel - at Arromanches there is a superb 360 degree cinema depicting the events.
*Marais du Cotentin*	Marais du Cotentin Local villages have combined to preserve 120,000 hectares of this important breeding ground for flora and fauna. The marshes, rich grazing ground in spring and summer usually flood in autumn and winter so dykes and elevated roads are a feature. The 25,000 hectares of marshes surrounding Carentan are on the migration routes between Northern Europe and Africa hence are a paradise for birdwatchers. Boats trips along the canals and rivers and pony trekking are just some of the activities.
	D-DAY The Northern beaches of Normandy were vital. For great detail on the D-Day landing sites and places of interest click from the photo to the dedicated D-Day web pages.
	Le Mans Though not strictly in Normandy but Sarthe Le Mans has strong historic links hence worthy of a mention here. The annual 24hr car race has made Le Mans world famous. Just 3 km north is the old city of Le Mans which will look familiar to Gérard Depardieu fans since much of the film Cyrano de Bergerac was shot in the old cobbled streets.
	Rouen Capital of Haute-Normandie is one of the most important French harbours, Rouen is the region’s largest city with a population of 386,000 it's the city where Jeanne d’Arc was burned alive. Rouen is of the most beautiful cities in France and pays homage to the Tall Ships.
AVRANCHES	AVRANCHES Superb views from the botanical gardens out over the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Ancient manuscripts and early printed books (9-10th century) from the Mont Saint-Michel on display in the museum. Saint-Gervais basilica and church plate. Museum of the Second War at Val Saint-Père
	CAEN Already an important place in the Middle Ages, it was seized by William the Conqueror during the XIth century. In spite of severe destruction during WWII bombings, a number of ancient houses and buildings have remained, some of them going back to th XIth century. Caen is also famous for its Museum for Peace, built in 1988, as well for the museum of Normandy and the one on Fine Arts.
	DEAUVILLE : This 5 000 dwellers sea side town has been a fashionable place since the turn of the century The harbour has become an international meeting centre for all sorts of pleasure boats. It is also famous for its beaches, its Casino and magnificent race-track.
	GRANVILLE Strongest tides in Europe. The "Haute Ville" is a picturesque fortified old town with its church of Notre-Dame and 15-18th century houses. Museum of Granville's history, Richard Anacreon museum of modern art, Roc aquarium. Granville wax museum. Regional water sports centre. Regular ferry services to Jersey and Chausey. Winter carnival. Grand Pardon religious festival in summer.
	PORT EN BESSIN With D-Day Landing Beaches on either side, Port-en-Bessin is an essential stopover for tourists travelling to Omaha Beach and the Pointe du Hoc. Normandy's busiest fishing port, this town is characterized by its jetties and inner harbours. In the past, famous painters such as Seurat have sought to capture the very special atmosphere which reigns over this port town. Visit the D-Day wreckages museum
	Saint-Lô in June 1944 was a ruined city ; it has since been rebuilt around the "enclos", that part of town built on the rock overlooking the Saint-Lô river valley. Churches of Notre-Dame and Sainte Croix. Museum with 16th century tapestry. National stud farm. Important centre for dairy produce.
	Villedieu-les-Poëles Founded in the 11th century by the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint-John of Jerusalem, Villedieu became known as the "City of Copper", because of the fine copper working of its inhabitants. Coppersmiths can still be seen at work in the town. Copper and lace museums, bell foundry, copper workshop and pewter museum. Fine 15th century church.