Paris is usually the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a holiday in France. However, the city can be a bit overwhelming especially if your perfect idea of a holiday is to move away from the chaos of a big city. Located on a 2-hour drive from the French capital, Normandy is one of your best alternatives. Indeed, the region boasts of colorful scenery and a rich, World War II history.
Here are some of the main attractions that you will find in Normandy.
A slice of World War II in a series of historic monuments
Normandy is one of the best places to be acquainted with a military history of the world. Immediately you land on the beaches, you will be met by a series of war monuments commemorating June 6, 1944. On this day, more than 150000 soldiers landed on these beaches in a war to liberate Europe from the grip of the Nazis.
France was already under Hitler’s occupation, and allied troops had come to remove his last battlefront.
There are more than 40 sites related to the war, fondly known as D-Day.
If you are a history enthusiast, one day is probably too short for a trip that will let you visit the beach fronts, the artillery museum, and the war cemetery, among other attractions. The sites have been kept in pristine condition, bearing that many of existing monuments are more than 7-decades old.
Take a trip to Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont St. Michel is a picturesque island off the northern coast. The Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is a medieval castle towering above the island skyline. Looking at the structure, you would be hard-pressed to imagine how it remained untouched in a region that was once the epicenter of a grueling war. The region served as a monastery of some sorts, with many of the impressive buildings having been designed to host regular worship. As you go up the castle, for example, you will enter a charming little chapel that has been made deliberately tranquil compared to the surroundings.
Tucked in one corner of the island is another fairly quaint chapel known as La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert. The tiny island is also lined with beautiful cafes and shops.
Other attractions, accommodation and getting around
The Avranches is a beautiful region located north of Normandy. You can revel in the sights of the botanical garden or visit the museum for another trip through history. Some of the historic buildings include the Notre Dame des Champs and the Saint-Gervais Basilica. After a long day’s trip, you can choose to return to Paris or stay at one of the lovely accommodation spots in Normandy.
Besides, why should you drive all the way, when you are yet to conclude your D-Day exploration? There are many accommodation options around the region, including at Mont St. Michel, where you can stay in one of the small bed and breakfasts. A private car presents one of the best ways to get around the region. You can pick one from a rental service, or opt for tour vans if you are in a large group.