touriSME RFO

Normandy and St Mont Michel

tourismerfo on 07 5, 2010

Just a quick trip across the channel and you will come across Normandy, a region renowned for history and its beautiful seaside resorts. Britain once controlled this area of France and there remains a Norman influence here that gives the region a slightly different cultural feel than other parts of France. Normandy offers something for everyone, with a coastline stretching 360 miles, including the dramatically evocative World War II landing beaches along with bustling towns and items of great historical importance.

A must visit location is Bayeux, which is conveniently located to reach any of the nearby beaches, and of course is home to the 200-foot long Bayeux Tapestry. The world famous masterpiece uses cartoon like scenes to depict the epic tale of William the Conqueror’s expedition to England in the 11th century.

The iconic Mount Saint Michel is world renowned for its architecture; a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic dating back to the 18th century. The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is also included on the UNESCO list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites and is often nicknamed a “Wonder of the Western World.” Mont Saint Michael remains one of the greatest sightseeing attractions in Europe and after the Eiffel Tower is the second most popular tourist attraction in France. The Abbey of Mont-St-Michel which is still home to local monks and nuns, proudly sits perched on a 264-foot high rocky islet which can be accessed from the mainland by a causeway.

Mont St Michel is also known for its tides and sees the highest on the continent. They are described as racing towards the Island at the speed of “galloping horses” by locals. The tide comes in at one metre per second. Popularly nicknamed “St. Michael in Peril of the Sea” by medieval pilgrims making their way across the tidal flats, the mount can still pose dangers for visitors who avoid the causeway and attempt the hazardous walk across the sands from the neighbouring coast. The dangers from the tides and quick sands continue to claim lives. The Mont is floodlit every evening throughout the year at nightfall so it is worth staying into the evening to take in this breathtaking view. Depending on the tides there are many pilgrimages across the bay which takes place throughout the year.

What would a visit to France be without enjoying its exquisite food? The President farm (the major Camembert exporter) located in the heart of Camembert is a must for all cheese lovers. Normandy is famous for its abundance of apple orchards and cider making, so no trip to the region would be complete without indulging in some of the local beverages. There is a clearly signed route called the “Route du Cidre” that is about 40 km long which will allow you to sample the local ciders, and explore some of Normandy’s small quaint villages.