We begin our journey by northern France in Rouen, the area’s capital. Direct flights to Normandy’s two principal airports in Rouen and Caen could be a bit pricy, so we advise Beauvais-Paris airport, about an hour and a half by automobile from our first cease.
Rouen, “the town of 100 towers” because it was as soon as identified, is a marvel of Norman gothic structure, exemplified most majestically by the town’s cathedral. Its principal spire, the Tour Lanterne reaches a staggering 151 metres, making it Europe’s tallest man-made construction from 1876 to 1880 (4 years wow!), and the third tallest church tower within the current day.
The 2 lateral towers current the curious distinction of being completely different in each colour and general look. The north tower or Tour Saint Romain was rebuilt at numerous occasions, present process an entire restoration after it was severely broken throughout WWII. The southern tower, the Tour de Beurre or “Butter Tower” acquired its uncommon title as the town’s butter retailers financed the development of the turret throughout Lent in 1485. On this be aware one should strive the town’s staple meals, Fougass aux Lardons a buttered flatbread studded with regional forms of pork and Camembert, the world-famous cheese that hails from Normandy.
By far crucial landmark within the metropolis, the cathedral was painted 31 occasions by Claude Monet and was the location of two focal occasions in medieval French historical past: The burial of Richard Lionheart’s precise coronary heart and the trial of the French heroine, Joan of Arc. Different sights embody the Gros Horloge a clock tower constructed within the 14th century and Rouen citadel the place Joan of Arc was briefly imprisoned earlier than her premature execution within the Vieux Marchè the previous market sq. the place a contemporary church was constructed purposely in previous Norman fashion, the entire edifice seems like an overturned Viking drakkar.
From Rouen we transfer on in the direction of Honfleur, the pearl of the
division of Calvados, mentioned to be the favorite of French impressionists. This
seaside city is legendary for its attribute timber framed buildings reflecting
gorgeously within the pure bay the place the village lies on the mouth of the Seine
estuary.
Though the city has solely 8000 inhabitants, it takes in a staggering 3 million guests a 12 months. Traditionally favoured by Parisian vacationers, the tourism demography has turn into rather more diversified lately. Additionally owing to this, the Vieux Bassine or previous port and metropolis centre is ceaselessly congested by plenty of vacationers which has additionally led to an explosion of bars, boutiques, creperies and eating places within the as soon as quaint village. Although seemingly a unfavorable facet, many of those institutions have set a really excessive customary from a culinary standpoint, and only a few could be thought-about as outright vacationer traps. A standard recommendation is to eat a full-course meal towards the centre of city and perhaps head for a drink or crepe within the suggestive port space.
In any case don’t miss out on the native delicacy, moules à la créme: A dish of buttered native mussels enriched with artisanal butter, crème fraiche and onions. Though Normandy is famed for its dairy merchandise (a lot of which maintain Protected Designation of Origin or DOP standing) the seafood is simply as excellent. Many dishes comprise a medley of regionally trawled shellfish, crayfish, clams, flounders and seabass. The native drink of alternative is definitely Calvados, a potent apple brandy that takes its title from the division.
Transferring away from the port we discover the placing Eglise de Saint Catherine one of many oldest nonetheless functioning picket church buildings on the earth, relationship from the 1500s. The Boudin museum, named after the famed painter, is a should see for impressionist and pointillist artwork aficionados. Whereas solely quarter-hour by foot exiting the city, we are able to attain Mt Joli. The summit presents unbelievable views of the city and the encircling countryside.
On clear days, the port metropolis of Le Havre could be seen on
the opposite aspect of the bay along with the “Pont du Normandie” a powerful
feat of recent structure. For years it held the title of longest cable-stayed
street bridge on the earth. The bridge additionally has a cycle lane and footpath
providing spectacular views of the Seine because it empties into the ocean.
The primary a part of our tour of Normandy ends right here, relaxation
assured although, between Rouen’s bell towers and Honfleurs colors, to not
point out the meals and drinks, this slice of northern France makes for an unforgettable
journey.
