Normandy, France
Tourism Offices/Information:
170 local tourist offices and information centres throughout Normandy are available to answer your queries and help you organize your stay. They will be happy to send you travel information free of charge.
Public Transportation:
Emergency Information:
In Normandy, France, the general emergency services number is 112. For medical emergencies, call 15 (SAMU). For police, dial 17. Fire services can be reached by dialing 18. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call 114. For emergencies at sea, dial 196 and for aeronautical emergencies, dial 191.
Public Restrooms:
Public restrooms are available in both cities and smaller towns. Many locations, like Mont Saint-Michel, have specific areas with free or paid restrooms, often with varying opening hours depending on the season.
Mont Saint-Michel
There are free toilets located on the main street, accessible 24 hours a day, and another set in the entrance courtyard with changing tables but limited opening hours.
Paris
Paris has numerous free, self-cleaning public toilets (sanisettes) accessible to the public.
Smaller Towns
Many towns in Normandy may offer free or paid public restrooms, often in locations like tourist information centers or near popular attractions.
On Autoroutes
If traveling on the A28 between Rouen and Le Mans, there are some Aires with toilets.
Cafes
In Paris, it’s common to ask to use a cafe’s restroom after purchasing a drink.
Currency:
Points of Interest:
Normandy is a region in France with numerous points of interest, including the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, historical sites related to World War II and charming coastal towns. Key attractions include the D-Day landing beaches, Caen Memorial museum, the Bayeux Tapestry and the white cliffs of Étretat.
Historical Sites and Museums:
D-Day Landing Beaches – Sites like Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and Utah Beach are important reminders of the pivotal event in World War II.
Caen Memorial Museum (Mémorial de Caen) – This museum provides a comprehensive look at the history of World War II and the Battle of Normandy.
Bayeux Tapestry – An iconic embroidered cloth depicting the Norman conquest of England, located in the city of Bayeux.
Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery – A poignant memorial site for American soldiers who died during the D-Day landings.
Natural and Scenic Beauty:
Mont Saint-Michel – A UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a majestic abbey on a tidal island in the bay.
Étretat – Famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs, including the famous Falaise d’Aval.
Giverny – Home to Claude Monet’s house and gardens, a significant site for Impressionist art.
Monuments and Sculptures/Statues:
Lone Sailor Statue – Located in St. Marie du Mont, this statue commemorates the historic day the Allied forces arrived from the sea, liberating the town.
Les Braves Sculpture – Created by Anilore Banon and located on Omaha Beach, this stainless steel sculpture with three sections (“The Wings of Hope,” “Rise, Freedom!” and “The Wings of Fraternity”) honors the western Allies who landed on the beach during WWII.
Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves – A bronze statue at the Normandy American Cemetery symbolizing the spirit of American youth.
Standing with Giants – A large installation featuring silhouettes of soldiers, a powerful visual tribute to the fallen servicemen.
D-Day 75 Garden – This garden features a sculpture of a veteran reflecting on D-Day, alongside other sculptures of soldiers coming ashore.
Signal Monument – A monument on Omaha Beach, overlooking the beach.
Memorials at the American Cemetery – Granite statues representing the United States and France, along with a chapel with a mosaic depicting America blessing her sons.
Charming Towns and Coastal Areas:
Honfleur – A picturesque port town with a charming old town and colorful houses.
Deauville – A glamorous seaside resort town known for its Belle Époque architecture and the annual film festival.
Rouen – A historic city with a magnificent cathedral and a rich cultural heritage.
Other Notable Attractions:
Rouen Cathedral – A stunning architectural masterpiece that inspired many artists, including Monet.
Eglise Sainte Catherine – The largest surviving wooden church in France.
Haras du Pin – A national stud farm showcasing the region’s equestrian traditions.
The Calvados Route – A scenic drive through the region, offering opportunities to sample local cider and other specialties.
Unusual Attractions:
Shopping:
Local Markets
Marché de Dieppe – A popular market offering a variety of local produce, cheeses, and crafts.
Marche Criee en Port-en-Bessin – A lively fish market where you can sample fresh seafood and local specialties.
Marché de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives – A flea and street market with a wide selection of unique finds.
Boutiques and Specialty Stores
Compter de la Mer – Offers sea clothing, nautical items, and regional products.
Nima Cachemire – A store in Bayeux known for its high-quality cashmere sweaters.
Outlet Malls
Honfleur Normandy Outlet – A popular outlet mall with a variety of national and international brands.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Presse Loto Souvenirs de la Cathedrale – A store in Bayeux offering regional souvenirs, tapestries, and other local goods.
Food and Markets
Ferme de Billy – Billy & Co – A farm shop offering local cheeses, dairy products, and other regional specialties.
La Maison du Biscuit – A bakery specializing in local biscuits and pastries.
Antiques and Vintage Finds
Place Saint-Marc – A flea and street market where you can find antique furniture, jewelry, and other unique items.
Aces High – A shop specializing in military art and memorabilia.
Shopping Tips:
Visit local markets – They are a great way to experience local culture and find unique souvenirs.
Explore different towns and villages – Each town has its own unique character and shopping scene.
Don’t be afraid to haggle – It’s common to negotiate prices in local markets.
Look for regional specialties – Camembert cheese, Calvados, cider and other local products are great souvenirs.
Enjoy the ambiance – Shopping in Normandy is an experience that goes beyond mere purchases.
Foods to Try:
Cheese – Camembert is the most well-known, but also try Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont-L’Évêque.
Seafood – Normandy’s coastline provides a bounty of fresh seafood. Enjoy scallops, oysters, mussels and dishes like Marmite Dieppoise (a fish stew from Dieppe, combining various seafood with butter, cider and crème fraîche) and Tripes à la mode de Caen (a slow-cooked tripe dish from Caen, often simmered with Calvados and cider).
Apple Products – Apples are a staple in Normandy. Calvados is a famous apple brandy, cider is a popular beverage and apples are used in various dishes like Poulet Vallée d’Auge (chicken cooked with apples, cream, and Calvados) and Tarte Normande.
Teurgoule – A traditional rice pudding from Normandy, slow-cooked for hours.
Savory Crepes (Galettes) – Normandy is known for its crepes, and the savory versions, or galettes, are made with buckwheat flour and can be filled with a variety of ingredients like ham, cheese and eggs.
Omelette de la Mère Poulard – A famous omelette from the famous restaurant in Mont Saint-Michel.
