As we’re preparing for coming out of lockdown, we prepare for getting back into the what was the ‘norm’, as we have become a little detached to what was the status quo.
We have so much to look forward to once things start opening up and why not plan ahead? We came up with some suggestions and recommendations to what you can do in and around Haute Normandie, some tried and tested by ourselves. Check them out below !! (Please note most of the locations are closed due to lockdown until further notice).
WHERE TO VISIT
HARAS DU PIN
Spend a day at Haras du Pin, a Royal stud farm dated back from the 18th Century, in the department of Orne where our stable manager, Jérôme Pichereau, was educated.
From the 1st June you will be able to have guided or unguided tours of the grounds and the Chateau, rent electric bikes or hitch a horse guided tour.
Find out for dates, prices and other activities here - https://www.haras-national-du-pin.com/
Address: Haras National du Pin 61310 Le Pin au Haras
PALAIS BENEDICTINE
Located along the coast in Fécamp (1 hour from Rouen and a little more than two hours 15 minutes from Paris). It is known for its Bénédictine liqueur by Alexandre Le Grand, a wine merchant from Fécamp. You can tour the Museum.
Plan your visit here https://www.benedictinedom.com/flamboyant-palais/location/
Address: 110 rue Address: Alexandre Le Grand 76400 Fécamp France
MUSÉE DU EMBARQUEMENT
Go back in time and discover the events of WWII, the harbour was once the location used by troops during the Normandy invasion in 1944.
https://www.musee-arromanches.fr/accueil/index.php?lang=uk
Address: Place du 6 Juin, 14117 Arromanches-les-Bains
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART ADNRE MALRAUX
Museum located on the coastal setting of Le Havre built in 1845. Displaying art from the likes of Raoul Dufy, Eugène Boudin, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley and Degas. http://www.muma-lehavre.fr/en
Address: 2 Boulevard Clemenceau, 76600 Le Havre
ETRETAT CLIFFS
Nature’s artwork 20 miles from the Museum of Modern Art André Malraux and 2 and half hours from Paris. The cliffs and rock formations create the most picturesque scene and from the top the most picturesque views. You will find an 18-hole golf course on one cliff, and gardens on the other. You can hire bikes or go sailing then grab a bite to eat at the number of restaurants the area has to offer. Plan your trip with this guide: https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/etretat/
CLAUDE MONET’S HOUSE AND GARDEN
Monet, one of the most famous French painters and impressionists created many paintings using the inspiration of his own home, such as the well known “The Truth of Nature” featuring the bridge and lilies surrounding his garden. You can go visit this setting along with a tour inside his very well preserved home. The location is very popular so it is advised to visit as soon as it opens to avoid the buzz! Find out more here:
https://fondation-monet.com/giverny/la-maison-de-monet/
Address: 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny
ABBAYE DU MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
Surrounded by sea and sand, one of France's most-toured sites outside the Paris landmarks. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk around the little village or browse the museums at its base. Then make your way to the top (it is advised to wear some comfortable footwear for this). You can book a guided tour or simply walk around at your own leisure. Plan you visit here:
http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/
Address: 50170 Mont Saint-Michel
D-DAY BEACHES
“The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history.” The 50 mile coast line is made up of all 5 beaches below. You can tour beaches visiting museums, memorials and cemeteries. You can
Utah Beach
Omaha Beach
Gold Beach
Juno Beach
Sword Beach
Find out more here: https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/discover/history/d-day-and-the-battle-of-normandy/d-day-landing-beaches/
HIT THE COAST
DEAUVILLE
A popular seaside resort with a glorious beach and a famous boardwalk. Full of shops, bars, an olympic swimming pool. We have regularly frequented Pizza Santa Lucia for the best pizza in town and then kick back with a beer after a long day at the in the stables. It is also known for holding sports events such as horse races and polo matches. Fun Fact: Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel opened up her first shop here in 1913. Discover more here https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/deauville/things-to-do/
Check out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deauvilleofficial/
TROUVILLE SUR MER
Another beautiful beach where plan the whole day out to explore the harbour and the museums: Check out the sites here: https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/trouville-sur-mer/
Check out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trouvillesurmer/?hl=en
CABOURG
The most golden beach housing Belle Epoque houses and the well known Grand Hotel. Featured in the movie ‘The Intouchables’ based on true events (this is a reminder to watch it, or if you’ve seen it, this is a reminder to watch it again!!) You will find an array of restaurants and brasseries, serving all cuisines evening catering for those picky eaters! If that doesn’t sound enough, you can kick back and relax and book yourself in for some treatments at one the many spa locations. Find it all on here: https://www.cabourg-tourisme.fr/
https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/cabourg/
HONFLEUR
The old town harbour of Honfleur is situated on the Seine estuary. Colourful, timber-frame houses fill the streets and La Pont de Normandie, a bridge which crosses the Seine between Honfleur and Le Havre, a wonderful spot to catch panoramic views. The perfect location for a lazy Sunday stroll, which will earn you a trip to the creperie! Check out the sites here: https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/honfleur/
Stay safe and bonne promenade ! ☺︎