Gites in Normandy

One of France’s most known and visited tourist sights is the island of Mont Saint-Michel. This important pilgrimage site is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be accessed on foot at low tide. At high tide this island is only accessible via one road. Accredited licensed guides are available to guide visitors around. One of the highlights is the 13th century Gothic Abbey reached by climbing a 200 metre pedestrian path and then 350 steps to the highest point on the island. The spectacular panoramic views are well worth the effort! 

The old town of Rouen with its half timbered houses and medieval architecture is a perfect place to while away an afternoon. Here you can visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame that was depicted by Claude Monet in a series of his works. The Musée des Beaux-Arts includes masterpieces of European painting, along with an impressive collection of Impressionist works. Rouen is also the site where Joan of Arc was bought to trial and burnt at the stake. She later became a saint and the contemporary church is located on the site where she was martyred. 

Other highlights include; 

• The picturesque town of Honfleur, situated approximately 25km from Le Havre. This historic seafaring port has cobblestone streets, old stone and half-timbered buildings. 

• For lovers of Impressionist art then a visit to the Musée Eugène Boudin is a must. Boudin’s paintings cover nearly half of the collection, but other artists such as Coubert, Isabey and Huet are represented. 

• For lovers of Monet’s work then a visit to his house and gardens, Giverny, located an hour’s drive from Rouen, is a must. Many of his iconic masterpieces were painted here. 

• Caen Memorial Museum is an excellent starting point to learn more about the significance of this region in the D-day landings, beaches and memorials. 

• The town of Bayeux holds one of the best-known tapestries, the Bayeux. This 11th century masterpiece of medieval art is 70 metres long and depicts the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by the Duke of Normandy in the Battle of Hastings. Due to its historical importance the tapestry has been given a UNESCO designation.