Hambye Abbey is a delightful 12th century abbey just a few minutes drive from Hambye in Normandy. It was once a thriving monastery but fell into decline with the last monks leaving shortly before the French revolution. It’s set in a valley in a calm and tranquil site of natural beauty. Despite being quarried, the…
My visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer on a sunny February day is one of the most memorable days I’ve had. I spent the day visiting the Omaha beach area and the cemetery was my last port of call. I’d seen an aerial photo of the cemetery, I had printed out…
Located just near Mont St Michel, there are two shops selling Normandy biscuits and a range of other sweet treats. I visited the Ardevon shop today which also has a small cafe next door. Their range includes biscuits and cakes but I also spotted cider, fruit juices, tergoule (a Normandy specialty which is like rice…
There’s a church in practically every village but there’s something special about the Sainte-Mère-Église church in Normandy. It was built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style and completed four centuries later in the Gothic style. It’s topped by a saddleback bell tower and gained a place in history on D-Day as one of…
Les Braves; this beautiful steel sculpture had been on my ‘to-do’ list of places to visit for quite some time. I came across a photo of it online not long after I moved to Normandy and it mesmerized me. On a cold but sunny February day, in 2018 I headed off to see ‘Les Braves’….
There’s nothing that says ‘Normandy’ quite like camembert cheese. It’s produced throughout Normandy and takes its name from the town of Camembert which is in the Calvados region. Many producers in Normandy still make camembert by hand and pour the milk mixture into moulds using ladles. The moulds are regular turned until the liquid has…
February sees the arrival of La Chandeleur in France. It’s another food-based tradition and follows the frangipane flavoured puff pastry cakes in January. La Chandeleur is a religious festival that is celebrated on the 2nd February – exactly 40 days after Christmas. This festival involves pancakes (crêpes) instead. La Chandeleur is the equivalent of Candlemas…
If you’re a hiker or walker, I’ve found the perfect guide for you. Coutances tourist office produced a fantastic range of information leaflets in 2018 for walkers and hikers. They are a great way to help you to discover the Normandy countryside. It really is the ultimate hiking guide in and around Coutances. There…
The cathedral at Bayeux is simply stunning. If you want to take a tour you can join a paid visit via the tourist office, wander round for free on your own or purchase an information guide from the tourist office. Information about the tours are available here http://bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com/en/visiteguidee/the-cathedral-of-bayeux/ The information guide is by François Neveux and…
Cycling arounds the headlands of La Sienne river affords wonderful views of the Normandy countryside. This 21km circular route starts in Regnéville-sur-Mer with views towards the remains of the bridge at Pont de la Roque, the nearby lime kilns, the lighthouse at Pointe d’Agon and the ruined chateau. You’ll also pass through small villages typical…
Renowned for the role Normandy has played in history, it’s home to Bayeux and the D-Day landing beaches. It’s perfect for history buffs or beginners and you can trace William the Conqueror’s footsteps in Caen and Falaise. Quaint towns and villages with markets selling local produce are perfect for a stroll and a browse. Chateaux,…
Le réveillon is the Christmas meal traditionally eaten on the 24th December in the evening. More recently families have started enjoying two celebration meals particularly if they spend time with both families. In this case there’s one meal on the 24th and another on the 25th. Christmas in Normandy is generally the same as throughout…
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