Normandy has been intrinsically linked to England ever since William the Conqueror marched to Hastings in 1066. Today, visitors cross the Channel in the opposite direction to wend their way between the region’s charming villages and colourful harbours, sample local cheeses and sweet ciders, stroll Monet’s garden and relax on sandy beaches.
The Bayeux tapestry, depicting William the Conqueror’s victory, can be found in a dedicated museum in the town of Bayeux. The second world war D-day beaches, cemeteries and museums, meanwhile mark another pivotal moment of shared history.
This year is a landmark one for the region that almost reaches out across the water to Britain. From the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings to new museum openings, and film festival celebrations to art encounters, there are plenty of reasons to visit this historic destination this year.
Mark 80 years since the D-day landings
On 6 June 1944, one of the most daring wartime operations of the 20th century took place. The 80th anniversary of the D-day landings and the ensuing Battle of Normandy were commemorated with an official ceremony on 6 June, but there is plenty to experience throughout the summer.
D-day is commemorated with memorials and museums at several of the landing beaches and towns. Photographs: Marie-Anaïs Thierry, Refuse to hibernate
Ben Collier, marketing manager at Normandy Tourism, says: “We strongly encourage visitors to come to Normandy a little later on in the summer, when the beaches and remembrance sites won’t be as crowded as early June.
“Many towns and villages were actually liberated weeks after 6 June 1944, and will therefore be celebrating the 80th anniversary of their liberation throughout the summer and early autumn.”
Visit war cemeteries, memorials and museums, such as the Caen Memorial Museum, located near Sword beach, and the newly renovated Arromanches Museum.
Stand with giants
A breathtaking artwork that represents every soldier under British command who fell on D-day itself, the community project Standing with Giants comprises a total of 1,475 two-metre tall silhouettes set in the meadows of the British Normandy Memorial.
Standing with Giants, a community project comprising 1,475 silhouettes of soldiers. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Launching the exhibit, artist and founder Dan Barton, said: “I am honoured to have created this tribute with the help of up to 3,500 individuals, schools, organisations, community groups, and societies who have helped create this installation, appropriately called For Your Tomorrow, the People’s Tribute.”
Visitors can honour a loved one by sponsoring commemorative plaques and visitors have been sharing their reflections at the site. British expat Mark Lawrence, who helped with the installation, says: “Dan and his team have created something special, the silhouettes take the British Normandy Memorial to another level and their physical presence is humbling, to say the least.”
See stars of the silver screen
The smart seaside town of Deauville has hosted the Deauville American film festival – a fabulous ode to American cinema – since 1975. This year, its 50th edition promises to be one of its best.
Deauville harbour. Photograph: Alamy
From major Hollywood movies to groundbreaking independent films, the film festival showcases the diversity and power of modern American film-making, and is now second only to Cannes in the French festival circuit.
Taking place from 6-15 September, this edition will feature world premieres, exclusive screenings, conferences and masterclasses, all open to the public.
Walk this way
Inaugurated in 1924, Deauville’s famous Les Planches boardwalk celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The promenade, now 640 metres long, is fringed by golden sands and art deco beach huts, and has been trodden by stars, artists and world leaders, becoming one of the resort’s most famous landmarks.
Beach huts in Deauville celebrate the stars. Photograph: Alamy
The centennial celebration will feature a vibrant programme of events, exhibitions and guided tours, with the official anniversary marked over the weekend of 6-7 July.
Celebrate 150 years of impressionism
The term impressionism was first coined in Paris in 1874, when artists including Renoir, Monet and Pissarro staged an exhibition of works that deviated from the traditional style. But impressionism is perhaps most associated with Normandy, where artists were inspired by the unique light and Monet captured his private gardens at Giverny.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen (top); Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. Photographs: Coraline Simon, B Collier, Thomas Le Floc’H
This year marks the movement’s 150th anniversary with the Normandy Impressionist festival, which runs through to 22 September. Exhibitions and explorations will showcase the innovative spirit of the movement. The work of artists such as James McNeill Whistler and Robert Wilson will also be on show – in Wilson’s case with a light show projected on to Rouen cathedral. And there’s a major new David Hockney exhibition at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen.
Discover Viking history
Recently unveiled is Normandy’s newest attraction, Cité Immersive Viking. Set on the banks of the River Seine, on the historic quayside of Normandy’s vibrant cultural capital, Rouen, the exhibition recounts how Normandy became Europe’s most powerful region after the Viking invasion more than 1,000 years ago.
Cité Immersive Viking showcases the region’s Viking heritage. Photographs: Benoît Camus
This cultural site showcases how Viking history, craftsmanship and mythology have influenced French culture, from medieval times to the present day, featuring 360-degree video projections, video-mapped installations, 3D sound immersions and large interactive sets.
Set sail with William the Conqueror
Part of an experimental archaeology project in Honfleur that blends history with entertainment, this immersive experience is an exhilarating reconstruction of William the Conqueror’s flagship La Mora, the vessel that led the Norman fleet during the Norman conquest of England.
In Hornfleur, an immersive experience will reconstruct William the Conqueror’s flagship, La Mora. Photographs: Getty Images, Alamy
Fusing real-time boat-building with light shows, special effects, reconstructions, touch-screens and voiceovers, this exhibition will bring the events of 1066 to life, giving visitors an insight into the preparation made for the expedition to England, the Channel crossing, and the Battle of Hastings itself.
How to get to Normandy
The most convenient way to explore Normandy is to travel with your car by ferry. It gives you the freedom to create your route, travel at your own pace and linger wherever you feel inspired. With Brittany Ferries, it’s also easy to combine your travel with accommodation, ranging from charming gites and cottages to hotels and campsites.
Arrive in Normandy in style with Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries offers four direct routes to Normandy. Sail from Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre, or travel from Poole to Cherbourg, which takes just five hours. For those visiting the region for the D-day sights then Caen’s port of Ouistreham is the best choice as it adjoins Sword Beach.
Your holiday begins the moment you step onboard your ferry, with talented French chefs serving French and international cuisine featuring local produce in the restaurants. As part of the award-winning service, there are cabins to unwind in and an onboard spa, not to mention lots of activities to keep the kids entertained – from cinema showings to live performances.
Find out even more about great things to do in Normandy – and book your holiday crossing with Brittany Ferries. Plus you can save up to 30% on sailings when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday
