Discover authentic Normandy
Spring breaks across the Channel
Spring is the ideal time to head to Normandy, with the sun warming up the beaches and apple trees blossoming. Indulge in an exhilarating cocktail of fresh air and relaxation and visit some of the most beautiful villages in France. There’s no better way to go than with Brittany Ferries – especially with their latest spring break offers, including two nights at a choice of their best-selling hotels from just £121 per person.
This is the year to visit Normandy which has been listed as one of the world’s top destinations to visit by Lonely Planet, CNN and Frommer’s.
With a packed calendar of major events, come and find out why for yourself!
Two of the highlights are set to take place in June: the start of the 75th anniversary of the D-day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, and the stunning Rouen Armada. But why not make the most of the lighter evenings and warmer weather by getting out onto the D-day Beaches before the crowds arrive? Historic Rouen, stretching beside the Seine, is Normandy’s vibrant, cultured, historic and foodie capital. Parks and gardens have recently been created along the south bank, and bars and restaurants line the quayside.
Discover Normandy’s loveliest villages including those awarded the
Plus Beaux Villages de France (“most beautiful villages”) label – they’re truly idyllic in springtime. Explore the beauty and heritage of Beuvron-en-auge in Calvados, home of the delicious apple brandy. The floral streets and colourful half-timbered houses of Le Bec-hellouin and Lyons-la-forêt make them chocolatebox pretty. Dreamy Saint-céneri-legérei has inspired artists throughout the centuries with its charming chapel and riverside walkways, whilst exquisite Veules-les-roses near Dieppe is home to the shortest river in France.
Medieval ports don’t come any prettier than Honfleur, immortalised by Impressionists including Monet. Or Barfleur, a traditional fishing port lined with scrumptious restaurants, perfect to indulge in a dish of freshly-caught wild mussels. Cooked à la marinière (in a classic shallot and white wine sauce), in a cream sauce, or à la normande (with fish stock, cream, butter and egg yolks), they are the quintessential local dish.
Savour Normandy’s other world-famous food and drink: legendary cheeses of Camembert, Neufchâtel and Livarot,
rich dairy produce and cider. It’s a point of pride for most restaurants in Normandy to use locally-sourced products. Several big food and drink festivals take place this spring: the black pudding festival in Mortagne-au-perche, cider and local products in Cambremer and the cheese festival of Pont-l’evêque.
The region’s parks and gardens are outstanding, especially Monet’s worldfamous gardens in Giverny where it feels as if you’ve stepped into the heart of one of the artist’s paintings. The garden at Bois des Moutiers, Varengeville-sur-mer, was created by landscape designer, Gertrude Jekyll whilst the house, designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, is the only Arts-and-crafts-inspired house in France.
The best way of exploring? In the comfort of your own car, packed with everything you need. Normandy is easily accessible via Brittany Ferries’ ports of Portsmouth and Poole. What’s more, their superb choice of spring breaks, make getting there great value too!