Normandy, France - Departments: Manche, Orne, Calvados, Eure, Seine-Maritime.

Normandy, France - Main Towns: Alencon, Caen, Cherbourg, Deauville, Dieppe, Evreux, Le Havre, Rouen, St Lo.

Normandy's landscape is a patchwork of rolling green countryside, quaint fishing villages, ancient stone chateaux, thatched cottages, half-timbered farmhouses and orchards. The region is famed for its cheeses, cider and calvados.

It is one of the most historic and interesting areas of France, with its connections to William the Conqueror, and the D-day landings. For modern historians, Pegasus Bridge over the River Orne near Ouistreham is essential viewing, and for the medieval historian, Bayeux with what must be the world's longest tapestry, and its wonderful cathedral.

The Manche channel coast has long, sandy beaches with rock pools which children love. Many of the popular beaches have lifeguards in attendance. Municipal beaches often have a children's play area with organised games, trampolines, and other activities. Etretat is the prettiest seaside resort of the so called Cote d'Albatre between Le Havre and Dieppe and is flanked by dramatic chalk cliffs. However, there are many charming coves and beaches between there and Fecamp.

On the coast is Honfleur, the most picturesque of all Normandy seaports and an artists' haunt for centuries. Visitors will immediately recognise the picture-postcard harbour filled with yachts and fishing boats, just a short walk along cobbled streets from the little wooden church of St. Catherine with its quaint belfry. Further along the spectacular corniche is super-chic spa resort of Deauville, with its casino and racecourse.

The spectacular Mont St. Michel guards the boundary between Normandy and Brittany and is certainly well worth a visit. This ancient Christian Church and fortress is built on rocks where the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared in 708 AD. Hundreds of people visit in the summer months, especially July and August, so for this reason it is best to arrive either early or late in the day, or choose quieter times of the year. For art- and garden-lovers, Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny is a wonderful day out, while popular sporting activities in Normandy include golf, riding, fishing and sailing.

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