Amiens is a strange city when you look at it. It’s pretty, pleasant even, but you don’t see that many tourists like in other big French cities (like Bordeaux, Marseille or Lyon) . With its 150,000 inhabitants, Amiens is the 28th largest city of the country, but when you ask people what they know of …
You would expect that Amiens, having one of world’s biggest cathedrals, would have a large amount of churches inside the city. But strangely enough, it’s not the case. And of the churches I’ve seen, many were closed down or not being used anymore. Remember that Amiens was badly damaged during both WWI and WWII. Here …
The Auxerre cathedral was built in the 13th century (on a cathedral dating back to 11th century).
Bayeux, famous for its enormous tapestry, is a city relatively unscathed by WWII. So it’s pretty old looking with many old houses and small streets. It also has several monuments and cemeteries dedicated to WWII.
Here’s a look at three out of 24 catholic churches (there are also 2 protestant temples, 3 orthodox churches, 1 jewish synagogue and 3 muslim mosques) to be found in Bordeaux. Basilica-of-St-Michael The St Michael Basilica is marked by its separate, 114 meters high, bell tower. The church was built in the end of the …
Caen is also known as the “city of 100 church bells” and as the name says, there are a lot of churches, abbeys and monasteries in this former royal city. William the Conqueror, who lived and reigned here, had several built (and the enormous fortress/castle). Before WWII there were some 40 churches in the city, but …
[info_message style=”info” animation=”scale-up” animation_delay=”800″]Built: 1060Status: PublicVisitable?: Yes, partially free, partially for a small feeNotable: Built by William the Conqueror[/info_message] The fortress and castle of Caen (known as the “Chateau Ducal”, the Duke’s Castle) was ordered to be built by William the Conqueror, together with two Abbeys (one for men, the other for women – click here for …
Transport Getting there The railroads do not come to Camaret-sur-Mer anymore. The closest railway stations are Brest and Quimper (both about an hour drive, bus services are available). Air: Camaret-sur-Mer does not have an airport, but there are two airports serving international flights closeby. One is the airport of Brest (about 1 hour car drive), …
[info_message style=”info” animation=”scale-up” animation_delay=”800″]Built: 1640Status: PrivateVisitable?: Yes during summer[/info_message] One of two active castles in the town of Cany-Barville (a rich traders village in Upper Normandy), the Louis XIII style castle of Cany is magnificent. The main building has 1300 square metres (14,000 square feet) of living space divided over 4 floors. Currently owned by a Count, the …
Built: 15th centuryStatus: PublicVisitable?: YesNotable: –Web: – In the beach town of Concarneau, alongside the city centre and harbors, you will find this amazing fortress. It was voted as the favorite place in Brittany by the Bretons. On the outskirts of Concarneau are several spas and thalasso hotels, but if you keep driving away from …
Dieppe, a fishing city with a big and intact castle/fortress, one of France’s oldest golf links and a twice daily ferry to Newhaven, UK.
Transport Getting There Ferry: from Newhaven, UK, there are 2-3 daily return sailings. Within Dieppe Dieppe is rather small and mostly flat, so no transportation is needed. If you are in the city centre, you can walk up to the castle. If you have come via ferry, there is a shuttle bus that brings you …
Dinard in Brittany is a fantastic place to stay for a few days. The seaside promenade is an incredible walk, alongside a narrow winding pedestrian area, covering the beaches and rock formations. Dinard is located just a few kilometers from the more well known city of Saint Malo. They are divided by the “La Rance” …
Transport Getting There The only real way is by car/motorcycle and it will involve a bit of small road travel. There is a train service from Paris to Le Havre and from there you need to take a bus. TIP: If you are coming between April and September by car, come early and forget about …
Fecamp is a small city that relied on its long distance fishing fleet. It is all the home of the famous Benedictine liqueur.
The Trinity Abbey church in Fecamp is quite interesting. Building started in the year 659 and expanded over the centuries to become quite big church. The Fecamp City Hall is built against it, and across the road you’ll find the ruins of the Dukes of Normandy Castle.
The Notre-Dame de Grace chapel lies on the Cote de Grace on the outskirts of Honfleur. The small but picturesque chapel was built by the local gentry and fishermen in the beginning of the 1600’s.
Honfleur is the 2nd most popular tourist destination in Normandy, and for good reason; Although it has become very touristic, it’s still a pleasant trip for sightseeing and food.
The Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur dating back to the 15th century is the main attraction for tourists. It’s a perfectly conserved church and merits a visit.
Lannion in Brittany is one of those places that you can take or leave. When you walk around the city, you do see some nice things but there is something missing. It’s probably what the French call “je ne sais quoi“, a soul to the place. The city is well kept and clean, and the …
Transport Getting There Airport Lannion has an airport with regular flights to and from Paris Orly airport. Ferry The closest ferry stops are in Cherbourg and St. Malo. Getting Around Lannion Although they have an adequate bus service, the inner city is quite small and can be walked from one side to the opposite within …
Le Havre is a city that has been rebuilt completely after WWII with a particular and special style. It’s so unique that it was put on the United Nation UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Of all the things to see in Le Havre, this is probably the number one item. Le Havre is not a touristy city with a lot of monuments, but the Saint-Joseph church is special, very special. The St. Joseph church is first of all the most noticeable landmark of the city, to be seen miles …
Transport Getting there Ferry: From Southampton and Portsmouth direct to Le Havre, or from Newhaven to Dieppe and then the A29 to Le Havre. Click here to read more about the ferry station. Air: There is an airport, but there are no scheduled flights anymore, just charters. Within Le Havre Within Le Havre, there is …
