Before I went Brittany I was actually driving through the state Normandy as I was entering France from Belgium. I have been to Normandy a few times already and I really like it. Similar like Brittany, it is especially enjoyable when it is sunny. From beautiful Rouen to Honfleur and other small towns, I really like it here. This time however, I started with the stunning Le Mont Saint Michel. What an amazing place to see!
Le Mont Saint Michel
As you drive along, it finally comes into site, the famous Le Mont Saint Michel. A place I had on my list to see for a while now.
It is an old Abbey, surrounded by a few houses, with 44 inhabitants still living there (mainly monks I believe). I was planning to ride my bike in, however you can‘t cycle between 10am-6pm so I had to walk the approx. 2km long path leading into the Abbey (you can also catch a bus if you want).
It was stunningly beautiful. The closer I got the better the view and the more details I could see.
Le Mont Saint Michel is definitely more beautiful to look at from the outside. Because once you are inside everything is narrow and closed in. Furthermore the streets are filled with tourists. Personally I found the actual Abbey was not worth seeing from the inside but I will leave that decision up to you. It was great however walking up all the stairs!
As my hotel was nearby I took the opportunity to ride to Le Mont Saint Michel on my bicycle the next morning. Just for the photos of course. And so I can say I have done it.
During my stay near the Le Mont Saint Michel, I had low tide. It was ok but also a shame as it would have been great to see it surrounded by the ocean. Other than that, I have ticked it off from my list to see, which was absolutely amazing!
Rouen – beautiful Rouen
I have been to beautiful Rouen a few times already and it is one of my favourite towns in France. Yes, even more than Paris. It is well known as the town of Joanne d’Arc as she was burned in Rouen. There is a great memorial at the ancient market centre, the Place du Vieux-Marché.
Otherwise, the cobblestoned city center with the medieval half-timbered houses is just beautiful to walk around. Not to mention the striking Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. It looks so stunning from the outside, it was also a favourite of the famous painter Monet (btw his little house is not too far away, in a little town called Giverny).
It was a beautiful sunny day and, as it happened, a boat show displaying some of the worlds tallest mast boats was just down the Seine River. Perfect background for a shot but way too many people to go in.
Put beautiful Rouen on your list next time you go and visit France. Why go to Paris all the time with the crowds and chaos when you can go to Rouen?
The coast of Normandy
You have most likely heard the 75 years celebration of the D-DAY on the Normandy coast just a few weeks ago. (The largest seaborn invasion, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II).
The beaches stretch over 100km and I have visited the memorials of some of them. Starting from Juno beach, to Omaha Beach. The day itself was cold and windy but it was nevertheless interesting to see. History is always part of the travels one way or the other.
Otherwise, following the route further west along the coast, pop into small town Bayeux, which has a stunning Cathedral… as well. I think I have done my share of cathedrals throughout my travels?
And while you’re around that area, make sure to visit Honfleur (photos at the end) and the cute little (and almost luxurious) town Deauville. Both very small but pretty in their own idyllic way. Where else can you see a Hermes and Louis Vuitton store in an old characteristic building? So unique!
I fully enjoyed Normandy, especially seeing Le Mont Saint Michel. Going back to beautiful Rouen has been amazing as well and I am sure it wasn’t the last time.
So, after lots of driving and visiting towns and costal spots in Normandy and Brittany, it was time to add some activities to my trip. I am looking forward to writing all about my cycling in France in my next blog!
Stay tuned ... there is more to come!
