Non-WW2 and child friendly family places to visit

With its beautiful, varied scenery of  gorgeous countryside, coastline, and woodlands and rich history which has left behind impressive castles, splendid churches, and picturesque ancient towns, Normandy has much to offer visitors over and above it’s links to D-Day. So if you want visits with a non WW2 theme you are spoiled for choice…

Bayeux

Bayeux ​is a beautiful atmospheric medieval town, full of half-timbered houses, elegant mansions and stately town houses, with plenty to see:

The cathedral of Notre-Dame in the centre of the town is one of the finest examples of a Norman Gothic church. The cathedral was built over several centuries (from the 11th century to the 15th century) and as a result is a blend of Romanesque with Gothic architectural elements including Early Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic styles. It was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror and the Bayeux Tapestry was kept here from the 11th to the 18th centuries. Entry fees apply.
Bayeux self-guided walk* "Follow the studs!" A self-guided walking tour of approx 1 ½ miles takes you around the medieval town. 23 information panels are dotted along the way and special markings on the ground, made of bronze nails, help you find your way.
The Bayeux Tapestry* - 13 bis Rue de Nesmond – The 70-meter-long Bayeux Tapestry depicts the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. It is considered an 11th-century masterpiece of medieval art and shows 58 different, incredibly detailed scenes, in a format similar to a comic strip, which include 623 figures, 759 animals, and 37 buildings and ships, along with a running commentary in Latin. It is actually, an embroidery, woven from 10 different shades of wool yarn. There is a good audio-guide commentary available in 16 languages and a special commentary for children is available in English. Entry fees apply.

Caen

 Caen is the main city in Western Normandy and sits on the River Orne just south of the landing beaches. With its fashionable boutiques and excellent restaurants, crêperies and pátisseries serving local dairy and seafood dishes it is a popular tourist destination. 
​The fairy-tale Abbaye aux Hommes*(the 'Men's Abbey') is the last resting place of William the Conqueror and still houses his thigh bone – the remainder of his body having been destroyed by a Calvinist mob in the 16th century. You can also explore William's home - Château de Caen, an 11th century castle that is one of the largest medieval complexes in Europe and an impressive piece of military architecture. Surrounded by a dry moat, the Château de Caen is now home to the impressive  Musée de Normandie which explores the region's history from the Gauls and the Romans to the Vikings and Saxons, with exhibitions about the landscape of Normandy and the everyday lives of the Norman peasants.
The Caen Memorial Museum, dedicated to peace, focuses on a theme of reconciliation through the many collections especially WW2.   The gardens there are worth a visit, especially the British Garden opened in 2004 by the then Prince Charles. Online tickets get a discount.
Ornavik Park,* (just north of Caen-Domaine de Beauregard 14200 Hérouville-Saint-Clair) is a unique immersive experience historical adventure into the Middle Ages. There is a Carolingian and a Viking village that has been reconstructed with the kind of tools and materials used at that time and history is brought to life by reenactors who teach visitors all about 10th century life. Check for when they open and choose from special events or general visit availability.
Festyland* Amusement Park (Bretteville sur-Odon) is a modestly sized modern theme park purpose built for whole family entertainment. It offers a wide range of different rides such as roller coasters, water flumes, and plenty for over 3s  but there is something for everyone. Although it is no Disneyland, queues are short and it is a pleasant location. Ask for a family nombreuse discount, even if you don’t have the card. You may be lucky!

Mont Saint-Michel*

is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in France. It is a 100m high rocky outcrop and the home of  a beautiful Abbey and quaint village built on its steep sides. The Abbey of Saint-Michel and the Bay of Saint-Michel is UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Abbey became an important medieval pilgrimage destination, its awe-inspiring Gothic spires are said reach towards heaven to encourage pilgrims to cross the foreboding Bay. During low tide, it's possible to complete a "traditional crossing" (a pilgrimage by foot) if you are accompanied by a licensed guide and during high tide, Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island only accessible by one road. Visitors have to park at some distance away from the Mont but a shuttle bus runs to the causeway.

The Abbey Church, is reached by climbing a 200-meter pedestrian path and then 350 steps to the highest point of Mont Saint-Michel. Built in the 13th century, it has a Romanesque sanctuary and a Gothic choir. The "Escalier de Dentelle" (staircase) leads from the Church to a terrace, which affords breath-taking panoramic views of the bay.

Honfleur

is a picturesque old seafaring port and harbour on the Seine Estuary and with its atmospheric cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and half-timbered houses is renowned as one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.

The Musée Eugène Boudin on the Rue de l'Homme de Bois, is a must-see for lovers of Impressionist art. Half of the collection is by Boudin, the other half including pieces by Gustave Courbet, Eugène Isabey, and Paul Huet who painted scenes of the Normandy coastline. There is also an annexe in the belfry of the Eglise Sainte-Catherine (which was was built by local shipwrights after the Hundred Years' War) containing religious art. On the north side of the harbor is the 16th-century Lieutenancy Building, the old governor's house, built on the remains of the town's ancient walls. The Musée de la Marine (Maritime Museum), is housed in the former Eglise Saint-Etienne.  
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Cider Farms – Normandy is famous for its extensive orchards and the products made form them. Many Cider Farms are open to the public and many give guided tours where you can learn how the apples are transformed into the delicious local apple juice, cider and calvados. There are many farms offering tours but the English speaking guide at Ferme de la Sapinière, 12 route de Port-en-Bessin 14710  St Laurent-sur-mer is excellent.

Deauville

​has been the premier seaside destination in Normandy since the 19th century. Today it is a glamorous resort and still considered one of the top beaches in France, playing host to the prestigious International Polo Championship, held at Deauville's modern equestrian complex, and the Deauville American Film Festival. The seafront features 2km of beach where you can rent parasols, lounge chairs, and old-fashioned striped cabanas and there is a long promenade for seaside strolls. Visitors can take a break from sunbathing to browse the stylish boutiques, take a spa treatment or eat at one of the many gourmet restaurants. Other things to do include sailing, golfing, and attending equestrian competitions.

Monet’s House and Gardens at Giverny*

In 1883, Claude Monet and his family took up residence in Giverny and he spent the rest of his life here, his work inspired by the beauty of the place. The house and gardens he created are almost as he left them and make for a wonderful day out for all lovers of art or gardening. In front of the house is lush  Le Clos Normand garden, which was created by Claude Monet. From springtime through autumn, this garden blooms with a profusion of colourful blossoms, including daffodils, pansies, tulips, irises, peonies, daisies, roses, poppies, hollyhocks, and dahlias, planted in a natural way so that they look like wildflowers. On the other side of the property is Le Jardin d'Eau (Water Garden) featuring the famous Japanese bridge and waterlily pond fringed with weeping willow trees made famous by his Water Lilies series of paintings. Monet devoted many years to painting different aspects of this garden, capturing its beauty in his delicate brushstrokes.
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In the town of Giverny, the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (99 Rue Claude Monet) displays over 200 Impressionist paintings and the nearby town of Vernon is the home of the Musée de Vernon which showcases several masterpieces painted by Monet and other  Impressionist artists.

Alpaga Normandie Alpaca Farm*

is a small Alpaca farm with guided tours even in English– close to Bayeux.

Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland)

Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland) is the name given to the stretch of countryside in the Orne Valley of Lower Normandy, extending between Thury-Harcourt (south of Caen) in the north, Flers-de-l'Orne in the south, and Falaise in the east.  The rural landscape is idyllic with its gently rolling hills, densely wooded forests, wide open space, steep gorges, and pristine lakes. The winding rivers and the intricate patchwork of hedges give the scenery a particular charm.
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The most striking features are the Rocher d'Oëtre, in the hilliest part of the area, and the superb view from above the gorges of the Rouvre River. Other scenic areas include the Vère and Noireau valleys and the stretch of the Orne Valley between Thury-Harcourt and Pont-d'Ouilly. This area includes two regional parks: the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine and the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche; both have well-maintained trails for nature walks and hikes. The Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine also offers opportunities to go canoeing or kayaking.

Château de Fontaine-Henry

in the lush Mue Valley of Lower Normandy, about 10 miles from Caen,  is the most spectacular château in Normandy.The château was built in the beginning of the 13th century and has been privately owned for generations, by an aristocratic family that traces their ancestry to the year 1200. The current owner, the Marquis d'Oilliamson, on occasion leads guided tours of the château.

It was built in the Gothic and Renaissance style and has an imposing stone facade. The lavish interior is filled with gorgeous furniture and exceptional paintings, including works by Titian, Correggio, Rubens, Mignard, and Rigaud. There is also a separate 13th-century chapel, which was renovated in the 16th century. Tours are available in French and English. 
Surrounded by forests, the château has an expansive parkland with walking paths and traditional games for visitors to enjoy. It contains three distinct gardens: the Jardin Notre-Dame, a medieval garden planted with vegetables and medicinal herbs; the Hortus Conclusus, an enclosed garden designed for religious meditation and spiritual reflection; and the Gerbe du Parnasse, a garden with a theme of Greek mythology.

Falaise

at the heart of Normandy, is the birthplace William the Conqueror; he was born in 1027 in the Castle that perches on the rocky crag that dominates the town. The castle still retains the atmosphere of the period, with its three keeps and ramparts flanked by towers, models of war machines and other weapons of the time, as well as a new exhibition based on 3D digital technologies, which takes visitors back in time through 1,000 years of history. Entry Fees apply.
The town became an economic powerhouse in the region, with craft activities such as drapery or hosiery, supported by the big local fairs. There are four churches, the main one being that of the Trinity, a 13th-century Gothic building, some beautiful mansions and several museums to visit. The unique Museum of Automata, recreates the streets of Paris in a magical display which includes 300 automatons. Entry Fees apply.

Cycling

Normandy makes a great destination for cycling days out. There are plenty of hire shops around and plenty of maps/guides available to help you plan your route. There are many designated cyclist routes, most notably along Omaha Beach

Take your passport with you if you’re planning to hire bikes as they are often the only acceptable form of identification that you will have available. You may also need some cash available. Remember to cycle on the right! Bike helmets are strongly recommended for children and adults alike.

Cherbourg’s La Cite de la Mer Aquarium 

​is a family attraction on the theme of man’s adventures under the sea. It boasts 17 aquariums, including a magical, 11-metre-deep, Abyssal Aquarium. There is also a “Titanic, return to Cherbourg”, exhibition about the celebrated liner and emigration. You will also be able to listen to the Captain of Le Redoutable telling you about his life on board the largest submarine open to the public in the world.

Cerza Zoo 

is a 60-hectare zoological park about an hour east of Caen. Over 120 different species  (lions, giraffes, rhinos, ring-tailed lemurs, white tigers, polar bears, pink flamingos etc)  from all 5 continents live there in careful recreations of their original habitats. They are  committed to the reproduction and breeding of endangered species. There are 2 footpath trails and a zoo train. 
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