Lower Normandy is located on the North Coast of France. To the North is the English Channel and on the East Upper Normandy. To the South, Lower Normandy borders Brittany, Western Loire and Centre regions. A predominantly rural area favoured by British buyers. There are 3 departments: Orne, Manche and Calvados.



Lower Normandy Landscape

With about 600 kilometres of coastline there is a wonderful mixture of cliffs, pebbly coves and long stretches of golden sands - this has always been a popular destination for holidaymakers. The Cherbourg peninsula is renowned for family holidays - the most top destinations being Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg. The Gulf Stream warms the sea here!

Inland the sparsely populated rural area is home to apple orchards (Calvados) and other fruits. There are many sleepy market towns to wander around and enjoy the local foods - including fresh bread, cheeses, fruits and a glass or two of calvados!

Lower Normandy Attractions

Apart from the many and varied beaches around the coastline, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The D-Day landings in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 were the focus of the largest and most complex invasion ever attempted. There are many D-Day sites to be visited including:

Memorial at Caen

Remnants of "Port Winston" - an artificial harbour built in England and floated to the bay at Arromanches.

Longues-sur-Mer - fortified German gun emplacements.

Bayeux Tapestry - is a 50 cm by 70 m (20 in by 230 ft) long embroidered cloth which depicts scenes commemorating the Battle of Hastings in 1066, with annotations in Latin. The tapestry presently exhibited in a museum in Bayeux.

Other lovely coastal attractions are Honfleur and Deauville. In particular, Honfleur is a popular destination. A quaint fishing port with a thriving "artist" element and lovely small shops. The restaurants are well frequented too!

Mont-Saint-Michel

This is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area, the wide bay of Mont- Saint-Michel, abutting Brittany and Lower Normandy, claims the strongest tides in Europe. This "Wonder of the Western World" towers above the vast mud-flats that surround it.

Do not miss : Visit to the abbey.

Weather/Climate

Weather is similar to the South of England with distinct seasons. Perhaps slightly warmer and sunnier in the Summer! The countryside is green so it does rain.

Getting there

By road:

From Calais ferry port / Eurostar driving times are about 5 hours. You can travel by Autoroute (tolls) all the way.

By Ferry:

Caen and Cherbourg ports are located in Lower Normandy so you can arrive in the heart of Lower Normandy from the UK. St Malo, Dieppe and Le Havre are also close by.

By Plane:

Dinard (Brittany) - flights arrive form East Midlands, Stansted and Luton. You can also fly to Paris and get to Lower Normandy in 3 hours.

Population

Just under 1.5 million inhabitants

Major Towns

Caen

Caen is famous for its historical buildings built in the time of William the Conqueror, who was buried here, and for the Battle for Caen - fighting that took place around Caen during the Battle of Normandy.

Cherbourg

Cherbourg is a commercial and military port, but none the less one of the most popular ports in France.

Deauville

Deauville is a glamorous seaside resort, symbolising elegance, prestige and sophistication. Nearby the Polo and Horse Racing re-enforces its tradition.

Alencon

Alencon is synonymous with lace and once was the lace capital of Europe. The industry has long since departed and Alencon is now the centre of manufacture for Moulinex! North of Alencon is Sees with its gothic cathedral

Saint Lo

Saint-Lo is perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Cotentin peninsular. The town is surrounded by ramparts and overlooked by the Notre Dame cathedral.

Prices

(August 2006)

Coastal properties are more expensive. Inland village, town and rural properties are much cheaper. Unfortunately the days of bargain barns for renovation are long gone. There is still a strong demand for properties at the cheaper end of the market.

Price Guideline

Apartments: 60,000 euros (Coast)

Farmhouses: 30,000 euros (needs renovation)

Townhouses: 30,000 euros

Coastal Houses: 100,000 + euros

Land: from 6 euros per sq. m