Travel Back In Time - Normandy, France

Erin
Feb 8, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jul 30

Known as one of the most historic battlefields in all of World War II is the northern coast of France, the region known as Normandy. The area is way more than just battlefields. You'll find churches, famous artists' houses and inspiration, and beautiful cliffs. This week we are heading to the beautiful region of Normandy.

The image captures a breathtaking view of Mont Saint-Michel, a famous medieval abbey and village, at dusk or dawn. The iconic structure, perched atop a rocky island, is brilliantly illuminated with warm, golden lights that stand out against the fading light of the sky. The sky itself is a stunning blend of deep blues, purples, and oranges, with soft clouds adding to the dramatic atmosphere.

Around the base of the island, there are smaller buildings and fortifications that are also lit up. The surrounding area appears to be a mix of water and possibly marshland or wet sand, reflecting the subtle colors of the sky. The overall impression is one of historical grandeur and ethereal beauty. — Mont Saint Michelle

Mont Saint Michelle

One of the most well-known churches in all of France. It is located off the coast and, at high tide, is surrounded by the sea. The Church was built in the early 10th century with a village surrounding it. Today you can tour the abbey, have lunch in the village, and explore the small island with breathtaking views. I highly recommend taking the audio tours to learn more about the history and the story behind this famed Church. The best way to get to the Church is by walking across the bridge to the small island, but be prepared to wear your walking shoes as it is a bit of a walk. If you aren't up for the walk, there is a shuttle bus from the parking lot where you can be dropped off.

The image depicts a historical beach scene, likely a memorial or a significant landmark. In the foreground, there's a white sign with a blue plaque that clearly reads "Utah Beach". The sign is set amidst sand dunes covered with tall, dry grasses.

Behind the sign and dunes, a sandy path or trail leads upwards. Further in the background, a flagpole proudly displays two flags: the American flag and the French flag, flying side-by-side. Behind the flags, some dark, ominous-looking structures, possibly remnants of fortifications or memorials, are visible. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue. The overall atmosphere suggests a place of historical importance, specifically related to the D-Day landings. — Utah Beach

D-Day Beaches

Traveling back to the sixth of June 1944 is a must-do for history lovers and travelers alike. You can visit Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah beaches on the coast. If you start in the town of Arromanches, you will start your trip off by visiting two museums that will deepen your understanding of the history. Another particularly moving portion of the area is the American Cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer and the Pointe-du-Hoc bomb craters. You can stand where those soldiers stood, walk along the same paths, and breathe the same air. You can make this trip on your own if you have a specific route you'd like to follow, but going with a group is a great way to learn more about the historic area.

The image displays a serene and lush garden scene, featuring a pond with numerous lily pads floating on its surface. The water reflects the surrounding greenery and sky. The edges of the pond are densely bordered by a variety of plants, including tall grasses, vibrant pink and purple flowers, and various shades of green foliage. In the background, there are trees, including a weeping willow with its characteristic long, drooping branches touching or nearly touching the water. The overall impression is a vibrant and meticulously cultivated natural setting, reminiscent of a classic Impressionist painting. — Claude Monet's Lily Pond

Claud Monet's House & Garden

One of the most famous impressionists, Claud Monet, called northern France home. He gained his inspiration from his own backyard. Today, you can visit his home, the garden, and the famous water garden that was the inspiration for one of his most famous paintings. Be sure to take some time to explore the kitchen and the blue sitting room that has been restored down to the last detail to ensure that visitors experience the way Monet lived. It is best to visit the house early in the day to avoid the crowds and take in the gardens in their peak time.

The image presents a stunning coastal landscape, showcasing the famous white chalk cliffs of Étretat on the Côte d'Albâtre in Normandy, France. The scene is dominated by dramatic rock formations, including a prominent natural arch (Porte d'Aval) eroded into the cliff face and a tall, needle-like rock stack (Aiguille) rising from the sea.

The cliffs are strikingly white with visible horizontal striations, contrasting sharply with the lush green vegetation covering their tops. Below the cliffs, there's a pebble beach that meets the clear, blue-green waters of the English Channel. The sea itself varies in color, from a deep blue further out to lighter shades near the shore. In the distance, more cliffs extend along the coastline, and some buildings are visible on the clifftops, suggesting a nearby town or village. The sky is bright and mostly clear, indicative of good weather. — Chalk Cliffs at Cote d'Albatre

Etretat Cliffs

The beautiful white cliffs of Eraetat that plunge into the sea have been compared to the White Cliffs of Dover. They are so stunning because you have to hike along the time for jaw-dropping views of the sea or be taken in from the beaches below to see their grand height and size. The views at both sunrise and sunset are beyond beautiful. You could spend the entire day exploring the area, hiking around the cliffs, or taking in the stunning turquoise sea. This stop cannot be missed when exploring the northern coast.

Now that you have learned just some of what northern France has to offer, schedule a consultation to start planning your trip.