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NORMANDY, BRITTANY & THE BATTLEFIELDS

Normandy, Brittany and the Battlefields

Northern France is redolent with reminders of some of the bloodiest events of the 20th century. Increasingly Kiwis are drawn to its D-Day landing beaches, to visit battlefields that are the last resting places of soldiers from the 1st and 2nd World Wars. Travel onto Brittany to explore ancient walled cities, dramatic, rugged geography and inland woods. The picturesque coastline has been an inspiration for many artists.



OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN NORMANDY AND BRITTANY


Brittany
Brittany

Brittany is the unique land of the Bretons who share Celtic roots with people in the far-flung corners of the British Isles. The earth breathes history – Neolithic standing stones dot the landscape, and the salt tang of the ocean and delectable seafood, like mussels or lobster served in picturesque ports like Cancale, is never far away.

Saint Malo
Saint-Malo

Stroll along St-Malo’s ramparts and see the stunning cathedral. Visit the picturesque monastic island of Mont-Saint-Michel, take a tour of the famous Abbey and then walk around the narrow streets on the base of the rock, with its jumble of medieval houses. At low tide you can walk out to the island, but watch the water, or you’ll have to wait at least 6 hours before returning.

Normandy
Normandy
Echoes of historic struggles can be experienced right across Normandy, from the Norman Conquest woven into the tapestry at Bayeux, to the perils of Jeanne d’Arc in Rouen and the dramatic D-Day landings along Normandy’s beaches. The Normandy region is rich in stunning churches and cathedrals.

 

Beaches of Normandy
Beaches of Normandy
Conjure up the scenario that began here on D-Day, 6 June, 1944. The placid beaches are still best known by their wartime code names, such as Omaha, Utah and Juno. Monuments are placed along the 60 mile stretch of sand, and there are many war museums. Visit the poignant Caen Memorial Museum which is dedicated to peace and renowned as one of the best WWII museums in all of France.

 

 
Honfleur, Battlefields
Honfleur, Battlefields

A well preserved and very picturesque town. Stop at the Musée de la Marine, housed in the church of St. Étienne which features model ships and antique furnishings. You’ll also find many galleries with art dating back to pre-Impressionism. .

Camembert
Calvados & Camembert

True specialties of the Normandy region. The village of Camembert is authentic, the cheese gourmet and creamy. Local pear cider and Calvados apple brandy are the perfect accompaniments.

Battlefields
Battlefields
Follow in the footsteps of our fallen servicemen and pay your respect to all the soldiers who fought for our freedom with a visit to the historic battlefields of France. With world war memorials, museums, military cemeteries and battlefield remains, you’ll be transported to a time that was equal amounts heroic and harrowing.

 

 



NORMANDY & BRITTANY ACCOMMODATION


Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotels and apartment-hotels in Normandy and Brittany.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Hotel-Lion-d'Or
HOTEL LE LION D'OR, BAYEUX
★★★

Right in the heart of the historic town centre and inside a quaint, ivy clad 18th century coaching inn, it’s easy to get from here to the museum that houses the famous Bayeux Tapestry. In fact all sights are close by, as well as a selection of restaurants featuring some local favourites like roast duck with apple sauce and steamed rabbit.
Adagio Centre Caen
ADAGIO CENTRE CAEN, CAEN
 ★★★★

Caen, an old university town, overlooks the River Orne and is a great starting place from which to explore the sites of the Normandy Landings and the poignant Caen Memorial Museum. This is dedicated to peace and is renowned as one of the best WW2 museums in all of France. The Studio and 2 Bedroom Apartments are stylish and well presented.
Chateau du Colombier
CHATAEAU DU COLOMBIER, SAINT-MALO
 ★★★★
Spoil yourself with a break in the countryside. Stay at this elegant 18th century manor house, set in lush gardens on the outskirts of the historic walled city of Saint-Malo and just 3 kilometres from the Brittany coast with its stretches of beautiful beaches, including the Pink Granite Coast, so called for the colour of the unusual rock formations.
Maison Armateurs
MAISON DES ARMATEURS, SAINT-MALO
 ★★★★
If staying inside the old town is what you’re after, then this is a great choice, it’s boutique in its style with spacious rooms. Step outside the hotel and you’ll be amongst the cobbled streets and lanes with their many restaurants. It is just 2 minutes walk from the Cathedrale St-Vincent and a 10 minute stroll to the sandy beaches nearby.



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Normandy, Brittany & Battlefields holiday planning articles


Are you planning your next trip to Normandy, Brittany and the Battlefields? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on Normandy, Brittany and the Battlefields.

 




WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY



This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

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