Normandy - any thoughts on places to go?

[max]

Its that time of year - beginning to day dream of a summer cruise and this time looking at Normandy in the first two weeks of August

Any advice as to places to visit by boat and on land( and places to miss) gratefully received.

We are going for two weeks as a family so the agreed plan would be to sail 4-5 days and beach/bicycle/explore for the rest.

Initial plan Gosport-Cherbourg-St Vaast-Carentan-home ( Could give Chebourg a miss once I have worked out tides etc).

The boat isa 31ft bilge keeler and the family includes two daughters 15/13.

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[tcm]

Cherbourg is a nice big thing to aimn for, though, and plenty of space and facilities.

St Vaast is nice and cute. Deauville also recommended on that side, specially for smart(ish) shops and so on. Most places in between are missable, useful only for visiting Bayeux Tapestry and Arromanches (WW2 normandy landing sites) but even so , Grandcamp Maisy is a bit too stinky.




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[Spacewaist]

Well said..

but I'd add Ouistream (sp?) if you're going that far east.

In fact, inevitably the wind will be in the south, so open your mind to an alternative plan - Fecamp, Deauville/Trouville, Honfleur and Ouistream. I'd prefer that itinerary, (so what if its not all Normandy!)

Mid you, it's a bit of a bind to get back just after a cold front has been through!

A pontification from the Panjandrum of orotund bloviation AD2002<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Spacewaist on 10/03/2003 09:55 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Definitely

Max

We did the same trip last year. It was superb - although I'd say don't miss out Cherbourg. People knock it, but I don't know why - its got everything. Check out the "locals" market which is right at the top of the town (up a big hill!) - in a sort of suburban area. I can't remember exact directions but the marina will know. Also, Restaurante du Commerce at the top of the square just west of the Marina - we love it.

A good day trip is Bayeaux - the D Day museum is superb and very moving. Town is quite touristy but old.

Carentan is a bit nondescript but if you get a "walking guide" from the Tourist info office you will see some things that are of interest - an old bath house with graffiti from the first world war. Turns out Carentan was the American centre of ops during the landings.

St Vaast is fantastic. Walks to St Vaast L'hogue and another town called R(something or other) along the beach. You use its church spire (lovely old place) as a transit on your way in.

Get the tides right and entry in to St V and C is not a problem (you can get a bit of a bore in the River up to Carentan if you get the timing wrong).

A car trip up the beaches and cemeteries is a bit sombre but perhaps well worth it and educational for the kiddoes.

Normandy cuisine and beaches are great. You'll love it I'm sure.

PM if you want more info.

Magic

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[davidhand]

Re: Well said..

I agree Honfleur is a must Deauville is nice too, and don't forget to go up the Orne to see the bridge liberated by the gliders a few hours ahead of the D Day landings.

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[Badger]

Agree with evrything but include Ouistream , go up to Pegasaus bridge and show the girls what Lord Lovat's piper did !

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[roger]

How about Caen?

Caen is a splendid city with lovely resaurants - should not be missed

<hr width=100% size=1>Roger

 

[TonyMS]

And Courseulles

Not dramatic, but a pleasant seaside town

Best in Normandy is St Valery-sur-Somme - beautiful town, lovely countryside, excellent resteraunt (Guillome-le-conq), but that's a long way further for you.

Tony

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