Normandy

On June 6, 1944, the British and the Allies didn't land on the Normandy beaches for a holiday. Omaha Beach, Utah and Arromanches were the stages, on that day, for one of the most important moments in the history of Europe and France. As a result of the Normandy landings, the Second World War came to an end.
What remains of this event are the beaches, of course, the Caen Memorial and the scars to be found at the heart of the cities where the architecture was ruined by the bombings (Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Falaise, and Saint-Lô).
Although it is a place of memorial, the region of Normandy fortunately has a lot more to offer than the traces of this terrible conflict.
The famous Mont-Saint-Michel just goes to prove this, as it is the most visited monument in France. You understand why when you find yourself facing this huge, almost entirely built rock mount which peaks at 262 ft! An exceptional example of the artisans' savoir-faire in the Middle Ages, the Mont-Saint-Michel is not the only remarkable monument in Normandy.
This region has indeed witnessed the development of great architectural styles. It was even the precursor of the Gothic style, with the Norman School, whose masterpieces were Saint-Nicolas' Church at Caen, Bayeux Cathedral and Lessay Abbey.
Gothic art, known as the ?art of the Cathedrals' in Normandy, also produced real gems like the Lisieux Cathedral or the Courthouse of Rouen. Art would later further establish itself in Giverny, with Claude Monet, whose gardens (on canvas) are sold today in their millions and continue to attract, together with the American Art Museum, thousands of visitors. The same is the case for Deauville (with its festival, famous beach promenade, luxury hotels and races), which opens onto the magnificent Côte de Nacre (Mother-of-Pearl Coast), Côte Fleurie (Flowering Coast) and the Etretat Cliffs. As you explore the coast and look around, the fresh air will soon make you feel hungry! Normandy's cuisine is as generous and varied as its rich architecture and lush nature: with camembert, 'andouille' sausage, teurgoule, apples, cider, seafood and salt-marsh lamb roast...
Indeed, with all this, you can understand why this region had to be liberated first!