Normandy
Why go?
Normandy is the land of the apple. In spring, when the apple trees
blossom, it dons a petticoat of pink and white lace; in autumn, the
intoxicating smell of fermenting apples permeates its lush
countryside and half-timbered barns. The apples are transformed
into cider, into cream-drenched tartes, or into the tipple of the
gods, calvados. The drink even managed to give its name to one of
the five départements into which Normandy is
divided.
There are countless other goodies in the Norman basket too, from
markets selling pungent cheeses and fresh oysters, to ruined abbeys
shrouded in mists that rise off the Seine, towns whose streets are
lined with the exquisitely carved facades of medieval houses, and
towering milk-white sea cliffs that sent the Impressionists wild.
There are sights that make your hair stand on end like the abbey of
Mont St. Michel, gaunt and proud on its rock in the sea; the D-Day
landing beaches where world history was changed for ever; and the
Bayeux Tapestry, the oldest and longest comic strip in the
world.
You won’t find wine – Normandy’s last attempts
were strangled by the vine disease phylloxera – so it
returned to what it does best: cider (but there are plenty of good
merchants who sell excellent wines from elsewhere if you want to
stock up). Yes, it rains – why do you think it’s so
green and lush? Sadly, certain some towns show visible scars of
their terrible World War Two carnage. And don't come here if you're
on a diet: Norman food is rich, lavishly laden with creams, butters
and cheeses.