Normandy is one of the French centers of interest because of its history, its tourism but also its economy.
The history of Normandy begins at the time of the Vikings, at this period the region is relentlessly attacked by Vikings coming from the Channel.
In 911, the Carolingian king Charles the Simple put an end to these invasions by the treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte
After several years of repeated attacks, the Carolingian King Charles the Simple, decided to make a treaty with the Vikings. He offered what is now Upper Normandy in exchange for conversion to Christianity and a guarantee of peace.
Thus in 933, the Viking region became the current Normandy, a region that would endure and show its power for 3 centuries.
Until the arrival of William the Conqueror who became king of England and created the Anglo-Norman history that we know.
Centuries later, Normandy will experience a strong economic and cultural development, thanks to the Industrial Revolution and the arrival of important artists like Flaubert, Maupassant and Monet.
The region became a cultural and artistic center where many works were created.
This development was halted by the crisis of the 1930s and the arrival of the Second World War.
However, one last key date remains engraved in the memory of Normandy.
On June 6, 1944, the landing on the beaches of Normandy took place, the largest naval air battle ever known. It was the beginning of the end of the war.
Normandy is one of the regions of France with the most exciting history. It offers its visitors a journey through time, between traditions, stories and places of legend.
Tourism is very important in Normandy as it is a land of history, culture and traditions. It has a great historical heritage with its many monuments and sites classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, such as
Caen and its cultural heritage: The Castle of Caen, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Men's Abbey, the Ladies' Abbey and the Palace of Justice.
- The D-Day landing beaches and their museums,
- Historical sites, such as the Bayeux Tapestry
- The cities and villages of Normandy: Honfleur, Cabourg, Le Havre, Rouen, Deauville and Trouville...
- The Abbey of Mont Saint Michel.
- and many others...
Normandy is also a land of gastronomy, it has an important gastronomic heritage with the Camembert de Normandie PDO, the Livarot farmhouse PDO, the Pommeau de Normandie PDO, the Andouille de Guémené PDO and many others.
This region is located in the North West of France, bordered by the English Channel and has the most important maritime axis in the world.
Its location is exceptional as it is only a few hours away from Paris and London, the two economic capitals of the world.
In Normandy there are 3 main motor cities, Caen, Rouen and Le Havre, the second largest French port.
These cities have modern and efficient infrastructures to welcome companies and mass tourism.
The Normandy ports are seaports that welcome more than 3 million passengers every year.
The port of Le Havre is located on the estuary of the Seine, it is the second commercial port in France after Marseille.
Normandy offers its visitors a large number of specialties, among them: cider, calvados, camembert, livarot, pont-l'évêque, black pudding, butter, cream chicken, head cheese, apple pie, perry, honey and apple juice.
Seafood such as oysters, mussels and shrimps are also very popular in the region. You can taste them while visiting the many typical fishing ports of the Normandy villages and their fish markets.
The fish markets in Normandy are known for their varied and fresh selection of seafood. You can find fish, seafood, crustaceans and shellfish. The markets take place mainly along the Normandy coast, and every day local fishermen sell their freshly caught products.