Normandy: Rouen to Mont Saint Michel

Normandy beckons travelers with a landscape where history breathes through ancient stone and rolling green countryside meets dramatic coastal cliffs. This northwestern region of France carries the weight of centuries in its half-timbered villages and Gothic cathedrals, yet pulses with contemporary Norman life in bustling market squares and seaside towns.

Normandy enchants with pastoral charm and architectural treasures. The iconic Mont-Saint-Michel rises like a medieval fantasy from tidal flats, its abbey perched impossibly atop a rocky island. The port city of Honfleur captivates with its picturesque harbor that inspired Impressionist painters, while Rouen’s magnificent cathedral and medieval quarter transport visitors to another era. The region’s capital city boasts the stunning architecture and cultural richness of a place that once served as the seat of Norman dukes.

Normandy’s culinary traditions run deep, from creamy Camembert cheese aged in the Pays d’Auge to crisp cider pressed from ancient apple orchards. Fresh seafood graces tables in coastal villages, while Norman cuisine celebrates butter, cream, and the bounty of fertile farmland.

Whether you’re drawn by history, gastronomy, art, or simply the romance of the French countryside, Normandy offers an authentic slice of France where past and present intertwine. It’s a region that rewards slow exploration, inviting travelers to discover its layers of meaning one cobblestone street, one clifftop view, one perfect bite of cheese at a time.

Episode

Holland to France: A Journey Through NORMANDY

Buckle up for an epic family adventure through the Viking vibes of Normandy in our latest Podcast episode! We’re zooming into Rouen, the ancient capital. Norse warriors settled here after raiding their way down the rivers. Think half-timbered houses that scream Germanic flair. They are taller and quirkier than your typical French postcard. We geek out over the jaw-dropping astronomical clock at the Gros Horloge. This 14th-century marvel tracks stars, moons, and time with mind-blowing precision.

Foodies, rejoice—Normandy’s culinary scene is a butter-drenched dream that’ll have your mouth watering mid-episode! Imagine sizzling crepes loaded with bacon, fries, eggs, and a cheeky side of lettuce. Visualize fresh mussels straight from the sea that scream coastal perfection. Our crew reveals the quirky eats that make French dining an adventure.

The grand finale? A pilgrimage to the legendary Mont Saint-Michel, that tidal island abbey that’s straight out of a fantasy flick! We dish on the hour-plus trek from the parking lot (feeling like 10km but really just 2km of epic views), wandering medieval streets packed with shops, restaurants, and a fortified history spanning 600 years through wars and wonders. Drone shots capture the sheer impressiveness. It is touristy, sure. However, it is worth it!

Tune into the Podcast for insider tips, hilarious mishaps, and why this Normandy quest is the ultimate blend of history, hikes, and heart—your wanderlust won’t know what hit it!