Lower Normandy

Like its neighbour Brittany, the far west of Lower Normandy is also home to Celtic-speaking Bretons. It’s a markedly different coastline to that of Upper Normandy. On the north coast are the landing beaches of the Second World War, many of which still bear their English or American names.

In complete contrast the West coast beaches are popular for day-tripping Parisians, as well as visitors from further afield. Head south to visit the abbey of Mont St-Michel, which sits on top of its own island separated from the ‘mainland’ by nearly a kilometre of waves or sand. Now easily accessible by road, it was once a treacherous route for pilgrims who risked drowning in the fast-changing tides.

Like Upper Normandy, Lower Normandy produces apples, cattle and dairy and is home of one of France’s most famous cheeses – Camembert.