MUST-SEE MONUMENTS
MONT SAINT-MICHEL ABBEY
It was created in 966 by monks. In the 17th century, it was nicknamed the 'Bastille of the Seas' since it served as a prison. Its materials were imported from the Chausey archipelago. A tip: from August to December there are high tides which offer an exceptional spectacle. In addition, you will be 'locked' in the Mont until the tide goes down. The website to book tickets in advance: ot-montsaintmichel.com/je-discover/visit-le-mont-saint-michel/je-visite-le-mont-saint-michel/labbaye-du-mont-saint-michel/
BASILICA OF LISIEUX
Built in 1927 in honor of Saint Thérèse, it is 104 meters long with a Crypt, a Chapel, a Dome, a Campanile housing 51 bells, a Dome located 80 meters above the ground and a large central stained glass window containing a bestiary. A word of advice: don't make any noise since it's a place of worship where some people are there to pray and don't touch the stained glass windows and mosaics. If you want to contact them: therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr/discover-the-sanctuary/the-basilica/
BASILICA OF COUTANCES
It was built in 430 by Saint Ereptiole. Gothic style towers were added from 1251 to 1274. A word of advice: don't make any noise because it's a place of worship where some people are there to pray and don't touch the stained glass windows. If you wish to contact them: cathedralecoutances.free.fr/Historique.htm
OMAHA BEACH MILITARY CEMETERY
Located near the Landing beaches, it contains more than 9,300 graves of American soldiers fallen in combat on June 6, 1944, the day of the liberation of France by Normandy. A word of advice: respect the place since it is a place of memory where families gather there. The cemetery's website to follow memorial events: abmc.gov/
HOLY CATHERINE CHURCH OF HONFLEUR
It was erected in the middle of the 15th century. Its material of manufacture is wood because the inhabitants did not have the means required to buy stone. It has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1879, being the largest church in France built in wood with a separate bell tower. An advice : do not make any noise because it is a place of worship where some people are there to pray and do not touch the stained glass windows. If you want to contact them: ot-honfleur.fr/
JOAN OF ARC CHURCH IN ROUEN
Erected in 1979, it is located on the Place du Vieux Marché where Joan of Arc was burned. The heroine and Saint Joan of Arc are commemorated there at the end of May. The aspect of the roof is particular: it represents the English Channel and its waves. An advice: do not make any noise because it is a place of worship where some people are there to pray and do not touch the stained glass windows. If you want to contact them: Rouen.fr/eglise-sainte-jeanne-darc
CLAUDE MONET'S HOUSE
Claude Monet, a famous French impressionist painter, lived from 1883 to 1926 in this 40 meter long estate. Defying the codes of the time in terms of aesthetics, he landscaped his house and garden as he saw fit. A word of advice: the layout of the objects and furniture are the same as when he lived, so don't touch the objects. Book tickets in advance: giverny.org/monet/home/maison.htm
CAEN MEMORIAL
Erected in 1988 by President François Mitterrand, the Memorial houses an impressive collection of objects and photographs from 1918 at the end of the First World War to 1986 the fall of the Berlin Wall. A word of advice: most of the objects are authentic and are kept in the display case, do not break them and do not try to cross the protective barriers that protect the vehicles! To book tickets in advance: memorial-caen.fr/your-visit/organize-your-visit/practical-information/#opening-hours
MARITIME MUSEUM OF CHERBOURG
This former transatlantic station has been home to various museums since 2002:
A gallery dedicated to submarines, a room entirely dedicated to the Titanic with a film and a reconstruction of objects and parts of the boat as if you were there, 17 aquariums spread over 3 floors, and the Redoubtable which was the 1st French nuclear submarine that can be visited on a 35-minute audio-guided tour. A word of advice: Do not touch the animals and objects unless the staff gives you permission! You can eat indoors with restaurants suitable for all. Book tickets in advance: citedelamer.com/
COLLEVILLE OVERLORD MUSEUM
Located next to the American cemetery, the museum has 10,000 objects retracing the day of the Normandy landings (Operation Overlord) to the Liberation of Paris in 1944. It was built in 2003. With its 2200 m2 of exhibition space, the museum hosts a forty war vehicles: motorcycles, planes, tanks, cars etc. A word of advice: do not touch objects, vehicles and mannequins! To book tickets in advance: overlordmuseum.com/
HOLY MOTHER CHURCH
The city served as an air landing zone during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. But why has this common church become a major tourist spot? on June 6, 1944, the American paratrooper John Steele got stuck with his parachute on the roof of it. You can still see his parachute there. A word of advice: don't try to climb on the roof to retrieve the parachute. If you want to find out more about the place: ot-baieducotentin.fr/s-informar/offices-de-tourisme/office-de-tourisme-sainte-mere-eglise/
BAYEUX TAPESTRY
The Tapestry made in the 11th century, embroidered in wool on a linen canvas, retranscribes the story of William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy who in 1066 reconquered the throne of the Kingdom of England taken by the Anglo-Saxons. It is 68.30 meters long and 70 centimeters wide. It was designed to allow those who could not read at that time, namely the people, to understand this moment in regional history. A word of advice: do NOT touch the fabric! If you want to book your tickets in advance: bayeuxmuseum.com/the-bayeux-tapestry/