Just across the Channel from London and not very far from Paris, you will find the wel-coming region of Normandy. Forests, tranquil streams flowing lazily through rich agricultural countryside and apple orchards are the hallmark of this unique region. Many of the good things in life originate from Normandy; it is the country of cider, calvados & camembert. The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel has been a spiritual centre since the early middle ages. Sadly, the coastal area of North-Western France also witnessed many ferocious battles and human tragedies.

After the Vikings (or Norsemen, hence the name Norman) had occupied the region in the ninth century, turbulent times were far from over. In the eleventh century William the Conqueror crossed the channel from here to invade England. The story of William's venture is depicted on the famous Bayeux Tapestry, now in the town museum of Bayeux. This is just one of the many art treasures you can admire on a visit to Normandy.

More recently Normandy, was the epicentre for the decisive D-Day invasion in WW II. On the 6th of June 1944 a huge allied army landed on the beaches, code-named Utah, Omaha and Gold beach. War memorials and museums keep the memory of the liberators and the sacrifices they made alive.