Normandy

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s emblematic sites. The 10th-century Benedictine abbey seemingly rises out of the sea itself. Connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway, dramatic rising tides turn the rock into an island. The abbey has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. Explore the quaint streets that wind uphill lined with charming shops. 

North of Bayeux rest the iconic D-Day beaches where thousands of brave allied troops gave their lives to liberate France, and eventually Europe, from German-occupation during WWII. Whether you’re most interested in the American, Canadian, or British sites, French Side Travel, can arrange your private guided tour. Explore the moving sites that hosted the pivotal battles and pay your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting. The moving and solemn American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is a powerful place of remembrance. On Pointe du Hoc, between the Omaha and Utah beaches, the US rangers heroically captured German artillery. The rugged cliffs are largely untouched, with bomb craters, bunkers and casements still visible. 

Located only two hours from Paris, Rouen is a handsome French city with an attractive medieval quarter and a deep historical legacy. Explore the winding streets and delightful half-timbered houses. The towering Gothic cathedral, located in the city center, was a frequent subject of Monet’s paintings, some of which can be observed in the nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts. The central square was the location of French heroine Saint Joan of Arc’s untimely death. The Historical Jeanne d’Arc is a comprehensive museum detailing her legacy. 

You have already seen Honfleur on canvas. This picturesque Norman port was a favorite of impressionist painters including Monet. The ever-changing light and architecture around the port, Le Vieux Bassin, make it one of France’s most beautiful. Today it is a very lively place for a café stop or a summer promenade. Although it is the tall houses around the harbor that have made Honfleur famous, the streets here in its old town are also full of charming half-timber medieval buildings. The Church of Sainte-Catherine is not to be missed. It is France’s largest wooden church. The material and large windows gives it a warmer feeling that sets  it apart from France’s typical Gothic churches.