Lower Normandy
Lower Normandy consists of the departments of Calvados (14), Manche (50) and Orne (61).
The capital is CAEN, which owes this honorific title to William “the bastard” (before he became “the conqueror”) and his wife Mathilda. The town developed around three major poles: the fortress and the two main Benedictine abbeys founded by the couple and still standing nowadays despite all the destructions of the Battle of Normandy… A rich heritage to discover.
It is a great destination for tourism and leisure activities, In every corner, you will discover hidden treasures: the pretty harbor of Honfleur, the Bayeux Tapestry, William the Conqueror’s birthplace at Falaise, the basilica at Lisieux dedicated to Saint Theresa, Claude Monet’s treasured garden at Giverny, and the world-famous Mont Saint Michel, with its breathtaking views from the ramparts.
The region’s economy is heavily agricultural, with livestock and dairy farming, textiles and fruit production among its major industries. The region is the leader in France in the sectors of butter, fromage frais, soft cheeses, cider apples, cider, leeks, turnips, and flax. The region is also referred to as Camembert Country since between 10,000 and 15,000 tons of the soft, creamy cheese are produced by the 2,500 acre commune of Camembert annually and controlled by the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) which also regulates the wine industry.
A visit to the Lower Normandy region would not be complete without a stop in the Orne. In Argentan first, where you can visit the “Maison des Dentelles”. One of the most famous forteresses of Normandy in the Middle Ages is today a town which is a great place to stay, and which attracts fisherman to its lake. Numerous parks attract nature lovers.
Another well known town is Bagnoles de l’Orne, the only thermal town of north west France. A walk around the Belle Epoque district, built at the end of the 19th century, will show you a number of magnificent villas. After the first world war, the attraction of Bagnoles de l’Orne as a tourist destination was confirmed, with the growth in spa treatments.
To view some Gites in the Lower Normandy, please visit Gites in Lower Normandy.
All the best
