Lower-Normandy
Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) is a region of France. It was created in 1956, when the Normandy region was divided into Basse-Normandie and Haute-Normandie. The region includes three départements, Calvados, Manche and Orne. It covers 10,857 square miles, 3.2 percent of the surface area of France (Northcutt, 1996, p. 181).
The region´s economy is heavily agricultural, with livestock and dairy farming, textiles and fruit production among its major industries. Iron ore is mined near Caen. Tourism is also a major industry. The region has direct ferry links to England (via the port of Cherbourg and Caen Ouistreham) and the beaches of Calvados were the site of the D-Day landings in June 1944. Basse-Normandie suffered badly during World War II, with many of the region´s towns and villages being destroyed during the Battle of Normandy.
Regions of Lower Normandy include the Cotentin Peninsula and La Hague, Pays d´Auge, and the Bessin.
Lower Normandy Location
Lower Normandy is located on the North Coast of France. To the North is the English Channel and on the East Upper Normandy. To the South, Lower Normandy borders Brittany, Western Loire and Centre regions. A predominantly rural area favoured by British buyers. There are 3 departments: Orne, Manche and Calvados.
Lower Normandy Landscape
With about 600 kilometres of coastline there is a wonderful mixture of cliffs, pebbly coves and long stretches of golden sands - this has always been a popular destination for holidaymakers. The Cherbourg peninsula is renowned for family holidays - the most top destinations being Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg. The Gulf Stream warms the sea here!
Inland the sparsely populated rural area is home to apple orchards (Calvados) and other fruits. There are many sleepy market towns to wander around and enjoy the local foods - including fresh bread, cheeses, fruits and a glass or two of calvados!
Lower Normandy Attractions
Apart from the many and varied beaches around the coastline, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The D-Day landings in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 were the focus of the largest and most complex invasion ever attempted. There are many D-Day sites to be visited. Also well worth a visit is the Bayeux Tapestry - a 50 cm by 70 m (20 in by 230 ft) long embroidered cloth which depicts scenes commemorating the Battle of Hastings in 1066, with annotations in Latin. The tapestry is presently exhibited in a museum in Bayeux.
Other lovely coastal attractions are Honfleur and Deauville. In particular, Honfleur is a popular destination. A quaint fishing port with a thriving "artist" element and lovely small shops. The restaurants are well frequented too!
Mont-Saint-Michel
This is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area, the wide bay of Mont- Saint-Michel, abutting Brittany and Lower Normandy, claims the strongest tides in Europe. This “Wonder of the Western World” towers above the vast mud-flats that surround it. Do not miss : Visit to the abbey.
Weather/Climate
Weather is similar to the South of England with distinct seasons. Perhaps slightly warmer and sunnier in the Summer! The countryside is green so it does rain.
