Upper-Normandy
Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy) is one of the 26 régions of France. It was created in 1956, when Normandy was divided into Basse-Normandie and Haute-Normandie. This division remains somewhat controversial, with some calling for a regrouping. Rouen is the local capital, historically important with many fine churches and buildings. The region is twinned with the London Borough of Redbridge in the United Kingdom. The capital of Normandy is Rouen, known for its cathedral (highest in France)
Upper Normandy Location
Upper Normandy is located on the North Coast of France. To the North of the region is the English Channel. It is surrounded by the regions of Picardy to the East and Lower Normandy on the west side. To the South are Ile-de-France and the Centre. There are 2 departments: Eure and Seine-Maritime.
Upper Normandy Landscape
The Northern coast is typically limestone (chalk) cliffs with long beaches. Inland the countryside is dominated by the meandering Seine. The estuary is just south of Le Havre. Inland there are huge tracts of agricultural land which are not inspiring. Several rivers punctuate the landscape and these areas are attractive. Typified by the Monet Gardens at Giverny on the banks of the Seine near Vernon.
Upper Normandy Attractions
One of the big selling points is the Gastronomy of the region - lovely open air markets to sample the wide range of foods: produce from local farms (selling cider, ostrich meat, snails, Calvados, foie gras, and much more).
Water is a distinctive element - from the beaches and cliffs in the North to the rivers that meander throughout the region: rivers, with vast meadows, offering a taste of paradise to all fly-fishermen. The towns of Pont-Audemer and Bernay are surrounded by water and the ever present Seine is a feature in the Regional Nature Park.
There are visits to the archaeological gardens at Vieil-Evreux, medieval fortresses in Château-Gaillard, Harcourt, and centuries-old abbeys (in Bec-Hellouin, and Fontaine-Guérard). In the forests of Normandy - Lyons-la-Forêt, Ferrière-sur-Risle - one can explore quaint towns and villages.
Fishing boats still land their catches at Fécamp, so that one can savour fresh seafood in the harbour-front restaurants. Further along the coast the large town of Dieppe is well worth a visit. There is plenty to see, with a good choice of shops and excellent restaurants along the quays.
Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is a delight. Its pedestrian centre allows easy access to Rouen´s history. There are walks through the historical centre, past half-timbered houses, discovering Gothic treasures like the Notre Dame Cathedral, St Ouen abbey, Saint Maclou church and the Palais de Justice or the Renaissance style monuments such as the Saint Maclou ossuary.Last, but by no means least, are the beautiful Monet gardens at Giverny. The village alone is a delight to walk through but Monet´s Gardens are ablaze with colour during the summer and cannot be missed. Sample the bridge over the Lily pads. These are images that you will treasure.
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.
