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Travel
Normandy, France – The Perfect Action-Packed Family Holiday
Choosing a holiday destination to suit your family’s needs can be a tricky endeavour. Not only are there so many places to choose from, but you also want to make sure that there will be enough activities to keep everyone happy. After all, your time off work is precious, and you want your children to enjoy themselves by discovering what the world has to offer; providing your family with a great experience and the best holiday memories. Luckily for those living in the UK, France is only a few miles away across the Channel. And when it comes down to having a great family holiday, the coastal French region of Normandy might just be that ideal place you are looking for.
An easy place to get to
First of all, the great news is that traveling there is not only easy but also very affordable. Getting to Normandy can take as little as 3 hours by ferry from the UK, making this action-packed holiday even easier to get to! Brittany Ferries run regular ferries to France and you can also book the whole holiday with accommodation through them (click here to view latest deals). The great thing about using a ferry is that it really breaks down the journey, making it more enjoyable for the children, and, of course, for you the adults. And let’s face it: what child does not enjoy going on a boat? A ferry departing from its harbour is the best way to mark the start of a great holiday and is an experience your children won’t forget anytime soon!
The diversity of Normandy
Normandy has the prettiest and most charming rural areas which can be found on the North Coast of France. Upon arriving in the city of Caen, the half-timbered and thatched housing architecture will make you feel like you have taken a step back in time. The Gothic architecture of the Rouen Cathedral will remind you of the Impressionist art movement popularised by Claude Monet; giving that truly unique French atmosphere which cannot be found anywhere else.
Normandy is most famous for its long beaches and beautiful historical coast lines. Gold Beach, near the small village of Arromanches, is a great place to bring the kids for a stroll, even maybe a little swim. Those more interested in history will feel compelled to visit Omaha Beach, most famous for seeing the bloodiest battles during the World War 2 landings. Seeing the old German bunkers on the beach and visiting the American Cemetery and Memorial overlooking the beach is a very emotional journey into some of Europe’s most important historical events.
Going further inland, Normandy has many beautiful rural sights and lush green landscapes. The countryside is most famous for the cultivation of apples, giving birth to the best ciders. The green countryside is also famous for its majestic cows who help in the production of sumptuous soft cheeses such as Camembert and Pont l’Evêque. Visiting Normandy without trying some of its ciders and cheeses would be a crime so why not find a little hotel or ‘gite’ in the countryside to appreciate a few drinks and a lovely meal.
Activities for the family
Keeping the children happy and entertained is an important aspect of any family holiday, and Normandy is not short of things to do. The Zoo de Jurques has a great selection of African and South American native species such as monkeys, lions and giraffes which will keep your children amazed. Even better, the Cerza safari lodge will let you spend the night at a recreated ‘Asian valley’ where dwarf kangaroos, Indian rhinos and antelopes can be observed safely.
However, zoos are not the only places of interest. One of the best family activities, guaranteed to impress your children, is the famous ‘Cité de la Mer’ in Cherbourg. Here you will get to board ‘La Redoutable’, which is the biggest submarine open to the public in the world! This amazing and unique venue contains 17 aquariums, including the 11 metres deep magical Abyssal Aquarium which also happens to be the deepest aquarium in the whole of Europe!
Amusement parks are also a great way to have a fun day out, and Festyland in Bretteville-sur-Odon is just the right venue. Young imaginations can run wild at this historically themed amusement park as your own little pirates and Vikings can enjoy rollercoasters, waterslides, a medieval castle, bumper boats and many other activities to spend some of that holiday energy. Who knows, you might even enjoy some of those rides yourself!
Whether you are looking to entertain your family, teach them about some important history, visit breath-taking landscapes or just savour some great food, Normandy might just be the ideal destination for you to enjoy that well-deserved family holiday!
Photos by OliBac and Gaëtan Zarforoushan via Flickr Creative Commons
- Top 5 Large Holiday Houses In South Devon With Coast & Country
Coast & Country Cottages have a host of luxury large holiday houses, sleeping from 8-16 people – perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a spacious holiday home in the heart of the South Devon countryside for a break with all the family,...
- The 5 Best Destinations For Multigenerational Travel
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- The Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations
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