Loire Valley
With its lush green pastures and close historical ties , Normandy holds an astonishing familiarity for the British visitor . Normandy is an attractive land of white chalk cliffs , long sandy beaches , fishing ports and harbours , rich green pastures and apple orchards , halftimbered and thatched houses and barns , lively market towns , sophisticated sea-side resorts such as Deauville and Cabourg and sleepy villages . Famous for its dairy produce , cider and calvados , the cuisine is hearty , reflecting both its rich pastures and its proximity to the sea . Historical ties provide links from William the Conqueror to 1944 . Normandy is a gentle and friendly land , small and pretty where the comforting aroma of apple-wood fires lingers in the air and where the salt of the sea is in the breeze .
TRAVELLING THERE Self-drive with ferry services into Normandy from Portsmouth to Cherbourg ( about 6hrs ), Portsmouth to Le Havre ( 5 hrs 45 mins ), Portsmouth to Caen ( about 6 hrs ), and Poole to Cherbourg ( about 5hrs ) but with fast ferries on the Cherbourg and Caen routes with Brittany Ferries . Overnight crossings are available too , though the journey time is longer . Increasingly popular is the Eurotunnel Folkestone to Calais ; allow about 3-4 hours ' driving time .
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS Calvados , cider and camembert , Horse-races in Deauville in August , Markets every day of the week throughout the region , Route du Cidre , Summer art exhibitions .
“ Within easy reach , charming scenery , countless activities . Perfect for short breaks , longer stays , touring and overnight stops ”