French regions – Basse Normandie

FOUND in the north west of France, Basse Normandie is a popular destination for both Brits and Parisians looking for a holiday home.

Many Paris holidaymakers are drawn to the picturesque port of Honfleur that is linked to Le Havre across the mouth of the Seine by the Pont de Normandie.

Along the coast the draw of the sea is strong as water sports are popular, but it was also upon large stretches of this coastline that the D-Day landings took place.

There is monument on Utah Beach and many of the coastal villages have their own war museums, whilst the coastal region still bears evidence of the war years.

Inland it is a region of lush fields, with the famous half-timbered colombage houses, whilst on the peninsula of the Manche departément you have cliffs, deep woods and in the south the popular Mont St Michel.

Agriculture still plays an important part in the economy of the region with cheeses and other dairy products, as well as apples for the cider and Calvados trade, the main activities.

But only around 5 per cent of the population are employed in agriculture, with industries based around the larger towns and ports playing an important role.

One thing the area enjoys is a good road network and links to Paris, allowing some to work from home and stay in touch with the capital via the internet.

Ferry routes from the UK operate to Cherbourg and Caen, with Le Havre also very close, but the region does lack a low-cost airline connection.

Property prices around the coastal towns are usually high, but head a little inland and there is a chance that you may find a bargain.

Caen is the main town in the region, although little is left of the original town following the war; today it has a large university and is a base for research and sciences.

Links: Basse Normandie region, Basse Normandie Science, Basse Normadie préfecture.

Départements: Calvados (14), Manche (50), Orne (61).

Comments

[yamina Nebeche]

JE SUIS ENTRAIN DE CHERCHER UNE MAISON ENTRE 4 A 6 CHAMBRE EN NORMANDIE PAS TROPS LOIN DE LA MER. UNE MAISON DETACHEE AVEC UN GRAND JARDIN ET UN TERRAIN
MERCI