Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) is one of two regions formed in 1956 by the division of the old region of Normandy. Basse-Normandie houses three departments, Manche, Calvados and Orne. The area as a whole is predominantly agricultural, though the large coastline makes this a good area for various seafoods, too.
No trip to the Manche would be complete without a trip to the historical Mont Saint Michel, a testament to mediaeval ingenuity rising from the sea. Yes it has become commercialised over the years, and there are probably too many souvenir shops and over-priced cafes, but the splendour is enough to take your breath away (as is the walk to the summit if you are not too fit!)
Saint-Lô, twinned with Christchurch in Dorset, was the scene of one of the fiercest battles of World War II and was almost 95 percent destroyed. After the war it was considered leaving the town in ruins as a reminder of what man's inhumanity to man can do to such a historic town. But with zeal and pride it was rebuilt as authentically as possible, and now prides itself as a town looking toward the future.
Saint-Lô in ruins after bombardment 1944....
....And as it is today
English owned gites in Normandy
The ideal introduction to France - stay in a lovely three-bedroomed gite, fully maintained to a high standard by British owners.
www.la-maison-loufran.co.uk
