When you think about the Calvados, your mind conjures up a series of beautiful images - the wonderful natural seascapes and landscapes, the delicious food, the historical sites, and of course the fantastic beaches lining the Channel. The Calvados is all this, and much more! Come with us on a journey to (re)discover this region of Normandy that has so many different sides to it! Off we go!
Caen
Let’s start by (re)discovering the treasures of the Calvados in Normandy via its capital, Caen. The city of William the Conqueror has a rich historical heritage, as illustrated by the “Men's Abbey” and the “Ladies’ Abbey”. On a guided tour, you can find out all about the somewhat incongruous reasons for their construction. The abbeys are also extremely beautiful architectural buildings, which is even better.
Other unmissable sites in the city are the castle, an ancient medieval fortress which is now home to several museums and a Second World War Memorial. Finally, you mustn’t leave Caen without having a wander through its city centre and old quarter, which is full of quirky shops and cafés!
Honfleur
What does everyone do in Honfleur? Stroll around! Your leisurely stroll will take you from the port (one of the most delightful in France!), unusually reminiscent of Copenhagen, to the museum dedicated to local artist Eugène Boudin, via St Catherine’s church, mostly built of wood (a rarity in France) without forgetting the town's many markets (fish, organic produce, flowers and night-time market).
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
A charming seaside resort, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer offers a breath of fresh (and salty) air to holidaymakers looking to relax - plus a lot more besides! It's an excellent launch pad for exploring this corner of paradise in Normandy, a superb playground for trying watersports such as kitesurfing, sand yachting, windsurfing or fishing on foot... and the perfect place for enjoying an ultra-fresh seafood platter.
Bayeux
It’s impossible to visit this city in the Calvados without seeing its incredible famous tapestry. Measuring nearly 70 metres (!), it tells the story of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror (him again). Hundreds of people, animals and other illustrations are embroidered on the remarkably well preserved tapestry, which is listed in the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ register. Come and see it with your tribe!
However, Bayeux is also an old medieval city, thankfully spared from bombardment, which has hardly changed since the 18th century. As a result, visitors can admire its stone houses and sumptuous private mansions, which give it a unique charm!
Deauville
Chic and elegant, Deauville is THE top-class seaside resort in the Calvados. Its beach huts, bourgeois villas, luxury hotels, casinos, American Film Festival and famous wooden boardwalk offer a wealth of opportunities for you to fall under the spell of this typically French pearl of Normandy.
Cabourg
A town much loved by Marcel Proust, who spent all his summers there, Cabourg is a Normandy seaside destination with an old-fashioned charm. Come and admire its Belle-Epoque villas and its Grand Hotel, once a favourite holiday destination of the Parisian bourgeoisie. As well as its wonderful architecture and its “dated” ambience, its beautiful “lovers” beach and its pedestrian promenade (the longest in Europe) make it an ideal destination for families and couples keen to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There's a good reason why it's known as the “Queen of the Côte Fleurie”!
Omaha Beach and the D-Day landing beaches
A unique historical site, Omaha Beach is one of the D-Day landing beaches where the Allies landed on 6 June 1944. Stepping onto this beach, the theatre of a major event in modern history, is both moving and necessary, as we must never forget. The American cemetery where some 9,000 soldiers killed in combat are laid to rest, situated just above the beach, also evokes palpable emotion when you visit this historical site.
Norman Switzerland
A bit of Switzerland in Normandy? The rugged peaks of this area, a contrast to the rest of the region, is what has given this hot spot for outdoor sport its name, as it resembles the Swiss countryside. Daredevils can enjoy hang gliding, paragliding, rock climbing, hiking and canoeing-kayaking in the area. In the Calvados, there’s no break from sport and adrenaline!
The Cider Route
It’s not possible to talk about the Calvados without mentioning its gourmet cuisine - and its cider! The locals are so proud of this sparkling apple-based drink that a whole route has been dedicated to it. A waymarked 40 km tourist trail winds through the beautiful Auge region and its typical villages, taking you to meet the producers of this delicious nectar along the way. Drink as much as you want - or nearly!
The Côte de Nacre
Stretching from Courseulles-sur-Mer to Ouistreham via Luc-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, this portion of the Normandy coastline owes its name to the pearly hues of the shells dotted all over its beaches. Pretty, isn't it? It has all the benefits of the Atlantic coast, such as uniquely charming family seaside resorts, invigorating sea air and a gentle pace of life. Plenty to convince you to take a detour during your holiday in the Calvados.
What accommodation options can we find in the Calvados?
On our 4&5 star campsites, all kinds of holidaymakers (large families, couples, groups of friends, family reunions) will find a cosy nest to suit them:
- Fully equipped mobile homes for groups of up to 10 people
- Pitches for those who want to get back to nature
A superb coastline, wonderfully charming, typical villages, delicious cuisine and a rich historical heritage - as you can see, the Calvados has everything to attract visitors of all persuasions. Who knows, maybe this lovely department of Normandy will become one of your favourite destinations?
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