It was at least three years that we fantasized about Normandy as a possible travel destination. The information gathered about its weather, often brisk, makes us choose the late spring as the time of the year to try to venture between the Côte d’Albâtre and the Mont Saint-Michel. Once again, since Stefano lives in The Hague, we decide to arrange the short trip in a van, leaving from The Netherlands. Because of the beautiful weather and the few tourists around, we are definitely charmed by this corner of France historically known for the allies landing during World War II. Both the coast, characterized by white cliffs that remind us of the views seen in Sussex, and the beautiful inland countryside, dotted with pastures, farms and tiny villages with straw roof houses, fill our hearts. To crown the short but intense path, the famous small fortified island with the sanctuary dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Time |
4 days (20 — 23 may 2017) |
Distance |
1650 km |
Budget pp |
250 € |
Ride |
campervan (Fiat Scudo 2003) |
Tips
Travel planning: Lonely Planet Francia settentrionale e centrale, dedicated Meridiani dossier and Turisti per caso travel logs
We preferred to skip the highway, where possible, to drive on secondary roads like the Route des Chaumieres to appreciate the magic of houses with straw roof typical of this area
Plan the visit to Mont Saint-Michel at the arrival of the high tide to witness the rising water coming “like galloping horses”
Find places to park your van and spend the night on Furgoperfecto