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Upper Normandy : a haven of peace

Regions and cities Upper Normandy

Normandy, a country of peaceful enclosed farmland, is a symbol of mellowness and easy living. Its fabled seaside resorts have been immortalised by the impressionists. Its 120 km of chalk cliffs have made it definitively famous.

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  • Le Havre. © Fotolia

    Le Havre

    © Fotolia

  • Etretat. © Hemis.fr

    Etretat

    © Hemis.fr

  • Évreux Cathedral. © Hemis.fr

    Évreux Cathedral

    © Hemis.fr

  • Normandy Bridge. © Hemis.fr

    Normandy Bridge

    © Hemis.fr

History and Geography

Enclosed farmland and industry

Upper Normandy has a tumultuous history. It's also that of a prosperous region. Already rich from its maritime trade and agriculture, the 19th century brought it textile mills and metallurgy and the 20th cars and chemicals.

Cultural heritage

Évreux Cathedral

This is one of the town's most remarkable buildings due to its mix of architectural styles: high gothic rayonnant style, late gothic flamboyant style and Henri II. It was destroyed by fire several time, restored in 1220 and completed in the 17th century.

Exceptional sites

Le Havre town centre

Le Havre was destroyed at the end of the Second World War. Auguste Perret was entrusted with rebuilding the town centre. He made the 150 hectares of the town into one of the most coherent complexes of 20th century modern architecture.

Lifestyle

The cradle of impressionism

It was during a stay in Le Havre that Claude Monet painted "Impression, sun rising". The painting gave its name to the movement that spread over the whole of Upper Normandy. Renoir, Pissarro… the greatest painters were inspired by the region's light and characteristic landscapes. 

Gastronomy

Land and sea

Butter and cream take pride of place in this cookery which is enriched by the different areas within the region: Rouen specialities "à la rouennaise" − duckling, hedgehog mushrooms and scallops – or Dieppe specialities "à la dieppoise" – fish stew or sole. Not forgetting the cheeses and Normandy cider. 

Events and festivals

The Rouen Armada

Every 4 to 5 years, the world's largest sailing boats moor alongside the quays of the Seine. At the end of 10 days of festivities, concerts and firework displays, the Armada ends with the parade of boats that sail down the river to go back to sea.

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