What's on this Whitsun in Normandy

Spring has sprung in Normandy, so Whitsun is the perfect time for families to hop across the Channel and enjoy everything that this beautiful region has to offer, whether it's a city break on the coast, a history holiday or a country break with the kids. Here's our pick of half term highlights:

Historical fun for all the family at the D-Day Festival

20 May-18 June (Isigny-sur-Mer, Bayeux, Caen, Douvres-la-Délivrande)

The annual D-Day Festival commemorates the anniversary of the Allied Landings of 6 June 1944. A short drive from the port of Ouistreham, the festival takes place around the five famous D-Day Landing Beaches. This year’s programme features parachute demos, military parades, concerts, air shows, guided tours, giant picnics, organised walks, firework displays and much more! Whether it is discovering the ruins of the Atlantic Wall (20 May), enjoying a spot of music in beautiful Bayeux Cathedral (21 May), learning all about how they used radars during the war (27 May-11 June) or exploring an old ice store-turned-air-raid-shelter (29 May), the festival provides fun and thought‑provoking activities for families.

Certain events are ticket only, for more information refer to the official festival programme: http://bit.ly/DDayFestival2017

Isigny-sur-Mer - DDay Festival © Ville Isigny
 

High tide and marathon at the Mont-Saint-Michel

26-28 May, Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel

The highest spring tides on the continent are at the Mont-Saint-Michel, a two-hour drive south of Cherbourg, and they are an unforgettable spectacle! Be sure to arrive at the Mont-Saint-Michel two hours in advance of high tide (8:31pm on 26 May and 9:12pm on 27 May) and watch the water roll in at breath-taking speed. Book a special horse-drawn carriage, catch a free shuttle bus or walk from the mainland car parks, contemplating the magnificence of the Mont-Saint-Michel as you approach. The famous Abbey of the Mont‑Saint-Michel is open until 10:30pm on the 26 and 27 May so why not tour the abbey as night falls, and soak up the magical medieval atmosphere? On 28 May you can also enjoy watching the finale of the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel Marathon, which starts in Brittany and finishes in spectacular style at the Abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel.

Mont Saint Michel © Thomas Jouanneau
 

Medieval merriment in Verneuil-sur-Avre

26-28 May

Within a two-hour drive of both Le Havre and Ouistreham, the picturesque town of Verneuil‑sur‑Avre hosts its popular Fête des Gueux festival every year, complete with medieval market boasting more than 100 stalls and a colossal banquet complete with hog roast. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy watching the Norman history come to life, with battle re‑enactments, Viking-themed puppet shows, face painting, medieval music, dancing, and other family-friendly games and entertainment.

Entry to certain events costs between €2.50 and €7, for more information visit: www.fete‑des‑gueux.com (French only)

A summer of celebrations kicks off in Le Havre

27 May

Catch a ferry from Portsmouth to the lively city and port of Le Havre, which celebrates its 500th birthday this summer! On Saturday 27 May, Le Havre will hold the opening ceremony of ‘A Summer in Le Havre’, a spectacular celebration of all things cultural for people of all ages. With art installations, music and entertainment all afternoon, a huge street parade in the city centre and a free evening concert on the beach, there has never been a better time to book a Normandy city break with the family.

For more information visit: www.uneteauhavre2017.fr/en

Les Z'Estivales, Le Havre © Ph. Deneufve
 

Want to stay somewhere a little bit different?

Here are our best picks:

> Enjoy the high life in a hanging tent

Woody Park, near Fécamp

 

> Stay at an inland light house

Phare de Fatouville, near Honfleur

 

> Live it up with 5 star Castel camping at Lez Eaux

Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, near Granville

 

> Go glamping in the Normandy bocage

Ferme de Ronfil, near Falaise

 

> Sleep in the heart of the forest

Cabane insolite, near Caen

© CRT Normandie
 

Family Thursdays at Le Pin National Stud

27 May

Just over an hour from Ouistreham by car, the magnificent Le Pin is the oldest national stud in France, and is renowned for its centuries-old horse-breeding traditions. Thursday 1 June sees the return of ‘Le Pin Thursdays’, a popular family event taking place throughout the summer where the national stud is transformed into an outdoor theatre, the actors being none other than the horses themselves! Stallions, mares, ponies, foals and even donkeys all take turns to star in the arena, while their trainers showcase the fantastic horsemanship for which the National Stud is famous. Not to be missed, this is a visionary spectacle for all the family.

Tickets cost €6.50 (adults and children), for more information visit: http://bit.ly/JeudisduPin

Haras du Pin © Comité Départemental de Tourisme de l'Orne
 
Not to be missed