Explore the Motivation for Including Normandy, France, in Your Travel Itinerary With These 7 Points
Exploring the Gastronomical and Historical Delights of Normandy, France
Nestled on the coast of Northern France, Normandy offers a unique blend of historical prominence, beautiful landscapes, ancient architecture, and gastronomical richness. This region, known for its majestic coastlines and charming towns, is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.
Indulge in the Taste of Normandy
Fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, local beers, cider, hearty meat dishes, and stews are common in Northern French cuisine. Shellfish, including mussels, scallops, oysters, prawns, and clams, are popular in Normandy. Local sole and herring are also good choices for fish. Don't forget to try some of the local cheeses such as Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l'Éveque, Livarot, and Neufchâtel. A popular drink in Normandy is Cidre de Normandie, and apple brandy is also widely available.
Discover the Charm of Normandy's Towns
Rouen, a medieval port city on the Seine River, is home to France's oldest inn, La Couronne. It's known for its Gothic cathedrals, half-timbered structures, and pedestrian walkways. The famous Notre-Dame cathedral and the Joan of Arc museum are must-visit attractions in Rouen.
Bayeux, close to the Normandy beaches, dates back to ancient Rome. It's famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066, and the stunning Bayeux Cathedral and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Explore the Normandy Beaches and More
A trip to Normandy offers a balance of historical prominence, beautiful landscapes, ancient architecture, and gastronomical richness. It's recommended to visit the region even if one is not a history buff. The Normandy region is known for its majestic coastlines, which can be explored during a tour of the Normandy beaches. Mont St. Michel, a magical destination with an abbey carved into the rock on an island accessible at low tide, is about 80 minutes from Bayeux.
Accommodation Options in Normandy
Hyatt Place Rouen offers an on-site wellness experience with a pool, sauna, and steam room. Room rates start at 5,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Hilton Garden Inn Le Havre Centre is located on the marina and offers rooms starting at 32,000 Hilton Honors points per night. The Holiday Inn Express Caen-Epron room rates start at 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
The boutique hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville, an SLH Hotel, is located in Deauville and offers unique experiences, with rooms starting at 65,000 Hilton Honors points per night. The Platinum Card from American Express offers benefits such as up to $200 annual hotel credit, daily breakfast for 2, 4 p.m. checkout, and (when available), early check-in and a room upgrade upon arrival for Amex Platinum card members when booking through AmexTravel.com.
Traveling to Normandy
The best ways to travel to Normandy, France using points and miles are to book award flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) first, then use local transportation—like trains, rental cars, buses, or river cruises—to reach Normandy. From Paris, you can take a train or bus (around 2-3 hours, bus costs about $20 round-trip) to towns such as Bayeux or Rouen in Normandy. Renting a car allows for flexible exploration, while Seine river cruises can sometimes be booked with points through cruise programs like Marriott Bonvoy or others.
In summary, book a points award flight to Paris, then arrange local transport via train, rental car, bus, or river cruise—some of which can also be booked using points—to complete your journey to Normandy. A few extra days should be planned to visit the Normandy region when in Paris.
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Normandy is a destination not to be missed. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Normandy has something for everyone.
[1] Source: travelpulse.com [4] Source: thepointsguy.com
- Despite its historical significance, Normandy, France offers more than just history – it boasts a gastronomical scene with fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, local beverages, and hearty dishes.
- For those interested in thefiner aspects of life, there are numerous boutique hotels and luxury accommodations available in Normandy, such as Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville.
- To fully explore the region, one can combine award flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, local transportation like trains, rental cars, buses, or river cruises, and even book river cruises with points through programs like Marriott Bonvoy.
- The charming towns of Rouen and Bayeux are must-visit destinations, offering Gothic architecture, historical landmarks, and delicious local cuisine, making Normandy a destination for history enthusiasts, foodies, and travel enthusiasts alike.
