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Normandy gets its name from the Viking Norsemen who
sailed up the River Seine in the 9th century and colonized the
area, making Rouen their capital. Normandy has large ports with
important transatlantic trade, whilst inland it is overwhelmingly
agricultural. The image of Normandy is one of a lush, tranquil,
pastoral region of apple orchards, contented cattle, Calvados
and Camembert. There are ancient picturesque ports such as Honfleur
to visit, seaside resorts with elegant promenades, splendid centuries-old
half-timbered manor houses lining quiet countryside lanes and
extrordinary Romanesque and Gothic architectural treasures. |
Cherbourg
has been a strategic port and naval base since the mid-19th century.
The French navy still use Cherbourg harbour along with
transatlantic ships and cross-channel ferries from England and
Ireland. Napoleon made the transformation from what had been
a natural harbour into a major port, by means of massive artificial
breakwaters. The best view over the port of Cherbourg is
from the hill-top Fort du Roule which houses the Musee de la
Liberation. Market day in Cherbourg is Thursday, there
is a flower-filled market square and the Parc Emmanuel Liais
has botanical gardens and a densely packed Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.
