Coming on holiday does not always have to be expensive. Going self catering can be a cheaper option and once at your destination there are plenty of free things you can do. Calvados in Normandy is no exception. When I started to look into what free things there are to do close to Eco-Gites of Lenault I thought it would just be one blog but in fact there is so much I will have to write several!
Here then is a summary of what to expect over the coming weeks:
1. Visits related to World War II
Normandy played a pivotal role in World War II and with thousands of troops landing on the beaches of Calvados and Manche on June 6th 1944, the Allies began to regain control of Europe from the Nazis. There are many places you can visit to learn about and remember this time - the beaches themselves, significant battle sites, cemeteries and visitor centres. Click here for more details.
2. Heritage Sites
The rich history of Calvados stretching back to before William the Conqueror is celebrated in it's many buildings. From the great cathedral at Bayeux to a tiny chapel just down the road from here, there are free visits you can make to churches, abbeys, castles and stately homes.
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| The church at Lenault |
3. Open Spaces
One of France's long distance footpaths (GR221) passing our back gate and there are miles of paths and countryside to explore. Many designated wildlife and natural areas are free to visit as well as gardens and open farms.
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| Calvados countryside |
4. Routes that guide you through the history and culture of Calvados
Calvados has a number of guided driving routes to guide you round the best of what the region has to offer. These include WWII routes, a cider route and a tour of Swiss Normandy.
5. Free events, festivals, museums and art galleries
Throughout the year free events take place across Calvados. Food festivals celebrate everything from the humble carrot to the opulent scallop; kite festivals take to the air and there are many art exhibitions and museums with no entry charges.
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| Dieppe Kite Festival |
Over the next few weeks I will give more details of the many free things to do in Calvados. In the meantime if you have any particular favourite free visits you can recommend for this region, please do let us know.
Who knew there would be so much to do in Calvados! I'm planning to do some travelling around France pretty soon so this will be very useful. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://ablogbyrobert.com
Hope you make it to Calvados, Robert.
DeleteThe kite festival looks really cool! And that countryside... gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteWe were booked onto a ferry leaving Diepe at the time of the festival and it really was amazing to see.
DeleteWow! Calvados looks amazing, definitely somewhere I would love to visit. Particularly the WWII sites and that kite festival. Thank you for linking to PoCoLo :) x
ReplyDeleteYes, do come and visit us in Calvados!
DeleteSo pretty! I have never even heard of this area of France, but I think I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a lovely area and has so much to offer visitors.
DeleteWow sounds like you've got heaps to keep you busy :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed - there are still so many places we want to visit!
DeleteWe are coming over to France this Spring and may fit this in - thank you for sharing.
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