A brief break in the reading and writing content today for me to reminisce on the fact that it’s been 10 years since I left Normandy, and still, it’s rare a day will go by that I don’t think of that place and my experiences there.

I still think it’s the most underrated area of France to visit — most people I know who’ve been there have taken a day trip from Paris to see the beaches and that’s it. But I maintain it’s a place you could spend a year in and still not take it all in.

So in case you’re considering a trip to the Contentin peninsula sometime soon, I highly recommend going in spring. And in case you need ideas on what to do …

Stop in Honfleur…

… Bayeux …

… Rouen …

… and Étretat.

See the beaches …

… and take a stopover in Saint-Malo …

… and Jersey (the island, not the state).

Don’t let public transport get you down …

… talk to strangers …

… and maybe bring some company in case you don’t like traveling alone.

And of course, go to Giverny while you’re there.

Image of Monet’s gardens at Giverny taken by me, April 2007.