NORMANDY

Halal-friendly holidays

The name Normandy originates from the Vikings, the Norseman of the Scandinavian countries, who settled across Western Europe. The name North Man (man of the North) turns into Nortman then becomes the Normand we know today. After the fall of the Romans, Normandy became a cosmopolitan arena of Franks, Gauls, Romans and Norses, which predates the rise of this region. With the victory of William the Conqueror in 1066 in England begins the chapter which was to define the Normans. In 1130, the military expansion of the Normans allied the territories of England, southern Italy, Sicily, Tarragona in Spain and Antioch (Antakya in Turkey).

Norman interests in the east and in the Mediterranean Sea intersected with Muslim dynasties. During the Crusades in the Holy Land, the Normans had direct experience with Arabized peoples and with their enemies, the Saracens. Nationalist history tells that Christians and Muslims were always against each other, but modern historians show us that in a world where contemporary borders did not exist, financial interests and glory took precedence. There have been alliances between leaders of different religions for personal success. The Normans had famous victories like after the first crusade, where they returned with treasures from the east as well as ideas of architecture inspired by the Arab world and even ideas of schooling practiced in the Islamic world. Their greatest victory against the Muslims was undoubtedly the capture of Sicily and, even if their military success was fleeting, Normandy knew how to preserve their identity.

King Henry II of England, a proud Norman who never learned English, is credited with uniting all the Norman territories. Today, he is remembered for threatening the pope to become a Muslim during political and religious disputes, underscoring that relations between Muslims and Christians were not so divided.

The geographical position of Normandy in relation to England, as well as its intertwined history with several international borders played a prominent role during many wars: the Hundred Years War (1337 to 1453), the religious wars during the 16th century and the Second World War. The history of Normandy hides the dark side of humanity with the luxurious port villages and Le Havre, which illustrate the old fortunes acquired with the transatlantic slave trade. It is impossible to overlook the many aspects of the heritage of this interesting region.

Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel, the characteristic image of Normandy, is an island listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crowned by the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey. The island protects its religious conscience with its popular position of pilgrimage and a long history of veneration of the angel Saint Michael. The abbey began to take on its contemporary form during the time of Henry II of England. During the French Revolution, the abbey was converted into a prison and nicknamed the “bastille of the seas”. Today tourists can absorb the image of Mont Saint-Michel floating in the horizon at the centre of the rising tide. Visit museums and restaurants while strolling the streets steeped in a medieval past.

Coastline of Normandy
Normandy is an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers. Marvel at the majestic scenes of the Alabaster Coast with its sparkling white cliffs. Follow the track along Le Tréport to Le Havre for routes ranging from 6 km to 22 km. The Côte Fleurie is an amalgam of romantic beaches, pleasant seaside resorts and flowery greenery. Visit the towns of Cabourg, Deauville, Villers-sur-mer and Trouville-sur-mer for relaxing sea views and lush city experiences in style of the Belle Époque, financed by slave traders. These cities were destinations for the health and rehabilitation of the wealthy.

The Cliffs of Etretat are the most famous natural getaways in Normandy. The contrasting white with the azure of the water has captured the imagination of artists such as Monet, Boudin and so many others. Go hiking around the town of Etretat to appreciate the variety of nature or take the Circuit d'Etretat. Picnic, pedal or dedicate a day of excursions to discover.

The Pays des Hautes Falaises, a hiking guide in Normandy with different levels of intensity is available at the tourist office.

Must-see cities

• Rouen
  Stroll around the capital of the region which encapsulates the magical atmosphere of Normandy. The half-timbered houses and the Gros-Horloge expose a medieval area as well as the Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc church which commemorates the famous "maid of Orleans" at the place where she been burned. The multi-coloured stained glass windows in the church are of particular interest as they were detached during World War II and protected for their religious and historical significance. The Normans were inspired by the techniques and expertise of these stained glass windows during their stays in the Levant (Palestine, Jordan and Syria).

• Le Havre
  Le Havre has a modern character because of its destruction during the Second World War. The Eglise St-Joseph is a futuristic church with Gothic elements and the Espace Oscar Niemeyer - Le Volcan is a cultural centre with a dynamic program. Art lovers can appreciate five centuries of art at the MuMa (Museum of Modern Art André Malraux). To complete the Le Havre experience, the Jardin Suspendu is an emblematic discovery of the city with views of the Seine, the sea, the port and even the city.

• Caen
  Caen is recognised as the heart of the Normans. William the Conqueror left his mark there through the Abbaye-aux-hommes which he never saw completed and the Châteaux de Caen, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts* , the *Normandy Museum and the Chess Room. The Abbaye aux Dames, a convent, is also an example of adapted Romanesque architecture inspired by the Eastern world with interlaced vaults and pointed arches.

• Cherbourg
  Cherbourg is home to the second largest man-made harbor in the world thanks to its role in transatlantic trade. The Museum of the Liberation and the Fort du Roule develop its naval history. However many of the monuments in Cherbourg, as well as its financial success, are steeped in dark history.

• Bayeux
  The Bayeux Tapestry Museum houses the Bayeux Tapestry, a national heritage 70 meters long which tells the story of the conquest of England. There are 75 scenes of military and political preparation, battles and even scenes of animal husbandry and agriculture. The Notre Dame de Bayeux follows the classic style of the Norman church inspired by the Gothic style, very avant-garde in the Middle Ages. For those interested in the history of the 20th century and the wars, visit the landing beaches and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Villages and Ports

Barfleur, is a small picturesque fishing port for quiet discoveries. The Village is named one of the most beautiful villages in France with its Norman history and old-fashioned charm.

Beuvron en Auge is a perfect village for a walk in the past. The restored half-timbered houses form the characteristic Norman village. The village is known for its reputation for cider but you can enjoy local apples in Norman pies and cakes.

Lyons-la-Forêt is framed by a beech forest, which gives the village a special atmosphere. Visit the 18th century inspired thatched roof market hall and enjoy a glimpse of rural France.

The village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, buried in the Mancelles Alps, is surrounded by hedges, lush meadows and an alpine atmosphere. Artists, take a seat in front of the bridge and take out your brushes to capture the abundant beauty of the village.

Normandy is known for its delectable products that appeal to sophisticated palates.
Not only famous for pastured meat with a long tradition, the list of seafood sourced from the Atlantic is limitless. You can taste superior Norman cheeses such as Brillat-savarin, Pavé d'Auge and of course Camembert de Normandie. Visit the markets and cook with organic and artisanal products.

Since cider is out of the question, sample Norman pies, cakes, desserts and apple juice. Do not hesitate to order savory dishes with the incorporation of apples to participate in the Norman tradition.
Teurgoule, which is an indulgent rice dessert, and milk jam, similar to dulce leche, originated in Normandy.

The Fatih Camii Mosque in Le Havre is a mosque with facilities for 600 Muslims. There is a ladies-only room with inclusive classes and programs. The mosque is predominantly Turkish with services in the Turkish language but its luxurious interior invites all Muslims.

The En Nour Mosque, also in Le Havre, is a fine example of the integration of Muslims and religious heritage in France. The architecture takes on simple colors and shapes that merge Muslim heritage and modern style. Women and children are welcome.

Rouen is home to several mosques with varying facilities. The Grande Mosquée de Rouen is the official mosque and the Mosquée de Canteleu is a spectacular option near the Seine. You will also appreciate the Oissel Mosque, surrounded by nature, a spiritual escape from the city.