Spring is a beautiful time of year in France, no matter where you are. The sun has risen from its wintertime hibernation, the flowers are beginning to bloom and the scent of summer is in the air. If you’re looking for some springtime holiday inspiration, Normandy, on France’s northern coast, has lovely beaches, diverse towns and famous attractions – including Mont-Saint-Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry – Normandy is top of our list this spring. Here are a few reasons why.
Festival of New Circus Forms: SPRING
When: from mid-March to early April
Drive from Calais: various locations in Normandy / appro. 3hrs
If you like your entertainment to be a little left field, make sure you book tickets to at least one performance from the Festival of New Circus Forms. Taking place at locations throughout Normandy, the festival showcases all kinds of unique acts, and is mixture of circus acrobatics, art, music, dance and theatre. Come prepared to be blown away.
Black Pudding Festival
When: every third weekend of March
Drive from Calais: 366.5km / under 4hrs
Sample Mortagne-au-Perche culinary speciality; le Boudin noir.
Every year, Mortagne-au-Perche – a small town in the Orne Department of Normandy – hosts a celebration of Boudin (that’s black pudding to you and me). Often regarded as the black pudding capital, Mortagne-au-Perche’s festival includes cooking demonstrations and eating contests, while the main event is a competition to find the best black pudding in the world. Delicious!
Tulip Festival
When: every April
Drive from Calais: 343.4km / under 3hrs 45mins
Admire the colours of more than 30,000 bulbs, narcissuses and grape hyacinths at Château de Vendeuvre.
Set in the gardens of one of Normandy’s most beautiful castles, Château de Vendeuvre, the annual tulip festival showcases over 100 varieties of tulips, alongside narcissuses and grape hyacinths, amassing to around 30,000 individual flowers. Stroll through the spectacular gardens, amongst the colourful flowers, soaking up the springtime sunshine. Once you’re finished in the gardens, explore the château and its museum.
Easter Festival/Deauville Music Festival
When: mid to late April
Drive from Calais: 292.5km / under 3hrs 15mins
The Easter Festival takes place in the seaside town, Deauville.
Running for over 20 years, the Deauville Music Festival (or Easter Festival, as it is also known) offers a jam-packed programme of spectacular classical music that’s guaranteed to impress. From Mozart violin concertos to Schumann quartets, the festival is a delight for the ears, and a must for the musically inclined. Don’t miss out, book your tickets today.
Whelk Festival
When: late April
Drive from Calais: 460.3km / under 4hrs 45mins
Enjoy delicious seafood at Pirou.
Situated as it is – on France’s north coast – Normandy is abundant with fresh seafood and shellfish all year round. If you’re after a springtime seafood fix, make your way to Pirou for its annual Whelk Festival. Browse the many stalls, where you can sample all kinds of locally-caught seafood, and grab a seat at the open-air concert on Sunday. It’s a great day out for the family.
Plan your spring getaway with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Travel from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes and you’ll be Normandy within a few short hours. Book your tickets with us in advance to get the best price.