While Paris is divine, there is something to be said for slow travel. Here is an area in which Normandy excels, offering the landscapes of painters’ dreams, set alongside a harbor that appears untouched by time. History buffs appreciate the region for its architecture and its role in the 1994 D-Day landings. Art lovers immerse themselves in the area’s small niche museums. Foodies settle into fine dining at Gill, Maitre Corbeau, Le Bouchon du Vaugueux and Sa-qua-na.

Normandy stretches across the northern edge of France, bordering the English Channel. It has 10 towns that are popular with tourists: the ancient, historic towns of Avranches, Rouen and Caen; chic Deauville; scenic St Hilaire du Harcouet; the active port of Cherbourg; budget gourmand haven Vire; charming Honfleur; the village market-filled Falaise; and the spa destination Bagnoles de l’Orne.

For a place that seems so remote from the buzz of city life, Normandy is remarkably easy to access. Ferries depart from various British ports and land in Dieppe, Caen, Cherbourg and St. Malo. Rail travelers can depart from Paris’ Saint-Lazare or Montparnasse stations. This is the simplest and most affordable option. There are also car hire services available.

Some highlights of visiting Normandy are seeing the ornate cathedrals and castles; touring Giverny’s water lily garden made famous in Monet’s paintings; sampling Camembert cheese and cider; viewing the coastline; seeing the historical embroidered piece at the Museum of the Bayeux Tapestry; walking Rouen’s old town and cathedral; exploring the abbey on the island of Mont-St-Michel; and taking in the scenery of rolling hills and small farms.

Locals and repeat travelers to the area may be resistant to sharing their favorite beach spots, but the word is out. Carteret Beach has beautiful dunes and private resorts. Trouville has a wooden walkway the skirts the shoreline and leads people past shops, cafes and seafood grills. Houlgate is a laid-back beach town. Baie D’Ecal Grain and Cap de la Hague are less trafficked and more rugged. St-Germain-Sur-Ay has white sand beaches and warm water. Gold Beach, near Bayeux, attracts families to its long stretches of sand. Historic Omaha Beach is actually a collection of beaches that were the backdrop to the battles of the D-Day landings.

Read Next 5 Articles
Best Train Tips in Europe
Tips for Travel in Turkey
About British Rail
Wine Tasting in France
European Travel Packing Tips