Explore Normandy’s Unrivalled History and Culture at Some of the Region’s Best Historic Festivals
29.05.2024 - 06:37
/ breakingtravelnews.com
/ Charles Iii III (Iii)
/ Claude Monet
/ David Hockney
Normandy is renowned worldwide for its culture, cuisine, and outstanding natural beauty, but for over a millennium its history has shaped not only France, but also the world. It was the seat of kings, France’s gateway to the New World, and the first step on the road to a liberated Europe during the Second World War. This summer, sail to Normandy with DFDS and discover the region’s unparalleled historical and cultural contributions at some of its best historic festivals.
D-Day Festival, Normandy: 1st - 16th June 2024
www.80e-normandie.fr
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and Normandy is going all out with a huge programme of events over the two weeks of the festival. The region’s many museums, memorials, and monuments will be welcoming millions of visitors during this time, many travelling from around the world to pay their respects to the fallen and be part of this historic event.
Over 100 events are planned across Normandy, at all five of the landing beaches from Utah to Sword, and dozens of locations further inland. Parachute jumps, parades, and re-enactments are just some of the exciting events taking place at key locations including Arromanches, Ouistreham, and Saint-Mère-Église. New additions include the moving ‘Standing With Giants’ art installation at the British Normandy Memorial, kayaking trips around the ruins of the Mulberry Harbour, and the recently opened extension of the incredible Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches.
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The official international memorial ceremony will take place on the 6th of June, with heads of state, veterans, and other officials in attendance. The British memorial ceremony will be held concurrently at the British Normandy Memorial, with His Majesty King Charles III in attendance.
Normandy Impressionism Festival, Normandy: 22nd March – 22nd September
www.normandie-impressionniste.fr
It was a pivotal moment in the art world when a young Claude Monet met renowned painter Eugene Boudin in Honfleur in the 1850s. A quarter of a century later, Monet, Renoir, and several other notable artists came together, united by a love of painting en plein air. Impressionism was born, with Normandy its birthplace, and to celebrate 150 years of the world’s most famous art movement 150 events are taking place across the region, dedicated to the art and artists that have defined it.
Honfleur, Le Havre, Rouen, Étretat, and Giverny are among the towns and cities that provided the inspiration for Monet and his fellow impressionists, becoming the subjects of some of the most remarkable paintings ever committed to canvas.
Head to Giverny to explore Monet’s home and world-famous water garden, visit historic Rouen and marvel at David Hockney’s Normandism