Just a short way across the English Channel by ferry, Normandy, offers you its own special version of France, with its local dishes, verdant landscapes, historical towns, and friendly people.

With its 350 miles of coastline and richly varied regions, Normandy gives the visitor a wonderful choice of landscapes, scenery and culture: the stunning beauty of the cliffs at Etretat or the long sandy beaches, steeped in history, from Caen to Arromanches, the Seine Valley winding between wooded hills and chalk escarpments, the craggy hills of “Norman Switzerland”, and the patchwork of fields and hedges of the Calvados region with its orchards and timber-framed cottages.

Enjoy Normandy’s warm hospitality, its unique blend of maritime traditions and rural way of life. Marvel at its historic towns and monuments, stroll down quiet country lanes and enjoy local dishes in picturesque villages, or sip a drink by the quayside of one of its old ports while fishermen repair their nets and seagulls soar overhead.

Visitors have a choice between seaside and countryside. There is so much to do within either option. The stunning beauty of the region’s interior, with its thatched cottages, traditional farming and ever-changing landscapes, is matched by a long coastline which stretches from the romantic cliffs and sandy beaches of Seine Maritime in the East, to the wild Cotentin seaboard and the World Heritage Site of Mont Saint Michel and its bay, with its huge tidal range and strong currents.

Of course the main attraction of the area is the The Battle of Normandy Historical Area, a veritable open-air museum covering the three departments of Calvados, Manche and Orne, and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. High quality English-speaking tours of the sites run 7 days a week from all major and even many minor hotels and chateaus. Reservations for Normandy tours will be made directly through the tour operator, at the hotel, or online before you leave. Many are surprised to learn they have several museum options while in the Normandy region. There are major museums worth checking out in Arromanches-les-Bains, Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Bayeux & Caen.

While in Bayeux, don’t miss the chance to view the Bayeux Tapestry, a 50 cm by 70 m long embroidered cloth—not an actual tapestry — which explains the events leading up to the 1066 Norman invasion of England as well as the events of the invasion itself. The Tapestry, annotated entirely in Latin, has a museum of its own in Bayeux that is well worth a visit.

Of course, the river Seine also flows through Normandy and provides the quintessential backdrop to an already stunning French countryside. Recommended towns to visit along the Seine include Elbeuf, Duclair, Vernon, Mantes-la-Jolie, Lillebonne and others.

Normandy France makes a perfect getaway weekend this summer. Condor Ferries leave several times daily from Portsmouth, Weymouth or Poole, England. You can reserve your seat online today through their website. For places to stay, Cottages and Villas in Normandy and the surrounding area can be booked online through VFB Holidays.

Europe, without the Euro. That is what’s often said about the historic and immensely picturesque island of Jersey. Situated in the English Channel only 3 hours away by ferry, Jersey is influenced by its strategic location between the northern coast of France and the southern coast of England.

Jersey, approximately 12 nautical miles from Normandy, France and 87 nautical miles south of Great Britain, is the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands. As a natural gateway between two of Europe’s colonial powers, you might expect that the island to have a rich history. And you’d be right. There are still visible remnants of its various historic periods and occupiers to be found everywhere.

But you might be surprised to know that it is not all Anglo/Franco in origin. Formerly under the control of Brittany and named Angia, Jersey became subject to Viking influence in the ninth century, one of the “Norman Islands”. In fact, the name for Jersey itself is sourced from a Viking heritage: the Norse suffix -ey for island can be found in many places around the northern European coasts.

Jersey’s climate is temperate, with mild winters and pleasant summers. This is one of the features that keep tourists coming year-round. In 2006 there were nearly 800,000 visitors to the island. Day trips by ferry to Jersey have become a popular for ‘duty-free’ shoppers as most goods are available for purchase ‘tax-free’ on travel to and from the Island.

Seafood has traditionally been important to the cuisine of Jersey: mussels (called moules locally), oysters, lobster and crabs — especially spider crabs — ormers, and conger are popular and plentiful in the many top-ranked restaurants around the island.

For a small island, in summer and fall Jersey plays host to a wide variety of events embracing everything from music to motoring, countryside to culture. There is no end to the amount of activities and festivals occurring and the list grows longer every year. While no means an exhaustive list, here are a few of the major events and activities you can look forward to in the spring/summer of 2009. Make your way to Jersey by ferry this summer for a trip you’ll never forget!

Saturday 9th May - Liberation Day

Join islanders to celebrate the liberation from Occupying Forces during World War II. A variety of activities and events are planned including heritage trails, access to WWII bunkers, and a commemorative service. http://www.jersey.com/english/aboutjersey/history/liberationday/pages/default.aspx

Friday 5th – Sunday 7th June Jersey International Motoring Festival

The largest motoring event in the Channel Islands with a focus on Jersey’s glorious and pioneering days of motorsport emanating from the famous Jersey International Road Races of the 40’s and 50’s. Sprints, hill climbs, treasure hunts, cavalcades and static displays give participants and spectators the opportunity to come together in an extravaganza of motoring from yesteryear.
www.jerseyinternationalmotoringfestival.com

Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th June - Jersey Seniors Open

Jersey plays host to this annual prestigious golfing tournament. The event attracts participants and spectators from across the world. www.europeantour.com

Saturday 25th July - Jersey Fish Festival

Come along and support local maritime and rescue charities around the St Helier harbour, with music, entertainment, craft stalls and seafood cooking demonstrations. The fishing fleet will be decorated and boat races and games will ensure fun for all throughout the day. http://www.jersey.com/English/sightsandactivities/eventscalendar/Pages/eventssearchresults.aspx?AttractionID=4581

Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd August - Summer Flower Show

The Royal Jersey Horticultural Society hosts this colourful show full of dahlias, roses and vegetable displays, with marvellous floral displays and exhibits. There will also be a poultry and small animal display. www.royaljersey.co.uk

Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th September - Jersey Live Music Festival

The biggest little ‘Indie rock’ festival in Europe, past acts include Snow Patrol, Kasabian, Razorlight and The Prodigy. Basement Jaxx confirmed to headline Saturday 5th September.
www.jerseylive.org.uk

Source: Jersey.com | Wikipedia | Condor Ferries