Things To Do in Normandy in November

Observe A French Tradition

The 1st November is a public holiday in France and is known as La Toussaint which is the equivalent of All Saint’s Day. Many shops, workplaces and tourist attractions are closed so do check if you plan to go anywhere. Church services will be held to commemorate the saints. The day is followed by a commemoration on the 2nd for departed loved ones (the Day of the Dead). As the 1st is a public holiday and the 2nd isn’t, the two days have become intertwined over time. Traditionally people will visit the grave of their loved one, tidy it up and leave a pot of chrysanthemums. 

At this time of year there are chrysanthemums everywhere. Florists, garden centres, nurseries and supermarkets stock huge displays of them in the run up to La Toussaint. The colourful blooms aren’t only seen in cemeteries as towns and villages are also decorated. Chrysanthemums are used to fill pots and planters during October and stay in place throughout November. If you’ve ever been to France for the October half term holidays and wondered what all the chrysanthemums signified, then now you know.

 

Enjoy A Final Ice Cream of The Season

The first week of November usually cover the French half term holiday so some ice cream outlets may be open. And, you never know, the weather might be unseasonably warm. Usually they will be open in the afternoons.

The best ice cream as far as I’m concerned is in Isigny-sur-Mer and the home of Les Caramels d’Isigny. Their shop originally started producing caramels made from Normandy milk. Over time they have expanded their range and sell biscuits, chocolate, cheese, butter, milk and cream. Oh, and ice cream too! Do make time to visit the shop and prepare to be tempted by all the delicious goodies. There is a kiosk on one side of the shop where you can buy the ice cream.

Isigny ice cream comes six flavours which are vanilla, strawberry, caramel, chocolate, strawberry/vanilla and caramel/vanilla. You can choose between a cornet or a tub and can opt for strawberry or caramel sauce on top of the tubs. I’d really recommend going for the large size as it’s totally worth it. It is the best ice cream I’ve ever had with subtle natural flavours rather than an over-powering artificial taste. 

The ice cream kiosk for Yver Chocolatier may also be open in early November selling ice cream scoops in a wide range of flavours. It's by the Plat Gousset beach in Granville.

Indulge In Spot of Haute-Couture Culture

The exhibition at the Christian Dior museum in Granville tend to close at the end of October or beginning of November. Villa Rhumbs was Dior’s childhood seaside home and is a beautiful late 19th century building.

Get Into the Christmas Spirit

In preparation for the festive season some Christmas markets are planned from late November onwards. 

In the meantime you can indulge in some Christmas chocolate as it starts to appear in the shops sometime in November.

Visit A National Monument For Free in Normandy in November

The Centre des Monuments National offers free entry to a number of Normandy sites on the first Sunday of every month during the winter and early Spring. From November to March inclusive you can visit Mont Saint Michel abbey although tickets are limited and must be booked in advance. The Château de Carrouges as well as the Abbaye du Bec-Hellouin have the same arrangement from November through to May.

I took advantage of this in November 2016 by visiting Mont Saint Michel. It was a very enjoyable visit exploring the island and the abbey on a sunny day that ended with a fabulous sunset. Of course the weather can't be guaranteed but the views are amazing if it is.

Normandy in November can be great fun as there are still tourist attractions open as well as it being a month for fabulous sunrises and sunsets.