Haute Normandie, Upper Normandy, has its capital in Rouen which sits on the River Seine and is home to the cathedral made recognisable the world over when Impressionist painter Claude Monet chose it as a subject for a series of paintings. It was already famous, or perhaps, infamous, for being the site where martyr and patron saint of France, Joan d'Arc was burned at the stake for her heretical beliefs.
The landscape of Normandy, as seen from the air, is a verdant green patchwork quilt of boacages divided by tall, lush hedges. Being to the very north of France with its coastline on the English Channel, Haute Normandie was an important region in terms of trade and one of those that would periodically transfer in and out of English (Norman) rule but has now been part of France pretty much continually since the thirteenth century.
Of course, the region's coastal location makes for a cuisine rich in locally caught sea food. Moules ? la normande is a regional dish of mussels in a cream and apple sauce that takes advantage of the acres and acres of orchards to be found in the region.
A delicious portion of moules fr?tes - a steaming bowl of mussels served with a side order of crispy French fries makes a perfect light meal or substantial snack any time of the day and is great for sharing whilst talking over which of the many historic venues or incredible places to eat and drink you will visit next. Of course, Haute Normandie's seafoods are best enjoyed with one of the region's fine ciders.
Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the gastronomic delights of this region famous for its pastries. Indeed the sweet, buttery bread brioche was invented in Rouen and with the the apple trees of the region's orchards creaking under the weight of the fruit they bear, tarte tatin is a staple dessert on the menu of most of Haute Normandie's restaurants.
Normandy is also famed for its dairy produce, which, being France, has to include cheeses. Neufch?tel is a creamy, pale cheese that is related in texture and taste to its Basse Normandie counterpart, Camembert. The cheese's original recipe can be traced back as far as the sixteenth century to monks at the Abbey in Rouen. Though usually produced in round moulds, the cheese is also produced in heart shaped ones, according to local tradition, Norman ladies would order these to make a gift of the cheese to some English military man or another they had their eye on.
Not an awful lot of wine is produced in the region and very little of that goes for export but Haute Normandie produces some of the best cider in France. The range of ciders available in the region is astounding and includes the very sweet and low in alcohol Cidre Doux (up to about 3% by volume), stronger demi-sec varieties and cidres bruts which will typically be over 5% alcohol by volume and are much drier on the palette.
You may spot the odd bottle of cider with a screw top closure, but in France, cider usually comes closed with cork just like wine. A popular aperitif here is kir normande - a mix of cider and cassis. However, over Haute Normandie's western border in Brittany, the other of France's cider producing regions, the same drink goes by the name of Kir Bretagne.
Haute Normandie Campsites For Caravans and Motor Homes-Open All Year Round
There is only one camp site open throughout the year in Haute Normandie, Camping d'Entennemare
Please note, off-season, this municipally run camp site is not open on Wednesdays or between the hours of noon and 3pm.
Camping d'Entennemare is located in the commune of Saint Valery en Caux in Haute Normandie's Seine-Maritime d?partment. It is a rather basic camp site with fifty plots accommodating motor homes, caravans and tents with the opportunity to rent one of the mobile homes on site's further sixty-five pitches. There are warm showers, water points and electrical hook ups.
It is family friendly, even towards the four legged and furry family members, and there is a children's playground and ping pong tables located within the camp site. There is no site bar, restaurant or canteen but a reasonably well stocked shop.
There is plenty to see and do in the area. If you're feeling energetic you can hire bicycles from the camp site itself but there are also horse riding excursions and great hiking opportunities nearby. This maritime region oozes history and some of the best sights to see are the castles and forts and the numerous museums chronicling the areas ancient and modern history including a museum that focuses on the region's role during World War II and the Normandy landings.
Haute Normandie Food Markets Near The Campsite And Further Afield
Markets in and around Saint Valery en Caux
The Friday and Sunday market in Saint Valery en Caux is diverse and lively with stalls selling food, cider (of course) and all manner of just about everything. Here are some more markets in the Seine-Maritime d?partment starting with the picturesque towns and villages that are Saint Valery en Caux's nearest neighbours.
Read a more detailed daily list of markets, plus find out which caravan parks open all year in France, written by region. Additionally Caravan Insurance Gurus site has great features such as five best pitches for wine trails, by lakes and much more.
http://www.caravan-insurance-gurus.co.uk/
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