Are you staying between the two Normandy towns of the Côte Fleurie and the Pays d'Auge this weekend? Lucky ! We have grouped together no less than five unique activities — to do alone, as a couple, with friends or family. You are spoiled for choice.
- From Cabourg to Deauville
Cultural visit, discovery of the local flora or even artisanal shopping: follow the guide to make the most of the jewels of Normandy, the Côte Fleurie and the Pays d'Auge... whether you stay on site for a short weekend, a few days or a whole week.
Activity #1: Spend time with Marcel Proust at the Villa of Time Regained
Cabourg
When you arrived in Cabourg, everyone only talked to you about this: the Belle Époque. But if you are not really familiar with this period, the Villa of Regained Time should satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Designed as a museum space, it houses historical collections of furniture, costumes, various and varied objects and works of art on loan from the greatest institutions.
Things not to miss
The incredible architecture of the building, as impressive from the outside as from the inside. Guided or themed tours, as well as workshops for children and conferences. Enough to dive into this universe, guided by Marcel Proust (virtually, of course).
La Villa du Temps retrouvé
And to taste it then?
A tea room has been installed in the garden of the Villa. What to enjoy a good hot chocolate and a madeleine (of course), after a handful of hours of visit.
Activity #2: Buy unique souvenirs at the Guillaume le Conquérant art village
Dives-sur-Mer
Passing through the town center of Dives-sur-Mer? Take the opportunity to discover a place that seems frozen in time. About 200 meters from the medieval Halles of the city, this art village in medieval and Renaissance style is a must in the region.
Things not to miss
Half-timbered walls, wooden sculptures, statues of saints but also wrought iron wells. Among the buildings and infrastructures not to be missed are: the former post house, the tourist office and the Jacques Bracquemond courtyard. Many shops are open there all year round, and offer handicrafts of all kinds.
Good to know !
The entrance to the Guillaume le Conquérant art village is at the intersection of rue d'Hastings and rue Gaston Manneville.
Activity #3: Walk around the Vaches Noires cliffs
Houlgate
Yes, they are susceptible to erosion. But aren't they amazing to watch? Classified as a “site of scientific and landscape interest” since 1995, the place can be observed from the beach, the cliffs being prohibited from public access. A visit that has something for the whole family.
Things not to miss
This beauty of nature, long, wide and across. The discovery circuit of the Vaches Noires cliffs is accessible to the whole family: its 12 km can be covered in 3 hours depending on your walking pace.
To note that…
Certain rules must be observed during your visit: excavation is prohibited, but you can (if you wish) pick up fossils at the foot of the cliffs, on the shore. You will also need to consult the tide times, to favor the ebb or low tide.
Activity #4: Jump back in time at Paléospace
Viller-sur-Mer
Heading for Normandy, Jurassic period - which extends from -201 to -145 million years. Yes, it was the time of the dinosaurs. And no, humans had not yet populated the earth. But fortunately for us, traces have persisted to the present day, allowing archaeologists to study the rock of the cliffs of the Vaches Noires, which are located between Villers-sur-Mer and Houlgate.
Things not to miss
The 360° planetarium, one of the great novelties of the place. On the program: a 45-minute planetarium session, as well as the discovery of one of the films of the moment — “Ghost of the universe, the hunt for matter”, “The sun, our star source of life” or even “Polaris, the space submarine and the mystery of the polar night” for example. Note that to attend this activity, you must be 7 years old or older, and that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Le Paléospace – Museum of France
The Meridian room: késako?
It is between the walls of the Paléospace that you can discover marine objects from the Paris Observatory, while following in the footsteps of the great scientists of the XNUMXth century.e and XIXe centuries.
Activity #5: Discover art at the Franciscans
Deauville
Between exhibition halls, museum and media library, the place is a high place of culture in Deauville which brings together music, cinema, poetry and photography. Installed in a former convent, occupied until 2012 by the sisters of the Notre-Dame de la Pitié community, it is a work of art in itself. The building has indeed been redesigned by the architectural firm Moatti – Rivière.
Things not to miss
The permanent collection of the André Hamburg Museum, designed around the work of the painter of the same name. But also the temporary exhibitions and historical visits to delve into the history of the places.
Two exceptional festivals
Every year, Les Franciscaines organize festivals for the curious and art lovers:
- The Festival Planches Contact, which highlights a selection of photographs.
- The Books & Music Festival, which makes the link between, as its name suggests, literature and music.
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