Upper-Normandy Property Guide

Upper Normandy Location

Upper Normandy is located on the North Coast of France. To the North of the region is the English Channel. It is surrounded by the regions of Picardy to the East and Lower Normandy on the west side. To the South are Ile-de-France and the Centre. There are 2 departments: Eure and Seine-Maritime.

Upper Normandy Landscape

The Northern coast is typically limestone (chalk) cliffs with long beaches. Inland the countryside is dominated by the meandering Seine. The estuary is just south of Le Havre. Inland there are huge tracts of agricultural land which are not inspiring. Several rivers punctuate the landscape and these areas are attractive. Typified by the Monet Gardens at Giverny on the banks of the Seine near Vernon.

Upper Normandy Attractions

One of the big selling points is the Gastronomy of the region - lovely open air markets to sample the wide range of foods: produce from local farms (selling cider, ostrich meat, snails, Calvados, foie gras, and much more).

Water is a distinctive element - from the beaches and cliffs in the North to the rivers that meander throughout the region: rivers, with vast meadows, offering a taste of paradise to all fly-fishermen. The towns of  Pont-Audemer and Bernay are surrounded by water and the ever present Seine is a feature in the Regional Nature Park.

There are visits to the archaeological gardens at Vieil-Evreux, medieval fortresses in Château-Gaillard, Harcourt, and centuries-old abbeys (in Bec-Hellouin, and Fontaine-Guérard). In the forests of Normandy - Lyons-la-Forêt, Ferrière-sur-Risle - one can explore quaint towns and villages.

Fishing boats still land their catches at Fécamp, so that one can savour fresh seafood in the harbour-front restaurants. Further along the coast the large town of Dieppe is well worth a visit. There is plenty to see, with a good choice of shops and excellent restaurants along the quays.

Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is a delight. Its pedestrian centre allows easy access to Rouen's history. There are walks through the historical centre, past half-timbered houses, discovering Gothic treasures like the Notre Dame Cathedral, St Ouen abbey, Saint Maclou church and the Palais de Justice or  the Renaissance style monuments such as the Saint Maclou ossuary.

Monet's Gardens
Last, but by no means least, are the beautiful Monet gardens at Giverny. The village alone is a delight to walk through but Monet's Gardens are ablaze with colour during the summer and cannot be missed. Sample the bridge over the Lily pads. These are images that you will treasure.

Weather/Climate

Weather is similar to the South of England with distinct seasons. Perhaps slightly warmer and sunnier in the Summer! The countryside is green so it does rain.

Getting there

By road:
From Calais ferry port / Eurostar driving times are about 2 to 3 hours. You can travel by Autoroute (tolls) all the way.
By Ferry:
Upper Normandy is well served by the Ferry Ports of Dieppe and Le Havre so one can arrive in the heart of Upper Normandy from the UK. Other nearby ports include Caen, Cherboug ports to the West and Calais and Boulogne ports to the East.
By Plane:
Beauvais airport is short distance away in Picardy. One can also fly to Paris and get to Upper Normandy in less than 2 hours.

Upper Normandy Population

Just under 2 million inhabitants

Major Towns

Dieppe
Major port on the coast - lovely harbour with restaurant on the quays. Good selection of shops and monuments to visit.
Evreux
Evreux is situated on the river Iton just a 100 km from Paris. XII century cathedral with impressive stained glass windows.
Fécamp
Popular harbour town on the coast - between Le Havre and Dieppe.
Rouen
The capital of Normandy and full of history. Sited on a river, this city is well worth visiting for its architectural treasures.
 

Prices

Property prices are affected by the proximity to Paris. Many Parisians buy weekend retreats in this region and contribute to property inflation.
Price Guideline
Apartments: 65,000 euros (Coast)
Farmhouses: 120,000 euros
Townhouses: 110,000 euros
Villa: 160,000 + euros
Land: from 10 euros per sq. m

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