lifestyles
with CHERYL MacKINNON
If you’re thinking about Europe this summer, take a look at the spectacular region of Normandy. Fly non-stop with Transat Holidays Vancouver to Paris every Sunday as of June 29 to September 15, and enjoy their superb Club Class service or, the additional legroom now in place in economy class on all aircraft. A one or two night stay in the City of Light, and you’ll be ready to take the train from Gare Saint Lazarre to either the upper or lower regions of Normandy. The trip takes approximately two hours where having viewed some of the most gorgeous countryside, I just know you’ll be planning a return trip. Visit www.normandie-tourisme.fr for more inspiration.
A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON
TRAVEL
&
Canadian Travel and Lifestyles
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family tourism and Tourism Industry of Canada 2006 Travel Media Award Finalist for outstanding tourism promotion of Canada. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. in B.C. www.cherylmackinnon.com
Please contact me at
cherylmack@shaw.ca"
Monet's Home and Garden
Mont St Michel
Normandy: Follow Historical Footsteps A stunning region of contrasts in landscape, a vacation to Normandy easily satisfies seaside seekers along its 600 km of coastline, while catering to those who desire a relaxing, countryside of lush forests and richly hued green valleys dotted with farmland. Located in the northwest of France, Normandy is just 70 km and less than an hour’s drive from Paris. It is also easily accessible across the channel from several south England ports. A week spent here is great, but two or longer will be absolutely fabulous. You need time to fully explore the beauty of Mont St Michel (named for Archangel Michael), an architectural wonder which took more than 500 years to build. Art lovers and green thumbs will be overcome with awe as you feast your eyes upon the gardens and works of Claude Monet within in the exquisite town of Giverny. Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen towers over the main square, where the sounds of modern day life echo against the centuries old cobblestoned streets. Who knows which ghosts of the past wander along beside us? The magnificence…and size of the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry is a marvel of recorded history. Exploring the town of Bayeux requires at least a day or two. Travel to Caen, the city founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and you will feel the energy of a city which, while suffering terrible damage during the bombings of 1944, has managed to thrive and share its powerful history of 1000 years. A beautiful setting of narrow streets (fabulous shopping and dining), a marina and Romanesque abbies, it is easy to relate to William’s passion for this city. The locals’ homes have such a distinctive charm – whether residing in converted farmhouses to lovingly restored, hundreds of years old buildings, there is true sense of respect for the past here. The people of Normandy welcome you from their hearts – stealing a little of yours in the process.
every day including fresh fruits, meats, eggs and cheese and always…incredibly flaky baked goods.
Great Gastronomy
Church dedicated to Joan of Arc
worldly significance. Canadians contributed dearly in the efforts to liberate the French during the years, months and days leading up to, and following June 6, 1944. The Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-surMer is located on the historic beach of the Canadian D-Day landings – it is here, on Juno Beach, where we are privileged to pay private homage to the thousands who gave their lives and to the war veterans who survived. Visiting the memorials, war museums and cemeteries, the intensity of listening to tapes and recorded messages, viewing photographs of real people, smelling and touching the air and ground they breathed and walked upon, brings forth a vivid comprehension of the depth of world-wide loss. Moved beyond words, may we bless them, each and everyone, for their sacrifice in the name of our freedom today.
Honfleur
Take The Kids?
Monumental Moments Normandy is positively bursting with heritage and culture. First hand exploration of history which has steered the world to its position today is highly motivating. It educates, it helps heal and it truly brings forth respect for those who walked before us. From William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart and Joan of Arc, to the five beaches where heart-wrenching battle took place during World War II, Normandy is a region of tremendous
To share the essence of Normandy’s cuisine – the meals here are so blissfully delicious, that a fully dedicated feature is warranted. Apples are the signature fruit of the region, being used in everything from drinks (satiny Calvados), to the main meals of the day. Four mouth-watering cheeses are produced in the region – Livarot, Pont L’eveque, Camembert and Neufchatel. Suffice to say once you return home, nothing you prepare will compare to the dining here. Unless you’re a talented French chef, or know of one, the lingering memories of the delicately prepared fish, lamb and pork dishes – and oh, the daily, fresh-baked breads and croissants, will haunt you for days.
Ferme de la Ranconniere Guestroom
Hospitable Hosts From the comfort of the Hotel Mercure Cathédrale with its fantastic location in the heart of Rouen (the capital of Upper Normandy), to the casual, elegant ‘French Farmhouse’ styling of the Ferme de la Rançonnière/Manoir de Mathan in the countryside of Caen, the accommodations throughout the region are really delightful. No surprises with clean guestrooms and public areas, very friendly staff – someone always speaks English – full continental breakfast
Visiting Normandy is like having a remarkable history lesson come to life, especially for kids ten years and up. Little ones from babes to seven year olds might be too young to appreciate the historical aspects of the trip, however the older they are, they easier it is for them to pick up on the cultural thrill of travel in a foreign country. The ability to try a new language and perhaps taste familiar foods prepared in a new way might be challenging, but could also be a lot of fun. This is a fabulous place to safely ride bikes along country roads, stopping in villages where the locals welcome you like family. Many inns and hotels are extremely kid friendly, like the Hotel Normandy of Deauvile. An elegant, sophisticated hotel (think Four Seasons or Fairmont), overlooking the ocean, it is especially proud of its special inhouse program for children. The city of Deauville is home to the annual American Film Festival, an eyepopping array of specialty boutiques (mix of high and mid-range pricing), as well as miles of silky sandy beaches and a great boardwalk.
FIND OUT MORE Visit www.normandie-tourisme.fr, www.transat.com and www.franceguide.com for more inspiration.
World War II Canadian Cemetery
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