Alabaster Coast

Lined up along the Normandy steep coast with its spectacular chalk cliffs, a number of scenic villages invites visitors to explore, discover and enjoy their surroundings: the beaches of Pourville (treat yourself to a serving of excellent oysters!) and Quiberville, Varengeville with its old church perched high up on a rock and its enchanting park «Bois des Moutiers«, in Veules-le-Roses the ancient water mills on France's tiniest river, the Benedictine monastery of Fécamp — or take a walk across the beach to admire the famous chalky pinnacles and arches of Etretat.
And don't forget to visit some of the numerous antiquities shops that are known to have surprised many browsers with unexpected finds!
In the hinterland there are a lot of beautiful places to discover, for instance the Sâane valley with its moated castle of Imbleville, or the Château de Mirosmesnil, birthplace of novelist Guy de Maupassant.
 
A few kilometers on and you reach the region of Lower Normandy: cities such as chic Deauville, host to the annual film festival, the ancient and romantic harbour of Honfleur(also featuring an inspiring museum devoted to composer Eric Satie), the postmodern architecture of Le Havre (recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites).