With so much going on in Normandy in 2019, it really is THE place to visit in France…
1) 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
All eyes will be on Normandy this year, as Thursday 6 June marks the 75th anniversary of the D‑Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy. The D-Day Festival will take place on 1-9 June. It will see a rich and unprecedented programme of events bringing the memory of this tragic period of world history to life. The 75th anniversary will be attended by key figures. It will be commemorated with events and festivities such as parades, firework displays, air shows and military re-enactments. Key areas include Calvados, Manche and Orne. en.normandietourism.fr
2) Armada de la Liberté international maritime festival
Marvel at the world’s finest tall ships during a ten-day festival on the banks of the River Seine in Rouen. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this key event in the international sailing calendar takes place on 6-16 June. (Read our review of this amazing Armada that is only held every five years). It will bring together thousands of visitors and sailors from near and far. Fifty magnificent tall ships will participate. ‘Tenacious’, the largest wooden ship to be built in the UK for over 100 years will join in. And there will be military boats and submarines from all over the world. They’ll line Rouen’s quaysides for ten days of celebrations. This vibrant event finishes with a parade along the River Seine. armada.org
3) FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
The excitement is building for the next major event in the international football calendar: the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup in France. From 7 June to 7 July, 24 teams will compete in 52 matches. They will be hosted by nine French cities, including Le Havre. The city’s vast Océane stadium will host seven games, including one of the quarter finals. fifa.com
4) New ‘Ocean of the future’ exhibition opens at La Cité de la Mer
Following renovations, family-friendly museum La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg opens its epic new ‘Ocean of the Future’ exhibition this spring. Visitors will embark on an underwater adventure. You can learn all about the deep sea and visit16 aquariums housing beautiful sea creatures. From colourful exotic fish to more local species from the English Channel. citedelamer.com/en
5) Fernand Léger-Ancherboudré Mare art museum
Argentan in the south of Normandy will soon welcome the Fernand Léger-André Mare Museum. Named after the famous cubist painter and the art déco artist who were born and went to school together in the town. Situated in Léger’s childhood home, the new museum will focus on the two artists’ close friendship. It will explore their different creative approaches to art. It will also provide a new home for one of Léger’s most emblematic works, ‘The Sunflower’. argentan.fr/actualite/leger
