Self-catering holiday homes: Calvados

Make a holiday rental cottage or farmhouse in Calvados, France your home away from home

The department of Calvados, France is on the Northern Coast, helping to make up the region of Basse-Normandy. Passing through the landscape is like taking a speed train through Europe. From the sandy beaches of the rugged coastline to the peaceful farming plains of Pays d’Auge and onto the rocky peaks of Suisse-Normande, Calvados farmhouses are in a land of contrasts with a rich culture and long history, which is all easily accessible from a gite in Calvados or Calvados holiday cottage.

Places to holiday in Calvados, France

The most visited city in Calvados is Bayeux. This is due to the Bayeux Tapestry being made and displayed here. Although it is the Bayeux Tapestry which brings people here, it is a delightful quaint French town.

Caen was the scene of some viscous battles after D-Day, and was largely destroyed. However, the ruins of the castle and the two Abbeys, build by William the Conqueror remain extremely impressive monuments.

Deauville is a summer tourist favourite. Not only for the marvellous sandy beaches and top class restaurants and cafes, but the race course and casino are upmarket and provide an excellent day out from a villa in Calvados or Calvados holiday rental.

Things to do on holiday in Calvados, France

The beach of Juno is situated in Calvados, one of the 5 beaches used on D-Day. The Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer commemorates the landings of 1944, and there are extremely good tours and information points for the surrounding area.

The beaches of Cabourg, Merville and Franceville in Calvados are famed as locations for water sports. Windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing are hugely popular activities, whilst the picturesque harbour at Honfleur has been a constant source of inspiration for artists and poets over the years.

Of course, taking a self catering holiday rental cottage or farmhouse in Calvados would not be complete without sampling some of the famous Calvados Brandy, or going on a Calvados Brandy brewing tour.

Weather in Calvados, France

Calvados has a similar climate to the South of England. Warm summers and variable winters are the order in Calvados, but it is not only a summer destination.

Flights to Calvados, France

Calvados holiday rentals are accessible by air from the UK. There are two airports in Calvados, Caen-Carpiquet (CFR) and Deauville Saint Gatien (DOL). Brittany Ferries offer overnight ferries from the South Coast of England to Caen, and the added advantage with this is that you can take your car, making exploring the whole of Calvados from your Calvados holiday rental that much easier.

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