WHERE else can you head out on holiday and Listen to live jazz in medieval streets? Rock out on a racecourse after touring the Pays d’Auge, land of cider and cheese? This summer, festival vibes are coming to #Normandy, and you can enjoy international artists and regional cuisine with all those famous Norman landmarks just a short drive away. Big names, picture-postcard scenery, surprisingly inexpensive tickets… all just a short hop away from the UK! Here are our five favourite festivals:
1) Jazz sous les Pommiers, 5-12 May – Coutances A celebration of all things jazz, eight-day family-friendly festival Jazz sous les Pommiers [Jazz under the Apple Trees] takes place every year in the pretty medieval town of Coutances, and attracts 30,000 visitors of all ages, with performances from international stars and passionate amateur musicians spanning seven stages, venues throughout the town and even local cafés and streets.
2.) Beauregard, 6-9 July – Hérouville Saint-Clair (near Caen) Set in the beautiful grounds of the Château de Beauregard, the popular Beauregard Festival’s star-studded line-up, chilled-out vibe and proximity to both Ouistreham port and Caen-Carpiquet airport means that it appeals to both families and friends heading over from the UK.
3) Rock in Évreux, 29 June- 1 July – Évreux Don’t let the name Rock in Evreux fool you: rock is sure to shake Evreux, but a sonic sound clash of electro beats, hip-hop breaks and driving rhythms will also fill the summer air on its racecourse. Easy to get to by train from London via Paris, this festival comes in first place for anyone who doesn’t want to take the car!
4) Hello Birds, 6-8 July – Étretat This free event is held in legendary Étretat, world-renowned for its iconic cliffs overlooking the Channel, and includes live shows and DJ sets on the beach.
5) Cabourg Mon Amour, 29 June-1 July – Cabourg This hip, intimate festival caters to the indie crowd and takes place on a beautiful sandy beach in the swish seaside resort of Cabourg.
