My name is Bodiek Reith. I’m a travel photographer and content creator based in Amsterdam. At the end of August, I got the opportunity to visit the Normandy region in Northern France with the aim of showing a more sustainable way of travelling through this beautiful region. We visited Giverny, Vernon, The Seine Valley, Rouen and beautiful Surville-Calvados.
The eco-responsible and solidarity accommodation
During our trip we stayed one night at Manoir de Surville. An historic farm dating back to the 16th century, with houses located in the heart of a two-hectare garden. The owner of this place, Camille, grew up on the farm and decided to renovate and transform it to a sustainable boutique hotel. With awards for best sustainable tourism gateaway, consciously keeping a close eye on respecting the environment and a unique mindful and sustainable way of cooking their cuisine.
Bonus points: you don’t have to choose what to eat at their restaurant! There is only one menu, the menu of the day - which only contains fresh products coming from local producers.
A committed restaurant
The day we visited Rouen, we were invited for lunch at Restaurant Le XXI. This is an inclusive restaurant that employs people with Down’s syndrome, cognitive disorders and intellectual disabilities. We had a warm welcome and the service was very pleasant. They have an excellent cuisine with fresh and local products. A must if you visit Rouen.
An ecological activity
Our first day in Normandy started in the tiny, picturesque village of Giverny. Giverny lies on the bank of the river Seine and is the place where impressionist painter Claude Monet designed and created his famous water garden, complete with lily ponds. While walking through the gardens I was swept up in the beauty of it all. The Japanese bridge, the flowing streams and plants that appear wonderfully effortless – it's diverse and beautiful enough to stare and admire for hours. If you’re a lover of art history, fine art or even flowers and gardening, then Giverny is worth visiting.
A new meeting that feels good
During our guided tour in Rouen, we visited the food market. Arriving at the cheese store we met the owner, Daniel Bourgeois. Daniel has been working with his team in his cheese store in Rouen for almost 25 years welcoming you with a smile in a friendly atmosphere. Depending on the season, you’ll find around a hundred cheeses.
Bonus points: Daniel has a story behind every cheese. It is amazing to see his passion for the trade and his products. I highly recommend visiting Daniel when you’re in Rouen!
A sustainable favourite
One thing I’ve learned during this trip is that it’s not necessarily about travelling far and fast. It’s all about a sustainable movement. Respect the environment and use different forms of sustainable transport during your trip. Slow travel is about taking time over journeys. Allowing you to connect with people, culture, history and food of a region in a meaningful way. Instead of flying, you can use trains, buses, bikes, boats and even your own two feet to explore delightful hidden gems away from the crowds. It’s not only a more relaxed and fun way to travel, it also significantly reduces the carbon impact of a holiday.
So, leave your car behind for the next trip and be mindful of the environment by reducing your own global footprints.
Written by Bodiek Reith
By France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
