The Duchy of Normandy, founded by Vikings 1000 years ago, is bound by kinship and history to the English-speaking world. Its great ports Cherbourg and Le Havre, picturesque fishing harbors like Honfleur or Dieppe, chic resorts and long sandy beaches resonate with memories linking Normandy to its neighbor across the Channel. Explore an astonishing artistic heritage, from the cartoon-like Tapestry in Bayeux, and Gothic masterpieces in Rouen and strange Mont St Michel, to Impressionist shrines like Monet's home beside the Seine. Normandy's rustic interior has picture-book charm, with thatched cottages, lanes and hedges, orchards and small farms. Dine in hearty local style on tripes a la mode de Caen , succulent salt-meadow lamb, famous creme fraiche and strong cheeses, and enjoy a tot of Normandy's powerful apple brandy, Calvados.