Things to do

Bargain-hunters have a wide choice of places to browse in Normandy. Most towns have antique shops which not only provide an opportunity to find that rare book, piece of porcelaine or water colour, but above all, a variety of bric-a-brac and hand-me-downs that are a delight to discover and possibly acquire. There are regular antiques or bric-a-brac markets in the region : every second Sunday in the month at Lisieux,  every third Sunday at Le Molay Littry (Calvados), for example, and specialist fairs are held in different towns and villages all summer (old books, toys, furniture). The French equivalent of a bring-and-buy sale, the "foire-à-tout" is a national institution, especially in small towns and villages, most of which hold a fair at some time in the year. Whenever you are in Normandy, you will be sure to find a flea market or antique fair near to you.

French fashion is a by-word for luxurious elegance, and the skilled translation of unique couturier-designed clothes into ready-to-wear articles is a national industry, well-represented in Normandy, where a vaste choice of boutiques in the major towns offer the very best and latest in French fashion ideas, catering for all requirements from exquisite baby wear to clothes for adults which are the essence of French chic. Famous names such as Hermès in Rouen, offer their inimitable fashion clothing and accessories, while resorts such as Deauville are centres of fine living, and attract the rich and famous from all over the world.

Rouen has long been a centre for the production of fine porcelaine, and has a museum devoted to it (Musée de la Céramique). Antique specimens of "Faience de Rouen" are sought after by collectors, but it is perfectly possible to find good quality modern examples in specialist boutiques or souvenir shops in most of the main towns. The elaborately decorated plates and dishes make very good souvenirs. 
As well as porcelaine, the region is a centre for other traditional crafts such as copper-working ,and although bed-pans and candle-snuffers have only a decorative value today, these and other objects are still carefully made with traditional skills. More practical, and equally decorative, locally-produced copper cooking pots and kitchen utensils make useful souvenirs that will find immediate use in any kitchen when the holidays are over, and can be easily found in hardware stores or souvenir shops.
 

While you are here you will certainly enjoy the local cooking and gastronomic specialities : many visitors return home with boxes of camembert, jars of preserved fruits, potted foie gras and bottles of calvados, which are to be found in delicatessans throughout the region, but there are many other possibilites for gourmet souvenirs, and it is well worth looking out for specialist shops - or market stalls - selling rich hand-made locally-produced chocolates, tartes tatin (upside-down apple tart), Normandy-style tripe, and andouille sausages, without forgetting bottles of cider, or pommeau (a delicious aperitif made from apple juice mixed with calvados). There are breweries in Normandy too, and while the strong local beers may have little in common with an English pint, they make a good accompaniment to lunch or a snack, or simply as a thirst-quencher after a morning's gardening ! They may be found in wine shops in all major towns.

Flowers make more short-lived mementos, but a visit to a flower market or a florist before the trip home is often repaid with a beautifully-prepared bouquet, made up with typical French chic, which will remind you of your stay in Normandy in the days after your return home.