Rattling over the fields in an old army truck, I look out at the American bison and wonder⦠am I really in Normandy?
But yes, our guide is explaining in French how the bulls prefer to mate ten females and demonstrating perilously close to a bison pat how their rounded shape developed to let the snow run off their backs. The whole experience is the last thing I would have expected to find in Normandy, more famous as the area of the D-Day landings and for delicacies such as moules and frites, oysters, cider and Calvados.
I chose Normandy, more particularly Dieppe, as the next easiest budget option to a staycation for my family of four with adult children. It looks directly out towards the Transmanche ferry and we soon become accustomed to seeing the ferries come and go β as well as the strange sight of massive cargo boats floating past our window at night. Dieppe itself is a tourist delight.
The harbour, long beach, two huge churches and the 12 th century castle on the hill make it the perfect place to wander, whatever the weather which was pretty poor the week we visited.
Did I mention the food? After dumping our bags, we headed down Quai Henri IV, which is packed with restaurants offering the local favourites. Most local restaurants have similar menus, adding the traditional desserts of crepes or home-made ice cream for another few pounds. The next day, visiting Parc Canadien, we had another surprise in the menu department β the main meat on offer was bison.
