Upper Normandy

Upper Normandy was a former administrative region of France, located in the north of the country, bordering Picardy to the east, Île-de-France to the south, Centre-Val de Loire to the southwest, and Lower Normandy to the west. The region was composed of the departments of Seine-Maritime and Eure, with the city of Rouen serving as its capital. Upper Normandy was known for its rich history, with notable events such as the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings having taken place in the region. The region was also home to famous figures such as Gustave Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant, and Claude Monet, who drew inspiration from the region's landscapes and culture.

Geography

Upper Normandy was characterized by its diverse geography, with the Seine River flowing through the region and emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre. The region's landscape was also marked by the presence of the Norman Vexin and the Pays de Caux, with the Cliffs of Étretat and the Alabaster Coast being notable natural features. The region's geography was also influenced by the presence of the Forest of Lyons, which covered a significant portion of the department of Eure. The region was bordered by the Channel Tunnel, which connected Calais to Folkestone, and the A26 autoroute, which linked Calais to Troyes. The region's geography was also home to several notable cities, including Dieppe, Fécamp, and Vernon, which were known for their historic architecture and cultural landmarks such as the Château de Dieppe and the Abbey of Saint-Wandrille.

History

The history of Upper Normandy was marked by significant events, including the Viking invasions of the 9th century and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, led by William the Conqueror. The region was also a key location during the Hundred Years' War, with the Battle of Agincourt taking place in the region in 1415. The region was also home to several notable historical figures, including Richard the Lionheart, John of England, and Philip II of France, who played important roles in shaping the region's history. The region was also influenced by the presence of the Duke of Normandy, who ruled over the region from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The region's history was also marked by the presence of several notable castles, including the Château de Rouen and the Château de Gaillard, which were built during the Middle Ages.

Economy

The economy of Upper Normandy was driven by several key industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The region was known for its production of apples, pears, and cider, with the Calvados region being particularly famous for its apple brandy. The region was also home to several notable companies, including Renault, Peugeot, and Total, which had significant operations in the region. The region's economy was also influenced by the presence of the Port of Le Havre, which was one of the busiest ports in Europe. The region's economy was also driven by the presence of several notable research institutions, including the University of Rouen and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rouen, which were known for their research in fields such as engineering and biotechnology.

Culture

The culture of Upper Normandy was rich and diverse, with the region being known for its Gothic architecture, Impressionist art, and Norman cuisine. The region was home to several notable cultural landmarks, including the Rouen Cathedral, the Abbey of Saint-Étienne, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen, which housed a significant collection of art and artifacts. The region was also known for its folk music and dance, with the Norman folk dance being a notable example. The region's culture was also influenced by the presence of several notable festivals, including the Rouen Armada and the Fête des Lumières de Rouen, which took place annually. The region was also home to several notable writers, including Gustave Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant, and André Gide, who drew inspiration from the region's landscapes and culture.

Administration

Upper Normandy was administered by the Regional Council of Upper Normandy, which was composed of councillors elected by the region's inhabitants. The region was also divided into several arrondissements, including the Arrondissement of Rouen and the Arrondissement of Le Havre, which were responsible for administering the region's departments. The region was also home to several notable institutions, including the University of Rouen and the École Supérieure d'Art et Design de Rouen, which were known for their research and teaching in fields such as art and design. The region's administration was also influenced by the presence of several notable politicians, including François Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Jacques Chirac, who had significant connections to the region. The region was also part of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardy European Parliament constituency, which elected Members of the European Parliament to represent the region's interests in Brussels. Category:Former administrative regions of France