Go Green inLush

Go Green inLush countryside is not the only green thing about Normandy. Check out theregion’s sustainable initiatives and events for 2025.NORMANDYCaen Millennium blendspast, present and futureFirst mentioned in documents generated bythe Dukes of Normandy, the city of Caen willbe honouring its past and shaping its futurethrough 2025 with a wide range of eventsto mark 1000 years of colourful history. Thecelebrations kick off on March 20 with alight show projected on the walls of the ducalcastle, emblematic site of this historic city andclosed for restoration over the last two years.Visitors to the castle can expect around75% of the 4-hectare site to be landscapedwith redesigned walkways leading to themuseums and other sites within the castle walls.Highlights of the medieval fortress, one of thelargest in Europe, include the battlements,Exchequer Hall and Saint George’s Church plus– new this year – previously hidden treasuressuch as the remains of the castle keep, thewatchtowers and Porte Saint-Pierre jails.One of many highlights of Caen Millenniumwill be the Millennium Parade on 9 Mayfeaturing a cast of 1100 people on a 5kmroute past 5 emblematic sites – or stations- and lasting for 5 hours. Monumental worksat each of the five sites will symbolise keyevents in the city’s history. Each one will beaccompanied by a troupe of 100 peoplerepresenting characters in the scenography –the narrators of the city’s story – with a further600 participants bringing each of the fivestations vividly to life.A local study has already proved thatencounters with works of art are good for ourmental health, so residents and visitors alikecan up their wellbeing at a series of MillenniumPlaces and artworks. The quiet cloisters of theMen’s Abbey and Women’s Abbey, for instance;an innovative iron sculpture along the castleramparts over the summer months; and theleafy Cimetière des Quatre-Saisons, host tonew outdoor art and a theatre production.Vaugueux, the old district of Caen, © Ben Collier, Normandy TourismAmong the manycelebrationevents, theAquanauts willperform in thePort of Caen ©Valeria SeznamValleuse 26 | The de Good Vaucottes, Life France © Marie-Anaïs Thierry, Normandy TourismThe Good Life France | 27