5 things to try if the sun’s in the sky

1) Sunday 22 October: Fête du Cidre (Beuvron-en-Auge)

Every October, the picturesque village of Beuvron-en-Auge celebrates cider, one of Normandy’s most iconic exports, deep in the Norman countryside. Browse market stalls selling local produce, see how cider is made and enjoy live folk music and family entertainment, all surrounded by picture-perfect scenery.http://bit.ly/BeuvronCambremer

2) 23-31 October: Ferme en Folie Festival (Bréhal)

Boasting a wide range of games, arts and crafts and workshops, the ‘crazy farm’ festival takes place over ten days in Bréhal, and is a must for children and animal lovers alike. Over 70 events are planned this year, including farm visits, treasure hunts, film screenings and an organic market.www.facebook.com/festivallafermeenfolie (French only)

3) 27 October-5 November: Transat Jacques Vabre 2017 (Le Havre)

This year, the start of one of the longest and most celebrated double-handed transatlantic races coincides with the 500th anniversary celebrations in Le Havre.All the family can enjoy entertainment, boat tours and other fun activities, followed by an impressive firework display over the port. www.transatjacquesvabre.org(French only)

4) Every day, 8am-8pm: Brionne Leisure Park (Brionne)

Set around a 22-acre lake, this water and leisure park features canoeing, windsurfing, pedal boating and sailing. If the weather is fine, you can simply go for a swim or paddle. Those who don’t fancy getting wet can also try their hand at miniature golf, tennis, volleyball and even fishing.http://bit.ly/BaseDeLoisirsdeBrionne

5) Every day, 10am-6pm: Clécy Gliss (Clécy)

This exciting monorail toboggan run lets you slide down the hills of the Suisse Normande[Norman Switzerland] at 50 km/hour in an exhilarating ride for all ages.The less adventurous can relax at the bar and watch the sledges speed past, while little ones can have a go on the bouncy castle. www.lugeennormandie.fr

5 things to do if the skies aren’t so blue

1) New! Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm: Great Barrier Reef at the Panorama XXL(Rouen)

At 32m high and 110m wide, this full-scale panorama of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef takes visitors on a visual tour of the largest coral reef on earth. Discover this magical underwater world in all its fragile beauty. Situated on the River Seine in Rouen, the Panorama XXL is the only exhibit of its kind in France.www.panoramaxxl.com(French only)

2) Every day, 10:30am-8:30pm: Paradis Aquatique Tropical (Verneuil-sur-Avre)

This indoor water park in the Center Parcs holiday village is the perfect place to head if the weather turns cold. Families can enjoy the slides, wave machines, lazy river, water cannons and jet flumes, while adults can take advantage of the hot tub and sauna. There is also a special play area for little ones.http://bit.ly/ParadisAquatiqueTropical

3) Every day, 10am-6pm: Airborne Museum (Sainte-Mère-Eglise)

A few miles from Utah Beach, the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Eglise takes visitors on a journey alongside American paratroopers, from invasion preparations to the D-Day landings and the battle for liberation. Children over 6 can even board a C-47 plane and land in Sainte-Mère-Eglise amidst the battle. www.airborne-museum.org/en

4) Every day, 10am-7pm: William the Conqueror’s Castle (Falaise)

Born in Falaise in 1027, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy then King of England, accomplished his very first feat of arms within this castle. Today, the whole family can immerse themselves in the daily life of a Norman keep, with a self‑guided interactive tablet tour and sound and light projections. www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr

5) Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-11:30am and 2pm-4:30pm: La Maison du Camembert(Camembert)

Situated in the village which gave its name to France’s most emblematic cheese, this beautifully restored 18th-century building is now a museum paying tribute to Marie Harel, the inventor of Camembert. Take a tour of the museum, taste a selection of Camembert cheeses, then buy some to enjoy at home.www.maisonducamembert.com/en