National Geographic Best of the World 2027 Normandy France, Digi Mart USA News: National Geographic has released its annual “Best of the World 2027” ranking of 25 destinations selected by a network of explorers and journalists. A region of France, Normandy, earned a place on the global list.
The magazine describes a territory that “fascinates travelers with its Gothic cathedrals, seaside resorts and green meadows dotted with thatched cottages.” In 2027, Normandy will celebrate the millennium of the birth of William the Conqueror with a major program called “Millennium – 2027, European Year of the Normans.”
More than 1,000 events are planned, including medieval banquets, concerts, historical hikes and street shows. Festivities begin in late February in Caen with a sound and light show at the Abbaye aux Dames.
In June, a fleet of Viking longships will sail along the coast before arriving at the Armada in Rouen.
The highlight will be a re-creation of the missing scene from the Bayeux Tapestry showing the coronation of William, designed by artist Hélène Delprat and woven in Aubusson for display at the Château de Falaise.
The ranking also features other European destinations, including Leipzig, Germany, which will mark the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death with a major festival. Santander, Spain, is highlighted for the opening of the Faro Santander center, which will display paintings by Goya, and the arrival of a branch of Madrid’s Reina Sofía museum.
For nature and sea lovers, National Geographic recommends the Vestland fjords in Norway, the Trans-Caucasian Trail in Armenia, the Dumfries and Galloway region in Scotland, and the “Tri-City” of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot on the Baltic Sea in Poland.
Outside Europe, Egypt ranks highly, with Luxor as the center of the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027, and the reopening of the Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace hotel. In Peru, the pre-Inca city of Kuélap will open a new trail allowing visitors to watch archaeologists at work.
In North America, the Pacific Coast Highway in California returns following the reopening of the Big Sur section.
“It is probably the most iconic road trip you can take in America, apart from Route 66,” said Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of National Geographic. The list also highlights mountain bike parks in Arkansas, among the 25 destinations selected for 2027.
