Normandy is definitely worth a visit! It’s one of France’s most complete destinations: sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, castles, abbeys, charming villages, enchanting countryside, D-Day sites and vast green expanses… Not to mention a rich, gourmet terroir.
You’ll love the variety! And all just a few kilometers from Paris.
In this article, plan your ideal getaway in this unique region. Discover our selection of the 8 best excursions in Normandy from Paris to make your choice!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite Normandy excursions from Paris
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Marvel at the architectural gem of Mont-Saint-Michel– see details and book
- Soak up thesoul of the D-Day Beaches – see details and book
- Follow in the footsteps of Claude Monet at Giverny, a flowery wonderland – see details and book
1. Admire Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay
Why do we recommend this tour?
Mont Saint-Michel is a true architectural feat and a challenge in terms of design, construction and maintenance. Located on a small rocky island off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is surrounded by the waters of the sea during high tides.
It’s a very popular tourist destination, with almost 3 million visitors every year. In our eyes, this place deserves it. It’s a historic site dating back over 3,000 years, set in an exceptional natural park. And if you can spend the night in this medieval village, you’ll realize even more what a once-in-a-lifetime experience it is. We were delighted with our stay.
One of its rock-top wonders is its abbey, where so much splendor has left us speechless – book your entrance. The closer you get to Mont-Saint-Michel, the more you’ll realize just how exceptional the village is! Its unique geographical position and complex topography are some of the reasons why it stands out in the region.
Since the Middle Ages, engineers and architects have faced the challenge of building a multi-storey monastery on this tiny island, while taking into account the unstable nature of its terrain. To achieve this, they employed innovative construction techniques, including the use of retaining walls, buttresses and arches, which helped maintain the structural stability of the entire complex. Impressive, isn’t it?
You’ll notice that some scenes in the Harry Potter novel are reminiscent of the alleyways or spectacular vistas of Mont-Saint-Michel, but J.K. Rowling has not indicated that she was inspired by this high place of worship. Wondering why Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey inspired Harry Potter? Our article on the subject here.
La Merveille never ceases to entertain artists of all kinds. It was a source of inspiration for many famous writers, including Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant and Stendhal. But also to draw the silhouette of Disneyland’s marvellous castle, or several monuments in video games such as Pokémon, Castlevania or Assassin’s Creed.
Do you also feel inspired by the magic of this place? So don’t wait any longer and book your ticket in advance !
What you will see
We really think that Mont-Saint-Michel is an exceptional visit to add to your list. You’ll be dazzled by..:
- its abbey at the top of Mont
- its 350-step staircase
- cobbled medieval streets
- its sublime bay and unique flora and fauna
- its rich cultural life with numerous museums
- its ramparts
- Saint-Pierre Church
- its gardens
- l’Auberge de la Mère Poulard and its wood-fired omelette
- Avranches Scriptorial Museum, 40 minutes from Mont-Saint-Michel
How much time should I allow?
Plan a busy day on this organized tour. On the way from Paris, you can admire the scenery of the French countryside. Learn more about the invasions and wars that left their mark on Normandy, and finally, the icing on the cake, visit the abbey and see the Gothic buildings in the village!
If you go on the 3-day tour instead, you’ll get a great overview of what Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer, combined with the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire!
Is the tour family-friendly?
The tour is suitable for families with children, and the wonders of Mont-Saint-Michel will awaken the curiosity and develop the imagination of the youngest! Note, however, that there are many steps to climb on site. Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller for the little ones, and wear good shoes for the whole family!
Our top picks for getting to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris:
- 1 day with visit to the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel – see program and book
- 1 day at Mont-Saint-Michel with English-speaking guide – see program and book
- 2-day tour: Normandy’s most beautiful towns, Mont-Saint-Michel and D-Day beaches – see program and book
- 3-day tour of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Châteaux of the Loire – see program and book
2. Honoring history on the Landing Beaches
Why do we recommend this tour?
Sand, dunes, cliffs… but also bunkers, sculptures and museums. In our opinion, the 5 D-Day landing beaches are a must for any trip to Normandy.
Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Each of these beaches now has memorials and museums to remember. From Paris, you can also visit these places rich in history and memory.
As you probably know, Operation Overlord, the code name for the Normandy landings, began on June 6, 1944. 5 main zones were strategically chosen by the Allies along the Normandy coast. They cover a section of over 80km (50 miles):
- Utah Beach, the easternmost beach where American troops landed
- Omaha Beach, where American troops landed
- Gold Beach, where British troops landed
- Juno Beach, where Canadian troops landed
- Sword Beach, where British troops landed
What you will see
The D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy have left a lasting impression on the region and the world. So, whether you’re a WW2 enthusiast or just curious, we’ve counted down a whole host of places to visit:
- several batteries and fortifications
- many D-Day museums
- the 5 beaches
- several military cemeteries
- exceptional panoramas such as Pointe du Hoc
Among all these equally interesting places, we’ve put together a selection of the main ones to help you make your choice.
How much time should I allow?
If you opt for an organized tour from Paris, our selection includes only full-day tours for a condensed overview of the best places by theme. You won’t be able to visit all the sites associated with the Normandy Landings in just 1 day. For a more complete overview and to immerse yourself in the history, we recommend 3 to 5 days, or even a week if you’re passionate about the area.
Is the tour family-friendly?
The D-Day Beaches offer wide-open spaces for strolling. Local museums, such as the Mémorial de Caen, present history in a way that is accessible to children. Family-friendly guided tours are often available to make you and your children’s experience educational and engaging. Don’t forget to take advantage of the bunkers and historic sites, which are both instructive and captivating for curious young minds!
All the excursions we have selected are accessible to families with children. Just note for the combined tours concerned that at Mont-Saint-Michel, you’ll have to climb a lot of steps (so baby carriages are not recommended).
Our guided selection for visiting the D-Day Beaches from Paris in 1 day:
- excursion to the Omaha Beach sites – see program see program and book
- 1 day at Juno Beach and the Canadian landing sites – see program and book
- 1 day in Omaha, Juno Beach, Saint-Laurent American Cemetery – To find out more
- visit to Utah Beach, American cemetery and Pointe du Hoc – find out more
- Coleville American cemetery, Longues-sur-Mer battery and Omaha Beach – see program and book
- private tour of the beaches of Normandy – see program and book
- Commonwealth war cemetery, Pont Pégasus, Longues-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach – see program and book
- private tour of the D-Day Beaches and Pointe du Hoc – see program see program and book
And a selection of 2-day tours from Paris:
- walks in the most beautiful towns of Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches – see program and book
- discovery of the D-Day Beaches, Rouen, Caen, Honfleur, Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel – see program and book
3. Wonder in the footsteps of Claude Monet at Giverny
Why do we recommend this tour?
Do you love gardens, botany, art, walking, cycling and culinary discoveries? Then you’ll love (re)discovering Giverny! It’s a place to visit at least once in your life. We can’t get enough of this charming, flower-filled commune, which, among other things, was home to the great painter Claude Monet. But that’s not all!
Giverny is definitely a place worth visiting in Normandy. Nicknamed the “Village of Painters”, the commune is above all famous for having been the home of French painter Monet, founder of Impressionism, for over 40 years. Did you know that this village has existed since the 5th century?
It was the arrival of Claude Monet at the end of the 19th century, known for his Impressionist work and his passion for gardens and botany, that brought Giverny its greatest fame. Just a few kilometers from Paris, you’ll discover flourishing gardens that inspired great artists and one of the pioneers of Impressionism!
Take a gourmet lunch break at Restaurant Les Nymphéas opposite Claude Monet’s home. Take a seat on the flower-filled, country-style terrace and enjoy your meal with traditional Norman influences.
Once you’ve finished your meal, head for the medieval town of Vernon, a 10-minute drive from Giverny. Its historic heart, its collegiate church dating back to the Middle Ages, its town museum, its banks of the Seine and its old mill will give you a whole new perspective on one of Eure’s main towns. Did you know that you can also change your perspective and opt for a hot-air balloon ride over the wonders of the village of Giverny and the French Vexin Regional Nature Park? More info here and here.
What you will see
This poetic escapade in Giverny, at the gateway to Normandy and Paris, is well worth the detour in our eyes:
- the sublime gardens of Claude Monet, painter and gardener
- the famous Bassin aux nymphéas in the Water Garden
- Musée des Impressionnismes de Giverny
- Claude Monet’s house at Clos Normand
- its magnificent collection of 231 Japanese prints
- Sainte-Radegonde Church in Giverny
- Giverny Cemetery, where Claude Monet and his family are buried
- the charming medieval town of Vernon, a 10-minute drive from Giverny
- the Vieux Moulin de Vernon
How much time should I allow?
Depending on traffic conditions, the drive from Paris to Giverny takes between 1h and 1h30. We’ve put together some of the best half-day or full-day excursions for you, to suit you and your time!
Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, Giverny is a very flowery commune and a great place to take a family stroll. All excursions are suitable for children. You can bring a stroller with you or reserve one at the Musée des Impressionnismes de Giverny. All areas are accessible for wheelchair users, but the Maison de Claude Monet has several staircases without an elevator. Bring a baby carrier for this part of the tour if you’re bringing little ones. Find all our ideas for things to do with children around Giverny here.
Options for getting to Giverny from Paris in 1 half-day:
- Guided tour of the Jardin de Claude Monet: visit the painter’s magnificent gardens and home, then stroll to the Church of Sainte-Radegonde where Claude Monet and his family are buried. see details, availability and book
- Private visit to Giverny: discover the gardens and the House of Claude Monet with a private local guide, then go to the Musée des Impressionnismes where the works of this movement, its modern architecture and its garden with its field of poppies will leave you speechless. see details, availability and book
1-day tours from Paris to Giverny:
- Claude Monet’s Giverny by bike: visit the charming medieval town of Vernon by bike, then cycle along the banks of the Seine to the village of Giverny on 2 wheels to admire its wonders: Claude Monet’s house and gardens, church, narrow streets and typical restaurants… -. see details, availability and book
- Giverny and Versailles: let yourself be surprised by 2 jewels of French heritage on the outskirts of Paris, the House and Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny and the Palace of Versailles and its majestic gardens. v oir details, availability and booking
4. Visit the coast between Étretat and Honfleur
Why do we recommend this tour?
Discover coastal landscapes and picturesque settings. The town of Étretat is famous for its impressive cliffs, a natural spectacle that amazes young and old alike. Honfleur’s harbor charm, cobblestone streets, restaurants and art galleries offered an artistic and maritime atmosphere for families to explore. These 2 Normandy towns promise an enriching cultural and natural getaway for all ages. As you’d expect, these towns are suffering from hypertourism, but they’re still exceptional places.
These 2 communes are among our favorite places in Normandy.
Honfleur is often cited as one of the most beautiful towns in France. Renowned for attracting artists, the city’s rich colors and beautiful cloudy skies will transport you into a poetic universe.
What you will see
This trip from Paris is well worth it. Take the time to observe:
In Honfleur:
- historic houses throughout the town – some dating back to the Middle Ages
- the old trading port – intriguing for its tall houses with covered facades
- its artistic history – Honfleur has been painted by many famous artists: Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet…
- views of the Seine Estuary
- the fascinating old wooden church of Sainte-Catherine
In Étretat:
- sublime sea views
- gigantic chalk cliffs over 70m high
- the gardens of Étretat
- its selection of fine gourmet restaurants
- its pebble beach
On the road:
- villages
- fields and wide expanses of green
- the charming Normandy cows
- beautiful abbeys
- picturesque villages
- the famous Pont de Normandie
How much time should I allow?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. In our selection at the end of this section, you’ll see that there are tours organized for a day, 2 days or even 1 week. The easiest way to get to Honfleur and/or Étretat is by car. Allow 2h30 to 3h depending on traffic to reach each city.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Étretat has pretty gardens and a beach that will appeal to younger visitors too. Its link with Arsène Lupin may amuse them if they’ve enjoyed reading the adventures of this “gentleman burglar”. Honfleur is a very child-friendly town (Naturospace, numerous ice-cream parlors, minigolf, Jardin des personnalités, public garden with playground…).
Most of the tours in our selection are suitable for families. Bear in mind that you’ll often have to walk in places. The wine-tasting excursions below are not open to children under 6. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served to minors.
From Paris, over 1 day:
- Honfleur, Rouen and the cliffs of Étretat with Calvados tasting – see program and book
- visit to Honfleur and Mont-Saint-Michel – see program and book
- guided tour of Honfleur in a vintage sidecar – see program and book
- highlights of Normandy (Honfleur, Étretat, Deauville and Rouen) – see program and book
Over 2 days:
- 2-day tour of Honfleur, Étretat, Rouen, Saint-Malo – France see availability and prices
Over 1 week:
- 7 days combined with the most beautiful places in Normandy, Châteaux de la Loire and Burgundy. find out more
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Rouen, medieval city of a hundred steeples
Why do we recommend this tour?
Rouen is a French city rich in history and culture, with plenty to do. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, architecture or gastronomy, you’ll love (re)discovering Rouen! Joan of Arc, the French historical figure who marked the Hundred Years’ War in the 15th century, is omnipresent in the town. We were delighted to follow in his footsteps. Muse to great artists such as Claude Monet, this Normandy town is full of charm. What a pleasure to stroll through its streets! Rouen’s nickname is the city of a hundred steeples, and you’ll find numerous churches all over the city!
You’ll be familiar with Rouen’s famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s an architectural marvel that notably inspired Claude Monet in his paintings.
In addition, Joan of Arc was burned alive on the Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen. She was only 19 at the time of her execution. The young heroine is an integral part of the city. We’ve come across it at historic sites, but also in museums.
Rouen’s old town is full of charm, with its colorful half-timbered houses. We enjoyed strolling through its picturesque streets. Last but not least, the local gastronomy is a treat for the taste buds. There’s a profusion of quality restaurants serving regional dishes. Did you know that Rouen’s signature recipe is duck à la rouennaise?
What you will see
Just over 1h30 from Paris by train or 2 hours by car, Rouen offers a vibrant cultural and artistic scene, as well as the charm of its medieval heart:
- its many museums, including some dedicated to Joan of Arc
- its wide variety of churches
- its imposing cathedral with its surprising architecture
- its range of restaurants showcasing Normandy’s terroir
- its historic clock from the Gros Horloge shopping street, the town’s landmark
- its banks of the Seine and its various parks such as the Jardin des Plantes
How much time should I allow?
Rouen is only 1h30 from Paris by car or train. Rouen is also easily accessible by car from Paris. If you take the A13 freeway, you’ll have no trouble getting here for a day or a weekend. However, there are frequent traffic jams when crossing the Seine. We advise you to choose strategic times to avoid potential traffic jams.
You can spend a whole day visiting the main points of interest. To get there on your own, book your train ticket. Alternatively, we invite you to opt for a guided tour combined with other unique places in Normandy for greater comfort and convenience. See our selection below!
Is the tour family-friendly?
Rouen is a pleasant city, where you can take the whole family for a stroll through its historic heart, which is mainly pedestrianized, or enjoy the banks of the Seine. There are a few green spaces, such as the Grammont and Hôtel de Ville parks and the Jardin des Plantes. Most of Rouen’s museums are also child-friendly, like the Natural History Museum, which will delight young and old alike! The icing on the cake (and that’s saying something!) is a gourmet break at the Dames Cakes Tearoom, where your taste buds will be delighted!
From Paris, over 1 day:
- guided tour of Rouen’s historic center – see program and book
- thrilling escape game in Rouen city center. find out more
- 1 half-day or 1 full-day tour of Rouen with local guide. find out more
- Honfleur, Rouen and the cliffs of Étretat with Calvados tasting – see program and book
- highlights of Normandy (Honfleur, Étretat, Deauville and Rouen) – see program and book
Over 2 days:
- 2-day tour of Honfleur, Étretat, Rouen, Saint-Malo – France see availability and prices
6. Explore Caen, City of William the Conqueror
Why do we recommend this tour?
Caen, capital of Basse-Normandie, is a lively city, ideally located 2 hours from Paris, close to the French Riviera. Côte Fleurie and the D-Day landing beaches. Known for its memorial and château, Caen is home to architectural treasures spared by the Allied bombing raids of 1944. The city of William the Conqueror will surprise you with its artistic heritage, half-timbered houses and port, as well as its nightlife and lush green spaces.
It’s a metropolis on a human scale, where it’s pleasant to stroll around. You’ll love the lively town center, with its many shops and fine restaurants. Like us, you’re sure to fall for the charm of these half-timbered houses.
But Caen is most famous for its history. The legacy of William the Conqueror can be seen in the many monuments (Abbaye-aux-Hommes, Château ducal…)! You can then find out more about the Second World War by visiting the Memorial. Did you know that Allied bombing raids in 1944 destroyed around 1/3 of the city’s surface area and 2/3 of its built volume?
The capital of Calvados also offers a pleasant setting for nature lovers, with its port, Orne canal and numerous parks. Night owls will find plenty to do in this town, where Normans love to go out and have fun.
What you will see
In our opinion, this excursion from Paris is worth the detour for several reasons:
- Caen’s lively historic center with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses
- its many museums
- the Caen Memorial, which fascinated us
- its Abbaye-aux-Hommes founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror
- its Abbaye-aux-Dames, built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror’s wife, Matilda of Flanders
- its Castle, one of Europe’s oldest and largest fortresses
- its 3.5-hectare plant garden in the heart of the city
How much time should I allow?
Caen can be visited in 1 day if you want a condensed overview of the city’s best attractions. See our suggestions for 1-day itineraries in Caen, or 2-day itineraries if you have more time. From Paris, allow 2h30 to 3h depending on traffic by car. Allow just over 2 hours by train.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Bringing the family to Caen? Your children will be delighted with their stay! There’s lots to do with the whole family in and around Caen:
- Petits meurtres entre amis: escape game in the heart of the city with investigations specially designed for children
- Festyland amusement park: Normandy’s biggest, located 10 minutes from Caen, with many attractions suitable for children.
- Parc Ornavik: historical park on the theme of Viking times
- L’îlot Z’enfants: a leisure park with lots of play equipment for toddlers
- Lasergame: accessible to children aged 6 and up!
And don’t forget the playgrounds in the Jardin des Plantes and Colline aux Oiseaux!
For a culinary treat with the kids, head to Crêperie Gaby or Bouchon du Vaugueux. We’ve also included them as kid-friendly addresses in our article on Caen’s 15 best restaurants!
Our selection of organized tours to Caen from Paris:
- Visit to the Caen Memorial – a must-see! see prices and availability
- A day trip to the D-Day landing beaches, with a stopover in Caen. more
- Top 6 D-Day and WW2 sites – see program see program and book
- Tour of the main D-Day sites including the Caen Memorial. reserve your place
7. Fall under the spell of Deauville and Trouville
Why do we recommend this tour?
Deauville is Normandy’s must-see seaside resort, and one of the closest to Paris. If you want to experience its unique atmosphere, one or more nights are well worth considering. Enjoy its belle époque architecture, sandy beach and glamorous ambience. What’s more, Deauville boasts a lively nightlife with casino, bars, clubs and quality restaurants.
It’s one of the most beautiful places to stay in Normandy and a must-see weekend getaway! And then you can plan your stay with our guide to What to do in Deauville.
Bordering Deauville, Trouville is just as charming. Take the time to explore and enjoy the banks of the Touques river! As Deauville’s neighbor, Trouville will seduce you with its sloping streets, restaurants and beach. We really enjoyed our stay atHôtel Le Flaubert in Trouville. The peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the coastal environment make this a true haven of peace for an unforgettable Trouville getaway. We love the almost toes-in-the-sand location, and the endless sea views from the balconies.
What you will see
We’re convinced that this trip from Paris is well worth the effort:
- Les Planches de Deauville, inaugurated in 1923, is closely linked to the history of cinema.
- Belle Époque architecture such as the Villa Strassburger, an architectural gem
- the beaches of Deauville and Trouville
- exhibitions and cultural activities at the Musée des Franciscaines
- Casino Barrière de Deauville
- the typical narrow streets of the village of Trouville and its port
- the charming village of Beaumont-en-Auge nearby
- the house of the painter Eugène-Boudin, “la Breloque”, built at the end of the 19th century
How much time should I allow?
Deauville and Trouville are about 2 hours from Paris by car. It remains the quickest and most flexible way to get there. See our tips for renting a car atOrly or Roissy airports.
This excursion has the advantage of giving you easy access to the sea and the beach. The Deauville-Trouville railway station links up with Paris-Saint-Lazare in 2h15 to 2h45 depending on the train. Don’t forget to book your ticket. So you can plan a busy day on site. Or include Deauville and Trouville in a weekend in Normandy if you have more time.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Deauville and Trouville are ideal for families. The beaches are great for sunbathing, playing in the sand or flying kites. These seaside resorts are on a human scale, with wide promenades for cycling or horseback riding with your children. Did you know that theHôtel Barrière Le Normandy has set up the “Studio by Petit VIP” with a variety of fun activities to feed your toddlers’ imaginations?
Our selection of tours including Deauville and Trouville from Paris:
- highlights of Normandy (Honfleur, Étretat, Deauville and Rouen) – see program and book
Once you’re there, it’s great to go kayaking to discover the cliffs around Deauville or inland on the Touques River. Or opt for a vintage bike or sidecar ride!
- kayak along the cliffs of Deauville – see details and availability
- Kayak trip on the Touques river – see details and availability
- discover Kayak Surfing! – see details and availability
- guided bike tour of Deauville and Trouville – see prices and availability
- half-day sidecar trip in Deauville and Honfleur – see details and book
- tour of Deauville in a vintage sidecar – see details and book
8. Strolling around Bayeux, capital of the Bessin region
Why do we recommend this tour?
Nicknamed the “medieval city at the gateway to the D-Day beaches”, Bayeux is a town full of surprises. Museums, commemorative monuments, medieval architecture, craftsmen, fine dining… A city of art and history, the town is also home to the famousUNESCO World Heritage tapestry, woven in its imposing cathedral.
More than 13,000 residents live there every day and enjoy the quality of life in Bayeux. Nearly half a million tourists visit us every year, in both high and low season! In fact, we’ve listed several ideas for things to do if you choose Bayeux.
Authentic and warm, Bayeux is a very pleasant town to walk around. We appreciated the charm of its historic center where the medieval architecture is well preserved and many private mansions adorn its narrow streets.
What you will see
On your way to Bayeux, we highly recommend a visit:
- its historic center with medieval streets
- its famous UNESCO-listed Tapestry Museum
- its cathedral with unique stained-glass windows
- its Botanical Garden, a jewel of 19th-century Norman landscaping
- its fine range of restaurants
- its Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
- its British military cemetery
- its magnificent Baron Gérard Museum (MAHB ) in the former bishop’s palace
- Les Volets Roses tea room for a snack in a fairytale setting
- its unique art of lace, ceramics and porcelain
How much time should I allow?
It takes just over 3 hours by car from Paris to reach Bayeux via the A13 freeway. By train, it will take you between 2h30 and 3h to reach this magical town close to the Normandy coast.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
For a good overview of the city, 1 day may be enough. If you’re able to stay for 2 days, you’ll be able to see a lot more and enjoy the surrounding area. In 5 days or 1 week, you’ll even have time to drive from Bayeux to the D-Day landing beaches. We’ve also listed a number of interesting excursions from this town, one of our favorites in Normandy.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Bayeux is a great place to live. You’ll love it with your family. The Botanical Garden is a great place to take a stroll. You can also take your children to admire the vintage vehicles on Place Saint-Patrice. Restaurants are also kid-friendly, and museums are adapted to the youngest visitors. In short, we really enjoyed this wonderful discovery of Normandy, whether solo, as a couple or as a family!
Once there, opt for a guided walking tour of Bayeux in French or English!
Frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Paris to Normandy?
You’ll find details of our suggestions earlier in this article, but you can find a summary here:
- the wonderful Mont-Saint-Michel – find out more
- Historic D-Day Beaches – find out more
- the poetry of Giverny, city of painters – find out more
- Étretat and Honfleur on the coast – find out more
- Rouen, city of a hundred steeples – find out more
- Caen, city of William the Conqueror – find out more
- Deauville and Trouville, Normandy’s seaside resorts – find out more
- Bayeux, capital of Bessin – find out more
How do I get to Normandy from Paris by public transport?
In our opinion, the car is the most practical way to get to Normandy from Paris, which is one of the reasons we chose this region. You’ll also have more freedom of movement on site! Read our tips for driving in France.
If you prefer public transport, several towns in Normandy are served daily from the Gare de Paris-Saint-Lazare, including Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Deauville, Trouville… However, Honfleur has no railway station. You’ll have to take a bus.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
Here’s a map to help you find your way around Normandy, with Paris a little further east:
What special excursions are there for history and gastronomy buffs?
From our selection above, we’ve spotted excursions that combine history, culture and gastronomy:
- 2 days: Normandy’s most beautiful towns, Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches. see program and book
- 3 days at Mont-Saint-Michel and Châteaux de la Loire – see program and book
- Commonwealth war cemetery, Pont Pégasus, Longues-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach – see program and book
- D-Day Beaches and Pointe du Hoc – see program and book
- Honfleur, Rouen and the cliffs of Étretat with Calvados tasting – see program and book
What’s the best time of year to visit Normandy?
If you’re wondering when is the best time to go to Normandy, it really depends on your criteria.
In absolute terms, we recommend June and September, for good weather and fewer crowds. But for touristy places like Étretat and Mont-Saint-Michel, we love winter, without the crowds, especially the February lights.
Key facts: many museums in Normandy close in January and February. And most châteaux close between November and April.
Find all our advice on when to travel to Normandy here.
How do I rent a car from Paris to go to Normandy?
In our opinion, the best way to get from Paris to Giverny is to opt for an organized tour, so that you can make the most of your time there and rest during the journey. It’s also convenient to get there by car or rental car. Discover all our tips for renting a car in France fromOrly, Roissy-CDG or Beauvais airports.
What family activities are suitable for a trip to Normandy?
In Normandy, you’ll find that there are a variety of family activities to choose from for a successful outing:
- a visit to the D-Day landing beaches for an open-air history lesson
- explore charming villages such as Honfleur, its port and art galleries
- bike rides along the coast or in the Normandy countryside
- discover castles and abbeys, such as Château de Falaise, for a plunge into the medieval past
- gourmet breaks
These activities offer a subtle blend of history, nature, culture and gastronomy for the whole family!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…