Granville is a pearl on the Normandy coast. It offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. It is famous for its fortified promontory, its fishing port and its rich medieval heritage. It’s also a mecca of elegance, the birthplace of Christian Dior, whose family home is now a museum dedicated to the couturier’s work.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Granville, Normandy, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Granville worth a visit?
Yes, Granville is well worth a visit. Nicknamed the“Monaco of the North“, it’s an elegant seaside resort in Normandy. The views from the Upper Town and its ramparts are superb, especially with the changing light over the English Channel. You’re assured of splendid photos.
1. The Christian Dior Museum
The museum is housed in the famous couturier’s birthplace, Villa Les Rhumbs. Depending on the program, you can see exhibitions on fashion or the perfumes of the House of Dior. We loved the garden overlooking the sea. The outdoor-only restaurant La Rose du Rocher is the perfect place to linger a while in this elegant setting.
- Opening hours: daily from 10am to 6:30pm from April to September; from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm from October to November (Tuesday to Sunday outside school vacations and daily during school vacations).
- Price: €10
- See the latest news on the official website here.
2. The Marité, a legendary sailing ship
The Marité impressed us. She’s a tall ship, a splendid three-master, the last French sailing Newfoundlander. It stands alone as an illustration of Normandy’s maritime heritage. It’s possible to climb aboard and take excursions in the Bay of Granville or further afield, to the Chausey Archipelago or Cancale. Remember to check that the boat is not at a technical stop during your visit.
- Duration: 3h to 11h depending on destination
- Price: from €45 (adult)
- See the latest news on the official website here.
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.
3. The Port of Granville
The first thing we did when we arrived in Granville was stroll around the harbour. The spectacle of the sea and the boats is always captivating. Granville is France’s leading shellfish port, the ideal place to find fresh, tasty seafood. The atmosphere is lively and we stayed a long time watching the ballet of boats.
4. The panorama from Pointe du Roc
At the very end of the rocky promontory on which the town is built, we highly recommend a trip to Pointe du Roc. Panoramic views over the sea, the bay and as far as the Chausey Islands are spectacular. The point can be reached by beautiful, wildly atmospheric walks, lulled by the sound of the waves against the rocks.
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5. Explore the ramparts and Upper Town
Strolling along the ramparts, we were treated to breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding islands. The lights were splendid, perfect for making beautiful souvenir photos.
The cobbled streets of the Upper Town are picturesque and well-preserved. The atmosphere is friendly and lively, with local craft stores and restaurants.
6. Grand’Porte with drawbridge
The Grand’Porte is an ancient drawbridge gateway to the Upper Town. Here we saw a commemorative plaque evoking the siege of the town in 1793 by the Vendéens. The gate was designed to allow the passage of horse-drawn carriages when the ramparts were reinforced in the 18th century.
WHERE TO STAY AT Mont-Saint-Michel
Option 1:
Choose one of the 7 hotels on the mountain, within the city limits – see our article
- The historic Auberge Saint-Pierre Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2:
Or sleep in the part called La Caserne which is between the parking lots and the footbridge to Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Mercure 4-starhotel – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3:
And if you are looking for luxury, check out our article dedicated to luxury hotels near Mont-Saint-Michel.
- The charming guest house Clos de Gilles – see prices, photos and availability
Option 4:
The Normandy countryside is very green and inspiring. At the bend in the forest or in the fields, pretty villages with beautiful buildings transport you to another world, or even another era.
- Hotel Ermitage at 5min – see prices, pictures and availability
- Château de Boucéel at 30min – see prices, pictures and availability
7. Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Lihou church
In the Upper Town, we loved the legend of this church dedicated to fishermen. The first granite chapel was built on Cap Lihou in the 11th century, after sailors brought back a statue of the Virgin Mary in their nets. The church was modified over the following centuries. It blends Romanesque and Gothic styles and has been a listed building since 1992.
- Opening hours: open every day
- Price: access is free
8. Cabins at Plage du Plat-Gousset
On the promenade of Plage du Plat-Gousset, we found the bathing cabins typical of the elegant seaside resorts of Normandy. Inheriting the tradition of 19th-century sea bathing, they are installed every summer opposite the Chausey Islands. They can be rented by the week or for the season. See the latest news and prices on the official website here
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
9. La Plage du Hérel
Granville has several beaches for swimming and walking. Plage du Plat-Gousset is undoubtedly the best known. We really liked Plage du Hérel, further south below the port. Like most of the town’s beaches, it is covered at high tide and rich in shellfish. Its proximity to the port makes it an ideal location for water sports activities.
10. The elegant Stelsia Casino
Granville’s landmark casino dates back to 1911. Its silhouette facing the sea evokes an Indian palace with a hint ofArt Nouveau. From its windows, the view of the bay and Plage du Plat-Gousset is breathtaking. Inside, we found a hotel, two restaurants, a bar and a nightclub, as well as gaming rooms. Recently renovated, it reopened its doors in 2021. The building has been listed as a historical monument since 1992.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday)
- See the latest news on the official website here
11. St. Paul’s Church
Built at the end of the 19th century, we really liked Saint Paul’s Church. In our opinion, it’s a fine example of neo-Romanesque architecture, with careful detailing and beautiful proportions. Closed to the public since 2003, it was desecrated in 2018. A new project plans to transform it into a convivial, multi-purpose venue (cultural activities and catering).
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Attractions around Granville
The Mont-Saint-Michel
France’s most famous rocky islet and its medieval abbey perched 92m above sea level are just a 1-hour drive away. Don’t miss our article on Mont-Saint-Michel.
The Chausey Archipelago
Just opposite Granville, the archipelago (365 islets at low tide) offers a wild and authentic landscape. A ferry takes you there in 1 hour. Find out more here.
Lucerne Abbey
Less than 20 minutes away, Lucerne Abbey is well worth a visit. Recently renovated, it is a sober gem of Romanesque and Cistercian architecture. We ‘ve devoted an entire article to it.
How to get to Granville + parking
Where to find Granville
- In Normandy, in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
- Caen: 1h30 drive
- Rouen: 2h40 drive
- Paris: 4h20 drive
- here’s a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
- By car: the town is 30 minutes from the A84 freeway (exit 36 or 37).
- By train: from Gare Montparnasse, the journey takes 3h30. Find out more here.
Parking in Granville
We recommend you leave your car in one of the town’s parking lots (near the port, for example) and explore on foot. The downtown area is not very large.
Useful tips for visiting Granville
How long and when?
Allow half a day if you just want to explore the city, or a full day to enjoy the museums, and more if you want to enjoy the surrounding area and beaches in fine weather.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, spring or autumn is best. Granville is a popular seaside resort in summer.
Visiting with children
- Enjoy the Plat-Gousset beach
- Le Roc des Curiosités and its aquarium
- Police investigations organized by the Tourist Office
- La Chèvre Rit farm
- Megafun, just a few minutes from Granville
- The Ferris wheel in the summer months
What to do when it rains
- The Christian Dior Museum
- Richard Anacreon Museum of Modern Art
- Freedôm area (climbing and golf simulator)
Visiting in winter
If, like us, you like to feel the force of the elements, strolling through the city and enjoying long walks on the beach in winter will delight you. Especially when it comes to taking refuge afterwards around a hot chocolate or a good table.
The nearby sandy beaches are also ideal for learning how to sail a sand yacht. And for the more courageous, why not take the plunge? More details here.
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
Best of
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…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
