Planning a trip to Normandy?
What to do in Normandy?
Below are our 42 suggestions to keep everyone happy:
- nature destinations to see,
- architectural attractions to visit in Normandy,
- fun activities,
- inspiring art,
- fascinating museums,
- intense commemorative sites,
- great food and much more!
We love our home region and want to share all it has to offer!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
INCONTOURNABLES – What to do in Normandy – Top 3
1 – Marvel at the cliffs of Étretat
- Experience –
Explore every corner of Étretat. It’s one of the most magnificent spots on the Côte d’Albâtre.
Here, the elements have splendidly sculpted the white chalk.
And you can enjoy it from so many different angles: the top of the northern cliffs, the top of the southern cliffs, the bottom of both… Find out more in our article on Étretat.
And it’s here that the stories of the Arsène Lupin character (written by Maurice Leblanc) took place. Where did he hide his treasure? - Location –
In the village / town of Étretat
Department: Seine-Maritime
40min drive from Le Havre
This place deserves at least one night: See the best rated accommodations in Étretat
2 – Observing the tide around Mont-Saint-Michel
- Experience –
No surprise here: Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most famous attractions.
And understandably so… It’s such an impressive place! The small island is covered with fortifications, medieval streets and an impressive abbey at the top. And as the tide changes, so do the views.
Make sure you see it at low tide and high tide!
See our articles on What to do and how to visit. - Location –
Western Normandy, border with Brittany
Département de la Manche
1h30 drive from Caen
It deserves a stay nearby to visit it by night –see the best-rated accommodations in the area / or see our suggestions on where to sleep
3 – A walk through history in Rouen
- Experience –
Rouen is Normandy’s most fascinating city. This is what people imagine when they think of France.
It has a high concentration of listed buildings, and just walking around is fascinating.
Important historical events have taken place in Rouen, for example around the cathedral, one of the most impressive in France. - Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
Paris to Rouen = 1h drive or 1h10 by train
Discover the best-rated accommodations in Rouen
A note on Unesco sites / listings for Normandy
For some of you, all the Unesco heritage listings are “must-sees”.
In Normandy, they are :
- The Mont-Saint-Michel site – See above #2
- Vauban Forts – you can see one on the island of Tatihou (see no. 27 in the list)
- The Le Havre site and its reconstruction architecture by Perret (see no. 20 in the list)
- The Bayeux Tapestry object (see no. 30 in the list)
- Point d’Alençon lace classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage (see no. 31 on the list)
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.
NORMAND CHARM – What to see in Normandy
Normandy is often considered one of France’s most charming regions.
Despite the devastation wrought by the Second World War, the region still boasts a wealth of historic town centers and charming old villages.
Here are some of the most beautiful places in Normandy to appreciate its charm: Honfleur, Vernon and villages with half-timbered houses.
4 – Stroll through Honfleur’s historic center
- Experience –
Honfleur is one of the most charming towns to visit in Normandy.
The little port with its tall, narrow houses is one of the most photographed spots.
In addition, you can explore the side streets to find beautiful old houses and a unique wooden church.
To find out more, read our article on Honfleur. - Location –
Near the Pont de Normandie
Calvados Department
Caen to Honfleur = 1h drive
See the best rated accommodations in Honfleur
5 – Be charmed by Normandy’s half-timbered villages
- Experience –
There are many charming villages to discover in Normandy. Some have rows of typical half-timbered houses in different colors.
They’re very photogenic!
Among the best are Le Bec-Hellouin, Beuvron-en-Auge and Lyon-la-Forêt.
To find out more, read my article on Normandy’s most beautiful villages. - Location –
All over Normandy, but especially in Calvados, east of Caen.
6 – Take one of Normandy’s most iconic photos – Moulin de Vernon
- Experience –
It’s not big, but this mill is one of Normandy’s most emblematic buildings. Probably for the mix of history and place.
The half-timbered mill house (16th century) stands on an old medieval bridge (12th century).
There used to be many mills on the Seine. You can see the building from different angles, with the river in the background. - Location –
Eure District
South of Rouen – 1h drive
Near the famous village of Giverny with Monet’s Garden.
Discover the best rated accommodations in Vernon
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
GASTRONOMY
One of the most important things to do in Normandy is to eat. After all, you’re in France.
Of course, you’ll have all the best French classics: French bread, cakes, delicious meals, croissants…
But here are just a few of the Normandy specialities not to be missed: cheeses, cider, mussels and Benedictine liqueur.
7 – Fromages Normands
There’s no shortage of cheeses to enjoy in France.
But when you’re in Normandy, it’s best to try Normandy cheeses. The best-known are :
- Camembert, the world’s best-known cheese.
- Livarot
- Le Pont-l’Évêque
- Le Neufchâtel
You can even visit the towns or villages from which they take their name. They often have little museums where you can find out more about them (and taste them!).
8 – Cider or apple juice?
I know that when you travel to France, you probably want to drink wine.
There are a few wines in Normandy, but not many.
The region is best known for its cider (and therefore also its apple juice).
There are lots of apple trees growing in the countryside and the cider bubbles are delicious!
9 – Mussels
Normandy being a coastal region, seafood is delicious.
However, there’s one particular treat you shouldn’t miss: mussels. Especially with camembert sauce! Nothing could be more Norman.
The best are those in the Barfleur region.
10 – Liqueur Bénédictine
- Experience –
Visit the Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp.
It’s a great combination: a magnificent building, fascinating objects, a tour of the distillery and a tasting session at the end. - Location –
Town of Fécamp
Department of Seine-Maritime
Rouen to Fécamp = 1 hour’s drive
See the best rated accommodations in Fécamp
NATURE – 3 Best Destinations in Normandy
Normandy offers a wide variety of experiences: architecture, history, culture and nature!
When we think of nature destinations in Normandy, we often think of the white cliffs of the Alabaster coast, but it actually offers many more picturesque areas. My other preferred choices are the wild coastline of the Cotentin peninsula and the “Suisse Normande”.
11 – Road trip along the Alabaster coast
- Experience –
If your time is limited, visit only Étretat. But if you have the time, the whole of the Alabaster Coast is well worth a visit. It’s one of our favorite destinations in Normandy.
You can go to pebble beaches, stroll through narrow valleys (called “valleuses”) and enjoy magnificent views like the one from Cap Fagnet above.
The coast is around 130 km long, with cliffs ranging from 30 to 105 m high almost everywhere.
Discover the most beautiful places in our article on the Alabaster Coast. - Location –
From Le Havre to Le Tréport
Department: Seine-Maritime
Saint-Valery-en-Caux is the most central town for exploring the entire coast – Discover our top-rated accommodations
12 – Enjoy the wild side of the Cotentin Peninsula
- Experience –
Explore the Cape Route with its beautiful cliffs, beaches and rock formations.
The oldest rocks in France can be found here. The most famous place to see in the region is the Nez de Jobourg.
But take the time to explore further.
For example, just north of Jobourg lies the superb bay of Ecalgrain, which you can see in the photo above. - Location –
Northwest coast of the Cotentin Peninsula
Department of La Manche
13 – Suisse Normande
- Experience –
If you’ve had enough of pretty villages, impressive cliffs or peaceful landscapes, check out the “mini-mountains” of Suisse Normande.
It’s hard to imagine that we’re in Normandy. I love the contrast of the rocky cliffs with all the trees.
It’s an ideal place for climbing enthusiasts. But even if you’re just driving around, the little region is well worth a visit. - Location –
Border between Calvados and Orne
Around the village of Clécy. See accommodations
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WORLD WAR II – What to see in Normandy
Another essential aspect of exploring Normandy is discovering the sites and relics of the Second World War.
You may have read about it, but the experience is quite moving.
We think there are at least four things to do to get a taste of WWII history in Normandy: visit the American cemetery, one of the war batteries, one of the landing sites and one of the museums.
14 – Feeling humble at the American cemetery
- Experience –
It’s one of the most moving reminders of the Second World War in Normandy: the rows and rows of crosses representing the fallen against a backdrop of the ocean.
A powerful place.
I didn’t expect to feel so moved, because it wasn’t my generation. But it’s incredible to think of all the young people who have come here to help us. - Location –
In Colleville-Sur-Mer, Calvados, near Omaha Beach
45min drive west of Caen
15 – Imagine life in one of the batteries
- Experience –
All along the Normandy coast, you can find what remains of some of the German batteries from the Second World War.
Some are quite well preserved. They help you understand strategy and the way soldiers lived in the past. - Location –
There are many options. My 2 favorites are Longues-sur-Mer (35min west of Caen) and Merville (just east of Ouistreham).
16 – Set foot on one of the landing sites
- Experience –
The next step is to understand how the D-Day landings took place.
Seeing the peaceful beaches of today, it can be hard to imagine what it was like.
For some places, you can imagine how they landed, but for others like Pointe du Hoc, it’s crazy to imagine how they had to climb the cliffs. - Location –
The most famous are : Utah Beach (the best for viewing representations of the landings), Omaha Beach (with the beautiful sculpture), Juno Beach (for the Canadians) and Sword Beach (for the British).
17 – To find out more, visit one of the many museums, especially in Caen.
- Experience –
Finally, you should visit at least one of the World War II museums. There are many of them. Some small ones with specialties (like the story of a single battle) and some larger ones.
The quality is overall very good, with lots of pictures and objects. - Location –
One of the most complete is the Caen Memorial Museum. It is very interactive but quite large. You can spend a whole day there.
Other major museums are at Utah Beach and Juno Beach (for Canadian history).
But some smaller ones are interesting, such as: Arromanches 360°, the Airborne museum (dedicated to the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions), the Overlord museum (about operation Overlord), the World War II museum in Bayeux…
See the best rated accommodations in Caen.
MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites
- The best landing sites to visit
- Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
- Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
- The best D-Day museums in Normandy
- German batteries to visit
- Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
- Visit Omaha Beach
- Visit Utah Beach
- Visit Gold Beach
- Visit Sword Beach
- Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)
ARCHITECTURE
With its long history, Normandy has always been a land where architects have tried new things.
Below are some of the architectural highlights of the area at different times: bridge, lighthouse, castle and reconstruction after World War II.
18 – Admire the Pont de Normandie
- Experience –
Inaugurated in 1995, the Normandy Bridge is a magnificent architectural wonder.
It is a 2143 m long cable-stayed road. When it was built, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.
It is a toll highway, but you can also enjoy its view of the mouth of the Seine via a walking path. - Location –
On the Seine, at the border of Seine-Maritime, Eure and Calvados
Pont de Rouen to Normandie = 1h drive
Caen Bridge in Normandy = 1 hour drive
19 – Feeling small next to the Gatteville lighthouse
- Experience –
The Gatteville lighthouse is one of the highest in the world. It reaches 75 m.
It may not be the most iconic in shape and color, but the contrast with the flat rock bed that surrounds it is fascinating, in my opinion.
To learn more, read this article. - Location –
In the Manche, Contentin peninsula
Near the village of Barfleur.
35min drive west of Cherbourg
Discover the best rated accommodations around Barfleur.
20 – Be surprised by Le Havre’s architecture
- Experience –
When one thinks of French architecture, the style of Le Havre does not come to mind.
However, it is a Unesco site and deserves a visit.
The architecture is protected (Unesco site) because it made a great leap forward when Auguste Perret imagined it for the reconstruction after the Second World War (Le Havre was almost entirely destroyed).
But more than that, Le Havre is a city of contrast. Look at the picture below. You can see Perret’s square buildings in the background, and their contrast with the soft lines of architect Oscar Niemeyer’s work in the foreground.
Read more about our article on Le Havre - Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime.
Rouen to Le Havre = 1 hour’s drive
Beginning of the Alabaster Coast
See the best-rated accommodations in Le Havre
CASTLES – 3 most beautiful castles in Normandy
Normandy has long been a border region with a tumultuous history.
That’s why you can find in the region many castles of different periods and styles.
It is very difficult to choose the best ones because they are so different. Below are three of my favorites, but you can see more in our article on the most beautiful castles in Normandy.
21 – Château Saint-Germain-de-Livet
- Experience –
This castle really impressed me. It’s not the oldest, it’s not the largest (it’s actually quite small) but it’s certainly the most unique. The half-timbered part of the manor house still has old frescoes on the wall because they had been protected by plaster. And the stone and brick part has some green elements in the exterior decor, which is very rare. - Location –
Calvados
10min drive south of Lisieux
Official website
22 – Carrouges Castle
Castle of Carrouges
- Experience –
From the 14th and 17th centuries.
I love the different shapes of the castle structure, the impressive front door and the road leading to it, and the color red. It was a place of conviviality that welcomed Louis XI and Catherine de Medici. Inside, you can see pieces of very different styles. I prefer the older ones with the carved wooden beams. And pay special attention to the stairs.
I loved it because there was a lot to see but not too much. In some castles (like Versailles), the rooms seem very repetitive after a while. Not here. - Location –
City of Carrouges, Orne
30min drive west of Alençon
Official website
23 – Château d’Harcourt
Harcourt Castle
- Experience –
From the 12th and 14th centuries, and modified in the 17th century
This castle has one of the most beautiful parks to explore.
The medieval castle of Harcourt is surrounded by two arboretums: a tree museum and specific areas for tree replanting studies. You will be able to see impressive specimens such as beech trees, giant cedars, cypresses, giant redwoods… - Location –
City of Harcourt, Eure
40min from Evreux
Official website
Do not make
THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE
On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi.
So our trip began with a “card blocked” call… Not funny at all!
Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry.
ART
The Normandy region has inspired many artists, especially the impressionists who developed their style thanks to the ever-changing lights and skies.
You can visit places that were painted by Manet, Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, Henri Matisse, Raoul Dufy and many others.
I haven’t listed the museums here, but there are plenty to choose from: the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, the MuMa in Le Havre, the Impressionist Museum in Giverny….
24 – Feel Monet’s inspiration at Giverny
- Experience –
The most famous artistic site in Normandy is the village of Giverny where you can visit Monet’s famous gardens that he painted so many times.
It’s a wonderful place to visit, but be sure to book your ticket and prefer the opening hours for better light. - Location –
Village of Giverny, not far from the town of Vernon
1h20 drive from Paris
You can book a day trip from Paris to explore the area. See the options
See the best rated accommodations around Giverny.
25 – Track down impressionists and compare with reality
- Experience –
As I wrote above, Normandy is the cradle of Impressionism.
There are so many places that have been painted by famous artists. Many cities include copies of these paintings with explanations. - Location –
All over Normandy.
Start with your favorite paintings and try to find the location. - See our article on Impressionism in Normandy
26 – Choosing modern art in Le Havre
- Experience –
And we are back in Le Havre (it’s my hometown, so I chose to mention it twice LOL).
Remember I told you that what I like is contrast. Well, that’s also due to the modern artworks that can be found throughout the city and on the beach.
One of the most emblematic is “La Catène”, 2 arches made of colored containers. This is a work by Vincent Ganivet.
Read more about our article on Le Havre - Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime.
Rouen to Le Havre = 1 hour’s drive
Beginning of the Alabaster Coast
See the best-rated accommodations in Le Havre
FUN – 3 out-of-the-ordinary activities
Looking for something fun that you can’t find everywhere?
Well, I’ve found a few that you should consider. They are listed below.
27 – Tatihou Island, oyster farms and amphibious vehicle
- Experience –
The visit of the island of Tatihou and its Vauban fort (Unesco site) is already a great experience.
But what makes the visit even more fun is how you get there.
The island is not far from the coast and at high tide it doesn’t look so special, you make the 10 minute boat trip.
On the other hand, if you cross at low tide, the oyster farms start to appear everywhere and the boat gets on wheels to pass in the middle!
Even if you are not on board, make sure you see it in action. - Location –
Departure from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
In the English Channel, in the Cotentin Peninsula
35min drive east of Cherbourg
See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
28 – Salivating at the Maison du Biscuit
- Experience –
This is no ordinary stop.
Discover this series of stores with a “Disney world” look. Don’t forget to enter the House of Biscuits (founded in 1903) to discover many delicious products: cookies, jams, cakes, sweets… It is a paradise for food lovers (but beware, you can get lost in all the products for hours) - Location –
South of Cherbourg
West coast of the Cotentin Peninsula, La Manche
29 – Hunting hedge sculptures at Château du Champ de Bataille
- Experience –
It is considered the “Versailles of Normandy”, but my favorite part is not the castle, it is the park.
Landscapers are having a blast. I won’t spoil too much of the surprise, but plan on spending a few hours exploring the gardens and discovering the shapes they came up with with the hedges. - Location –
Sainte-Opportune-du-Bosc, Eure
35min from Evreux
Official website
CULTURE – 3 best museums (excluding war and art)
Want to discover more and expand your horizons?
Normandy has a beautiful collection of museums on history, art and cultural specificities…
I’ve already mentioned the World War II museums, and we’ve already talked about art.
In this section, I have selected 3 other museums that will make you discover completely different worlds.
30 – Bayeux Tapestry Museum
- Experience –
The main attraction of the museum is the Bayeux Tapestry, a woolen thread embroidered on a linen canvas. It tells the story of William, Duke of Normandy, who became King of England in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings. It represents 58 scenes and includes 202 horses!
Please note that the museum will be closed for renovation and will be inaccessible from September 1, 2025 until October 2027.
Official website - Location –
Calvados Department
From Caen to Bayeux = 30min drive
Discover the best rated accommodations in Bayeux
31 – Alençon Lace Museum
- Experience –
The main attractions of the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace are the collections and the explanations about the culture of needlework, especially the prestigious “Point d’Alençon”. The lace making technique is registered on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list since 2010.
Official website - Location –
City of Alençon
Department of Orne
From Caen to Alençon = 1h15 drive
Discover the best rated accommodations in Alençon
32 – Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg
- Experience –
An impressive museum where you can spend several days – learning about the ocean, the underwater flora and fauna, and all the tools and machines used by men to explore its depths, including a giant submersible.
Official website - Location –
City of Cherbourg
North coast of the Manche department
Discover the best rated accommodations in Cherbourg
RELIGIOUS HISTORY
We have already covered many aspects of history with the castles and the Second World War.
But the long Norman history is also very much built around religion.
The cathedrals and abbeys are keys to understanding the region through time.
See more in my article on the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in Normandy.
33 – Wondering how cathedrals were built in the past…
- Experience –
As everywhere in France, the cathedrals are among the most impressive architectural pieces.
Normandy is no exception to the rule.
You can see many of them over the cities of Normandy. Take the time to enter and admire the grandiose vaulted ceilings, columns and stained glass windows. They all have an intriguing story. - Location –
All over Normandy: Rouen, Bayeux, Coutances (photo above), Évreux, Sées, Lisieux
34 – Understanding how powerful abbeys were
- Experience –
Normandy also has many abbeys. They ruled the region.
Some are still in good condition, but most are in ruins. However, you can still see how impressive they were.
All the visits bring very different experiences. - Location –
All around Normandy.
The most famous is Jumièges Abbey, not far from Rouen.
Among my favorites, we find the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the abbey of Hambye, the abbey of Saint-Georges de Boscherville, the abbey of Lucerne…
See my article on the most beautiful abbeys of Normandy.
35 – Modern religious history in Lisieux
- Experience –
If you’re looking for a bit of more modern history, go to Lisieux.
It houses the Basilica of Therese of Lisieux, built for Therese who was canonized in 1925.
The basilica was blessed in 1937.
Official website - Location –
City of Lisieux, Calvados
See the best rated accommodations in Lisieux.
COAST – Most beautiful beaches and more
The Normandy coastline is 603 km long, oriented to the north and west.
It is extremely varied with high cliffs, lower cliffs, flat rocky areas dating back millions of years, sandy beaches, pebble beaches, sand dunes…
36 – Starta collection of beach hut photos
- Experience –
Visit the many beaches of the Normandy coast and discover the variety of beach huts: all white, two-tone, multicolored or with colored roofs, they are always charming.
The trend of sea bathing began in the middle of the 18th century. Everyone wanted to enjoy the benefits of swimming in the ocean. The Normandy coast was booming.
Today, the beach huts are there for those who still like to swim in the sea. They are often family heirlooms.
Our grandparents had one on the beach of Le Havre and one on the beach of Sainte-Adresse. - Location –
Gouville-sur-Mer – with the colored roofs
Le Havre – with multicolored stripes (although there are rules about colors and width).
Yport with a more elegant blue and white design
…
37 – Choose one of the Côte Fleurie seaside resorts
- Experience –
As I wrote above, sea bathing became popular in the 18th century, and seaside resorts flourished along the sandy beaches of Calvados.
Large houses were built, and they still stand today. Walking around these cities looks like French glamour - Location –
Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer, Cabourg, Houlgate, Villers-sur-Mer… Choose your favorites
My favorite is Cabourg, because of the long path along the beach and the sand dune at the mouth of the river.
See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
38 – Visit secret beaches
- Experience –
In the towns located on the Alabaster coast, you can see large beaches, but along the cliffs, there are more. Many are not within walking distance, but a few are, if you know where to look.
In Étretat, some are accessible by a man-made staircase in the cliffs or by tunnels dug in the cliffs.
In other places, you have to descend a narrow and steep valley, but you end up at the foot of high cliffs. It is fascinating! - Location –
Along the Alabaster Coast.
4 additional ideas
And here are some other places I like in Normandy, but I couldn’t add them to one of the categories…
39 – Château Gaillard and Les Andelys
- Experience –
Chateau Gaillard is a combination of so many things that I can’t really fit it into one category.
There is a castle with an important history.
There is a charming old town.
There is a breathtaking nature with a loop of the Seine… - Location –
Department of Eure
South of Rouen = 1 hour’s drive
Discover the accommodations in Andelys
40 – Veules-les-Roses and the shortest river in France
- Experience –
In the charming village of Veules-les-Rose, you can walk along the shortest river in France: 1149m long.
During the walk, you will discover watercress fields, mills and typical houses of the region.
More pictures in this article - Location –
Seine-Maritime, Alabaster coast
Rouen to Veules-les-Roses = 1 hour’s drive
Discover the best rated accommodations in the region
41 – Saint-Cénéri-Le-Gérei
- Experience –
Saint-Cénéri is another beautiful Norman village. But it is quite unique and impossible to classify.
Nestled in a loop of the Sarthe, it offers houses with old buildings surrounded by greenery. It is a peaceful place that has inspired many artists for good reason.
See more pictures in this article. - Location –
The Orne, in the Alpes Mancelles
20min south of Alençon
42 – GR21 hiking trail
If you like hiking, the Alabaster Coast region is also full of hiking trails, including the famous GR21. It was elected in 2020 as the favorite hiking route of the French.
You can walk the entire trail (190km), or enjoy small portions of it, like in Étretat.
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…
