Wondering where to go in Normandy? What are the best cities to visit and where to stay to discover the history and beauty of this region of Northern France? The choice is vast.
Here is our list of the most beautiful cities in Normandy and the reasons why we love them, so you can decide which ones are best for you.
The most beautiful cities of Normandy – Summary
With a long history, Normandy is full of charming towns that offer fascinating history, charming landscapes and splendid architecture.
Most of them have a lot to offer to travelers and the choice is very difficult. I’m sure some residents will be offended that I didn’t choose their city. But I still had to narrow down the list…
Top 7 best towns and cities in Normandy
In the following article, the cities are not ranked in any particular order of preference (they all have something of interest for the visitor).
However, if you need me to narrow it down further, here are some additional tips:
- Best historical city – Honfleur
- Most beautiful landscapes on the coast – Étretat
- Most beautiful landscapes inland – Les Andelys
- Best seaside resort – Cabourg
- Best big city – Rouen (even though I love my home town, Le Havre, I think here from the point of view of a foreign visitor)
- Best village (less than 2000 inhabitants) – Beuvron-en-Auge
- Our city – Le Havre
Cities where to sleep
And here are the most convenient cities for :
- Explore the Alabaster Coast – Saint-Valery-en-Caux – right in the middle and a perfect size in my opinion – see hotels
- Explore all of Normandy – Caen is the most central city in Normandy – see hotels
- Discover the sites of the Second World War– Bayeux – see the hotels
- Visit Mont-Saint-Michel – Avranches (+ it houses the manuscripts museum) – see the hotels
Map of the best cities in Normandy
Here are all the cities listed above on a map, to orient you, but there are more to come in this article with pictures!
Note – this article is about cities – if you are looking for the most beautiful villages in Normandy, go to this other article.
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Beautiful historical towns in Normandy
Honfleur
- Location –
Department of Calvados
Near the Normandy bridge
From Caen to Honfleur = 1h drive - Why visit –
Honfleur is one of the most emblematic places of Normandy. Its historical center is fascinating with its half-timbered houses, high narrow buildings around the harbor, a unique church… The region has inspired and continues to inspire many artists!
Read more about our article on Honfleur - To see –
The emblematic port with its tall narrow buildings
St. Catherine’s Church with a complete wooden structure
Fascinating half-timbered houses
Art and History Museums
You can book a guided tour of Honfleur – see options - Where to sleep
Read our advice on where to sleep in Honfleur
or see directly the best rated accommodations in Honfleur - Where to eat
See our article on the best restaurants in Honfleur
Falaise
- Location –
Department of Calvados
From Caen to Falaise = 1h drive - Why visit –
Falaise is a fortified medieval town which was the birthplace of William the Conqueror.
Its strong point is the fortified castle located on a rocky promontory. It dates from the 12th century. It offers magnificent views of the city. - What to see –
The castle and its museum
The scenic route
Churches of the 11th, 13th and 16th centuries - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Falaise
Bayeux
- Location
Department of Calvados
Near many famous World War II sites
From Caen to Bayeux = 30min drive - Why visit –
Bayeux is also a historic town with a charming historic center. Its center sometimes looks more like a village than a city.
It was fortunate to avoid most of the destruction during the Second World War.
It is famous for its Unesco listed tapestry, probably from the 11th century. - What to see –
The Tapestry Museum
The beautiful cathedral
The old center with the mill and some half-timbered houses - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Bayeux
Pont-L’Évêque
- Location –
Department of Calvados
Inland, but close to the famous seaside town of Deauville
From Caen to Pont-l’Évêque = 40min drive - Why visit –
Pont-l’Évêque was created at the confluence of three rivers in the heart of the Pays d’Auge.
The city has always been an important place of passage and trade. It has preserved a rich heritage that can be easily explored on foot. - What to see –
Many old houses typical of the region dating from the 16th and 18th centuries
The old prison of the 19th century
The charm of the city - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Pont-l’Évêque
Bernay
- Location –
Department of Eure
From Caen to Bernay = 1h20 drive - Why visit –
Bernay is a pretty town that developed around an abbey.
Today, the old center still has impressive medieval half-timbered houses, an important heritage.
In addition, the abbey church is still standing and offers a unique atmosphere.
It’s not often on the tourist trail, but I really enjoyed its vibrancy. - What to see –
The Gaston Folloppe street and its fascinating half-timbered houses
The abbey church with elements of the 11th century still present
Bridges over the small rivers between the houses - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Bernay
Domfront
- Location –
On the border between Normandy and Brittany
Department of Orne
Alençon to Domfront = 1h drive - Why visit –
As you explore the city, you can appreciate the strategic location on top of a hill and imagine how the castle, now in ruins, defended the city.
The city has a strong historical connotation. - What to see –
The ruins of the castle
The old streets with their half-timbered houses
The unique church of Saint-Julien
The towers of fortification - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Domfront
A little more patience…
our travel guide to Normandy is under construction!
The most picturesque towns in Normandy
The best historical cities above were mostly located in the department of Calvados. But you will see that most of the picturesque towns below are in Seine-Maritime, on the Alabaster Coast. In my opinion, this is one of the best destinations in Normandy.
Étretat
- Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
Le Havre to Étretat = 30 min drive
Rouen to Étretat = 1h10 drive - Why visit –
This is my favorite place in Normandy, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
By its size, Étretat is just between a village and a city. And I love it so much that I mentioned it in both articles.
The Alabaster Coast is made of high white cliffs. At Étretat, the elements have sculpted them, creating several arches and a marine pile with needles.
The place has inspired many artists, including the author Maurice Leblanc with his character of Arsène Lupin.
To learn more, see our article on Étretat. - What to see –
Views from the cliffs on either side of the valley
The walk under the cliffs at low tide to discover hidden beaches
The chapel and the garden of the North Cliffs - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Étretat
Les Andelys
- Location –
Department of Eure
Rouen to Andelys = 1 hour drive - Why visit –
The charming town of Les Andelys is located on one of the loops of the Seine.
It is protected by the castle of Gaillard which offers an impressive view of the city and the cliffs of the river. - What to see –
The castle of Gaillard of the XIIth century, erected by Richard the Lionheart
The views from the castle and the surrounding walking paths
The riverside walkway
The center of the old town with its charming houses - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Les Andelys
Fécamp
- Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
Le Havre to Fécamp = 50 min drive
Rouen to Fécamp = 1h drive - Why visit –
A good combination of history and landscape.
The city is framed by the impressive cliffs of the Alabaster Coast.
Fécamp is known for its long history of fishing and for the Benedictine liqueur made in the Benedictine palace by Alexander the Great.
See our article on the Normandy town of Fécamp - What to see –
The Benedictine Palace and its distillery
The Fisheries Museum with the history of the port
The impressive views and WWII bunkers at Cap Fagnet(see our article) - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Fécamp
Saint-Valery-en-Caux
- Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
Le Havre to Saint-Valéry = 1h15 drive
Rouen to Saint-Valéry = 1h drive - Why visit –
A lesser known city on the Alabaster Coast, but one of my favorites.
It is located in the center of the coast, which allows you to visit the area easily.
It is organized around a long harbor with beautiful cliffs, and a long dike.
It has been occupied since Roman times, a port and a fishing village. However, the harbor has been reclaimed by the mud. In the 17th century, Louis XV dug it. - What to see –
The relaxing downtown area around the water
The two dikes with a view of the large beach and the cliffs
The half-timbered house of Henri IV (16th century) and its museum
The chapel with its blue stained glass windows - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Saint-Valéry-en-Caux
Le Tréport
- Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
Rouen to Le Tréport = 1h10 driving time - Why visit –
Le Tréport is a famous seaside town where you can find the highest cliffs of the Alabaster coast.
Located at the border of the Normandy region, the tall narrow buildings of the old quarter give an impression of scale to these cliffs.
Quite different from other coastal towns in Normandy - What to see –
The port and the beach with the 106m high cliffs (348ft)
The view from the Mirador and the funicular
The old quarter with its high narrow houses - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Le Tréport
The major cities of Normandy
Normandy also has some large cities. They are all very different and have their own character!
We have selected our top 3, which in our opinion are a must. But there are still others: Cherbourg, Lisieux, Evreux, Alençon…
Rouen
- Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
From Caen to Rouen = 1h30 drive - Why visit –
Rouen is a cultural and historical city. In terms of historical buildings, it is the most fascinating to visit.
It has a high concentration of listed buildings and just walking around is fascinating.
Moreover, its cathedral is one of the most impressive in Normandy and France and has played an important role in history. - What to see –
The old streets with a myriad of historical buildings
The “Big Clock” – an impressive clock tower / door (with a time movement system dating back to 1389)
History and Joan of Arc Museum
Notre Dame Cathedral – the resting place of kings - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Rouen
Le Havre
- Location –
Department of Seine-Maritime
Rouen to Le Havre = 1 hour drive - Why visit –
This is our hometown – not a criteria for you? LOL
It is for those who are looking for something different. There are very few really old French buildings left, because the city was destroyed during the Second World War.
However, it is classified by Unesco, because of the way it was rebuilt by Auguste Perret.
A relaxing town with a beach, wide streets and modern art outside.
Learn more in our article on Le Havre. - What to see –
The architecture of Auguste Perret, which was wonderful for the reconstruction. Do not miss the church of St. Joseph and its 107m tower.
The fascinating theater called “Le Volcan” with fluid lines contrasting with the square lines of Perret’s buildings
The many works of modern art throughout the city, including “La Catène” with its colorful containers - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Le Havre
Caen
- Location –
Department of Calvados
Rouen to Caen = 1h30 drive - Why visit –
Located in the heart of Normandy, the city of Caen is very convenient for exploring the region.
Caen has a rich history due to William the Conqueror.
The religious buildings that surround the city are the highlights.
A large part of the city was destroyed during the liberation in 1944.
But some older houses can be found by walking around the pretty downtown. - What to see –
Abbaye aux Hommes (Abbey)
The ruins of the castle
World War II Memorial and Museum
The old districts and the churches - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Caen
Plan your trip to Normandy!
Other cities in Normandy to visit
Vernon
- Location –
Department of Eure
Rouen to Vernon = 50min drive - Why visit –
Founded in the 10th century, the city occupies a strategic position on the Seine.
The old center has preserved some half-timbered houses as well as some 18th century mansions.
But Vernon is most famous for the old mill that still stands above the river (a typical Normandy picture) and for being the gateway to Giverny and its gardens. - What to see –
The old center with the towers, the old houses, the church
The Mill on the Seine (from the 16th century and the bridge leading to it from the 12th century)
The castle of Tourelles and the river promenade - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Vernon
Pont-Audemer
- Location –
Department of Eure
From Caen to Pont-Audemer = 1 hour drive - Why visit –
Pont-Audemer is often called the Norman Venice, because it is crossed by several branches of the Risle.
This medieval town still has some streets with half-timbered houses, dryers and wrought iron balconies. - What to see –
The main square with the Saint-Ouen church
The old half-timbered houses dotted the city
The arms of the Risle - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Pont-Audemer
Verneuil d’Avre et d’Iton
- Location –
Department of Eure
Rouen to Verneuil = 1h20 drive - Why visit –
It was once the border town between France and Normandy.
Fortunately, it was well preserved from the bombings of World War II and still houses many historic buildings. She has a lot of character. - What to see –
The church, the half-timbered houses, the grey tower - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Verneuil
Dieppe
- Location –
Department of Seine Maritime
Rouen to Dieppe = 1h drive - Why visit –
For many centuries, Dieppe was an important fishing and trading port on the banks of the Arques River.
Today, still protected by the cliffs, it retains its maritime charm with 4 harbors and a wide waterfront,
And the castle overlooks the whole city.
See our article on Dieppe. - What to see –
Walks along the seaside and in the ports
The old center with 2 churches and the Tourelles gate
The castle with its view on the city - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Dieppe
Granville
- Location –
Department of La Manche
From Caen to Granville = 1h20 drive - Why visit –
The town is well located for exploring the west coast of the English Channel – many attractions nearby.
Granville impresses with its fortified promontory called Le Roc overlooking the water (also used during World War II).
It offers a mixture of landscapes: a medieval upper town, a seaside resort with small beaches, a casino and a fishing port. - What to see –
The Roc walk and the visit of the old upper town
Christian Dior Museum
The port, the big wheel and the Marité boat
You can take the ferry to the Chausey Islands from here. - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Granville
Avranches
- Location –
Department of La Manche
From Caen to Avranches = 1h10 drive - Why visit –
Avranches is famous for its distant view of the Mont Saint Michel.
Moreover, this is where his manuscripts are located.
But it also houses a keep, fortifications, a basilica and churches. - What to see –
Scriptorial – Mont-Saint-Michel Manuscript Museum
The Donjon and the view on the roofs
The botanical garden and the views of Mont-Saint-Michel
The churches and the basilica - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Avranches
Best seaside resorts in Normandy
Normandy also has some famous seaside resorts that developed when sea bathing became fashionable.
They are home to opulent homes along the sandy beaches.
They are very popular in summer…
Trouville / Deauville
- Location –
Department of Calvados
From Caen to Deauville = 1h drive - Why visit –
Deauville is a glamorous 19th century seaside resort. Its reputation is partly due to the American Film Festival of Deauville which takes place there every year.
It represents a certain lifestyle with high-end hotels, spas, a casino, golf, horse racing…
It is emblematic for its walk along the flat sandy beach.
Trouville is its twin city on the other side of the harbor. They look like one city. - What to see –
Take a stroll through the city to enjoy the glamorous atmosphere and admire the buildings.
Have fun, reasonably, at the famous casino.
Take a walk on the beach and enjoy the change of scenery with the tides. - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Deauville
Cabourg
- Location –
Department of Calvados
From Caen to Deauville = 40min drive - Why visit –
The seaside town is one of the most emblematic of the Normandy coast.
You will discover there magnificent private mansions of the XIXth century.
The main building is the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay.
The city is very lively, with a long promenade.
It ends at the estuary with a tongue of land made of sand dunes. - What to see –
The 4 km long promenade along the waterfront
The main square with the “Belle Epoque” houses
The Casino and its garden
The estuary with the sand dune. - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
Villers-sur-Mer
- Location –
Department of Calvados
From Caen to Deauville = 40min drive - Why visit –
Villers-sur-Mer is another seaside resort with the charm of the “Belle Epoque”.
This is the best place to access the cliffs and rocks called “Les Vaches Noires”, a natural highlight of the area. - What to see –
The beach of flat golden sand
The big rocks that fell on the beach looked like cows to the passing sailors. - Where to sleep
Discover the best rated accommodations in Villers-sur-Mer
Don’t make the same mistake we did!
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 started with a “blocked card” call… Not funny at all!
Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry.
The most beautiful villages of Normandy
Of course, the Normandy region is also famous for some of its charming villages. Some of my favorites are:
- Beuvron-en-Auge and its main square full of colorful half-timbered houses
- Saint-Cénéri-le-Gerei, with its stone houses surrounded by nature – see article
- Le Bec-Hellouin, with its abbey and its rows of half-timbered houses – see article
- The Mont-Saint-Michel built on an island with a magnificent abbey at the top
- Veules-les-Roses with the walk along the shortest maritime river of France – see the article
- Barfleur, a peaceful village built around a port – see article
To learn more, I suggest you read my article on the most beautiful villages of Normandy.
