Charm, history, fine sandy beaches, steep cliffs, green landscapes, places of memory, animal parks, unusual activities… Normandy offers unforgettable family weekends.
Bring your children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, there is something for everyone!
You can choose the seaside, a big city, the countryside or a mixture of everything.
Here are our best ideas for family weekends in Normandy: where to go, what to do and where to sleep.
This selection is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
1 – Family weekend at Mont-Saint-Michel
Why spend a family weekend at Mont-Saint-Michel
The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the must-see places in Normandy.
The cathedrals of France are already impressive, but here, the abbey is built on top of a rather steep rocky island surrounded by a huge bay.
And it is well suited for a family weekend as there are many ways to have fun in and around the village.
Already the visit of the village can be done under the amused eye of a wizard village like in Harry Potter. Find inspiration with my article on 10 Harry Potter moments.
What to do at Mont-Saint-Michel with children
- You can visit the office or get information online, there are routes and programs on phones for children of different ages: treasure hunt, investigation game, time travel game…
- Walk to the Mont-Saint-Michel and admire the views
- Walk around the ramparts and the village after dark
- To visit the impressive abbey, we advise you to do so at first light before the arrival of the groups – be careful! – book here
- More ideas in our article on What to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
What to do around Mont-Saint-Michel with children
- Alligator Bay
It is a place that will appeal to both children and adults.
The most famous part is the tropical greenhouse with over 200 alligators, caimans and crocodiles. But our favorite part is the dragon maze. The collection of snakes and lizards is impressive. You can admire them very well with their multitudes of colors.
Book your entrance here // or read our article - Or save money by booking a ticket combination with Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey with this link.
- Ecomuseum of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
40 minutes drive from the mountain, the museum explains the natural environment through the seasons, migratory flights, fishing, reed harvesting… See the schedule - The Scriptorial of Avranches
30min from Mont-Saint-Michel, in the heart of the ramparts of Avranches, discover a fascinating museum very well done, as much for children as for adults. Many possible manipulations. Official website
Where to stay
- Auberge de La Croix Blanche
Intra-Muros – Some rooms are right above the ramparts
– see prices, pictures and availability - You will find B&Bs that can accommodate families
- Les 2 Clos gîte at the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel – see photos and availability
- Residence Beauvoir – with swimming pool and children’s playground – see photos and availability
- Le Gîte Bellevue near Mont-Saint-Michel – see photos and availability
See the best rated accommodations around Mont-Saint-Michel
2 – Family weekend in Falaise
Why spend a family weekend in Falaise
Falaise is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path destination for the whole family.
You will be able to enjoy historical moments and more natural moments: medieval castle, kayak, Suisse Normande…
What to do in Falaise with children
- The main attraction is the castle “William the Conqueror”.
It is a medieval castle from the 12th century. The visit is done with a histopad that allows children (and adults) to see animations on life in the castle, tools … It is very well done to involve them in the visit. - The Museum of Automatons: in a reconstruction of the streets of Paris, the 300 automatons perform their gestures and mimics of the past (that they had in the windows of the Parisian department stores) – website
- The Suisse Normande region near Falaise with all its natural activities: kayaking, climbing, hiking…
- For example, you can experience a beautiful Via Ferrata accessible to all – see details and availability
- Or get your adrenaline pumping with the giant zip line – see details and book
Where to stay
- The Domaine de la Tour
A quiet stay with several family options.
– see pictures and availability - Chambrappart
Apartments in Falaise, spacious and well equipped
– see prices, pictures and availability - B&B L’Ecurie
In an old farm, in Switzerland Normandy, a family room
– see pictures and availability - And for an unusual accommodation in the Suisse Normande, go and see the village of Kota-Venture with its typical Finnish accommodation – read more
Discover the best rated accommodations around Falaise
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 – Family weekend in Honfleur
Why spend a family weekend in Honfleur
Honfleur has everything to please the whole family: a charming historical center where children can have fun and parents can admire, parks and gardens, a great attraction for the whole family, a beach…
What to do in Honfleur with children
- Walk around the old port and take a ride on the carousel
- Visit the wooden St. Catherine’s Church and notice the inverted ship’s hull shape.
- Visit Naturospace
We no longer have our pictures of the interior but I recommend it, especially if you have children. Its main attraction is the butterfly house – birds, butterflies and exotic plants that you can admire – site - Boat trip
Several companies in Honfleur offer boat trips.
They will take you to the estuary and around the Normandy bridge. - Garden of personalities
At the end of the estuary, you will find the Garden of Personalities. It is a fun place where you can admire sculptures of famous people. You can make it a game of guessing who it is before you go in to read the explanation.
Children will also enjoy the maze effects. - mini-golf
- Learn more in our article What to do in Honfleur
Where to stay
- Hotel L’Absinthe – stay in a 16th century building in the heart of Honfleur – see photos and availability
- Hotel Ferme de Saint-Siméon
luxury, history, charm and view of the estuary!
– see pictures and availability
And a lot of small houses to rent: See the best rated accommodations in Honfleur
or see our complete article on where to sleep in Honfleur
4 – Family cultural weekend in Rouen
Why spend a family weekend in Rouen
Rouen is one of the most fascinating cities in Normandy.
Thanks to its colors and museums, it can interest different generations.
It is full of cultural attractions and some make an effort to cater to the younger crowd.
What to do in Rouen with children
- See the lights on the cathedral
- Go up the tower of the Big Clock and discover its mechanism
- The escape game in the Donjon
In the 13th century, King Philip Augustus built an impressive fortress in Rouen. Today only the Keep still exists.
Inside you will discover historical elements around an Escape Game. An experience you won’t soon forget.
Read more - Visit the historial of Joan of Arc
Relive the trial of Joan of Arc in immersion with sounds and lights.
Read more - Docks Laser: A leisure complex with trampoline, laser game, playground and virtual reality.
- Garden of plants
- Bioptropica, the animal garden at 30min drive from Rouen
See our complete guide to What to do in Rouen
Where to stay
- These hotels have rooms for one to three children
- Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection
luxury in the heart of old Rouen
– see pictures and availability - Radisson Blu Hotel
modern and practical
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert
for literature lovers
– see pictures and availability - Best Western Plus Hotel de Dieppe
modern and close to the station
– see pictures and availability - But you can also find apartments for rent: See the best rated accommodations in Rouen
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5 – Historical family weekend in Caen
Why spend a family weekend in Caen
Caen is ideal if you want to approach several historical periods with your children: Roman ruins, a medieval castle and a museum about the Second World War.
But they will also be able to enjoy the nature with the parks and let off steam in an amusement park.
Everyone can have fun during this weekend!
What to do in Caen with children
- The Caen Memorial – it’s a very large museum about the Second World War, it’s fascinating. But, with children, plan to do only part of the museum, as it will be too much for them.
It is organized in chronological order.
Save time, take your tickets - La Colline Aux Oiseaux park with its farm, its games, its mini-golf and its gardens
- The castle of Caen to walk on the ramparts
- The Men’s Abbey in Caen, from the outside
- Festyland
The largest amusement park in Normandy, with rides for all ages – site
See our complete guide to What to do in Caen
What to do around Caen with children
- Castle of Crèvecoeur
30min drive away
We love half-timbered houses and this castle has some very nice examples with the dovecote, the barn and the manor. And this one combines them with medieval fortifications. It reaches a good balance and we enjoyed the visit - The Roman ruins of Vieux-la-Romaine and its archaeological museum
15 minutes from Caen – small enough and digest for children. Very good first introduction to Roman ruins.
Where to stay
- The following hotels have family rooms:
- Best Western Plus Le Moderne – modern and downtown – see pictures and availability
- Hotel La Fontaine Caen Centre – good value for money in the city center – see photos and availability
- Guest house Clos Saint Martin
Downtown, with several family options
– see pictures and availability - And you can also find apartments for rent: See the best rated accommodations in Caen
6 – Family weekend in Etretat
Why spend a family weekend in Étretat
The Alabaster coast is made of high white cliffs very impressive. And in Étretat, the elements have sculpted them by creating several arches and a marine pile with needles.
It’s a magical place, where it’s nice to walk or to stop and admire the views!
The place has inspired many artists, including the author Maurice Leblanc with his character of Arsène Lupin.
This is a great weekend idea all year round. It will be more pleasant outside of the summer because the crowds can invade the village.
What to do in Étretat with children
Planning to visit Etretat with children? Here are the best activities in our opinion
- Cliffs – They should enjoy exploring the cliffs, but make sure they are reasonable. Cliffs can be dangerous, and chalk is not the strongest. Do not go near the edge.
- Museum – Le Clos Arsène Lupin is a fun adventure and the character has always been a favorite of children.
- Garden – The gardens on the northern cliffs might also be a good choice, as they resemble a labyrinth – get your tickets
- Airplane – while standing at the top of the North Cliffs, next to the museum, you can see the mortar ground plane representing the White Bird
- Playground – still on the north cliff, the Parc des Roches has a public garden, a playground, a mini-golf… Open every afternoon in summer and otherwise during school vacations.
- Adventure in the trees – 5 km from Etretat, you can enjoy an acrobatic course in the forest (including a 220 m zip line) – programs from 3 years old.
- Family adventure – rent a bicycle-rail to explore the 12 km return line between the stations of Etretat and Les Loges – departure at Les Loges.
- More details in our article on Etretat
Where to stay
- You can find houses and apartments for rent in Etretat:
- Vacation House L’Ancre des Falaises
House at 50m from the beach
– see pictures and availability - La Famiglia
2 apartments for very large families
– see pictures and availability - The Villa Panorama
Large house with open view
– see pictures and availability
See the accommodations the best rated in Étretat
or see all our tips on where to sleep in Étretat
7 – Family weekend in Cherbourg
What to do in Cherbourg with children
- The City of the Sea
This is of course the main attraction of Cherbourg for families.
In the old maritime station, you will discover bathyscaphes, a cylindrical aquarium of 11m, the submarine the Redoutable, the history of the penultimate stop of the Titanic…
Save time, get your tickets before - Visit an umbrella factory, the reference to the movie will appeal to adults, and the manufacture and colors should interest children – site
- The Emmanuel Liais park with its exotic flowers and trees
- The park of the Château des Ravalet with manicured gardens and wilder areas. Ideal for a family walk.
Where to stay
- “Cherbourg apartments”
Apartments with many beds and well located
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Le Cercle
with family rooms
– see prices, pictures and availability - Town house in Cherbourg
3 rooms
– see prices, pictures and availability
See the best rated accommodations in Cherbourg
8 – Family weekend on the landing beaches
Which landing beach with children?
All 5 landing beaches have attractions that children can enjoy. Our preference is for Utah Beach and Gold Beach.
Weekend in Utah Beach with your family – what to do with children
- The war equipment on the beach and the long sandy place will allow them to let off steam.
- The Airborne Museum is one of the most fascinating museums for children (but not for those who are very sensitive to sound and light) – parachute, sensory experiences, histopad…
Save time, get your tickets online - The D-Day Experience with the flight simulator pleases, even if we prefer the simulation of the Airbone Museum
- The Azeville Battery with its subterrains
- The Biscuit Factory of Sainte-Mère l’Eglise
- The parachutist on the church
See the best rated accommodations aroundUtah Beach
Family weekend in Gold Beach Beach – what to do with children
Gold Beach is at the level of the city of Arromanches
- The beach is its pieces of the artificial harbor that can be approached at low tide. Children love to explore around
- The D-Day Museum: presentation of the history of the British artificial harbor with the challenge of its construction and its key role in the victory.
- The circular cinema Arromanches 360: with 9 circular screens, the film “100 days of Normandy” plunges you during 19 minutes in the heart of the terrible battle – avoid for the youngest
Book your ticket - Walk around the bunkers of the war battery of Longues-sur-Mer
- The memorial with a view of the beach and the city
See the top rated accommodations around Gold Beach Beach
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
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- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
9 – Weekend by the sea in Normandy: Ouistreham
Why spend a family weekend in Ouistreham
Spending a weekend with your family in Ouistreham is an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and numerous activities by the sea. This seaside town in Normandy is famous for its lively port, historic lighthouse and sandy beach. Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the wind and waves to practice kitesurfing, sand yachting or windsurfing. Children can have fun on the rides at the Riva Bella amusement park or discover the history of the Normandy landings at the Atlantic Wall Museum.
What to do in Ouistreham with children
- The very large sandy beach
- The games around the Riva-Bella beach: mini-golf, trampoline…
- Check the times to see the bridge
- The Pegagus Museum with large equipment that interests children
- Natural and ornithological reserves of the gros banc for nature walks
- The Great Bunker Museum, Atlantic Wall – kids love the maze and discovery of the small rooms.
- Visit one of the nearby war batteries. The one in Merville is often appreciated by children.
Where to stay
- Best Western La Mare O Poissons Hotel
With family rooms and an indoor pool
– see prices, pictures and availability - Fisherman’s House
Traditional renovated house with 3 bedrooms
– see prices, pictures and availability - Apartment LE LUXE
Apartment with sea view, with 2 bedrooms, next to Riva Bella
– see prices, pictures and availability
See the best rated accommodations in Ouistreham
10 – Unusual family weekend in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
Why spend a family weekend in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
For us, it was one of the places in Normandy that gave us the most change of scenery and activities.
Indeed, between low and high tide, the views towards the island of Tatihou are very different with the appearance of oyster beds.
And to get to the island, you have to take the amphibious boat. Depending on the tide times, you can either drive or sail across the river!
What to do in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue with children
- Admire the changing tides and the appearance of oyster beds
- Take the amphibious boat to visit the island of Tatihou
- Walk to see the corresponding fort on land
- Go for a walk around to visit the village of Barfleur and the lighthouse of Gatteville
- Utah Beach is not far away if you are interested in the landing beaches
Where to stay
- The Houses of Tatihou
For an even more extraordinary weekend, sleep on the island of Tatihou itself!
– see pictures and availability - Hotel de France
Small charming hotel, close to the port
– see pictures and availability - and houses and apartments for rent: see the best rated accommodations
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…
11 – Family weekend on the beaches of the Cotentin
Why spend a weekend with your family
For the very long sandy beaches, the wide open spaces, the feeling of breathing deeply!
The whole west coast of the Channel, north of Granville and up to Cherbourg, is interesting. There are small seaside resorts, small villages and large natural areas.
The advantage of Gouville-sur-er is that it mixes beautiful beaches, castles, abbeys and a town with a cathedral. Something to keep you busy during the weekend!
What to do with children
- Take long walks on the sandy beaches
- Enjoy the beach, especially with young children
- Explore the dunes with the colorful beach huts
- Admire the changes in landscape brought by the tide with the oyster beds appearing.
- Visit the small castle of Pirou, one of our favorites, especially the passage on the roofs! It doesn’t take long to visit and should appeal to children, in our opinion.
- The castle of Gratot, very original
- Visit the city of Coutances and its cathedral
- The abbeys of Hambye and Lucerne are not far away either
Where to stay
- Villa des Tamaris
Vacation home for rent near the colorful cabins
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Les Coutainvillaises
In Agon-Coutainville, a charming hotel close to the beach
– see pictures and availability - And lots of rentals – see the top rated accommodations
12 and 13 – Forest parks: Other unusual family weekend ideas in Normandy
Woody Park
The Woody Park near Fécamp, offers you a whole collection of unusual accommodations:
- tents hanging from trees to be rocked by nature!
- tipis, to stay closer to the trees (but they call them bungalows or lodges)
And to occupy your weekend:
- Enjoy all the activities of the park: Accrobranche, paintball, tree climbing…
- Visit Fécamp: Benedictine Palace, old sailing ships – see all our ideas
- Go up to Cap Fagnet to admire the cliffs of the Alabaster coast
See photos and availability – and book!
Park L’Étape en Forêt
Near the city of Vire, you can find another park with lots of unusual accommodations: It’s called “L’Étape en Forêt”.
They have: transparent bubble, hexagonal lodges, tree houses.
And for the activities, you can enjoy: course in the trees, giant zip lines, pony, mountain bike rental…
We haven’t tried it yet, but check it out, it looks nice and fun.
See photos and availability – and book
14 to 16 – Animal parks: Other ideas for weekends with children in Normandy
Cerza Zoo Lodge
For those who like to spend hours watching animals, check out the lodges at Cerza Zoo. They have terraces on stilts to have a beautiful view of the domain.
And in the evening, you will be lulled by the exotic sounds of the animals.
Read more
Dream of the Bison Canadian Park
Again, if you love animals, discover the Canadian park of Normandy.
A nice surprise in the heart of the countryside!
In a clearing of the Forêt d’Eawy, you can discover the largest breeding of Canadian bison in Europe and also wolf packs.
As far as accommodation is concerned, the site offers real teepees but with all the modern comforts: heating, toilets, walk-in shower…
Read more
Center Parcs: family weekends in Normandy with swimming pools
For a nature experience with plenty of pools and water activities, consider Center Parcs.
We have been there many years ago but not recently.
We loved the pools, the greenery, the forest and especially the slide in the outdoor river. IClaire) don’t know how many times I’ve done it!
In Normandy, you have the Center Parcs les Bois-Francs, near Paris
See photos and availability
