Ah we love our Normandy. This region is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. With its beautiful cliffs, historic towns, sandy beaches and delicious cuisine, it offers the perfect setting for a weekend with your partner, family or friends.
Here is our selection of the best weekends in Normandy: whether you are looking for relaxation, cultural discoveries, natural discoveries or gastronomic tastings, we have an idea for you.
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.
15 weekends in Normandy: our map
We visited every corner of Normandy. The list of places we love is long. So we spent a lot of time, but we managed to narrow down this list with our 15 best weekend ideas, all over the region:
The weekends on this list that can be reached by a single train from Paris are
- Rouen
- Le Havre
- Caen
- Giverny
- Deauville
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
And, before we share with you in detail all our places and tips, here is a short video with our 5 favorite weekends:
1 – Etretat: a romantic weekend
Why spend a romantic 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 – romantic activities
- Take a romantic walk on the cliffs to admire the views from the cliffs on either side of the valley
- Visit the Gardens of Etretat, surprising: nature, art and view on the cliffs! You’ll be inspired together! Reserve your entrance
- Read together the stories of Arsène Lupin and the Aiguille Creuse while admiring the landscapes that inspired them.
- Admire the sunset from the beach
- Stroll through the village, see the typical stone and brick houses
See our complete guide on What to do in Étretat
Where to stay in Étretat
Near the city, with a view of the cliffs or in the countryside, you will find accommodation for all tastes.
We recommend, among others:
- Hotel Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair
for something unique, with an elegant and cocooning atmosphere
– see pictures and availability - Dormy House Hotel
with magnificent views and a panoramic restaurant
– see pictures and availability - The B&B Les Tilleuls Etretat
Elegance by the beach
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Les Pins de César
15min drive from Etretat, a green screen in the calm
– See photos and availability – and book! - or see all our tips on where to sleep in Étretat
See more ideas for romantic weekends in Normandy
2 – Mont-Saint-Michel: a must-see weekend in Normandy
Why spend a weekend at Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the first idea that comes to mind for a weekend, because of the crowds it attracts.
But if you choose to sleep within the city walls, you will discover a truly unique experience after dark.
The crowds are gone, the lights come on, the silence takes over… It’s really an exceptional experience! See more pictures of Mont-Saint-Michel by night.
There are exceptional experiences to be had for two, with family or friends. It is a must-see destination for everyone. And despite the crowds, we love it!
Romantic activities at Mont-Saint-Michel
- Walk to the Mont-Saint-Michel and admire the views
- Walk on the ramparts
- For children, go through the office or ask online, there are courses and programs on phones for children of different ages: treasure hunt, game of investigation, game of time travel …
- To visit the impressive abbey, we advise you to do so at first light before the arrival of the groups – be careful! – book here
- Try a new experience for two, by taking a microlight tour over Mont-Saint-Michel – see availability and book
- Watch the sunset from the mountain, and the beautiful bay all around
- 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
More ideas in our article on what to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
Where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel
If you can, we strongly recommend spending the night inside the village itself. It is an unforgettable experience. But beware, this involves a lot of stairs and rather small rooms in old houses. But some of the hotels have romantic rooms with terraces and/or views of the bay.
But you can also sleep nearby with nice B&Bs.
We recommend it for a romantic weekend:
- Hotel Auberge Saint-Pierre in Intramuros for the authenticity of the building
– see pictures availability - Hotel Les Terrasses Pulard, in intramuros, some rooms in the detached house are larger and have nice views
– see pictures availability - B&B Clos du Gilles, the charm at 5min from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots
– see pictures and availability - The Château de la Ballue, for a unique experience at 30min
– see pictures and availability - Residence Beauvoir – with a swimming pool and children’s playground
– see pictures and availability - And read our article on where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel
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 – Honfleur: charming and gastronomic weekend
Why spend a weekend in Honfleur
A historic and picturesque town located on the Seine estuary, Honfleur is famous for its charming architecture, its colorful half-timbered houses, its Vieux Bassin and its cobblestone streets.
Honfleur allows you to spend a charming weekend with good restaurants, proximity to beaches and excellent museums depending on your interests.
Even in winter, it is an ideal destination thanks to its beautiful lights so dear to the impressionist painters.
Best things to do in Honfleur
- Marvel at the wooden church of Saint Catherine
- Wander and get lost in the cobblestone streets (you’ll never be far from the center) to see the half-timbered houses.
- Go up to see the Panorama of Mont-Joli with Honfleur and the bridge of Normandy
- Book a guided tour of the city to discover it more intimately – see availability and book
- Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum to admire works of impressionism
- Admire the changing colors of the sky over the old port, especially at sunset
- Enjoy a good meal in one of the many excellent restaurants (see our article on where to eat)
- See our complete guide on What to do in Honfleur.
Where to sleep in Honfleur
There is a nice hotel offer in Honfleur. We recommend it for a romantic weekend:
- Hotel La Maison de Lucie
a bit of peace and quiet, while remaining quite close to the port, in an elegant 18th century mansion. We loved it!
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Les Maisons de Léa
in front of the church and with spa
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Ferme de Saint-Siméon
luxury, history, charm and view of the estuary!
– see pictures and availability - or see our complete article on where to sleep in Honfleur
4 – Bayeux: luxury or charm weekend
Why spend a weekend in Bayeux
Bayeux is one of our favorite places in Normandy.
This city has a lot to offer: it is a city with a charming historical 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. And since it’s not too big, you don’t have too much traffic to get out of town and explore the area.
Moreover, it is famous for its Unesco listed tapestry, probably from the 11th century. And it is very well located to explore the D-Day beaches, the Mont-Saint-Michel and the sandy beaches of Normandy.
Hotel Villa de Lara and Villa Augustine
In another style and still in the Old Bayeux, you will discover the Villa Augustine and the Villa Lara, two buildings sheltering presidential suites with view on the garden. This luxurious accommodation is very well located in the city and offers several services to its guests. We also loved the tour of the city center in an authentic Piaggio, a different way to visit the city!
See photos and availability – and book!
Best things to do in Bayeux
- Stroll through the historic center
- Explore the cathedral and its crypt
- Listen to the audioguide, in synchronicity, along the Bayeux Tapestry
- Go to Arromanches, only 15 minutes away, at low tide, to walk on the sand around the remains of the WWII port.
- Explore the botanical garden, a Norman jewel dating from the 19th century, and its magnificent weeping beech in the heart of the park.
- Visit the many landing sites around
- See our complete guide on What to do in Bayeux
Other charming hotels to discover Bayeux
- Domaine de Bayeux Hotel
an 18th century residence where modernity and tradition are combined in a sumptuous setting. We loved it.
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Château de Bellefontaine
Sumptuous 15th century manor house turned castle in the late 18th century in the medieval Norman countryside of Bayeux
– see pictures and availability
See more ideas for luxury weekends in Normandy
5 – Rouen: cultural weekend
Why spend a weekend in Rouen
Rouen is a cultural and historical city. In terms of historical buildings, it is the most fascinating to visit!
The historical center has a lot of charm with its churches, half-timbered houses and carved palaces.
If you are looking for a city and cultural weekend, this is, in our opinion, your best option.
Best things to do in Rouen
- Stroll in the old center of Rouen, with half-timbered houses
- Visit the Big Clock and admire the view from its tower
- Explore the impressive cathedral
- Book a private tour with a local to learn more and discover their hidden secrets – see availability and book
- Visit one of the many museums according to your partner’s interests: Art, Joan of Arc, Ceramics, Ironworks…
- Watching the lights on the cathedral at night
- and several abbeys are less than 40 minutes away including the Abbey of Jumièges
See our complete guide to What to do in Rouen
Where to sleep in Rouen
Unfortunately, the range of charming hotels in Rouen is not up to the level of interest of the city. But we still have a few hotels to recommend:
- 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 - or See the best rated accommodations in Rouen
6 – Deauville: glamorous weekend in Normandy
Why spend a weekend in Deauville
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.
Romantic activities in Deauville
- Stroll on the beach
- Search for the names of your favorite stars on the boards of Deauville
- Shopping
- Admire the imposing villas
- Take a horseback ride on the beach
- Discover new sensations with a sidecar ride! See photos, availability and reservation
See our complete guide on What to do in Deauville
Where to sleep in Deauville
A nice and varied offer is available in Deauville.
We recommend, among others:
- Hotel La Villa Augeval
a charming building, view on the stables, and close to the city center
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Le Patio
good value for money, and a charming team
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Barrière Le Normandy
The unmissable luxury, between beach and downtown
– see pictures and availability - or See the best rated accommodations in Deauville
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7 – Cabourg: relaxing weekend
Why spend a weekend in Cabourg
The town of Cabourg, by the sea, is one of the most emblematic of the Normandy coast.
You will discover there magnificent private mansions of the XIXth century. Its main building is the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay.
The city is very lively, with a long promenade that ends at the estuary with a tongue of land made of sand dunes.
Between the beach, the long boardwalk, the dune and the beautiful buildings, it’s hard to get more romantic!
What to do in Cabourg
- Stroll along the 4 km long promenade along the waterfront
- Sit on the main square to admire the “Belle Epoque” houses
- Spend a crazy night at the Casino
- Walk on the sand dune to observe the estuary and lights
- Deauville and Honfleur are not far away!
- Visit the charming Honfleur
Where to sleep in Cabourg
For a weekend, we suggest
- The Grand Hotel de Cabourg
5 stars facing the sea
– see pictures and availability - Hotel & Spa Les Bains de Cabourg by Thalazur
if you are looking for a thalassotherapy atmosphere
– see pictures and availability - B&B La Villa L’Argentine
in a 19th century building in the center of town
– see pictures and availability - or See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
8 – Arromanches: landing beaches weekend
Why spend a weekend in Arromanches
Sand, dunes, cliffs… but also bunkers, sculptures and museums. The 5 landing beaches are a must in Normandy.
Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Each of these beaches now has memorials and museums to remember.
The Arromanches part of Gold Beach is one of the most interesting of the D-Day landing beaches, visually.
At low tide, pieces of the artificial harbor (Mulberries) appear clearly and you can approach them.
This is our favorite spot.
What to do in Arromanches
- Walk on the beach at low tide under the cliffs and around the pieces of the artificial harbor.
- Climb the East cliff to get a better look at all the remaining pieces and discover the memorial.
- Visit the D-Day Museum to learn more about the engineering of artificial ports
- Visit Omaha Beach and the American cemetery at only 35min
- Visit the charming town of Bayeux and its cathedral at only 15min
- Visit Juno Beach only 20 minutes away
- Visit the war battery of Longues-sur-mer
- And many other landing sites
Where to sleep in Arromanches
- Hotel Les Villas d’Arromanches
Just a few steps from the beach, on the heights, the beautiful building welcomes you to take a breath of sea air.
– see pictures and availability - Hotel La Ferme de la Rançonnière
10min inland, but a superb hotel with a lot of charm: rural and refined!
– see pictures and availability - or see the best rated accommodations
And you can also sleep in Bayeux, only 15min away. A city we love, central to exploring the beaches.
- Domaine de Bayeux Hotel
an 18th century residence where modernity and tradition are combined in a sumptuous setting. We loved it.
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Château de Bellefontaine
Sumptuous 15th century manor house turned castle in the late 18th century in the medieval Norman countryside of Bayeux
– see pictures and availability - or see the best rated accommodations in Bayeux
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
9 – Ouistreham: family weekend by the sea in Normandy
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 - or See the best rated accommodations in Ouistreham
See all our favorite seaside weekends in Normandy.
10 – Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue: unusual weekend
What is unusual
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!
On the Cotentin peninsula, 35 min drive east of Cherbourg.
And just north ofUtah Beach Beach.
What to do during the weekend
- 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 - or see the best rated accommodations
See all our ideas for unusual weekends in Normandy, including unusual accommodation
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 – Gouville-sur-mer: weekend by the sea
Why spend a weekend in Gouville-sur-mer
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-Mer 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 in Gouville-sur-mer
- Take long walks on the sandy beaches
- 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 my favorites, especially the passage on the roofs!
- 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 sleep near Gouville-sur-mer
Here are some suggestions in the area:
- 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 – Le Havre: art weekend
Why spend a weekend in Le Havre
Okay, it’s a big city… but it’s a city unlike any other!
Destroyed during the war, its modern architecture by Perret has been classified by Unesco.
But in the midst of these buildings, you discover architectural and artistic works that contrast and bring lightness and color.
We love our hometown!
What to do during the weekend
- 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
- The MuMa Museum and its impressionist works
See our complete guide to Le Havre
Where to stay in Le Havre
- Hilton Garden Inn
One of the few hotels with sea view rooms, right next to the marina and St. Joseph church.
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Spa Vent d’Ouest
A charming hotel with a view of St. Joseph’s church. A little weekend cocooning awaits you!
– see pictures and availability - Hotel spa Le Pasino
An imposing building transformed into a casino and hotel. Your room will be bathed in light and perhaps with a view of the pools
– see pictures and availability - or see the best rated accommodations
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.
13 – Caen: historic weekend
Why spend a weekend in Caen
Caen is ideal if you want to approach several historical periods, either with adults or with children: Roman ruins, a medieval castle and a museum on the Second World War.
Everyone can have fun during this weekend!
What to do in and around Caen
- 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 - The castle of Caen to walk on the ramparts and its museum on the history of the region, period by period
- The Men’s Abbey in Caen, from the outside
- Castle of Crèvecoeur
At 30min drive. 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
- Best Western Plus Le Moderne
modern and downtown – see pictures and availability - Hotel La Fontaine Caen Centre
good value for money downtown – see pictures 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
14 – Giverny: floral weekend
Why spend a weekend in Giverny
Why not spend a weekend in the little corner of Normandy that inspired the painter Claude Monet during the 43 years he lived there?
Considering his paintings, it is the height of romanticism!
Between the gardens of Giverny and the history of Vernon, you will leave this Norman weekend soothed.
Note that the gardens do not reopen until spring.
Romantic activities in Giverny
- Visit the gardens of Claude Monet
- Walking along the Seine in Vernon
- Explore Vernon’s small downtown area
- Sit and admire the mill on the Seine
Where to sleep in Giverny / Vernon
Few hotels but charming guest houses and rentals in the area.
Here are some suggestions for your weekend:
- B&B La Pluie de Roses
In the heart of Giverny with a green garden
– see pictures and availability - B&B Le Jardin des Erables
4 stars, in a beautiful building with spacious rooms decorated with taste
– see pictures and availability - Apartment “Au Fil de la Seine
Rental with a magnificent view on the Seine, in the city of Vernon
– see pictures and availability
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15 – Falaise: unusual family weekend
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 about 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
- or see the best rated accommodations around Falaise
See all our family weekend ideas in Normandy
And everywhere: spa weekend in Normandy
You can find very well developed spa hotels all over Normandy:
- Trouville
Hotel Spa Les Cures Marines
– see prices, pictures and availability - Deauville
Hotel Spa Villa Augeval
– see prices, pictures and availability - Etretat
Hotel Spa Le Donjon, with its jacuzzi on the terrace
– see prices, pictures and availability - Le Havre
Hotel Spa Vent d’Ouest
– see prices, pictures and availability - Rouen
Hotel Spa de Bourgtheroulde
– see prices, pictures and availability - Forges-les-Eaux
Hotel Spa Les Forges
– see prices, pictures and availability
