Discover 10 of the most beautiful villages in Normandy!
The area has a long history and not everything was destroyed during the Second World War. There are some architectural gems.
In this article, we take you on a journey to discover charming places to add to your itinerary.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Most beautiful villages of Normandy: map and selection
You will find below a map to help you locate our selection of the 10 most beautiful villages in Normandy, so that you can decide which ones to include in your road trip.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
1. Beuvron-en-Auge, the most beautiful village in Normandy
Why visit
An icon of the Pays d’Auge, the village is considered the most typical old village in Normandy, with its fine collection of well-kept half-timbered houses. They did a beautiful job of restoration.
It is beautifully landscaped with charming stores and flowers.
The village was identified as early as the 11th century. Most of the houses date from the 16th to 18th century.
One of the must-sees of Normandy.
Not to be missed
- The village is not so big. The main attraction is the central square which is lined with old half-timbered houses with the market hall in the middle.
- Notice also the 2 small rivers that surround it.
- It is really a postcard village.
- More photos in our article
Label –
It is labeled “The most beautiful villages of France”.
Location
Calvados Department
Nearest major city: Caen (30min by car)
Tips for visiting
- Easy access to the village, many large parking lots around the village.
- Flat and easy to walk.
- Toilets near the tourist office
- Allow 30min just to walk around or longer to explore the stores and have a meal.
Lodgings
See the best rated accommodations in the area
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2. Saint-Cénéri-le-Gerei, our favorite
Why visit
We love Saint-Cénéri because it’s surrounded by hills and trees. It’s wonderful when old houses blend with nature.
The village is partly located on a hill overlooking a loop of the Sarthe. This elevation offers a breathtaking view.
Many painters have been inspired by this place, like Courbet, and there are still artists living here.
Not to be missed
- Enjoy the village center with its stone houses decorated with plants and flowers.
- Climb up to the church (12th century) and admire the remains of wall paintings. And walk around to enjoy beautiful views of the valley.
- Walk down to the bridge for a different perspective.
- The village is also home to the gardens of La Mansonière.
- See more photos in our article on Saint-Ceneri.
Label –
It is labeled “The most beautiful villages of France”.
Location
Department of Orne
Nearest major city: Alençon (20min by car)
Tips for visiting
- Crossing the village to reach the parking lot is not so easy, especially when there are many tourists.
- There is a good sized parking lot.
- There are a few slopes to explore the village, but it is not difficult.
- Allow 1 hour to explore the village and more to enjoy lunch. We did it at the Auberge des Peintres in an old house and we really enjoyed it.
Accommodations –
See the best rated accommodations in the area
3. Le Bec-Hellouin
Why visit
The Bec-Hellouin is really pretty. It is located in a valley with tree-covered hills on either side. It offers rows of old colorful half-timbered houses.
You can also visit the abbey located in the village with its peaceful garden. This village is very charming and well maintained.
Not to be missed
- Enjoy the village center around the church (built in 1039 and rebuilt in 1417 and in the 18th century) with its rows of typical houses.
- Visit the abbey. It was founded in 1034 and is still run by monks. They make candles. The park is beautiful with a dovecote.
- See more photos in the village article
Label –
It is labeled “The most beautiful villages of France”.
Location
Department of Eure
Nearest major cities: Rouen (45min by car) and Evreux (50min by car)
Tips for visiting
- The access is easy. Parking is limited near the abbey but there is more near the river.
- It is easy to get around on foot, with only slight slopes.
- Allow 2 hours to enjoy the village and the abbey. But you can also enjoy a good lunch in one of the restaurants.
Accommodations –
See the best rated accommodations in the area
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
4. Mont-Saint-Michel
Why visit
Well, it’s the Mont-Saint-Michel… one of the most emblematic places in France.
It is a fortified island with a village and an abbey on top. It has been added to the Unesco heritage list. Today, only a few people live inside, but we still classify it as a village.
The landscape is impressive and changes with the tide. The tiny island is covered with houses, towers, walls and churches.
See all our tips for visiting
Not to be missed
- Walk through the fortifications, explore the few streets.
- Visit the magnificent abbey that stands atop the island, with its cloister and many fascinating rooms.
- Admire the island from afar, at high and low tide.
- See all our tips and photos
Label –
Unesco World Heritage Site
Location
Département de la Manche
The nearest big city : Caen (1h30 drive)
Tips for visiting
We strongly recommend visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds and tourist buses.
It is not easy to get around on foot. There are steep slopes, many stairs (especially in the abbey) and the ground can be difficult in some places. Be sure to wear good flat shoes and bring water.
Allow at least half a day and buy your ticket to visit the abbey (here) in advance to save time.
Accommodations –
See the best rated accommodations in the area
or see our hotel recommendations
5. Veules-les-Roses
Why visit
Veules-les-roses is famous for being the village with the shortest river in France (1194 m). It has a long agricultural history and you can still appreciate some old houses and mills.
It is located on the Alabaster coast, which means that the beach is surrounded by high white cliffs.
Not to be missed
- A loop of walk takes you along the river to admire : the watercress fields, the water mills, the church and the chapels, the houses… until the beach and the cliffs.
- See more photos in our article on Veules-les-Roses.
Label –
It is labeled “The most beautiful villages of France”.
Location
Department of Seine-Maritime
Nearest large town: Dieppe (30min by car)
Tips for visiting
- Several parking lots have been set up at the entrance of the village.
- The walking loop is overall easy, there are some slopes for views but you can avoid them and stay in the center of the village.
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to complete the loop and take the time to admire everything.
Accommodations –
See the best rated accommodations in the area
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.
6. Étretat
Why visit
The other villages I chose were mainly for their architecture and atmosphere. Etretat is not the best in this respect. There are not many old houses left. And the only interesting house was a transfer from another location.
However, Etretat is my favorite place in Normandy. The surrounding nature is beautiful, offering the most beautiful backdrop to the village. It is framed by high white cliffs with arches and a marine pillar (the most beautiful spot on the Côte d’Albâtre).
Not to be missed
The beach, the views from the top of the cliffs on either side of the village, the gardens, the story of Arsène Lupin… there is a lot to do!
See our article on attractions in Etretat.
Location
Department of Seine-Maritime
The nearest big city : Le Havre (30min by car)
Tips for visiting
- Parking in the city can be very complicated in the summer and on weekends. It is recommended to stop at the parking lots at the entrance of the village.
- It will be necessary to walk a lot in the village and climb steep slopes to reach the cliffs on each side.
- Allow a few hours to explore the village and the beach.
- Allow at least a day to enjoy the cliffs too, but we recommend 2 days to enjoy the tide and explore all you can.
Accommodations –
Find all the top rated accommodations in the area // or see our selection of the best hotels.
7. Barfleur
Why visit
It is a very different village from those with the French label mentioned above. It is a picturesque village located around the fishing port. At one end is the strange-looking church, with an octagonal dome base and a spireless bell tower. It looks almost like a small castle.
Not to be missed
- The particular church that looks almost fortified.
- The small port with its fishing boats and restaurants. Be sure to try the wild mussels, if available.
- Not far away is also the Gatteville lighthouse, the 3rd highest in the world.
Label
It is labeled “The most beautiful villages of France”.
Location
Department of La Manche
Nearest major city: Cherbourg (30min by car)
Tips for visiting
- Very easy to explore on foot. Flat.
- Don’t forget to go to the other side of the harbor to enjoy more beautiful views of the village and its church.
- Allow 2 hours to explore the area. Pack a lunch and try the local mussels. They are delicious (but there may not be any wild ones).
- Learn more in our article on Barfleur
Accommodations –
Find the best rated accommodations in the area
8. Nonancourt
Why visit
This is the village/town boundary. But we found it charming as a village and I decided to add it here.
Nonancourt does not often appear in lists of the “best villages or towns of Normandy”. But we think it has a lot of potential. And I hope they will develop their tourist offer.
There are some beautiful half-timbered houses, old fortifications and a river below.
Not to be missed
- The tourist office in one of the most impressive half-timbered houses.
- The old church with beautiful stained glass windows (ask at the tourist office if you can enter).
- The walkway above the city to see the remaining towers and parts of the fortification wall.
- The streets near the river with bridges and a lot of charm.
Location
Department of Eure
Nearest large town: Evreux (30min by car)
Tips for visiting
- There is not much parking and it is not easy to get around on foot (small sidewalks). We hope they will find a way to improve traffic flow, as we think this village-city has a lot of potential.
- Don’t forget to visit the tourist office to get explanations on how to reach the towers and learn more about the village/city.
Accommodations –
Find the best rated accommodations in the area
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9. Lyons-la-Forêt
Why visit
Lyons-la-Forêt has a long history. It has attracted many royal families thanks to its excellent hunting grounds. It was once built around a castle.
It offers a typical architecture with half-timbered houses and red brick houses. Moreover, it is surrounded by a magnificent forest.
Not to be missed
The main point of interest is the central square with the 18th century covered market hall and the 17th and 18th century Norman style houses.
Label –
It is labeled “Most beautiful villages of France”.
Location
Department of Eure
Nearest major city: Rouen (40min by car)
Tips for visiting
It is quite easy to walk around with only slight slopes.
Many restaurants on the market place. You can get a map at the tourist office with information on the buildings to see.
Allow 1 hour to explore the village or a day if you want to walk in the forest that surrounds it.
Accommodations –
Find the best rated accommodations in the area on Booking
10. Yport
Why visit
Yport offers a mix of a fishing village, a charming architecture (typical stone houses of the region) and a breathtaking nature since the beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs of the Alabaster Coast.
The village is not as typical as the others listed here and the buildings are not as old. But I love the charm and atmosphere of Yport.
Not to be missed
- The 19th century church with the 2 colors: brick and stone.
- The lines of the houses with their mixture of bricks and stones. Take a closer look at how the walls are constructed.
- The beach with the white and blue huts and the cliffs.
- More photos in our article
Location
Seine-Maritime
The nearest big city : Le Havre (45min by car)
Tips for visiting
- There are not many parking spaces in the village. Come early, especially on weekends. It is a place loved by the locals.
- It is easy to walk around.
- Allow 1 hour to visit the village and the beach.
Accommodations –
Find the best rated accommodations in the area
11. Beaumont-en-Auge
Why visit
Beaumont-en-Auge doesn’t have as many half-timbered houses as other villages, but it does have some well-preserved examples. Moreover, the village is located on a hillock with beautiful views of the countryside and the sea (the Touques valley). This village has an undeniable atmosphere and charm. A nice visit, near Deauville!
We were surprised and charmed.
Not to be missed
- The main street and its half-timbered houses
- The church and its different styles
- The statue of Laplace and his birthplace
- The panorama on the Touques valley
- Learn more with our article
Location
Calvados Department
The nearest big city : Caen (45min by car)
Tips for visiting
- It is easy to walk around.
- Allow 1 hour to visit the village.
- It’s a nice place to have lunch.
Accommodations –
See the best rated accommodations in the area
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.
12. Giverny
Why visit
Giverny is the emblematic village of Claude Monet, where he lived for over 40 years and created his famous Water Lilies series, making it one of Normandy’s best-known spots for art and garden lovers. The flower-filled alleyways, half-timbered houses and artistic atmosphere make this a very photogenic and inspiring stopover, even beyond the painter’s house.
Not to be missed
- The House and Gardens of Claude Monet, with the Clos Normand, the water lily pond and the Japanese bridge.
- The Musée des impressionnismes Giverny, to better understand the movement and discover temporary exhibitions.
- Sainte-Radegonde church and Claude Monet’s grave in the village cemetery.
- A stroll down rue Claude Monet, with its galleries, boutiques and the old Hôtel Baudy, a historic artists’ haunt.
- More photos in our article.
Location
Eure department
Nearest large town: Vernon (about 10 minutes by car)
Tips for visiting
- Giverny is very busy from April to October: come at opening time or at the end of the day to avoid the crowds.
- Remember to book your tickets for the Maison de Monet in advance, especially in high season.
- The village is best visited on foot; allow at least half a day to enjoy the gardens and stroll through the narrow streets.
- Please note that the gardens are closed in winter
Accommodations –
Find the best rated accommodations in the area.
Other suggestions
12. Old Port
If you are looking for typical Norman thatched cottages, a quick stop along the Seine in the small village of Vieux-port will allow you to admire some of the most beautiful examples.
13. La Perrière
In the Perche region, many villages have the label “petite cité de caractères”. I love the area but the villages were not up to par with the others, in my opinion. That said, I enjoyed walking through La Perrière with views of the countryside around the church. There is a relaxed atmosphere.
14. Ecouché
Ecouché is not a typical stop on a visit to Normandy. However, it is a very unique village. You can first admire the church with its damaged part (destroyed by the Second World War), which is very photogenic. In addition, you can explore the village trying to find the many hidden towers (or not). There are 12 houses from the 15th and 16th centuries that were built with towers (of different shapes).
15. Clécy
In Suisse Normande, the main village is Clecy. The upper part is on a hill and the tourist part of the village is down by the river with all the restaurants. Not far away is the viaduct that you can climb to enjoy a breathtaking view of the area.
16. La Bouille
Pretty artists’ village on the banks of the Seine, near Rouen.
The tree-covered cliffs on one side, the flow of water on the other. It features half-timbered houses and a pretty church.
Unfortunately, we can’t find our pictures anymore…
Video
And here’s a little video, before we tell you more about each of the villages, why we love them and how to visit them!
Old town centers – Honfleur, Bernay, Pont l’évêque…
Some may wonder why Honfleur is not on the list. It is true that the old center has the appearance of a village and is spectacular. But Honfleur is a city with an old center (see my article).
See my specific article on the cities of Normandy that have the best historical centers.
About the selection – labels and definition of villages
- This list is our own selection. It cannot be absolute. There are bound to be people with different opinions who are shocked that I didn’t include their village (it’s the same with the beaches…) – everyone has their own preferences.
- Generally speaking, we agree with the label “most beautiful villages of France”. There is another label in some regions, that of “Petite cité de caractère”. We visited many of them. There were some interesting buildings but the whole villages didn’t have the charm of the ones I selected in this article, in our opinion.
- Another question some may have is that Honfleur is not on the list. It is often included in other lists. I love Honfleur, it is one of the top places to see in Normandy. But we really can’t include it as a village. It is a city with an old center that looks like a village. It will be included in another article.
It is difficult to define what is a village or not.
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…
