Discover 10 of Normandy’s most beautiful villages!
The region has a long history, and not all of it was destroyed during the Second World War.
There are some architectural gems to be found here.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of some charming places to add to your itinerary.
Content
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 review is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
#1 – The most beautiful village in Normandy: Beuvron-en-Auge
- 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-maintained half-timbered houses. They’ve done a fine job of restoration.
It’s beautifully laid out with charming stores and flowers.
The village has been identified as far back as the 11th century. Most of the houses date from the 16th to 18th centuries.
One of Normandy’s must-sees. - Don’t miss:
The village is not very big. The main attraction is the central square, which is lined with old half-timbered houses, with the market hall in the middle.
Note also the 2 small rivers that surround it.
It really is a picture-postcard village. - Label –
It has been awarded the “Les plus beaux villages de France” label. - More photos in our article
- Department –
Calvados
Nearest major city: Caen (30min by car) - Tips for visiting –
Easy access to the village, plenty of large parking lots around the village.
Flat and easy to walk around.
Toilets near the tourist office
Allow 30min just to walk around or longer to explore the stores and have a meal. - Accommodations –
See the best-rated accommodations in the region
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
#2 – Saint-Cénéri-le-Gerei
- Why visit –
I love Saint Cénéri because it’s surrounded by hills and trees. I love it when the old houses blend in with nature.
The village lies partly on a hill overlooking a loop of the Sarthe. This elevation offers breathtaking views.
Many painters have been inspired by this place, such as Courbet, and there are still artists living here. - Don’t miss –
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 stroll around to enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the valley.
Walk down to the bridge for a different perspective.
The village is also home to the Mansonière gardens.
See more photos in our article on Saint-Ceneri. - Label –
It has been awarded the “Les plus beaux villages de France” label.
- Department –
Orne
Nearest major town: Alençon (20min by car) - Tips for visiting –
Crossing the village to get to the parking lot is not so easy, especially when there are lots of tourists.
There is a good-sized parking lot.
There are a few slopes to explore the village, but it’s not difficult.
Allow 1h 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 region
#3 – Le Bec-Hellouin
- Why visit –
Le Bec-Hellouin is really very pretty. It is located in a valley with tree-covered hills on either side. It features rows of colorful old half-timbered houses.
You can also visit the village abbey with its peaceful garden. This village is very charming and well maintained. - Don’t miss –
Enjoy the village center around the church (built in 1039 and rebuilt in 1417 and 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 pictures in the article about the village - Label –
It has been awarded the “Les plus beaux villages de France” label.
- Department –
Eure
Nearest major cities: Rouen (45min by car) and Evreux (50min by car) - Tips for visiting –
Access is easy. Parking is limited near the abbey, but there is more near the river.
It’s easy to get around on foot, with only slight inclines.
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 region
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 Mont-Saint-Michel… one of the most emblematic places in France.
It’s a fortified island with a village and an abbey at the 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 - Don’t miss –
Wander through the fortifications, exploring the few streets.
Visit the magnificent abbey that stands at the top of the island, with its cloister and many fascinating rooms.
Admire the island from afar, at high and low tide.
Read more - Label –
Unesco World Heritage Site
- Department –
Manche
Nearest major city: Caen (1h30 drive) - Tips for visiting –
We strongly recommend visiting early in the morning to arrive before the crowds and tourist buses.
It’s 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 in advance (here) to save time. - Accommodations –
See the best-rated accommodations in the region
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 of the old houses and mills.
It is located on the Côte d’Albâtre, which means that the beach is surrounded by high white cliffs. - Don’t miss
A circular walk takes you along the river to admire the watercress beds, water mills, church and chapels, houses… all the way to the beach and cliffs.
See more photos in our article on Veules-les-Roses. - Label –
It has been awarded the “Les plus beaux villages de France” label.
- Department –
Seine-Maritime
Nearest major town: Dieppe (30min by car) - Tips for visiting –
Several parking lots have been set up at the entrance to the village.
The walking loop is generally easy, with a few slopes for viewpoints, but you can avoid these and stay in the village center.
Allow 2-3 hours to complete the loop and take time to admire everything. - Accommodations –
See the best-rated accommodations in the region
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 – Etretat
- 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 somewhere else.
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 sea pillar (the most beautiful place of the Alabaster Coast) - Don’t miss –
The beach, the views from the cliff tops on either side of the village, the gardens, the story of Arsène Lupin… there’s lots to do!
See our article on things to do in Etretat.
- Department –
Seine-Maritime
Nearest major city: Le Havre (30min by car) - Tips for visiting –
Parking in town can be very tricky in summer and at weekends. We recommend stopping at the village entrance parking lots.
You’ll need to do a lot of walking in the village and climb steep slopes to reach the cliffs on either 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. - Accommodation –
Find all the best-rated accommodation in the region // or see our selection of the best hotels.
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
#7 – Barfleur
- Why visit –
This 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. - Don’t miss –
The distinctive church, which almost looks fortified.
The little port with its fishing boats and restaurants. Be sure to try the wild mussels, if available.
Not far away is the Gatteville lighthouse, the 3rd highest in the world. - Label
It has been awarded the “Les plus beaux villages de France” label.
- Department –
Manche
Nearest major town: 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 for better 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).
Find out more in our article on Barfleur. - Accommodation –
Find the best rated accommodations in the area
#8 – Nonancourt
- Why visit –
This is the village / town boundary. But we thought it was charming as a village and I decided to add it here.
Nonancourt doesn’t often feature in lists of “the best villages or towns in Normandy”. But we think it has a lot of potential. And I hope they’ll develop their tourist offer.
There are some beautiful half-timbered houses, old fortifications and a river below. - Don‘t miss –
The tourist office in one of the most impressive half-timbered houses.
The old church with beautiful stained glass windows (ask the tourist office if you can get in).
The footpath above the town to see the remaining towers and parts of the fortification wall.
The streets by the river with bridges and lots of charm.
- Department –
Eure
Nearest major town: Evreux (30min by car) - Tips for visiting –
There isn’t much parking and it’s not easy to get around on foot (small sidewalks). We hope they’ll find a way to improve traffic flow, as we think this village-town has a lot of potential.
Don’t forget to visit the tourist office for explanations on how to reach the towers and to find out more about the village/town. - Accommodation –
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 boasts typical architecture with half-timbered and red-brick houses. Moreover, it is surrounded by a magnificent forest. - Don’t miss:
The main attraction is the central square, with its 18th-century covered market hall and Norman-style houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. - Label –
It has been awarded the “Plus beaux villages de France” label.
- Department –
Eure
Nearest major city: Rouen (40min by car) - Tips for visiting –
It’s fairly easy to walk around, with only slight inclines.
Numerous restaurants in the market square. You can get a map from 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 through the surrounding forest. - Accommodation –
Find the best-rated accommodations in the region on Booking
#10 – Yport
- Why visit –
Yport offers a blend of a fishing village, charming architecture (stone houses typical of the region) and breathtaking nature, as the beach is surrounded by the impressive cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre.
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. - Don‘t miss –
The 19th-century church with its 2 colors: brick and stone.
The lines of the houses with their mix of brick and stone. Take a closer look at how the walls are built.
The beach with its white and blue huts and cliffs.
More photos in our article.
- Department –
Seine-Maritime
Nearest major city: Le Havre (45min by car) - Tips for visiting –
There isn’t much parking in the village. Come early, especially on weekends. Locals love it.
Easy to walk around.
Allow 1 hour to visit the village and the beach. - Accommodation –
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. - Don‘t miss –
The main street and its half-timbered houses
The church and its different styles
The statue of Laplace and his birthplace
The panorama over the Touques valley
Read more in our article
- Department –
Calvados
Nearest major city: Caen (45min by car) - Tips for visiting –
It’s 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 region
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.
Other suggestions
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.
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.
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).
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.
Giverny
Giverny is most famous for Monet’s gardens. It is often ranked as one of the best villages in Normandy. The gardens are beautiful, but the village itself is not the most fascinating, in my opinion. But it is worth a stop just for the gardens.
La Bouille
Pretty artists’ village on the banks of the Seine, near Rouen.
The tree-covered cliffs on one side, the flowing water on the other.
Half-timbered houses and a pretty church.
Unfortunately, our photos are no longer available…
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 town with an old center (see my article).
See my specific article on which towns in Normandy have the best historic 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’s difficult to define what is a village and what is 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…
