What to see in a week in Normandy?
Impossible to visit everything, but you can already enjoy some very beautiful sites.
Here are our 5 suggested itineraries to visit Normandy in 7 days, to choose according to your interests:
- A week with just one accommodation
- A road trip of the most famous places
- 7 days in Normandy along the Seine River
- A week to visit the D-Day landing beaches
- A week along the Côte d’Albâtre
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Normandy in 7 days – practical tips
What to see
The best-known sites are Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day landing beaches, Honfleur, Étretat and Rouen.
But Normandy is also gastronomy, long sandy beaches, cliffs, charming countryside, charming villages, castles and abbeys… There is something for everyone.
That’s why we haven’t written just one ideal week-long itinerary, but several options, with photos, to help you choose.
Please note that many D-Day museums close in January.
Is a week in Normandy enough?
The region is quite large, so you won’t be able to see everything. But with just one week, you can already discover some exceptional places.
Here’s a timeline to give you some perspective:
How to get around
Normandy has a good bus and train network between the big cities, but as soon as you want to go to smaller places it becomes complicated.
We highly recommend renting a car for your stay.
If you’re arriving at Paris airports, see our tips for renting at Roissy CDG, Orly or Beauvais.
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.
Option 1 – A week in Normandy based in Bayeux
Summary and Map
- Day 1 – Bayeux
- Day 2 – Mont-Saint-Michel
- Day 3 – Caen: castle, abbey and museum
- Day 4 – Omaha Beach
- Day 5 – Beuvron-en-Auge and Honfleur
- Day 6 – Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach)
- Day 7 – Falaise and Suisse-Normande
- Advantage: No need to change hotels every day, you’ll cover a wide range of historical and natural sites.
- Disadvantage: Fewer opportunities to go further afield in Normandy
Where to stay
For a location that’s fairly central to many beautiful landscapes and historic sites, our preference is the town of Bayeux.
The town has a lot of charm, with its cathedral and a good choice of hotels and restaurants. And since it’s not too big, you don’t have too much traffic to get out of town and explore the area.
We have a real crush.
Among our favorite hotels:
- Hôtel Domaine de Bayeux – an 18th-century residence combining modernity and tradition in a sumptuous setting – view photos and availability
- Hotel Château de Bellefontaine: sumptuous 15th-century manor house – see photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Lara & Villa Augustine – luxury right in the center – see photos and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Bayeux.
Day 1 – Discover Bayeux
Travel time = 0
To get yourself in the mood, take a stroll around Bayeux and discover the sights:
- The Tapestry Museum
- The beautiful cathedral
- The old center with the mill and some half-timbered houses
Find out more in our article on Bayeux’s top attractions.
Day 2 – Mont-Saint-Michel
Today we’re off to discover the jewel of Normandy.
We recommend leaving early in the morning to beat the crowds.
You can:
- Admire Mont-Saint-Michel from the access promenade (or take the shuttle bus)
- Walking on the ramparts
- Explore the nooks and crannies of the village
- Visit the abbey (with its many steps) – please reserve your time to visit the abbey in advance! – book here
- Admire the views from the rock
To help you plan your day, we’ ve put together a list of the best things to do.
Day 3 – Caen: castle, abbey and museum
Driving time: 30min out + 30min back
Today you’re heading for Caen.
It’s one of Normandy’s largest cities. It was heavily destroyed during the Second World War. You have several options, depending on your interests:
- Stroll through the remains of the castle
- Admire the Abbaye-aux-hommes
- Visit the incredible Memorial Museum (beware, it’s very big and out of town) – book your tickets now!
- Visit the Art Museum
- Visit the Normandy Museum
Find out more in our article on Caen’s top attractions.
Day 4 – Omaha Beach
Driving time: 25min one way and 25min return
The most famous of the D-Day landing beaches is Omaha Beach.
Beware, the place is overwhelming!
In one day you can:
- AdmireAnilore Banon ‘s sculpture on the beach
- Pay your respects at the magnificent clifftop Normandy American Cemetery
- Visit one of the many museums. We particularly recommend the Overlord Museum.
- Take a look at the geography at bunker WN62
Find out more in our article on the best things to have in Omaha Beach.
Day 5 – Beuvron-en-Auge and Honfleur
Driving time: 1h30 one way + 1h10 return
Today we’re taking a step back in time. We discover the magnificent half-timbered houses that make up the charm of the Normandy countryside.
- On the way to Honfleur, we recommend a stopover at Beuvron-en-Auge, one of the most attractive villages in Normandy(see our list). Its main square is a journey through time
- Then on to Honfleur
- Admire the old port and its narrow houses
- Visit the wooden church
- Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum
- Soak up the history
- Be careful not to wear heels, there are many old cobblestones in Honfleur.
- And if you like glamour, you can also add a loop to see Les Planches de Deauville.
Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s top attractions.
Day 6 – Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach)
Driving time: 1h loop
Today we’re heading back to the D-Day landing beaches from a slightly different, more technical angle. Depending on tide times, make the loop in one direction or the other:
- Visit the impressive Longues-sur-Mer battery, which still has cannons.
- Visit Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach) at low tide to see pieces of the temporary port appear: from the viewpoint or directly from the beach.
- Visit the Arromanches Landing Museum to better understand the incredible engineering involved
Find out more in our article on the best things to have in Gold Beach.
Day 7 – Falaise and Suisse Normande
Driving time: 2h15 loop
Today, we go back even further, historically and geologically.
- Visit the William the Conqueror Museum in Falaise
- Admire Falaise’s Trinity Church
- Then it’s off to Suisse-Normande for a walk, surrounded by beautiful nature.
- Climb the Clécy viaduct
- Explore the surrounding roads for a change of scenery
Find out more in our article on Falaise’s top attractions.
Option 2 – 7-day road trip in Normandy to see the must-sees
Summary
If you absolutely must see all the world’s most famous sites in Normandy, it’s possible, but the itinerary is intense.
- Day 1 – Rouen, Joan of Arc and the Gros Horloge
- Day 2 – Abbeys of Jumièges and Boscherville
- Day 3 – Étretat and its cliffs
- Day 4 – Honfleur and Deauville
- Day 5 – Beuvron-en-Auge and Caen Memorial Museum
- Day 6 – Omaha Beach
- Day 7 – Mont-Saint-Michel
Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to include the gardens at Giverny, which is much closer to Paris.
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.
- Advantage: You’ll see some of Normandy’s most famous landmarks
- Disadvantage: Change hotels every night, always on the move, intense program.
Day 1 – Rouen, Joan of Arc and the Gros Horloge
Driving time from Paris: 1h to 1h30
We begin our discovery of the magnificent city of Rouen with:
- Its immense cathedral
- Half-timbered houses
- His Big Clock
- Its Fine Arts Museum
- Historial de Jeanne d’Arc museum
Find out more in our article on Rouen’s top attractions.
Spend the night in Rouen. We recommend..:
- Gustave Flaubert Literary Hotel with lots of quotes – see prices, photos and availability.
- Blu Radisson Hotel next to the Jeanne d’Arc Tower – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel de Bourghteroulde set in a 16th-century residence – see prices, photos and availability.
Or see our selection of the best hotels in Rouen.
Day 2 – Abbeys of Jumièges and Boscherville
Driving time: 2h
Along the loops of the Seine Normande, abbeys have a long history of domination.
- First stop: Boscherville Abbey and its beautiful garden
- Then visit the famous abbey of Jumièges, now in ruins but still very impressive, one of the most beautiful abbeys in Normandy.
- Then drive to Etretat
Tonight, sleep in the charming village of Etretat, famous for its cliffs and the literary character Arsène Lupin.
Near the city, with a view of the cliffs or in the countryside, you will find accommodation for all tastes.
We recommend, among others:
- Hôtel Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair for an elegant and cocooning atmosphere – see photos and availability
- Iconic Dormy House Hotel with magnificent views and panoramic restaurant – see photos and availability
- B&B Les Tilleuls Etretat, Elegance near the beach – see photos and availability
- or see all our tips on where to sleep in Étretat
Day 3 – Étretat and its cliffs, Normandy Bridge
Driving time: 1 hour
Today, admire the landscapes of the Côte d’Albâtre. Étretat is our favorite place in Normandy. Unfortunately, it has become ultra-touristy, but if you come out of season, you can really discover its magic.
- Take your walking shoes and climb the cliff below to see the arch.
- And climb to the top of the cliff for a view of the aiguille
- Visit the gardens of Etretat to mix art and panoramic views – Book your ticket
- Stroll through the village, see the typical stone and brick houses
- Then take the road to Honfleur via the magnificent Pont de Normandie.
See our complete guide to attractions in Étretat
There is a nice hotel offer in Honfleur. We recommend..:
- Hotel La Maison de Lucie
a little peace and quiet, yet still close to the port, in an elegant 18th-century mansion. We loved it!
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Les Maisons de Léa opposite the church and with spa
– see pictures and availability - Hôtel Ferme de Saint-Siméon luxury, history, charm and estuary views!
– see pictures and availability - or see our complete article on where to sleep in Honfleur
Day 4 – Honfleur and Deauville
Driving time: between Honfleur and Deauville: 30min
- We start in Honfleur, where you can admire the old port and its narrow houses.
- Visit the wooden church
- Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum
- Soak up the history
- Be careful not to wear heels, there are many old cobblestones in Honfleur.
- And if you like glamour, you can also add a loop to see Les Planches de Deauville and its long sandy beach.
Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s top attractions and Deauville’s attractions.
Tonight you have two options, either a second night at your hotel in Honfleur, or a night in glamorous 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
Day 5 – Beuvron-en-Auge and Caen Memorial Museum
Driving time: 1h30
Today, we’re heading west with a small variety of locations:
- We recommend a stop at Beuvron-en-Auge, one of Normandy’s most picturesque villages(see our list). Its main square is a journey through time
- Then we recommend a stopover on the outskirts of Caen, to discover Normandy’s most important museum: the Caen Memorial to the Second World War and its aftermath – book your tickets now!
- And finish in the pretty town of Bayeux, visit its cathedral and stroll through its old town center.
Spend the night in Bayeux, with its excellent hotels and restaurants. Among our favorite hotels:
- Hôtel Domaine de Bayeux – an 18th-century residence combining modernity and tradition in a sumptuous setting – view photos and availability
- Hotel Château de Bellefontaine: sumptuous 15th-century manor house – see photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Lara & Villa Augustine – luxury right in the center – see photos and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Bayeux.
Day 6 – Omaha Beach
Driving time: 25min to Omaha then 1h30 to Mont-Saint-Michel
The most famous of the D-Day landing beaches is Omaha Beach.
Beware, the place is overwhelming!
In one day you can:
- AdmireAnilore Banon ‘s sculpture on the beach
- Pay your respects at the magnificent clifftop Normandy American Cemetery
- Visit one of the many museums. We particularly recommend the Overlord Museum.
- Take a look at the geography at bunker WN62
Find out more in our article on the best things to have in Omaha Beach.
Then make your way to Mont-Saint-Michel!
And finish off with an unforgettable night on Mont-Saint-Michel, which is even more magical at night! Just be aware that these are old houses. As a result, the rooms are generally small, and you have to climb a lot of steps to get to them. It’s not for everyone.
And be careful not to take a big suitcase!
Our top 3 is :
- Auberge Saint-Pierre Hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel La Croix Blanche
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Les Terrasses Poulard
– see prices, pictures and availability
See our complete article on the 7 intramural hotels.
Day 7 – Mont-Saint-Michel
Today we’re off to discover the jewel of Normandy.
We recommend leaving early in the morning to beat the crowds.
You can:
- Admire Mont-Saint-Michel from the access promenade (or take the shuttle bus)
- Walking on the ramparts
- Explore the nooks and crannies of the village
- Visit the abbey (with its many steps) – please reserve your time to visit the abbey in advance! – book here
- Admire the views from the rock
To help you plan your day, we’ ve put together a list of the best things to do.
And back to your home or next destination.
Option 3 – 7 days along the Seine from Giverny to the abbeys
This region of France is full of beautiful historical sites because the abbeys were once very powerful. Some are still in operation, others in ruins, but all offer a unique experience.
In this itinerary, the path follows the Seine River back through history, from Paris to its estuary at Le Havre and Honfleur.
Day 1 – Giverny and Vernon
Discover Giverny(see our guide):
- Claude Monet’s house and garden
- Village
- Museum of Impressionism
- Vernon bridge and mill
- Old town of Vernon
Overnight in Vernon – see the best rated accommodations
Day 2 – Les Andelys and Château Gaillard
- Discover Château Gaillard overlooking a loop of the Seine and the old town of Les Andelys.
- Go down and explore the old center of Les Andelys. Walk along the Seine
Overnight in Rouen – See our favorite hotels
Day 3 – Rouen
Discover Rouen(see our guide):
- Rouen Cathedral
- Narrow streets with half-timbered houses
- Historial de Jeanne d’Arc
- Big Clock
Second night in Rouen.
Day 4 – Boscherville and Jumièges abbeys
Discover Rouen(see our guide):
- Visit Boscherville Abbey
- Visit the ruins of Jumièges Abbey
- Stroll along the loops of the Seine
Third night in Rouen or in the countryside at Jumiège or Caudebec-en-Caux
Day 5 – Saint-Wandrille Abbey and Caudebec-en-Caux
- Visit Saint-Wandrille Abbey and discover its beers
- Visit the charming little town of Caudebec-en-Caux, the Victor Hugo museum, the old 13th-century house (Maison des Templiers)…
- Visit the Pont de Normandie museum
- Route to Honfleur
Overnight in Honfleur – see our hotel recommendations
Day 6 – Honfleur
Discover Honfleur(see our guide):
- We start in Honfleur, where you can admire the old port and its narrow houses.
- Visit the wooden church
- Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum
- Soak up the history
- Be careful not to wear heels, there are many old cobblestones in Honfleur.
Drive to Le Havre and overnight in Le Havre – see our hotel recommendations
Day 7 – Le Havre
Discover Le Havre(see our guide):
- Unesco-listed Perret architecture
- MuMa museum with Impressionist works
Option 4 – A week on the landing beaches
If you’d like to spend a week exploring the Normandy landing beaches, we recommend a hotel in or near Bayeux.
- Hôtel Domaine de Bayeux – an 18th-century residence combining modernity and tradition in a sumptuous setting – view photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Lara & Villa Augustine – luxury right in the center – see photos and availability
- Hôtel Ferme de la Rançonnière, in the countryside – see photos and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Bayeux.
Day 1 – Omaha Beach
- Beach and sculpture
- Cemetery
- Overlord Museum
- Pointe du Hoc battery (if you spend less time in museums)
- Read more
Day 2 – Caen Memorial Museum
It’s a huge museum, so plan a full day if you’re keen – book your tickets now.
Day 3 – Gold Beach
- Pieces of the temporary port on the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains at low tide
- Arromanches Landing Museum
- The Longues-sur-mer battery
- Read more
Day 4 – Utah Beach
- Utah Beach
- Utah Beach Landing Museum
- Holy Mother Church and the parachutist
- Airborne Museum
- Read more
Day 5 – Sword Beach
- Pegasus Bridge Museum
- Grand Bunker Museum, a different experience
- Merville Battery, also a museum
- Read more
Day 6 – Juno and Douvres-la-Délivrandes
- Juno Beach and Museum
- Normandy British Memorial
- Radar Station 44 Museum
- Church of Douvres-la-Délivrandes, used by soldiers to find their bearings
- Read more
Day 7 – Bayeux
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Bayeux Tapestry (not WWII-related but iconic)
- British Cemetery
- Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
- Memorial to war journalists
- Read more
Option 5 – 7 days in Normandy around the Côte d’Albâtre
Normandy has two distinct regions: Upper Normandy and Lower Normandy.
Many spend most of their time in the west with Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches, but the west also has a lot to offer with its Côte d’Albâtre.
If you like cliff landscapes, you’ll love it!
Day 1 – Rouen
Discover Rouen(see our guide):
- Rouen Cathedral
- Narrow streets with half-timbered houses
- Historial de Jeanne d’Arc
- Big Clock
Overnight in Rouen – see our hotel recommendations
Day 2 – Abbeys
Discover Rouen(see our guide):
- Visit Boscherville Abbey
- Visit the ruins of Jumièges Abbey
- Stroll along the loops of the Seine
Drive to Le Havre and overnight in Le Havre – see our hotel recommendations
Day 3 – Le Havre
Discover Le Havre(see our guide):
- Unesco-listed Perret architecture
- MuMa museum with Impressionist works
Drive to Etretat and overnight in Etretat – see our hotel recommendations
Day 4 – Étretat
Discover Étretat(see our guide):
- Admire the views from the beach, upstream cliffs and downstream cliffs
- Visit the gardens of Etretat
- Admire the stone houses of the town center
- Enjoy the sunset
Second night in Etretat
Day 5 – Fécamp
Discover Fécamp(see our guide):
- Enjoy the views and bunkers at Cap Fagnet
- Visit the Benedictine Palace
- Walk along the waterfront and the dykes of Fécamp
- Admire the architecture of Trinité Abbey and learn about the Dukes of Normandy
- Learn more about the region’s history at the Musée des Pêcheries
Third night in Etretat
Day 6 – Veules-les-Roses and the coast
- Up the coast
- Stop off at Saint-Pierre-en-Port for beautiful views of the cliffs
- Visit the charming villa of Veule-les-Roses with its small river – find out more
- Discover the Sotteville staircase, with 231 steps carved out of the chalk.
- A short stop north of the beach at Quiberville-sur-Mer to see the fallen bunker on the beach
Overnight in Dieppe – see the best rated accommodations
Day 7 – Dieppe and Le Tréport
Discover Dieppe(see our guide):
- The castle overlooking the city
- Saint-Jaques and Saint-Rémy churches
- the Tourelles gate
- And just outside the town, we love the Manoir d’Ango and the Château de Miromesnil.
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…
