Charming half-timbered houses, sandy beaches, relaxing countryside…
Plan your visit to the Pays d’Auge: beaches, villages, architecture, history, countryside, gastronomy… The region is a concentrate of the best of Normandy!
Here is our practical guide with map, what to do and tips.
Why visit the Pays d’Auge in Normandy?
What is the Pays d’Auge?
The Pays d’Auge is one of the most famous regions of Normandy. It is mainly located in the department of Calvados but also extends a little on the Orne and the Eure.
It is the East of Calvados which extends from the sea to the countryside on 1750 km2.
It is a kind of icon of Normandy because of the many half-timbered houses and the famous sandy beaches of the Côte Fleurie.
Why visit the Pays d’Auge?
The region offers a wide variety of activities and places to see:
- The fine sandy beaches
- The seaside resorts with their impressive and elegant houses
- The typical countryside
- The historic town of Honfleur
- The villages and towns of the hinterland with their half-timbered houses.
- Castles, abbeys, manors…
- … and cheeses!!!
The region is labeled “Region of Art and History”.
At every corner you can find incredible sights!
Here is one of my favorites: the old market of Dives-sur-Mer, not far from Cabourg.
About the name
The original name of the area was Saltus Algie – Saltus meant “forested area with gorges suitable for grazing” and Algie may have come from a German word meaning “pasture bathed by a stream” (according to Mr. Bard in a 1951 journal). This described the area very well.
More photos and all my favorite places after the planning tips.
Practical tips and map – Pays d’Auge, France
How to get to the Pays d’Auge – Map
- Lisieux is the main town in the center of the Pays d’Auge.
- It is best to access the area by car, especially if you want to explore. Otherwise, the train is another option
- Paris to Lisieux = 2h30 drive
- Rouen to Lisieux = 1h15 drive
- Caen to Lisieux = 1h drive
- Here is a map that will help you locate the Pays d’Auge in Normandy and direct you to the main cities:
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.
Practical advice
- The region is easy to travel by car
- The coast is very busy during the summer months. Traffic and parking can become difficult in some of the resorts.
- If you want to cover a little bit of everything, you need at least 5 days to get an overview of the area. However, a week is better to explore it.
Where to stay in the Pays d’Auge
You can stay in one place and drive around to explore. If this is your choice, I do not recommend Honfleur. I love the city and a night there is worth it, but if you want to explore the rest of the region, you’ll be annoyed by the traffic jams in the summer. There is only one main road that crosses it.
My favorite city options are:
- Cabourg is my first choice among the seaside resorts
See the best rated accommodations. - Pont-l’Évêque is a small town with a lot of charm and quick access to the main roads.
See the best rated accommodations. - Lisieux if you want a good size city in the center of the Pays d’Auge
See the best rated accommodations. - Honfleur for a weekend, I love this city
See the best rated accommodations / or see our selection of the best hotels
You can find all kinds of accommodations in these cities, including some very luxurious options.
Or, if you are looking for a relaxing place to stay, you can find a place in the countryside with lots of character, such as :
- Bed and Breakfast in a traditional country house – Le Clos aux Masques (in Saint-Pierre-Azif)
see pictures and availability - The Château de la Bribourdière in a Manor (in Putot-en-Auge)
see pictures and availability - La Maison de l’Etang on the edge of a pond (in Manerde)
see pictures and availability - B&B Les Chaumières du Pays d’Auge with its typical farm in good condition (in Le Breuil-en-Auge)
see pictures and availability
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…
3+ most beautiful villages of the Pays d’Auge
Normandy has many charming villages. With these typical houses with half-timbered walls and sometimes thatched roofs, the views are fascinating.
Most of our favorite villages(see our list) are located in all regions of Normandy, but the most famous is in the Pays d’Auge: Beuvron-en-Auge.
#1 – Beuvron-en-Auge
- Why visit –
It is considered the most typical old village in Normandy with its beautiful collection of well maintained half-timbered houses. A visit to such a typical village is one of the must-do’s of Normandy.
Most of the houses date from the 16th to the 18th century (but the village dates back to at least the 11th century).
It has the label “Most beautiful villages of France”. It is truly a postcard village with colors, flowers and charming stores. - Tips for visiting –
30min drive from the city of Caen
It’s not that big. The main attraction is the central square which is lined with old half-timbered houses with the market hall in the middle and rivers around. Easy access to the village, many large parking lots around the village. Flat and easy to walk.
Allow 30 minutes to walk around or more to explore the stores and have a meal. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in the area
#2 – William the Conqueror’s art village in Dives-Sur-Mer
- Why visit –
It is not really a village, but it looks like one. Visiting the town of Dives-sur-Mer between Cabourg and Houlgate, you will find an enclosed area called the art village of William the Conqueror. It used to be a Coaching Inn on the coastal road between Rouen and Caen.
Some of the buildings date back to the 15th century. The courtyard is fascinating, it’s like a trip back in time (despite the very touristy atmosphere).
The courtyard also features statues from the 17th and 18th centuries. - Tips for visiting –
Come early or late to enjoy the buildings without the crowds. They are really impressive.
And don’t miss the market hall outside the village (photo at the beginning of this article). This is one of the most impressive buildings in the area, in my opinion. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Dives-sur-Mer
#3 – And many small villages
These are the two most striking villages to visit because of the density of fascinating houses.
However, wherever you drive in Normandy, you can find villages. They are not postcard perfect, but most of them have some interesting houses and sometimes a charming church. Drive aimlessly and enjoy where the road takes you.
For example, you might find:
- Le Sap (in Orne)
- Blangy-le-château
- The charming village of Beaumont-en-Auge and its panorama on the Touques valley
- …
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
4 most beautiful beaches in the Pays d’Auge
The Pays d’Auge also extends along the sea. Most of its coastal area is known as the Côte Fleurie with famous seaside towns like Deauville and Cabourg.
Here, the beaches are made of sand (many places in Normandy have pebble beaches). However, we have to admit that this is not our favorite type of beach, as we prefer very picturesque beaches with spectacular cliffs(see our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy).
For those who like long walks on the sand or lying on it, here are some of the best options:
#4 – Cabourg Beach
- Why visit –
Cabourg has a long sandy beach with a long promenade along it without cars.
Moreover, at the end of it, you reach a beautiful sand dune divided with the sea on one side and the mouth of the river on the other. This is my favorite place in the area. It seems almost exotic.
In addition, the city has some beautiful homes which I will discuss in the best cities section. - Tips for visiting –
30min by car from the city of Caen
Not easy to park on sunny summer days.
Easy to walk around the city and along the beach. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
#5 – Black Cow Cliffs
- Why visit –
The beach and cliffs between Villers-sur-Mer and Houlgate are unlike any other in Normandy. Sorry, my pictures don’t do them justice. It is called “black cows” because of the large rocks that have fallen on the beach and look like black cows when viewed from the sea.
In addition, the walk to the rocks offers golden sand, wave-like cliffs. - Tips for visiting –
Located between Deauville and Cabourg. You can walk at low tide either from Houlgate or from Villers-sur-Mer.
Allow 2 hours around low tide. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Villers-sur-Mer
#6 – Houlgate
- Why visit –
Houlgate is another long sandy beach. But I recommend walking towards the mouth of the Dives River.
Here you can see the sand dunes of Cabourg. The place almost looks like a beach on an exotic island (but there are no palm trees). - Tips for visiting –
The beach of Houlgate is not the easiest to access because of the train line that runs along it.
I recommend parking at the port of Dives-sur-Mer and walking towards the mouth of the river.
Allow at least 1 hour
#7 – Deauville
- Why visit –
Because it’s Deauville. It is one of the most famous beaches in Normandy.
If you like long walks on the beach with plenty of space, then this beach is for you.
And you will find the famous “Planches de Deauville” with the names of the movie stars. - Tips for visiting –
Lots of large parking lots along the beach (for a fee), easy access to the beach. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Deauville
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6 most interesting towns in the Pays d’Auge
The Pays d’Auge also has several towns to visit with different styles:
- cities with historical centers such as Honfleur and Pont l’Évêque
- the coastal towns and their grandiose residences like Deauville and Cabourg
- Lisieux and its religious sites
- Vimoutiers, a small town with a completely different atmosphere.
#8 – Honfleur
- Why visit –
Exploring its historic center, you will be fascinated by the half-timbered houses, the high narrow buildings around the harbor and a unique church (St. Catherine with a wooden structure) … The region has inspired and continues to inspire many artists!
Read more about our article on Honfleur - Tips for visiting –
1 hour drive from Caen.
Plan at least half a day
You can book a guided tour of Honfleur – see options - Accommodation –
See our article with our opinions on where to sleep in Honfleur
or see the best rated accommodations in Honfleur - Restaurants
See our selection of the best restaurants in Honfleur
#9 – Pont-l’Évêque
- Why visit –
This city is often overlooked as people pass by on their way to other places. But I think it deserves a stop.
Pont l’Évêque was established at the confluence of three rivers. It has always been an important place of passage and trade and the city has kept a rich heritage: for example, many old houses typical of the region from the 16th and 18th centuries and the old prison from the 19th century. - Tips for visiting –
You can easily explore the city on foot in less than 2 hours
Caen to Pont l’Évêque = 40min drive - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Pont-l’Évêque
#10 – Lisieux
- Why visit –
Lisieux is considered the second most important place of pilgrimage in France – it was the city of Saint Therese Martin (who became a saint in the 1920s).
There are only a few old houses left because of the bombings during the Second World War. But what attracts is the cathedral of the 12th and 13th century and the basilica of the 20th century. - Tips for visiting –
Caen to Lisieux = 1h drive
Allow half a day to discover the city.
It is easy to walk around the center, but the basilica is on higher ground. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Lisieux
#11 – Cabourg
- Why visit –
The seaside town is one of the most emblematic of the Normandy coast: magnificent 19th century mansions, the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay, the long seaside promenade… The city looks good! - Tips for visiting –
Caen to Deauville = 40min drive
Allow at least half a day to explore and enjoy the waterfront. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
#12 – Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer
- Why visit –
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 its high-end hotels, spas, casino, golf, horse racing…
It is emblematic for its walk along the flat sandy beach. And Trouville is its twin town, across the harbor, with even more magnificent homes. - Tips for visiting –
From Caen to Deauville = 1h drive
Enjoy the beach at low tide. Allow at least half a day to walk around and soak up the glamorous atmosphere. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Deauville
#13 – Vimoutiers (Orne)
- Why visit –
Most of the main towns in the Pays d’Auge are in Calvados, but if you are looking for something completely different, a small, peaceful rural town, go to Vimoutiers.
There is not much going on, but it feels like you are breathing. Enjoy the beautiful church and visit the Camembert museum, if you are not in the village of Camembert. The city is surrounded by fields and orchards. - Tips for visiting –
Allow a few hours if you visit the museum and tour the city center.
And more…
Of course, there are many other cities, but these will give you a good overview of the area and a good variety.
Think also of : Gacé (see its castle below), Villers-sur-Mer, Houlgate, Cormeilles, Livarot…
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6 castles, manors and abbeys of the Pays d’Auge
The area also offers a wide variety of iconic buildings.
Here are some of our favorites with castles, manors and abbeys…
If you want to see more of Normandy, check out our article on the most beautiful Norman castles or the best abbeys.
#14 – Saint-Germain-de-Livet Castle
- Why visit –
Saint-Germain-de-Livet is a 15th century half-timbered manor house and a 16th century stone and brick building.
This castle really made an impression on me. It’s not the oldest, it’s not the largest (it’s actually quite small) but it’s certainly the most unique. The half-timbered manor still has old frescoes on the walls. And the stone and brick part has some green elements in the exterior decor, which is very rare. - Tips for visiting –
10min south of Lisieux
Schedules and prices on the official website here.
Allow about 1 hour for the visit. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Lisieux
#15 – Castle of Crèvecoeur-en-Auge
- Why visit –
Crèvecoeur-en-Auge offers fortifications, a 12th century chapel, and half-timbered buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries. My favorite parts are the buildings surrounding the fort. Plus the pigeon house is superb.
It all strikes a good balance, and I enjoyed the visit. - Tips for visiting –
In Mézidon Auge Valley, 25min drive from Lisieux
Schedules and prices on the official website here.
Allow 2 hours to explore
(note that other Crèvecoeur castles exist in Europe)
#16 – Abbey of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives
- Why visit –
Founded in the 11th century, the church was rebuilt in the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style. and the Convent is from the 16th and 18th.
What impresses most is the height of the towers in relation to the size of the city. It really dominates. - Tips for visiting –
Caen to Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives = 45min
Free to walk around, to enter the church and to enter the cloister (see the sign at the tourist office).
You can also add a little visit to the city: notice the 13th century market hall. - Accommodation –
See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives
#17 – Coupesarte Manor
- Why visit –
Superb manor surrounded by water. Built in the 15th century, it has a beautiful half-timbered architecture.
The private owners let visitors explore the exterior. Be respectful of the signs. - Tips for visiting –
15 minute stop along the way.
Easy path around the manor.
#18 – Bishops’ Manor
- Why visit –
Beautiful manor house with half-timbered walls. - Tips for visiting –
Limited access – Open afternoons in July and August except Tuesday.
Along the road from Pont-l’Évêque to Deauville.
#19 – Gacé Castle
- Why visit –
Built between the 12th and 15th centuries. It’s a quick stop in the middle of town as the castle is used as a town hall and museum.
Be sure to see both fronts as they are very different. - Tips for visiting –
A very nice place to take a break if you are driving!
In the town of Gacé, Orne, 35min north of Alençon.
And more…
Of course, there are many others, including mansions. But I can’t list them all, and many, like the Bishops’ Manor, have limited access.
Others include: Canon Castle, Bais Manor, Kinnor Castle…
5 stages of gastronomy
The Normandy region is renowned for its gastronomy, and many of its most famous products originate from the Pays d’Auge.
The soil is fertile, and you can find delicious cheeses and drinks:
- Camembert cheese
- Livarot
- Pont l’évêque
- Cider
- Calvados liqueur
#20 – Camembert
In the department of Orne, you can visit the small village of Camembert. Marie Herel invented this famous cheese in 1791.
The village has its own museum.
And you can also follow a route to visit farms and do tastings (route du camembert / circuit du camembert – info here).
#21 – Livarot
Livarot is a French cheese that comes from the town of Livarot.
The town itself is not a tourist destination, but if you enjoy this delicious cheese, you can stop by and visit the Gaindorge cheese factory(info here).
#22 – Pont-l’Évêque
I already mentioned the charming town of Pont l’Évêque (#9), but you can also stop there simply because you like cheese.
This delicious cheese is not as famous as Camembert, but it is worth trying. I love it.
It was not invented there, but the production was centralized around the city and that is how it got its name.
#23 – Calvados
As I wrote above, the Pays d’Auge is mainly located in the Calvados department.
And Calvados is the name of a liqueur specific to this region. It is a protected name.
It is made from apples. You can learn more in Pont l’Évêque, at the Calvados Experience Museum.
#24 – Cider
And we end our gastronomic tour with cider.
Normandy is full of apple orchards, many of which are used to make cider.
The Cidre du Pays d’Auge is a protected brand.
You can even find a route that takes you through the orchards: the Route du Cidre centered on Cambremer – read more here.
And other ideas…
#25 – Montormel Memorial
The most famous historical parts of Normandy are the landing beaches, which are not in the Pays d’Auge.
However, if you are interested in World War II history, there are 3 sites to consider:
- Chambois and its explanations around the Keep.
- Vimoutiers and its Tiger tank
- And above all, the Memorial of Montormel. It offers a glimpse of the Battle of Normandy (August 18-22, 1944) and a breathtaking view of the countryside.
#26 – The Gardens of the Pays d’Auge
Here and there in the Pays d’Auge, you can also visit some beautiful gardens if you are looking for a relaxing walk in nature. For example:
- The gardens of the Pays d’Auge in Cambremer – info here
- Gardens of the castle of Boutemont – info here
- The Gardens of Canon Castle – info here
- The Garden of the Bishopric in Lisieux
- …
#27 – Cerza Zoo
If you are traveling with children, you can also enjoy a visit to the beautiful Cerza Zoo.
