Let us help you discover our native region!
Here is our selection of 45 incredible landscapes of Normandy in photos: natural, architectural and urban.
This will help you decide where to go, or not! Because the answer might be everywhere… sorry…
Content
Our TOP 7 of the most beautiful landscapes in Normandy
Let’s start with our favorite landscapes in Normandy. It is difficult to choose. But these seven landscapes really stole our hearts as we explored our home region. You will also find them in our list of the best things to do.
#1 – Étretat
- What –
The high white cliffs of Étretat, especially the views from the top of Manneporte - Where –
Located in Seine-Maritime, on the Alabaster coast
40min drive north of Le Havre - Why we like it –
This is our favorite place in Normandy. The coast is so spectacular, with a rocky point and several arches.
You can explore it from the top of the cliffs, or by passing inside the cliffs to reach other beaches at low tide.
Learn more in our article on Etretat
#2 – Chateau Gaillard viewpoint
- What –
The Gaillard parking lot offers a view of the castle and overlooks a meander of the Seine with the town of Les Andelys - Where –
Located in Seine-Maritime, along the Seine
1 hour drive south of Rouen - Why we like it –
This view is phenomenal – it combines a charming city, the Seine with its chalky, tree-covered banks and a historic fort. You can’t see the fort in this picture, but trust us!
#3 – Ecalgrain Bay
- What –
Ecalgrain Bay with a sandy beach and hills - Where –
Located in the English Channel, on the Cotentin Peninsula
30min west of Cherbourg - Why we like it –
The road climbs and offers a magnificent perspective on the whole bay and its green hills. One of our favorite beaches in Normandy.
#4 – From the Clécy Viaduct
- What –
The view on the Orne valley from the top of the Clecy Viaduct - Where –
In the department of Calvados, region of the “Suisse Normande”.
45min south of Caen - Why we like it –
The view is spectacular. It’s hard to imagine that we are in Normandy (normally, it’s mostly rolling fields). We love the contrast between the rocky cliffs and all the trees.
#5 – Mont Saint-Michel
- What –
The Mont Saint-Michel built on an island - Where –
In the Manche department
2 hours drive south of Cherbourg - Why we like it –
No surprise here, it is one of the most famous attractions in France. For a good reason! It’s such an impressive place with the fortifications, medieval streets and the impressive abbey at the top. Also, as the tide changes, so do the views.
#6 – Gatteville Lighthouse
- What –
The Gatteville lighthouse and the surrounding beaches - Where –
In the Manche, Contentin peninsula
35min drive west of Cherbourg - Why we like it –
We like rock formations and contrasts. We recommend a visit at low tide to admire the flat rock formations that contrast with the impressive height of the Gatteville lighthouse (one of the highest in the world): 75m.
#7 – Le Bec-Hellouin
- What –
The village of Bec-Hellouin - Where –
In the Eure
50min drive northwest of Evreux - Why we like it –
So Norman! The typical colorful half-timbered houses, the peaceful abbey and the small hills that delimit the valley on both sides. - Read more
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.
The coastal landscapes of Normandy
Normandy is famous for its coastline: for its natural beauty and its dramatic history. From the Cotentin peninsula, to the flowery coast and the Alabaster coast, there are many spectacular views to discover. You will find below our selection.
Nez de Jobourg
- What –
The cliffs around the rock formation called Nez de Jobourg - Where –
In the English Channel, in the Cotentin Peninsula
30min west of Cherbourg, next to the bay of Ecalgrain seen above - Why we like it –
We love cliffs and rock formations, as you will see in this article. And they are really beautiful, especially with the shades of colors of the sea.
More pictures in our article
Saint-Vaast and Tatihou Island
- What –
The area between Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and the island of Tatihou - Where –
In the English Channel, in the Cotentin Peninsula
35min drive east of Cherbourg - Why we like it –
The island is quite close to the shore. At high tide, the boat ride is only 10min to visit the Vauban fortifications. But when you discover it at low tide, the impressive oyster farm is revealed, creating a unique view!
Cap Fagnet
- What –
The white cliffs of Cap Fagnet - Where –
In Seine-Maritime, Alabaster coast
Just north of Fécamp - Why we like it –
Cap Fagnet is an ideal stopover: it combines a view of the entire town of Fécamp, World War II bunkers, a charming chapel and views of the alabaster cliffs that never seem to end.
See more photos
Gorge of Moutiers
- What –
Cutting in the cliffs under Varengeville-sur-mer - Where –
In Seine-Maritime, Alabaster coast
Just west of Dieppe (Varengeville-sur-mer) - Why we like it –
Along the Alabaster coast, there are several places where the water has cut the cliffs (valleys). This one is one of the most impressive and wild. You can walk through the gorge to reach the beach at the foot of the huge cliffs.
The dune of Cabourg
- What –
The area of sand dunes between Cabourg and Houlgate, at the mouth of the river Dives. - Where –
Town of Cabourg, Calvados on the Côte Fleurie
From Caen to Cabourg : 30min by car - Why we like it –
I, Claire, am a big fan of sand dunes. Here, the river is bent by the sand spit and offers views of the water on both sides of the dune.
Houlgate – Dune of Cabourg
- What –
The same view of the dune from the end of the beach in Houlgate - Where –
City of Houlgate, Calvados on the Côte Fleurie
From Caen to Houlgate : 40min by car - Why we like it –
It almost looks tropical!
Cliffs of the Black Cows
- What –
The cliffs of the Black Cows - Where –
Between the towns of Houlgate and Villers-sur-mer, Calvados on the Côte Fleurie
From Caen to Villers-sur-Mer : 40min by car - Why we like it –
The area must be visited at low tide to see not only the cliffs (with a “Baldlands” look) but also to discover the giant rocks called “black cows” because from the sea they look like a herd of cows.
Gouville-sur-Mer
- What –
The beach of Gouville-sur-Mer with the colorful beach huts - Where –
In the Manche
1h10 south of Cherbourg. - Why we like it –
Normandy has a great collection of beach huts. In Gouville, they are all with different colored roofs and located on the dunes. At low tide, the oyster beds are revealed on the beach.
Dunes of Hatainville
- What –
The dunes of Hatainville - Where –
In the English Channel, on the Cotentin Peninsula
40 south of Cherbourg. - Why I like it –
Between two promontories, ancient cliffs have been covered by sand dunes and plants. My photo does not do it justice, the view is magnificent.
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The most beautiful Normandy landscapes inland
Normandy is essentially a rural region, with farmland and small hills. The most unique inland region is the Norman Switzerland, where the terrain is higher.
Rochers de la Houle
- What –
The view from the Rochers de La Houle - Where –
In the department of Calvados, region of the Suisse Normande.
45min south of Caen - Why we like it –
The view is quite extensive, and you can see the whole loop of the Orne with typical Norman farmlands.
Roche d’Oëtre
- What –
The hiking area of the Roche d’Oëtre. - Where –
In the department of Orne, region of Suisse Normande.
55min south of Caen - Why we like it –
From the viewpoints, all you see are rocks, hills and trees. This is where the region really looks like the Swiss Mountains. You might forget that you are in Normandy.
The loops of the Seine
- What –
The loops of the Seine, here for example in Jumièges - Where –
City of Jumièges, Seine-Maritime and surroundings
35min west of Rouen - Why we like it –
The coast is not the only way to enjoy the watery landscapes. Normandy has many beautiful rivers. The loops of the Seine with the chalk cliffs are particularly beautiful. A cruise on the Seine can be an excellent way to discover it.
Perche countryside
- What –
The countryside in the Perche of Normandy - Where –
Around Mortagne au Perche, department of Orne
30min east of Alençon - Why we like it –
We have driven around Normandy, and our favorite country area is the Perche. Not for the monuments or villages, but simply for the fields and views. The shades of color are beautiful and the area very peaceful.
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…
Pictures of Normandy – Architecture – Nature mix
Normandy is rich in castles and religious buildings; we will see them later in this article. But in some cases, even if the building is not the most beautiful, the way it is located in Nature makes it very special. Here are some examples.
Dieppe
- What –
The view from the castle of Dieppe - Where –
City of Dieppe, Seine-Maritime, Alabaster Coast
1 hour drive north of Rouen - Why we like it –
From this point of view, you can enjoy the castle (restored in the 14th century), the town, the beach and the sea. This is one of the most open views of the coast (but no view of the cliffs, as you are on top of them).
Falaise Castle
- What –
The castle of William the Conqueror in Falaise - Where –
City of Falaise, Calvados - Why we like it –
From the panoramic street you can really see how the castle was built around the rock formation.
Port-en-Bessin-Huppain
- What –
The Vauban tower overlooking the port of Port-en-Bessin-Huppain - Where –
Calvados, between Arromanches and Omaha Beach
35min drive west of Caen - Why we like it –
The whole area consists mainly of long sandy beaches with monuments of the Second World War. This place offers a break with a charming town, a fortification from the time of Vauban and beautiful cliffs.
It was also a landing zone, but the main feature is the Vauban Tower from 1694.
The Hague
- What –
La Hague lighthouse - Where –
La Manche, Cotentin Peninsula
30min drive west of Cherbourg - Why we like it –
The area is mainly rock formations, with very old rocks, with the lighthouse in the background.
Saint-Cénéri-Le-Gérei
- What –
The village of Saint Cénéri le Géréi - Where –
The Orne, in the Alpes Mancelles
20min south of Alençon - Why we like it –
Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei is one of the most beautiful villages in Normandy. But unlike many others, it does not offer half-timbered houses. It is beautiful because it is nestled in a loop of the Sarthe, in the Alpes Mancelles. It is charming! - See more photos in our article on Saint-Ceneri
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Urban landscapes of Normandy
Normandy is also famous for many of its towns and villages. Some of them offer exceptional architecture and views of the urban landscape. You will find below our favorites, first the cities, then the villages (3 of them are classified among the most beautiful villages of Normandy).
Le Havre
- What –
Le Havre, Unesco World Heritage Site - Where –
Seine-Maritime, beginning of the Alabaster Coast
1h15 drive from Rouen - Why we like it –
Le Havre is our home town. It is a Unesco site for the square buildings and construction techniques implemented by my Perret after World War II.
But Le Havre is also full of modern art and other architectural pieces, which creates a contrast with the square buildings. You can find many interesting angles for cityscapes.
To learn more, see our article on Le Havre.
Honfleur
- What –
The old center of the city of Honfleur - Where –
In Calvados, next to the Normandy bridge
1 hour drive east of Caen - Why I like it –
Honfleur is one of the most charming cities to visit in Normandy. The small port with its high and narrow houses is one of the most photographed places. A unique urban landscape. In addition, you can explore to find beautiful old houses and a unique wooden church (one of the most beautiful churches in Normandy). See more in my article on Honfleur.
Caen
- What –
Caen and its religious architecture - Where –
Calvados, 2h30 drive from the center of Paris - Why we like it –
From the fortification walls of the castle, you have a breathtaking view of the city and the many religious buildings that are located there.
Beuvron-en-Auge
- What –
Village of Beuvron-en-Auge - Where –
Calvados
30min east of Caen - Why we like it –
It is a very typical Norman village. The half-timbered houses have been very well restored. The village is organized around a central square with a market hall.
The whole village is ready to be photographed.
Barfleur
- What –
Village of Barfleur - Where –
Department of La Manche, Cotentin Peninsula
35min drive east of Cherbourg - Why we like it –
The houses are not the most fascinating here, but the way the village is organized around the fishing port and the strange shape of the church, creates a beautiful landscape from the other side of the marina! - See more photos
Lyons-la-Forêt
- What –
Village of Lyons-la-Forêt - Where –
Department of Eure
45min east of Rouen - Why we like it –
This is another charming Norman village with half-timbered houses. And this one is surrounded by forest, which gives the impression of entering another world or another time.
Rouen
- What –
Old city center of Rouen - Where –
Department of Seine Maritime
1 hour from Paris - Why we like it –
Rouen is the city of Normandy with the most historical monuments: half-timbered houses, an impressive cathedral… But because of its narrow streets, it is not so easy to photograph the urban landscape.
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Architectural wonders in Normandy – photos
As we have already written, Normandy is full of castles and religious buildings. This is our home region, yet we didn’t realize how many castles there were until we began our extensive exploration. They are all different, so it’s very difficult to narrow down the list here, but I tried to choose the ones that offer the best panoramic view of all or part of the building.
Castle of Carrouges
- What –
Castle of Carrouges - Where –
Orne
30min drive northwest of Alençon - Why we like it –
Carrouges was one of the first we explored, and it has stayed in our minds. This entrance with the red bricks and the whole road leading to it, is impressive.
Castle of Saint-Germain-de-Livet
- What –
Castle of Saint-Germain-du-Livet - Where –
Calvados
10min drive south of Lisieux - Why we like it –
This is one of the most intriguing castles in our opinion. It is small but the structure and colors are quite fascinating with a lovely park around.
Abbey of Saint Georges de Boscherville
- What –
Abbey of Saint Georges de Boscherville - Where –
Seine-Maritime
25min drive west of Rouen - Why we like it –
The abbey has a large garden with vines, trees, flowers… and terraces offering a view on the whole region. It is one of the great abbeys of the Seine Valley.
Castle of Fontaine-Henry
- What –
Castle of Fontaine-Henry and its chapel - Where –
City of Fontaine-Henry, Calvados
20min north of Caen - Why we like it –
The park of the castle allows you to enjoy the whole building with its high roofs. In addition, the chapel has a large size compared to the castle, which is not common.
Castle of Crèvecoeur-en-Auge
- What –
The castle of Crèvecoeur-en-Auge (not to be confused with the other villages of Crèvecoeur in Europe) - Where –
Calvados,
40min east of Caen - Why we like it –
The fortified castle itself is not the best part of this visit. The surrounding courtyard, where some of the half-timbered buildings remain, is the most fascinating viewpoint.
Harcourt Castle
- What –
The castle of Harcourt - Where –
Eure
35min drive northwest of Evreux - Why we like it –
Harcourt is set in a huge arboretum where several viewpoints offer different perspectives on the castle. In the photo above, this is our favorite view with the gate and the castle behind it.
Vernon Mill
- What –
The old mill of Vernon - Where –
City of Vernon, Eure
50min south of Rouen - Why we like it –
It is one of the most emblematic buildings of Normandy. The half-timbered mill house (from the 16th century) is installed on an old medieval bridge (from the 12th century). There were once many mills on the river. You can see this building from different angles with the Seine in the background.
Abbey of Jumièges
- What –
The abbey of Jumièges - Where –
City of Jumièges, Seine Maritime, on the banks of the Seine
35min west of Rouen - Why I like it –
It is the most famous abbey in Normandy(see our list). The ruins of the walls are impressive. It is surrounded by a large park with gardens and terraces. This offers many views of the abbey for a beautiful landscape.
Ango Manor
- What –
Ango Manor - Where –
Seine-Maritime
15min west of Dieppe - Why we like it –
Normandy also has many manor houses of different styles. Ango is one of our favorites with the beautiful dovecote in the middle of the yard.
Men’s Abbey of Caen
- What –
Men’s Abbey in Caen - Where –
Caen, Calvados - Why we like it –
It is one of the most emblematic buildings of Caen. The different towers create an interesting scene in depth and the garden allows you to step away to appreciate the whole building.
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.
Landscapes of memory of the Second World War
Normandy is also the place where D-Day took place. Many buildings dating from the Second World War have been preserved, offering landscapes for remembrance. Below are some of the more impressive ones.
Battery of Longues-sur-Mer
- What –
The German battery of Longues-sur-Mer - Where –
Calvados
35min drive west of Caen - Why we like it –
It is one of the best preserved war batteries. You can really understand how it was structured above the cliffs.
Normandy American Cemetery
- What –
The Normandy American Cemetery - Where –
At Colleville-Sur-Mer, Calvados, nearOmaha Beach
45min drive west of Caen - Why we like it –
This is one of the most moving landscapes of World War II in Normandy: row upon row of crosses representing fallen soldiers against a backdrop of the ocean. A place that makes you think.
Pointe du Hoc
- What –
Pointe du Hoc Battery - Where –
Cricqueville-en-Bessin, Calvados
50min drive west of Caen - Why we like it –
The battery is not as well preserved as the others, but here you can really see how difficult the landing was for the soldiers – the cliffs were like a barrier and they still managed to take the place.
Arromanches
- What –
Arromanches-les-Bains - Where –
Calvados
40min west of Caen - Why we like it –
The British had established a temporary port (Mulberry Harbour) there. There are still pieces of it that can be seen at low tide. Superb view from the top of the cliffs near the Arromanches museum 360°.
MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites
- The best landing sites to visit
- Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
- Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
- The best D-Day museums in Normandy
- German batteries to visit
- Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
- Visit Omaha Beach
- Visit Utah Beach
- Visit Gold Beach
- Visit Sword Beach
- Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)
