Need a little nature and fresh air?
Normandy has beautiful coasts with different styles: cliffs, long sandy beaches, dunes, landing beaches.
Here are our 10 ideas for weekends by the sea in Normandy to recharge your batteries.
There is something for every taste: cities, beaches, nature or culture…
And all our tips to help you choose where to go!
This selection is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
To see our best-of weekends in Normandy, all styles, read this article.
1. The Cliffs of Étretat
Why spend a weekend in Étretat
The Alabaster coast is made of high white cliffs very impressive. And in Étretat, the elements have sculpted them by creating several arches and a marine pile with needles.
It’s a magical place, where it’s nice to walk or to stop and admire the views!
The place has inspired many artists, including the author Maurice Leblanc with his character of Arsène Lupin.
This is a great weekend idea all year round. It will be more pleasant outside of the summer because the crowds can invade the village.
What to do in Étretat
- Walk on the cliffs to admire the views from the cliffs on either side of the valley
- Visit the Gardens of Etretat, surprising: nature, art and view on the cliffs! You’ll be inspired together! Reserve your entrance
- Read together the stories of Arsène Lupin and the Aiguille Creuse while admiring the landscapes that inspired them.
- Admire the sunset from the beach
- See our complete guide on What to do in Étretat
Where to stay in Étretat
Near the city, with a view of the cliffs or in the countryside, you will find accommodation for all tastes.
We recommend, among others:
- Hotel Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair
for something unique, with an elegant and cocooning atmosphere
– see pictures and availability - Dormy House Hotel
with magnificent views and a panoramic restaurant
– see pictures and availability - The B&B Les Tilleuls Etretat
Elegance by the beach
– see pictures and availability - or see all our tips on where to sleep in Étretat
2. Romantic weekend by the sea in Cabourg
Why spend a weekend in Cabourg
The town of Cabourg, by the sea, is one of the most emblematic of the Normandy coast.
You will discover there magnificent private mansions of the XIXth century. Its main building is the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay.
The city is very lively, with a long promenade that ends at the estuary with a tongue of land made of sand dunes.
Between the beach, the long boardwalk, the dune and the beautiful buildings, it’s hard to get more romantic!
What to do in Cabourg
- Stroll along the 4 km long promenade along the waterfront
- Sit on the main square to admire the “Belle Epoque” houses
- Spend a crazy night at the Casino
- Walk on the sand dune to observe the estuary and lights
- Deauville and Honfleur are not far away!
- Visit the charming Honfleur
Where to sleep in Cabourg
For a weekend, we suggest
- The Grand Hotel de Cabourg
5 stars facing the sea
– see pictures and availability - Hotel & Spa Les Bains de Cabourg by Thalazur
if you are looking for a thalassotherapy atmosphere
– see pictures and availability - B&B La Villa L’Argentine
in a 19th century building in the center of town
– see pictures and availability - or See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
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.
3 – Weekend landing beaches at Arromanches
Why spend a weekend in Arromanches
Sand, dunes, cliffs… but also bunkers, sculptures and museums. The 5 landing beaches are a must in Normandy.
Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Each of these beaches now has memorials and museums to remember.
The Arromanches part of Gold Beach is one of the most visually interesting of the D-Day landing beaches.
At low tide, pieces of the artificial harbor (Mulberries) appear clearly and you can approach them.
This is our favorite spot.
What to do in Arromanches
- Walk on the beach at low tide under the cliffs and around the pieces of the artificial harbor.
- Climb the East cliff to get a better look at all the remaining pieces and discover the memorial.
- Visit the D-Day Museum to learn more about the engineering of artificial ports
- Visit Omaha Beach and the American cemetery at only 35min
- Visit the charming town of Bayeux and its cathedral at only 15min
- Visit Juno Beach only 20 minutes away
- And many other landing sites
Where to sleep in Arromanches
- Hotel Les Villas d’Arromanches
Just a few steps from the beach, on the heights, the beautiful building welcomes you to take a breath of sea air.
– see pictures and availability - Hotel La Ferme de la Rançonnière
10min inland, but a superb hotel with a lot of charm: rural and refined!
– see pictures and availability - or see the best rated accommodations
4 – Surprising weekend in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
Why spend a weekend in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
This is not a recommendation often listed, but it is one of our favorites.
A little more drive to get there, but it’s worth it!
What to do in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
- Admire the changing tides and the appearance of oyster beds
- Take the amphibious boat to visit the island of Tatihou
- Walk to see the corresponding fort on land
- Go for a walk around to visit the village of Barfleur and the lighthouse of Gatteville
- Utah Beach is not far away if you are interested in the landing beaches
Where to sleep in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
Mainly rentals in the city. Here are some suggestions:
- The Houses of Tatihou
For an even more extraordinary weekend, sleep on the island of Tatihou itself!
– see pictures and availability - Hotel de France
Small charming hotel, close to the port
– see pictures and availability - or see the best rated accommodations
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5 – Glamorous weekend in Deauville
Why spend a weekend in Deauville
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 high-end hotels, spas, a casino, golf, horse racing…
It is emblematic for its walk along the flat sandy beach.
Trouville is its twin city on the other side of the harbor.
Romantic activities in Deauville
- Stroll on the beach
- Search for the names of your favorite stars on the boards of Deauville
- Shopping
- Admire the imposing villas
- Take a horseback ride on the beach
- Discover new sensations with a sidecar ride! See photos, availability and reservation
See our complete guide to the best things to do in Deauville.
Where to sleep in Deauville
A nice and varied offer is available in 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
6 – Weekend in the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay
Why spend a weekend at Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see in Normandy and in France.
The crowds it attracts can be off-putting. But if you spend a weekend there, you can go outside the busy hours and enjoy its magic!
Early in the morning or after dark, the visit offers a new experience.
The crowds are gone, the lights come on, the silence takes over… It’s exceptional! See more pictures of Mont-Saint-Michel by night.
Best things to do at Mont-Saint-Michel
- Walk to the Mont-Saint-Michel and admire the views
- Walk on the ramparts
- To visit the impressive abbey, we advise you to do so at first light before the arrival of the groups – be careful! – book here
- Try a new experience, by taking a microlight tour over the Mont-Saint-Michel – see availability and book
- Watch the sunset from the mountain, and the beautiful bay all around
- Look for the most beautiful views of the fortified islet
- More ideas in our article on what to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
Where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel
If you can, we strongly recommend spending the night inside the village itself. It is an unforgettable experience. But beware, this involves a lot of stairs and rather small rooms in old houses. But some of the hotels have romantic rooms with terraces and/or views of the bay.
But you can also sleep nearby with nice B&Bs.
We recommend it for a romantic weekend:
- Hotel Auberge Saint-Pierre in Intramuros for the authenticity of the building
– see pictures availability - Hotel Les Terrasses Poulard, in the city center, some rooms in the detached house are larger and have nice views
– see pictures availability - B&B Clos du Gilles, the charm at 5min from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots
– see pictures and availability - The Château de la Ballue, for a unique experience at 30min
– see pictures and availability - And read our article on where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel
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 – Dieppe
Why spend a weekend in Dieppe
For many centuries, Dieppe was an important fishing and trading port on the banks of the Arques River.
Today, still protected by the cliffs, it retains its maritime charm with 4 harbors and a wide waterfront,
And the castle overlooks the whole city.
What to do in Dieppe
- the castle and its museum
- the view of the city from the panorama next to the castle
- the charming downtown area
- walking along the seashore and in the ports
- the unique aquatic complex with a seawater pool
- the charming gardens of the Château de Miromesnil, not far from here
- the village of Veules-les-Roses and its mini river at less than 30min drive
- see our complete article on Dieppe
Where to sleep in Dieppe
- The Hotel de l’Europe
facing the sea, to enjoy the view all weekend
– see pictures and availability - The apartments of Arina and Julien
Not far from the water, very well decorated and bright
– see pictures and availability - Apartment “Le Tableau
0 Pourville-sur-mer, very close to Dieppe, an apartment with large windows and a great view!
– see pictures and availability - or Discover the best rated accommodations in Dieppe
8 – Beach weekend in Normandy – Coutainville / Gouville-sur-mer
Why spend a weekend in Gouville-sur-mer
For the very long sandy beaches, the wide open spaces, the feeling of breathing deeply!
The whole west coast of the Channel, north of Granville and up to Cherbourg, is interesting. There are small seaside resorts, small villages and large natural areas.
The advantage of Gouville-sur-er is that it mixes beautiful beaches, castles, abbeys and a town with a cathedral. Something to keep you busy during the weekend!
What to do in Gouville-sur-mer
- Take long walks on the sandy beaches
- Explore the dunes with the colorful beach huts
- Admire the changes in landscape brought by the tide with the oyster beds appearing.
- Visit the small castle of Pirou, one of my favorites, especially the passage on the roofs!
- The castle of Gratot, very original
- Visit the city of Coutances and its cathedral
- The abbeys of Hambye and Lucerne are not far away either
Where to sleep near Gouville-sur-mer
Here are some suggestions in the area:
- Villa des Tamaris
Vacation home for rent near the colorful cabins
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Les Coutainvillaises
In Agon-Coutainville, a charming hotel close to the beach
– see pictures and availability - And lots of rentals – see the top rated accommodations
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…
9 – Unusual in Fécamp
Why spend a weekend in Fécamp
Fécamp is an intriguing town. Not the first destination when you think of a weekend at the sea in Normandy, but a nice offer to occupy your short stay.
Fécamp is especially famous for its Benedictine palace where the liqueur is made. Even if you don’t visit the interior and the factory, stop by the building to appreciate its architecture.
But Fécamp is also an intriguing combination of interest with religious pilgrimage sites and fishing port traditions. It is a city turned towards the sea.
Best things to do in Fécamp
- Go up to Cap Fagnet to see the bunkers and the magnificent views of the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast. One of our favorite views of the area.
- Visit the palace and the Benedictine factory. Learn all about this liqueur and don’t miss the tasting.
- Visit the fishermen’s museum and enjoy the view from the top
- Take a tour of an old sailing ship in the port of Fécamp
- Take a walk along the beach
- See our complete guide to Fécamp
Where to sleep in Fécamp
- Hotel Le Grand Pavois
With sea view or harbor view!
– see pictures and availability - B&B A La Maison Blanche
A charming guest house with a great breakfast
– see pictures and availability - or See the best rated accommodations in Fécamp
10 – Le Havre, Unesco site
Why spend a weekend in Le Havre
First of all, this is our hometown. Isn’t that reason enough for you?
Well, it is also a Unesco World Heritage Site because of its particular post-war architecture.
What we like most is the mix of modern art with the square lines of the architecture and the incredible skies we sometimes have with great light.
Best things to do in Le Havre
- The architecture of Auguste Perret, which was wonderful for the reconstruction. Do not miss the church of St. Joseph and its 107m tower.
- The fascinating theater called “Le Volcan” with fluid lines contrasting with the square lines of Perret’s buildings
- The many works of modern art throughout the city, including “La Catène” with its colorful containers
- The MuMa Museum and its impressionist works
- See our complete guide to Le Havre
Where to stay in Le Havre
- Hilton Garden Inn
One of the few hotels with sea view rooms, right next to the marina and St. Joseph church
– see pictures and availability - Hotel Spa Vent d’Ouest
A charming hotel with a view of St. Joseph’s church. A little weekend cocooning awaits you!
– see pictures and availability - Hotel spa Le Pasino
An imposing building transformed into a casino and hotel. Your room will be bathed in light and perhaps with a view of the pools
– see pictures and availability - or see the best rated accommodations
