5 days in Normandie (our itineraries)

What to see in Normandy in 5 days?
It’s impossible to see everything, but you can already enjoy some beautiful sites.
Here are our suggestions for 5-day itineraries in Normandy to suit your interests:

5 varied days with a charming base
A 5-day tour with the must-sees
5 days in Normandy along the Seine River
5 days 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.

Content

Normandy in 5 days – practical tips

Option 1 – 5 days in Normandy based in Bayeux

Option 2 – 5-day Normandy tour with must-sees

Option 3 – 7 days along the Seine from Giverny to the abbeys

Option 4 – 5 days around the D-Day landing beaches

Option 5 – 5 days in Normandy around the Côte d’Albâtre

Normandy in 5 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.

most beautiful landscapes normandy pictures

Is 5 days in Normandy enough?

The region is quite large, so you won’t be able to see everything. But with just 5 days, you can already discover some exceptional places and have an excellent stay.
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.

See available cars

See all our tips

Option 1 – 5 days in Normandy based in Bayeux

Summary and Map

Day 1 – Bayeux, its cathedral and tapestry
Day 2 – Mont-Saint-Michel
Day 3 – Omaha Beach
Day 4 – Beuvron-en-Auge and Honfleur
Day 5 – Falaise and Suisse-Normande
Alternative day – Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach)

5-day itinerary map Normandy — Map – 5 days in Normandy

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 – 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 4 – 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 5 – 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.

Alternative day – Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach)

If you’d prefer to find out more about the D-Day landing beaches, you can replace one of the days you’re less interested in with a visit to 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.

Option 2 – 5-day Normandy tour with must-sees

Summary

If you absolutely had to see all the world’s most famous sites in Normandy, you’d need eight days, but with just 5 you can cover a lot:

Day 1 – Rouen, Joan of Arc and the Gros Horloge
Day 2 – Étretat and its cliffs
Day 3 – Honfleur and Deauville
Day 4 – Omaha Beach
Day 5 – Mont-Saint-Michel

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to include the gardens of Giverny, which is much closer to Paris, the Caen Memorial Museum and Jumièges Abbey.

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.

See available cars

See all our tips

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 – Étretat and its cliffs

Driving time from Rouen to Etretat = 1h10

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

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 – Honfleur and Deauville

Driving time from Etretat to Honfleur 1h (and a further 30min to Deauville)

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.

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 – Omaha Beach

Driving time: 1h40

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
Then a 25-minute drive to Bayeux, a charming little town with a cathedral. If you prefer an art museum to a war museum, Bayeux is famous for its tapestry.

Find out more in our article on the best things to have in Omaha Beach.

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.

See our complete article on the 7 intramural hotels.

Day 5 – 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 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

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
Route to the Pont de Normandie and Honfleur

Overnight in Honfleur – see our hotel recommendations

Day 5 – 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.

Return journey.

Option 4 – 5 days around the D-Day landing beaches

To fully explore the Normandy landing beaches for 5 days, 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 – 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 3 – Utah Beach

Utah Beach
Utah Beach Landing Museum
Holy Mother Church and the parachutist
Airborne Museum
Read more

Day 4 – Sword Beach

Pegasus Bridge Museum
Grand Bunker Museum, a different experience
Merville Battery, also a museum
Read more

Day 5 – 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

Alternative day – Caen Memorial Museum

It’s a huge museum, so plan a full day if you’re keen – book your tickets now.

Alternative day – 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 – 5 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 – 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 2 – 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 3 – 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 4 – 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 5 – 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.