If you’re passing through Cabourg in Normandy, you’re sure to enjoy the beach. We do, however, recommend a short detour to visitSaint-Michel Church and discover its astonishing architecture.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Saint-Michel Church in Cabourg.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Saint-Michel Church worthwhile?
Yes, theChurch of Saint-Michel in Cabourg is well worth a visit, both for its architecture and its eventful history. Built in the XIXᵉ century, it has been enlarged, transformed and restored several times. It features neo-Gothic elements, a half-timbered bell tower and five apsidal chapels. We particularly liked the Cavaillé-Coll organ, the colorful stained glass windows restored after the war, and the oak framework of the nave.
In our opinion, it’s one of the best things to do in Cabourg.
What you can see
Eclectic architecture
The architecture of Cabourg’s Saint-Michel church is marked by its successive evolutions. Originally neo-Gothic, it features a Norman-inspired half-timbered bell tower, an oak roof frame over the nave, and several apsidal chapels added over time, creating an original and contrasting ensemble.
The Anglo-Norman bell tower
The church tower surprised us with its half-timbered style, rare for a religious building. Built after the collapse of the original bell tower, it is inspired byNorman architecture and blends harmoniously with the rest of the building, while asserting a strong local identity.
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 central nave was flanked on either side by aisles. We learned that these had been formed at the end of the 19th century by transforming the six side chapels that once stood there. The aim was to enlarge the church to accommodate the growing number of holidaymakers in Cabourg.
The high oak ceiling
Raised in the 1920s to accommodate the organ, part of the nave is topped by a remarkable oak roof frame. It corresponds to the half-timbered elevation that can be seen from the outside.
Colored stained glass
We loved the bright hues of the stained glass windows and their geometric motifs. They were replaced after the destruction of the Second World War.
The Cavaillé-Coll organ
It is the reason for the modification of the nave. His story intrigued us. It was a“salon organ” that the canon of the late 30s was able to acquire and was eager to see installed in the church.
The carved pulpit
In the oldest part of the nave, the carved wooden pulpit catches our eye with its refined motifs. It illustrates the attention to detail and the importance of the spoken word in liturgy.
The ambulatory and the 5 apsidal chapels
Added in 1880, the ambulatory and five radiating chapels extend the choir. They allow fluid circulation around the altar and provide spaces for individual prayer.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
Saint-Michel church in Cabourg: how to get there
Where Saint-Michel Church is located
- In the town of Cabourg
- A little way from the center
- Near theTourist Office
Access by car and parking
The church is easily accessible by car. There’s a small parking lot in front, and another across the street. Alternatively, the Parking de la Poste (fee-paying) is less than a 5-minute walk away.
Public transport access
Bus route n°111 serves the main coastal towns between Caen and Le Havre. The Hôtel de Ville stop is a 5-minute walk from the church. Find out more here.
The town of Cabourg is committed to sustainable development. It offers safe cycling routes.
Access on organized tours
A guided bike tour of Cabourg and Dives-sur-Mer will tell you more about the evolution of these towns with the development of seaside tourism. See prices, photos and availability and… Make a reservation.
Visiting difficulties
There’s a ramp at the entrance to the church, and the cement tile floor is stable.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Visit Saint-Michel Church: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Église Saint-Michel is open every day.
The visit is free of charge
How long
A 15-20 minute tour of the building will suffice, unless you wish to linger longer to better understand its architecture.
Best moment
There aren’t many visitors, so you can visit the church at any time. Avoid service times, however, unless you wish to attend. Find out more here.
Direction of visit
There are no set directions for visiting Saint-Michel Church.
Eating out
The church is close to the city center, where you’ll find many restaurants. We fell in love with Restaurant Symbiose, run by a chef and sommelier duo, with a cuisine full of flavor and finesse. Reservations essential .
Hotels
You’re in the heart of one of Normandy’s most beautiful seaside resorts. See our article on the best hotels in Cabourg.
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…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
