Where to stay in Normandy to make the most of the region?
There are options for everyone, with seaside resorts, charming coastal villages, farms in the countryside, big cities or picturesque places off the beaten track…
You will find below my guide where I compare the best places to sleep in Normandy:
- Where to stay in Normandy according to your desires,
- Map for orientation,
- The best hotels,
- The domains and castles where to sleep…
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Where to stay in Normandy? Map and quick answers
If you don’t want to read the whole article with all the best places to stay in Normandy, here are our quick answers.
In the rest of the article, we detail each location, with hotel and accommodation options.
Map of where to stay in Normandy
Let’s start with a map to help you find your way:
Where to stay to visit the Normandy landing beaches
In our opinion, the best places to base yourself to visit the landing beaches are
- Bayeux, for a charming and practical city
– see the best rated accommodations - The surrounding countryside, if you’re looking for peace and quiet
For example, at the hotel La Ferme de la Rançonnière
– see pictures and availability - see our article on the best hotels near the D-Day landing beaches.
Where to stay in Normandy for sandy beaches
If you want to enjoy long sandy beaches, we recommend you:
- Deauville, if you want a glamorous stay
– see the best rated accommodations - Cabourg, for a very beautiful beach with dune and a charming city center
– see the best rated accommodations - Ouistreham, if you want a lot of sand and space
– see the best rated accommodations - Learn more about the most beautiful beaches of Normandy
- Or read our article on the best seaside hotels
Where to stay in Normandy for the landscapes
For exceptional places to stay in Normandy, we recommend
- Mont-Saint-Michel, this village on a rocky islet with an abbey on top. Exceptional, especially at night!
– see the best rated accommodations - The town-village of Honfleur with its half-timbered houses and its charming harbor. A place that has inspired many artists!
– see the best rated accommodations
Where to base yourself in Normandy to best explore
- Bayeux is central enough to visit my landing beaches, the beaches of the côte fleurie, Caen and the Mont-Saint-Michel.
– see the best rated accommodations - On the other hand, it is much further from the Alabaster coast.
To discover this region, we recommend Saint-Valery-en-Caux
– see the best rated accommodations
Major cities in Normandy
The 3 biggest cities in Normandy to stay in are:
- Rouen, which was not destroyed during the war, has the largest number of historic buildings
– see the best rated accommodations - Le Havre, a modern city classified by Unesco
– see the best rated accommodations - Caen which is well centered to visit everything
– see the best rated accommodations
Road trip in Normandy
Normandy is a rather large region.
If you want to discover it completely, we recommend 2 options:
- A central location in the East, such as Rouen or Saint-Valery-en-Caux, then a location in the East such as Bayeux
- A road trip with some nights in: Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Rouen, Honfleur, Bayeux, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Mont-Saint-Michel
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.
Where to sleep in Normandy? Best hotels
Luxury hotels in Normandy
- Hotel L’Ermitage – If you want to choose a place not too far from Mont-Saint-Michel but at a 5 star level: choose one of the smallest 5 star hotels in Europe – See the availability of suites
- Hotel Barrière Le Normandy in Deauville – The luxury you can’t miss, between the beach and the city center – see photos and availability
- Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, in Rouen – luxury in the center of old Rouen – see photos and availability
- Hotel Ferme de Saint-Siméon, in Honfleur – luxury, history, charm and view on the estuary! – see pictures and availability
Charming “Boutique” hotels
There are many boutique hotels in Normandy with a lot of charm.
It’s hard to narrow down the list…
Here are some of our favorites:
- Hotel La Maison de Lucie – in Honfleur, a little bit of calm, while remaining quite close to the harbor, in an elegant residence of the XVIIIth century – see photos and availability
- Hotel Vent d’Ouest – in Le Havre, close to the sea and with a view on the famous Saint Joseph church – see photos and availability
- Hotel Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair – for something unique, with an elegant and cocooning atmosphere – see photos and availability
- Hotel La Villa Augeval – a charming building, view on the stables, and close to the city center – see photos and availability
Country estates
Normandy is full of magnificent farmhouses, country estates, charming manors… And many of them have become exceptional accommodations. If you are looking for calm and authenticity, stay in the Normandy countryside. For example:
- Hotel Ferme de la Rançonnière – 20min from Bayeux with beautiful stones and beams – see pictures and availability
- Hotel Domaine Utah Beach – 15min from the museum and the beach ofUtah Beach Beach – see pictures and availability
- Hotel les Pins de César, 15min from Etretat – see pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville – in authentic Norman houses – see photos and availability
- and many others…
Castle where to sleep in Normandy
- Château du Boulay Morin, luxury in an exceptional setting with park and forest – see prices, photos and availability and book!
- Château de Bellefontaine in Bayeux, with a beautiful park, not far from the center of Bayeux – See photos, prices and availability – and book!
- Hotel Le Moulin des Connelles, not really a castle but an idyllic manor house above the Seine – see prices, photos and availability and book!
- B&B Château de Bonnemare, a magnificent building south of Rouen – see prices, photos and availability and book!
- …
Unusual accommodations in Normandy
And if you are looking for an original stay, here are some ideas:
- The tree houses of the B&B L’Étape en Forêt – see photos and availability
- Yurt, teepee and trailer at the B&B LE Refuge du Clos du Moulin – see photos and availability
- The guest rooms at the foot of the lighthouse of Fatouville
- The Lodges in Cerza Zoo – read more
- The guest room in the Fort of Levi
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
Location 1 – Bayeux, to visit the landing beaches
Why stay in Bayeux
Bayeux is one of our favorite places in Normandy.
This city has a lot to offer: it is a city with a charming historical center. Its center sometimes looks more like a village than a city.
It was fortunate to avoid most of the destruction during the Second World War. And since it’s not too big, you don’t have too much traffic to get out of town and explore the area.
Moreover, it is famous for its Unesco listed tapestry, probably from the 11th century. And it is very well located to explore the D-Day beaches, the Mont-Saint-Michel and the sandy beaches of Normandy.
Nearby attractions
- Museum of tapestry in Bayeux
- Cathedral
- Landing Beaches: Omaha, Gold, Sword, Juno with museums and war batteries – read more
- Sand beaches in Oustreham,
- Caen Memorial Museum
- Castles and abbeys
- See our article What to do in Bayeux
Where to sleep in Bayeux
We recommend..:
- Hotel Domaine de Bayeux – an 18th century residence where modernity and tradition are combined in a sumptuous setting – see photos and availability
- Hotel Château de Bellefontaine: sumptuous 15th century manor house turned castle in the late 18th century in the medieval Norman countryside of Bayeux – see photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Lara & Villa Augustine – luxury in the center – see photos and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Bayeux.
See the top rated accommodations in Bayeux
Location 2 – On the Mont-Saint-Michel
Why stay at Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most famous attractions in France. It is a Unesco heritage site. The abbey at the top is one of the most beautiful in Normandy.
It’s quite an impressive sight, when you arrive from the continent.
The small island is covered with fortifications and houses and there is a massive abbey on top. This is a must-see, and it’s even better at night!
Nearby attractions
- Mont-Saint-Michel with its abbey, museums and village – see what to do inMont-Saint-Michel
- Walking on the ramparts
- Alligator Bay
- The Scriptorial of Avranches, a very interesting museum in Avranches
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 you can also sleep nearby with nice B&Bs.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Auberge Saint-Pierre in Intramuros for the authenticity of the building – see photos availability
- Hotel La Croix Blanche, in intramuros, for the views on the bay – see photos availability
- Mercure Hotel, in the Barracks, if you need more comfort while staying close – see pictures and availability
- B&B Clos du Gilles, the charm at 5min from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots – see photos and availability
- The Château de la Ballue, for a unique experience at 30min from the Mont-Saint-Michel – see photos and availability
- And read our article on where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel
See the best rated accommodations around Mont-Saint-Michel
Location 3 – Honfleur, for the charm
Why stay in Honfleur
Honfleur is one of the most emblematic places of Normandy. Its historical center is fascinating with its half-timbered houses, its high narrow buildings around the harbor, a unique church… The region has inspired and continues to inspire many artists!
Nearby attractions
- The old center of Honfleur and its wooden church
- Eugène Boudin Museum
- The Normandy Bridge
- Deauville and its beach are not far
- …
- See what to do in Honfleur
Where to sleep in Honfleur
There is a nice hotel offer in Honfleur. We recommend..:
- Hotel La Maison de Lucie – a little bit of quiet, yet close to the port, in an elegant 18th century mansion – see photos and availability
- Hotel L’Absinthe – stay in a 16th century building in the heart of Honfleur – see photos and availability
- Hôtel Ferme de Saint-Siméon – luxury, history, charm and view of the estuary! – see pictures and availability
- or see our complete article on where to sleep in Honfleur
See the best rated accommodations in Honfleur
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Location 4 – Cabourg, for the beaches
Why stay in Cabourg
The seaside town is one of the most emblematic of the Normandy coast.
You will discover there magnificent private mansions of the XIXth century.
The main building is the Grand Hotel, where Marcel Proust used to stay.
The city is very lively, with a long promenade.
It ends at the estuary with a tongue of land made of sand dunes.
Nearby attractions
- The 4 km long promenade along the waterfront
- The main square with the “Belle Epoque” houses
- The Casino and its garden
- The estuary with the sand dune.
- Discover the glamour of Deauville
- Visit the charming Honfleur
Where to sleep in Cabourg
Consider:
- Le Grand Hotel de Cabourg – 5 stars in front of the sea – see pictures and availability
- Hotel & Spa Les Bains de Cabourg by Thalazur – if you are looking for a thalassotherapy atmosphere – see photos and availability
- B&B La Villa L’Argentine – in a 19th century building in the center of town – see photos and availability
See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg
Location 5 – Rouen, for history
Why stay in Rouen
Rouen is a cultural and historical city. In terms of historical buildings, it is the most fascinating to visit.
It has a high concentration of listed buildings and just walking around is fascinating.
Moreover, its cathedral is one of the most impressive in Normandy and France and has played an important role in history.
Nearby attractions
- Old town with half-timbered houses and Big Clock
- Many museums in the city
- Historial Museum of Joan of Arc
- Very impressive cathedral
- Several abbeys within 40 minutes including the Abbey of Jumièges
Where to sleep in Rouen
Unfortunately, the range of charming hotels in Rouen is not up to the level of interest of the city. But we still have a few hotels to recommend:
- Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection – luxury in the center of old Rouen – see photos and availability
- Radisson Blu Hotel – modern and practical – see photos and availability
- Hotel LIttéraire Gustave Flaubert – for literature lovers – see photos and availability
- Best Western Plus Hotel de Dieppe – modern and close to the train station – see pictures and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Rouen.
See the best rated accommodations in Rouen
Location 6 – In the Normandy countryside
Why stay in the Normandy countryside
Looking for calm, greenery and authenticity?
The Norman countryside is very beautiful with its small valleys, fields and forests.
You will find charming accommodations, old farmhouses, castles and beautiful houses.
Nearby attractions
The corners of the countryside that we love the most:
- The Perche region to be calm far from everything
- The countryside around Deauville, to be close to everything
- The countryside around the landing beaches between history, countryside and beaches.
Where to sleep
You can find a lot of nice options, like for example
- Hotel Ferme de la Rançonnière – 20min from Bayeux with beautiful stones and beams – see pictures and availability
- Hotel Manoir de Nathan – 20min from Bayeux – see pictures and availability
- Hotel Domaine Utah Beach – 15min from the museum and the beach ofUtah Beach Beach – see pictures and availability
- Hotel les Pins de César, 15min from Etretat – see pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville – in authentic Norman houses – see photos and availability
- and many others…
Location 7 – Deauville, for the glamour
Why stay 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. They look like one city.
Nearby attractions
- Stroll through the city to enjoy the glamorous atmosphere and admire the buildings.
- Have fun, reasonably, at the famous casino.
- Take a walk on the beach and enjoy the change of scenery with the tides.
- Shopping spree
- Discover the surrounding beaches
- Visit the charming Honfleur
- See our article on 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 photos and availability
- Hotel Le Patio – good value for money, and a charming team – see photos and availability
- Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy – The ultimate in luxury, between the beach and the city center – see photos and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to stay in Deauville.
See the best rated accommodations in Deauville
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.
Location 8 – Saint-Valery-en-Caux to explore the Alabaster Coast
Why stay in Saint-Valery-en-Caux
A lesser known city on the Alabaster Coast, but one of my favorites.
It is located in the center of the coast, which allows you to visit the area easily.
It is organized around a long harbor with beautiful cliffs, and a long dike.
It has been occupied since Roman times, a port and a fishing village. However, the harbor has been reclaimed by the mud. In the 17th century, Louis XV dug it.
Nearby attractions
- The relaxing city center around the water with the half-timbered house of Henri IV (16th century) and its museum.
- The two dikes with a view of the large beach and the cliffs
- The chapel with its blue stained glass windows
- And the sites of the Alabaster Coast: Fécamp and the Benedictine, Étretat and its cliffs, the village of Veules-les-Roses, the castles…
- See what to do on the Alabaster Coast
Where to sleep in Saint-Valery-en-Caux
More rentals than hotels in this part of Normandy.
Consider:
- Hotel du Casino, with view on the marina – see pictures and availability
- Hotel Henri IV – see photos and availability
See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Valery
Location 9 – Caen, large central city
Why stay in Caen
Located in the heart of Normandy, the city of Caen is very convenient for exploring the region.
Caen has a rich history due to William the Conqueror.
The religious buildings that surround the city are the highlights.
A large part of the city was destroyed during the liberation in 1944.
But some older houses can be found by walking around the pretty downtown.
Nearby attractions
- Abbaye-aux-Hommes
- The ruins of the castle
- World War II Memorial and Museum
- The many museums
- The old districts and the churches
- Nearby the landing beaches
- Near the city of Bayeux
- Near Deauville, Cabourg, Honfleur…
Where to sleep in Caen
The range of charming hotels in Caen is quite limited.
Consider:
- Best Western Plus Le Moderne – modern and downtown – see photos and availability
- Hotel La Fontaine Caen Centre – good value for money in the city center – see photos and availability
- B&B Les chambres de l’Abbaye – for a charming stay – see photos and availability
- And read our detailed article on where to sleep in Caen.
See the best rated accommodations in Caen
Location 10 – Étretat, for the magnificent landscapes
Why stay in Étretat
This is our favorite place in Normandy, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
By its size, Étretat is just between a village and a city.
The Alabaster Coast is made of high white cliffs. At Étretat, the elements have sculpted them, creating several arches and a marine pile with needles.
The place has inspired many artists, including the author Maurice Leblanc with his character of Arsène Lupin.
Nearby attractions
- Views from the cliffs on either side of the valley
- The chapel and the garden of the North Cliffs
- The gardens of Etretat, unusual and inspiring
- The stories of Arsène Lupin
- To learn more, see our article on 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 photos and availability
- Dormy House Hotel – iconic, with magnificent views and a 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
See the best rated accommodations in Étretat
4 more places to sleep during a road trip in Normandy
If you are going on a road trip around Normandy, we recommend the above places but also some other potential stops:
Le Havre
This is our hometown, it is for those who are looking for something different. There are very few really old French buildings left, because the city was destroyed during the Second World War.
However, it is classified by Unesco, because of the way it was rebuilt by Auguste Perret.
A relaxing town with a beach, wide streets and modern art outside.
Find out more in our article on Le Havre and hotels in Le Havre.
Discover the best rated accommodations in Le Havre
Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
Saint-Vaast is known as the destination of the island of Tatihou, but the town is also worth a visit.
It has its own fort on a peninsula that is the twin of the one on the island of Tatihou.
Moreover, the landscape of the port area changes completely between high and low tide because of the oyster farming. If you start with high tide, you will be surprised to discover it at low tide!
See the accommodations.
Suisse Normande
Normandy is not very high in altitude overall.
However, there is a small area called Suisse Normande, where you almost feel like you are in the mountains.
This small area can be visited by car in one day. But if you like hiking or climbing, this could be an interesting destination for you.
Our favorite viewpoints are those of the Clécy viaduct and the Roche d’Oëtre.
See the best rated accommodations in the region
Alençon and around
Alençon is famous for its lacemaking traditions dating back to the 17th century century (listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO).
The architecture of Alençon is due to women, the rich wives of the dukes who built castles and churches in the 15th century. century.
The city is central to discover the surrounding countryside with beautiful small towns and villages like Bellême or Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei.
See the best rated accommodations.
Vernon
Founded in the 10th century, the city occupies a strategic position on the Seine.
The old center has preserved some half-timbered houses as well as some 18th century mansions.
But Vernon is most famous for the old mill that still stands above the river (a typical Normandy photo) and for being the gateway to Giverny and its gardens.
Discover the best rated accommodations in Vernon
Frequently asked questions
Bayeux or Caen?
To visit the D-Day landing beaches, and Normandy in general, the 2 cities of Bayeux and Caen are very well located.
For tourism, we prefer Bayeux.
Bayeux is smaller with a very nice offer for tourists. It’s easy to get out and visit the area.
Caen is a big city with all the services that go with it and a less touristy atmosphere. But with more traffic jams to get out of the city.
Caen or Rouen?
These are the 2 most emblematic cities of Normandy.
Caen was completely destroyed by the war while Rouen is still full of preserved buildings.
For city tourism, we prefer Rouen.
Rouen is a beautiful city to explore with many museums. It is located near the Alabaster coast and many abbeys.
Caen is a very well located city to explore Normandy, with among others, the Côte Fleurie and the D-Day beaches.
Deauville or Cabourg?
Deauville and Cabourg are two beautiful seaside resorts in Normandy, with sandy beaches.
Our preference is for Cabourg, less shopping oriented and with a very beautiful dune.
Read our article Honfleur or Deauville or 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…
