The 17 things to do in Calvados

Make your holiday 100% made in Normandy with these 17 essential things to visit in the Calvados!

Sometimes the clichés are true and we ask again! This is the case when we go to visit the Calvados. There are small villages, apple trees and soft cider as in a song by Stone and Charden. Of course, it’s a little more than that. Historical heritage lovers can satisfy their thirst for knowledge.

The Middle Ages, the Belle-Epoque and of course the Second World War marked the region. The Calvados is also natural sites of all beauty with both maritime landscapes celebrated by the great painters but also a bucolic campaign for sporting activities.

And to be happy, this corner of Normandy has what to delight taste buds between famous cheeses, seafood and intoxicating nectars. There is a great deal of contention for everyone, even if it rains. So don't lose a moment, book your future holidays and learn about these 15 things to do in the Calvados.

1. The cider road

What if we start visiting the Calvados through its gastronomy? As with the famous wine routes, the advantage of this circuit is to make you discover the whole of a terroir and not only the sparkling drink.

The circuit is about 40 kilometres away. You can visit cider farms and discover some local specialities. The itinerary also crosses very nice charming villages, you can also admire castles and haras that also make the reputation of the region.

2. The Gorges de la Vire

It is a hidden treasure to visit in the Calvados. You can follow the course of this river about 35 kilometers. The landscapes are wild and uncommon. They are ideal for lovers of cycling and hiking. At first, you follow the river course in the typical Norman bocage with large green areas and bucolic hills.

Then, as far as you can, the valleys and granite gorges appear, which offers a great playground for swimming. The toughest will not fail to stop at viaduct of the Souleuvre for, why not, to a leap of the angel, safely, of course.

3. Falaise and its castle

The ferus of History and epics cannot pass next to this castle to be made in the Calvados. Indeed, the medieval city was born the most famous Duke of Normandy, Guillaume the Conqueror Just that. A journey has been set up to go on the footsteps of this illustrious character and thus discover the medieval vestiges of the city.

You can see what remains of the fortified enclosure, the Arlette fountain and simply stroll through Falaise. The point of the visit is, of course, the castle that dominates the city with its 3 dungeons.

4. The tip of Hoc

Located in Cricqueville-en-Bessin, the Pointe du Hoc is both a beautiful natural site to visit in Calvados and also a place of memory. As its name suggests, it is a cliff that moves into the Channel as a bow of ships that slit the waters.

Obviously, this geographical feature made the site very supervised by the German army during the Second World War. A whole battery of artillery was installed there. It was also a place of the landing of Americans where fighting was particularly difficult.

5. The Orne Valley

This charming corner to see in the Calvados is also known as Switzerland Normande. The summits are not of Helvetic size, far from there, but the region is known for its very marked relief. It was the rivers' vivid waters that dug the gorges and valleys thus creating mini-mountain. Here visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing and climbing.

Among the most famous natural sites is the Roche d’Oëtre, renowned for its superb views. There are also the rocks of the Houle with that known as the Sugar bread and the ridge road circuit. The area also houses some charming villages with character houses and manors such as Clécy or Putanges-le-Lac.

6. Caen

Capital of Calvados, Caen has many advantages and deserves a visit. To begin with, from a historical heritage point of view, it can count on the vestiges of the passage of Guillaume the Conqueror. Thus, you should not miss a guided tour of the Abbey to the Men and the Abbey to the Women who are worth a visit for their architecture but also for the reasons of their construction.

Guillaume and his wife were distant cousins, which was considered an incessant relationship by the Church. They wanted to redeem themselves by building their abbey each. There is also the castle of Caen, a massive medieval fortress that now houses “the enclosure of museums”.

Finally, the city centre is also worth a stroll because it is very dynamic and full of shops and friendly cafés. In summer, many street festivals are organized.

7. The Caen Memorial

Located on a huge esplanade, the Memorial is the museum to be visited in the Calvados. With his innovative scenography, he managed to passion everyone, even the most refractory visitors. It must be said that the Memorial has given itself a most necessary objective, that of reflecting on peace through the history of the twentieth century.

Thus he presents several permanent exhibitions, one on the Second World War, another on the Battle of Normandy and one on the Cold War. On the outside are the gardens of Remembrance in tribute to the dead soldiers for freedom.

8. The Pays d’Auge

If you want Normandy typical postcard like that sung by Stone and Charden, this is the place you should visit in the Calvados. To say things honestly, it will be difficult to find more charming villages. Colored doors, shaded houses, cottages, manor houses from a cartoon, you will see all this.

And you can add to this some of the most appetizing local gastronomic specialties. Among the villages to be seen are Beuvron-en-Auge, Beaumont-en-Auge and Pierrefite-en-Auge.

9. Omaha Beach

The coasts of Calvados were the scene of one of the most important events in world history. It is therefore difficult to make the impasse on its historical sites. This name actually includes the beaches of 3 villages: Vierville, Colleville and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.

It was here that it was decided to have the American troops coming to free France. It is also here that the human balance of the landing was the heaviest. Above the beaches, the land has been granted to the United States in perpetuity to pay tribute to their fallen soldiers. Many Americans come to the gigantic cemetery where more than 9,000 soldiers are based.

10. Bayeux

It is once again Guillaume the Conqueror who contributes to the celebrity of this city. And for cause, here is the famous tapestry of Bayeux which tells the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy. In all, there are more than 70 meters of embroidered tapestry with hundreds of characters, animals and other illustrations.

The whole is in a remarkable state of conservation, which is worth being classified at Unesco. In addition to this masterpiece to be seen in the Calvados, the old town of Bayeux has hardly changed since the 18th century, for the greatest happiness of visitors. Don't miss walking around.

11. Honfleur

It is certainly one of the most charming ports in France that you can visit in the Calvados. In fact, Honfleur does not despair over the years. Its appeal dates back to the 19th century when the city attracted painters, writers and all the high society in lack of fresh air. The port has managed to keep its authenticity with its fishing boats, its massive mastery in old stones and its colorful high houses.

The city centre is just as cute with its small streets that gently climb the hill. Take a look at the church too, with its ceiling in the shape of a boat hull returned, without forgetting the beach of course and the artist’s workshops. In short, a single word-master here is to blur.

12. Deauville

It is the star of the cities to be made in the Calvados. Chic, elegant, perhaps a little eye-catching for some but Deauville assumes its identity as a top-of-the-range resort. Villas, palaces and casinos border its beaches to the famous cabins.

Perhaps you will have the opportunity to meet one of the famous names listed on the Planches that allow you to stroll on the beach without putting your feet in the sand. One of the best moments for this is, without a doubt, the American Film Festival that transforms the city into the second Croisette.

13. Trouville

It is the neighbor of Deauville, just cross the bridge to go. Yet the two cities are no longer different and those who don’t like Deauville love Trouville. She also experienced success in the 19th century, first of all.

But she was able to keep her authentic charm from the old fishing port. Many artists have been seduced by its pretty villas and animated alleys. The atmosphere is there, say, simpler, with the possibility to taste some good products of the sea just landed from the boats.

Today it is a very popular destination for families.

14. Villerville-sur-Mer

It is also thanks to the cinema that this little village is famous since it is here that was shot A monkey in winter with Jean Gabin and Jean-Paul Belmondo. And it is precisely because almost nothing has changed that we have to go to visit him in the Calvados.

Moreover, the film’s bistro is still active and the colorful fronts of small shops are still there. It feels like a time-bound jump in this village where the atmosphere is delightfully outdated. And that’s exactly what visitors like.

15. Houlgate

Nostalgiques de la Belle-Epoque, it is this city that you must visit in the Calvados. It was entirely built at the end of the 19th century for the bourgeois and rich Parisians who wanted to take sea baths.

This explains the incredible concentration of villas on the seaside and the many chalets, manor houses on the surrounding hills. It is all the more appreciable that concrete has not colonized the landscape here.

16. Cabourg

If you managed to read Proust, you must know Cabourg, a 19th century seaside resort. Here too, the city center has retained its world charm with Belle-Epoque villas.

There is a small, surviving side, but charming at the same time on the flowery streets, at its long seaside promenade, which bears the name of the famous author, and at the tea lounges of luxury hotels.

17. The Basilica of Lisieux

The Basilica, known as Sainte-Thérèse, is the second place of pilgrimage in France after Lourdes. Interestingly, the building was built in the 20th century to welcome pilgrims who came to pay tribute to Thérèse. It was a very young deceased Carmelite, whose memory on religious faith was very successful.

In addition to its impressive exterior, the interior is richly decorated in a neo-byzantine style mix and Art Deco. The whole is bathed in blue shades thanks to the colours of the stained glass.

How to get to Calvados?

By car

This is certainly the most practical way to visit the Calvados. From Paris , A13 take you there in about 2 hours while since Rennes , you have less than 3h with the A84 .

By train

Thanks to its historic seaside resorts, Calvados is very well served by the ferré network. Many stations are located in the territory. Since Paris, about 20 connections have been made daily and about ten of them since the province. The most important station is that of Caen but the intercity also serves cities like Honfleur, Deauville and many others.

By plane

Two airports are in the department:

• Caen-Carpiquet offers direct flights from other international airports in the Territory
• Deauville is less accessible and concentrates mainly private flights, connections with London and some charter flights.

To see what options are available, we advise you to go on a flight comparison like Skyscanner.

Take the airway instead when you come from the South.

Where to stay in Calvados?

With its tourist past, it is not the accommodations that lack to visit the Calvados. Take a look at a hotel comparison to see what offers you most match. The coast is obviously known for its luxury hotels but you can find more accessible a little while back or in less famous cities.

To radiate a maximum on the department, house in the city of Caen is a viable solution. For those who love lively places, the Calvaire Saint-Pierre district or the old city centre district are all indicated.

The department is also full of charming cottages. In case of affluence, don’t forget campings or Rentals at home, this is where you will have the best value for money. To find the solution that best suits you, do not hesitate to use a hotel comparison.

Now pack your bags and go to the Calvados!

Also:
Airbnb Caen: the best Airbnb apartments in Caen
Airbnb Trouville-sur-Mer: the best Airbnb rentals in Trouville
The 10 most beautiful huts in trees in Normandy