The 19 things to do in Normandy

Need some greenery? To breathe the air off? Follow the guide with these 19 uncontourable ideas to do in Normandy!

If you dream of bucolic landscapes, you are in the right place! The Normandy region, the cradle of the seaside tourism, continues to seduce the crowds. It is difficult to resist its blossoms, its comforting gastronomy, and its historical heritage. Visiting Normandy is the promise of not paying attention to the passing time, its trails with cliffs and its picturesque harbours bring it as a perpetual holiday atmosphere.

If it is impossible to list all the things to do in the region, here is a small idea of what awaits you with this list of 19 must-see in Normandy. Follow the guide!

1. Honfleur

It is the mythical port of Normandy! The one whose high houses are known all over the world and whose village atmosphere always charms as much. After strolling around the harbour, take the time to climb into the small streets to gain height and enjoy a very nice view.

2. The quartet Deauville, Trouville, Houlgate, Cabourg

They form the flower of the Côte Fleurie with their villas Belle Époque that testify to their success in the late nineteenth century. Successes that do not dement themselves with their large sandy beaches and their climate known to be mild. Here you just have to take the time to stroll and connect Proust .

3. Mont Saint-Michel

Some claim to be Breton but it is in Normandy that you have to go to see him. He first guesses at the distance before appearing in all his majesty. The view from the terraces of the abbey is simply magical! Before leaving, you must not miss to contemplate it one last time in the glow of the sleeping.

4. Monet gardens in Giverny

Located on the border of the Île de France, it is a site to visit in Normandy, preferably at Spring . It is this season that you will understand why Monet chose this place and the desire to take the brushes, in your turn, may well come to you. It is impossible, indeed, to resist this palette of colors and the sweetness of living near the nympheas.

5. The Memorial and the landing beaches

Memory Land, you must see in Normandy, the landing beaches and visit the Memorial, museum dedicated to the history of the twentieth century with the Second World War as a backdrop. The museum, far from academic, offers several scenographies to reflect on the issues of peace, while Les Jardins du Souvenir commemorate the commitment of allied nations.

6. Abbeys to the Ladies and Men

Always to Caen , make a great historical difference by leaving, this time, in the traces of Guillaume the Conqueror . The two abbeys were founded respectively by the Duke for that of the Men and his wife, Mathilde de Flandres, for that of the Ladies. The buildings have been redesigned over the centuries, but they still house the tombs of the couple.

7. The Cotentin

What will you choose to visit in the Norman Peninsula? Are you going to walk in the Natural Park to observe migratory birds or in the dunaire massif Vauville ? Unless you prefer the charm of the picturesque port Barfleur At the time of the landing? Your choice!

8. La Cité de la mer de Cherbourg

Lovers of the sea, this space is a must-see in Normandy. Installed in the old transatlantic marine station, it is here that you discover what is hidden in the abyss, that you can visit the first French nuclear submarine or relive the history of Titanic .

9. The Chausey Islands

It is time to take the broad direction of this archipelago, less known than its neighbors Anglo-Normandes, and yet! There is no more appropriate word than « paradise » to describe this little piece of Normandy 17km from the continent . We challenge you not to fall under the charm of granite rocks, turquoise waters and panoramas.

10. Granville

Before boarding for the islands, it would be a shame not to enjoy the charm of Granville. It is the first coquillier port in France, which will delight gourmets while its fortified high city will appeal to herb historians. Finally, fashion lovers will not miss visiting the home-museum of Christian Dior . For the festivities, his famous carnival awaits you.

11. Rouen

During a visit to Normandy, you have to go to the city with a hundred bell towers that would have about 2000 medieval houses with wooden panels. The Gothic cathedral with its highest arrow in France deserves, of course, eyes, without forgetting the belfry of the Gros-Horloge. If the crowd does not scare you, then come to attend one of these days at the Armada.

12. The Haras du Pin

Nickname the Versailles of the Horse , it is the oldest of the national harass, it was founded by Louis XIV . It is known today to value the Percheronne race, it also welcomes artists in residence and equestrian competitions. But it is especially a very interesting museum in a majestic setting.

13. The Pays d’Auge

If to visit Normandy, for you, with landscapes of woodlandscapes and houses, it is in Pays d’Auge that you have to go. Located in the land, south of Deauville , this Normandy corner embodies the charm to perfection. Don't miss the villages of :

• Beuvron-en-Auge
• Pierrefite-en-Auge
• Beaumont-en-Auge

14. The Camembert Road

This is the symbol of France in the world! It is therefore impossible to visit the region without tasting it and learn more about this must-see in Normandy. It’s gone for a mini road trip in the Orne in the footsteps of the famous cheese through beautiful bucolic landscapes. And, by chance, the cider road passes in the corner as well.

15. The Bayeux tapestry

69 meters of tapestry, it's starting to work! More precisely, it is a embroidery that retraces the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy, Guillaume Le Conquerrant. All with no less than 626 characters represented, some thirty buildings including Mont-Saint-Michel and the effects of perspective, as you explain the museum that is dedicated to it.

16. Hiking in Norman Switzerland

The name is ready to laugh but there are many mountains to see in Normandy, or rather reliefs of 300 meters high drawn by the Gorges de l’Orne. Beautiful views and outdoor activities, which have nothing to envy in the Alps, await you. Among them, Roche d’Oëtre ( see the trace ) or the Rochers des Parcs ( see the trace ).

17. Château-Gaillard

Perched on a cliff above Andelys , the ruins of the castle Richard-Coeur-de-Lion seem straight out of a tale, especially when they emerge from the fog. Built in this place for military considerations, visitors today admire its breathtaking view of the loops of the Seine .

18. The cliffs of Etretat

Immortalized by Monet , the cliffs form the most unmissable landscape of Normandy. It must be said that the point of view, whether from the sea or from the path that overlooks them, is most beautiful. Admire in daylight Aiguille, Manneporte and Courtine is the summum of romance.

19. Le Havre

Too often reduced to concrete and industrial port, the city is still classified at UNESCO for its architectural heritage of the twentieth century. Destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War, his reconstruction is the work of Auguste Perret and his flagship monument is the church of Saint Joseph. The Musée d’Art Moderne is also very well known.

Our Norman workshop

Enjoy your stay in Normandy to meet the team of Christian Drouin, Oenologist, and discover the secrets of making the most famous alcohol in the region: the calvados!

After a visit to the cidricole farm and a detailed explanation of the different stages of realization, you will have the chance to put your new knowledge to axecution, by assembling your own calvados!

How do I go to Normandy?

By car

It is the advantage of visiting Normandy, it is located at the gates of the Paris region. Nothing simpler indeed, it is enough to take the A13, which crosses the region through Rouen and Caen.

By train

The Paris-Normandie railway lines are among the oldest in France as evidenced by Zola's novels. If there is no TGV at the moment, the intercity trains allow you to reach, among other things, Le Havre, Deauville, Cherbourg and Granville with multiple stops.

By plane

Although not served by Paris, the region still has 4 airports but only that of Caen offers connections in some regions in France. You can use a flight comparison like Ulysses , for example, to see the different possibilities.

Where to stay in Normandy?

You have the choice of accommodation to visit Normandy because the offer is important. From trailer to glamping to traditional hotels, gites and guest houses, there is everything! And this, both in remote small villages and in large cities. See you on one Compare hotels to have an overview of available offers and to benefit from the best rates.