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What to see in Normandy?
Calvados
Calvados is home to a stunning coastline, charming towns, and the heart of the D-Day beaches.
- Caen: Visit the Caen Memorial Museum, which provides in-depth exhibits on World War II and D-Day, and explore the Château de Caen and Abbaye aux Hommes.
- D-Day Beaches: Visit Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach to pay homage to the Allied landings on June 6, 1944. Explore the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.
- Honfleur: Wander around the picturesque harbor and medieval streets of this charming town and visit the Saint Catherine's Church made from wood.
- Camembert: Explore the Camembert village and learn about the world-famous cheese.
Eure
Known for its lush countryside and beautiful châteaux, Eure offers a peaceful retreat.
- Giverny: Visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, where the renowned artist lived and painted his famous water lilies.
- Rouen: Explore the medieval city center, including the Rouen Cathedral and Joan of Arc's Vieux Marché Square. Stroll through the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred.
- Château Gaillard: Visit this historic fortress built by Richard the Lionheart, offering spectacular views of the Seine Valley.
Manche
Manche is home to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel and the beautiful Cotentin Peninsula.
- Mont Saint-Michel: Explore the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the medieval streets of the village and enjoy the stunning tidal landscape.
- Cherbourg: Visit the Cité de la Mer, a maritime museum that showcases oceanography and the Redoutable Submarine.
- Cotentin Peninsula: Discover scenic views, quaint fishing villages like Barfleur, and the Cotentin Marshes.
- Jullouville: Enjoy the beach at Jullouville, a popular coastal town for seaside relaxation.
Orne
Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Orne is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
- Alençon: Visit the Château d'Alençon and explore the city’s lace-making tradition at the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
- Perche Regional Nature Park: Explore this natural park known for its rolling hills, forests, and charming villages like La Ferté-Bernard.
- Bagnoles-de-l'Orne: Relax at this thermal spa town, offering lush parks, a beautiful lake, and luxury spa treatments.
- Roche d'Oëtre: Hike through the Roche d'Oëtre for panoramic views of the Orne Valley.
Seine-Maritime
Known for its dramatic cliffs, historic towns, and maritime culture.
- Étretat: Visit the famous cliffs of Étretat, known for their natural arches and needle-like formations. Explore the Étretat Gardens, which inspired many artists, including Monet.
- Le Havre: Visit Le Havre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its modernist architecture by Auguste Perret.
Day trips from Normandy
Giverny
Why go: Giverny is famous for being the home of Claude Monet, one of the most influential Impressionist artists. Visit the gardens that inspired Monet’s iconic Water Lilies paintings.
What to do: Explore Monet's house and gardens, especially the Japanese Bridge and water garden. Don’t miss the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or train
Book tickets and tours of Giverny here
Mont Saint-Michel
Why go: One of France’s most iconic landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel is a stunning island commune with a medieval abbey perched atop. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers dramatic views, historical architecture, and winding streets to explore.
What to do: Explore Mont Saint-Michel’s medieval streets, and enjoy the views of the bay, especially during low tide, when you can see the entire island from a different angle. Wander around the Abbey perched atops and soak in the panoramic views from the ramparts.
Duration: 2 hours
Book tickets to Mont Saint-Michel hereBest time to visit
The best time to visit Normandy is typically during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October).
Late spring (May - June)
Weather: The weather is generally mild, with longer days, and the region is lush and green, perfect for exploring outdoor sites like Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches.
Crowds: The peak summer crowds haven't arrived yet, so you can enjoy a more peaceful experience at popular sites.
Blossom season: The countryside is in full bloom, and the gardens (like Giverny’s gardens) are at their best.
Early autumn (September - October)
Weather: The weather remains mild, though slightly cooler than in summer. This is a great time for scenic drives along the coast and enjoying Normandy’s vineyards.
Crowds: Most tourists have left by autumn, making it a quieter time to explore Normandy's historical sites and towns.
Harvesting season: It’s the season for apple harvesting and cider production, so you can visit cider houses and distilleries for tastings.
Getting to Normandy
By train
By car
By bus
- From Paris: The fastest and most convenient way to reach Normandy from Paris is by train. You can take the SNCF TGV or regional trains from Paris Saint-Lazare station to major Normandy cities like Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, and Bayeux. Journey times range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- For Mont Saint-Michel: You can take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson, then catch a shuttle bus or taxi to Mont Saint-Michel (about 15-20 minutes).
- From Paris: Normandy is around 2-3 hours by car from Paris, depending on your destination. The A13 autoroute (motorway) connects Paris to Caen, Rouen, and other parts of the region. Renting a car is ideal if you want to explore the countryside and smaller towns, as it provides flexibility.
- Car rentals: Many rental car agencies operate in Paris (at the airport or city center) and in Normandy, allowing you to easily travel at your own pace.
- Long-distance coaches: Most budget-friendly way to travel. FlixBus and Ouibus services operate routes from Paris to various destinations in Normandy, including Rouen, Caen, and Le Havre. Travel times can range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and the route.
- Shuttle services: If you're visiting Mont Saint-Michel, there are dedicated shuttle buses from Pontorson train station to the island.
Frequently asked questions about Normandy
What is Normandy famous for?
Normandy is famous for its WWII D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, apple cider, and camembert cheese.
Can I visit Mont Saint-Michel from Paris in one day?
Yes, it's possible to visit Mont Saint-Michel as a day trip from Paris, though it's best to plan for a long day.
What is the best way to explore Normandy?
The best way to explore Normandy is by car, especially if you want to see rural areas and small towns.
Can I visit both the D-Day beaches and Mont Saint-Michel in one trip?
It’s possible, but it’s best to split them over two days. They are about 2.5 hours apart, making it challenging to see both fully in one day.
What local foods should I try in Normandy?
Must-try dishes include camembert cheese, apple cider, calvados (apple brandy), and seafood specialties like oysters and mussels.
Are the D-Day beaches accessible for people with mobility issues?
Some sites, like the American Cemetery and certain museums, are wheelchair accessible. However, sandy beaches and uneven terrain at some sites may pose challenges.
Is a guided tour recommended for exploring Normandy?
Guided tours are ideal for learning in-depth history at sites like the D-Day beaches or Mont Saint-Michel. Guided tours usually include round-trip transfers adding to the convenience and helping to cover the main sights too.
Can I use public transport to explore Normandy?
Public transport connects major towns, but rural areas and smaller attractions are best reached by car or guided tours.
Are there family-friendly activities in Normandy?
Yes, families can enjoy Mont Saint-Michel, the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities like cycling and horseback riding.