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Things to do in Normandy are not hard to come by. Normandy France, bordering the English Channel, is a region that will interest every visitor. The D-Day Beaches are a sobering reminder to appreciate our liberty and ancient marvels such as Mont Saint Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry are living tributes to human ingenuity, spirituality and bravery.
Normandy France, with its medieval towns, gastronomic delights such as oysters and camembert, and towering cliffs, is unforgettable. Full of tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path treasures, it’s no wonder Normandy is dearly loved by the French and foreigners alike.
These 21 wonderful places to visit in Normandy France will entice you to plan an itinerary in this region of France.
How To Get To Normandy France
To Normandy France By Train:
From Paris’s train station Saint-Lazare, trains run regularly to Normandy destinations such as Rouen, Dieppe, Le Havre, Deauville-Trouville, Bayeux and Caen. Book your train ticket.
Explore Normandy France By Car:
One of the best ways to truly see Normandy, France is by car. This gives you the flexibility to visit small villages and hidden beaches, and follow twisting roads through the French countryside.
Rent your car in France to experience the best of Normandy.
Get To Normandy France By Air:
From Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, or Nantes International Airport, take a regional flight to one of five airports in Normandy: Cherbourg, Rouen, Le Havre, Deauville, Caen-Carpiquet. Book a flight to Normandy France
Other Ways to Get to Normandy:
Buses such as FlixBus and BlablaBus have routes from Paris to destinations in Normandy. Ferries also run between the U.K. and Ireland to Normandy.
Where To Go In Normandy France
21 Wonderful Things To Do In Normandy France
1. Marvel At Mont Saint Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is definitely a Normandy must see! Mont-Saint-Michel rises from the sea and leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime. In 708, Saint Aubert from nearby Avranches initiated the construction of Mont-Saint-Michel after Archangel Micheal allegedly poked him in the skull. Clearly, Saint Aubert was not listening the first time!
Mont-Saint-Michel stands as a beacon of French resistance as even during the Hundred Year War, it was attacked by the English but never seized.
Visit the magnificent abbey, the medieval town, climb the ramparts, and take in the sweeping views of the sea. Don’t forget to stop for a puff omelette at La Mère Poulard which started serving meals to pilgrims in 1888. Mont-Saint-Michel is truly one of the best places to visit in Normandy.
Travel Tip for Places To Visit In Normandy France:
The tides are incredibly high and rise very fast around Mont-Saint-Michel. Walk with a professional guide across the seafloor and learn about the fragile ecosystem of the bay (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and marvel at the spectacular views of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Book An Organized Tour To Mont-Saint-Michel here.
Where To Stay When Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel – check out this location.
2. Visit The D-Day Beaches In Normandy
Visiting the D-Day Beaches is an essential thing to do in Normandy France. Here at the D Day landing beaches, the largest amphibious invasion in history took place. In World War II thousands of allied soldiers arrived on June 6, 1944, to carry out Operation Overload and push the Nazis out of France. The bravery, loss and ensuing freedom make an impact on every visitor as it is right here that the course of history changed forever. Americans will definitely want to visit Omaha Beach.
Read More: How to Visit the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, France.
Normandy Sights Travel Tip:
There are five D-Day beaches in Normandy France to visit and multiple memorials and cemeteries. Leave ample time. And if this is not an area of expertise, I would recommend taking a guided tour. My experience with a guide made the visit to the D-Day Beaches more meaningful.
Book An Organized Tour To The D-Day Beaches here.
Where To Stay In Normandy When Visiting the D-Day Beaches. Bayeux is a good bet.
I stayed in this Bed and Breakfast.
3. Things To Do In Normandy: Wander In Honfleur
Honfleur is one of the top five towns visited in France each year making it one of the essential Normandy destinations. As soon as you arrive, you will understand why. The gorgeous Old Harbour (le Vieux Bassin) is a stunning sight. Flâner through the medieval centre and don’t miss France’s largest church made of timber (check out that ceiling) and make the trek up the hill to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grâce and the viewpoint over the estuary of the Seine.
Travel Tip for Places To Visit In Normandy France:
Honfleur is known for its scallops (coquille Saint-Jacques) so indulge in a gourmet seafood meal. Be sure to visit the Chapel of Notre Dame de Grâce when the carillon is ringing.
Book An Organized Tour To Honfleur here.
Where To Stay in Honfleur. Try these Hotels.
I stayed in this hotel which is in a perfect location.
4. Sit Under A Beach Parasol In Deauville
I had no idea that a visit to Deauville was one of the best things to do in Normandy France. The beach at Deauville is unforgettable, especially if you are taking a day trip from Paris to escape the heat. The morning shadows cast by the rows of colourful parasols make arriving early a must for any photographer. Walk the long beach and the famous boardwalk and of course, go for a swim. Film buffs should plan a trip to Deauville to coincide with the American Film Festival every year in September.
Read More: A Seaside Trip to Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer from Paris
Travel Tip What To Do In Normandy France:
After your early morning train from Paris, put your bare toes in the sand and find the café, Bar du Soleil, on the beach. Have a café crème and a croissant, breathe in the salt air and then head off for a beach walk. If you plan to spend the day on the beach, pick your spot early because Deauville beach gets very busy.
Book an Organized Tour to Deauville here.
Where To Stay in Deauville: I went for a day trip to Deauville in Normandy, but honestly, once you get there you are going to wish you were staying overnight here or in Trouville. Hotels in Deauville.
5. Hike The Cliffs In Etretat
Etretat, a top destination along the Normandy coast, is a winner. The views of the alabaster cliffs, the pebbled beach, the clear waters in which to swim and the lovely town make it a sure success for a visit. Climb both cliffs for spectacular views.
Best Things To See In Normandy Travel Tip:
Book An Organized Tour To Etretat here.
Where To Stay In Etretat: Book hotels here.
6. Explore The Medieval Centre Of Bayeux
It is remarkable that Bayeux escaped WWII unscathed, given its proximity to the D-Day beaches. Wander the historic centre and marvel at the magnificent cathedral, the half-timbered houses and the waterwheels of the River Aure. Bayeux is a “must do” on your Normandy France itinerary. Read this article on how to spend the best things to do in Bayeux.
Travel Tip Things To Do In Normandy France:
The Bayeux War Cemetery is a 15-minute walk from the medieval centre. It is the largest Commonwealth cemetery of WWII.
Book An Organized Tour To Bayeux here.
Where To Stay in Bayeux:
Bayeux France is quite small so book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are planning to visit D-Day for the anniversary of the Allied landings on June 6.
I stayed in this Bed and Breakfast, Logis des Remparts, in a 17th-century home less than a five-minute walk from the Bayeux Cathedral.
If you prefer a hotel, this beautiful hotel, Domaine de Bayeux, gets great reviews. Hotel Particulier de Sainte Croix also has outstanding reviews. Alternatively, check out these hotels.
7. Gaze At Monet’s Garden In Giverny
One of the most popular Normandy attractions is a day trip from Paris to Giverny. Claude Monet, the famous impressionist painter, lived here and his house and gardens are a joy to visit. The water lilies are magnificent as are the colourful gardens full of flowers. The little town of Giverny with its gift shops and restaurants is fun to wander through.
Read More: How To Spend The Perfect Day in Giverny France
Travel Tip for Places To Visit In Normandy France:
Walk to the far end of the town to visit the church and Claude Monet’s grave.
Book An Organized Tour To Giverny here.
Where To Stay in Giverny: Giverny is close enough for a day trip from Paris. Once you get to this lovely town in the countryside though, you might feel like staying. Book your hotel here.
8. Savour Oysters Perched On The Beach At Quiberville
You might just be cruising along the Alabaster Coast in Normandy when all of a sudden Quiberville appears. The car does what it has to do. Immediately finds a parking spot. There is a patisserie, a boardwalk, a beach and an oceanside Huiterie – oyster shack. Even though I am there when it is apparently not prime oyster season (read more about the French and their love of oysters) oysters are ordered, a bottle of Muscadet uncorked and the rest is history. I mean, this is called living your best life in Normandy France.
Travel Tip What To Do In Normandy France:
Buy oysters here to bring back to your Airbnb or simply bring them to the beach to savour. They will happily open the oysters for you at the oyster shack.
Where To Stay in Quiberville: Book your hotel here
9. Stroll Through Veules-les-Roses In Normandy France
Veules-les-Roses, designated as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, is indeed one of the places in Normandy France worth visiting. Roses cascade and climb to a backdrop of the River Veules running through ancient mills. Veules-les-Roses played a historical role as the embarkation point for British and French soldiers in the Battle of the Somme in WWI.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Travel Tip for Places To Visit In Normandy France:
Stop a while on the popular pebbly beach at Veules-les-Roses and marvel at the soaring white cliffs in the distance.
Where To Stay in Veules-les-Roses: What a town to stay in! Book hotels here. This quirky, gorgeous Bed and Breakfast is where I stayed
10. Stop By Varengeville-sur-Mer In Normandy
This town has been attracting painters forever. Georges Braque, the French painter and sculptor, lived here and left a lasting legacy. In the 12th-century church, Saint-Valery, modern stained glass windows created by the artist are a treasure to behold. Georges Braque is also buried here.
Park the car and walk down the tree-lined road to find the church perched over the sea. Ah.. Normandy France, you are full of wonderful things to do.
Travel Tip Things To Do In Normandy France:
The church is perched on the cliff with a gorgeous view over the English Channel. Wander through the marine graveyard. It is a photographer’s dream.
Where To Stay In Varengeville-sur-Mer: Book Hotels here or stay nearby in Veules-les-Roses.
11. Things To Do In Normandy: Admire The Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry, almost 1000 years old, tells the tale of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 when William the Conqueror became King of England. It is a unique masterpiece, 70 metres (230 feet) long, showing historical events and the way of living in the 11th century.
This was a highlight for me of all the things to do in Normandy as I had wanted to see the tapestry from a very young age.
Read More: 11 Fascinating Facts About the Bayeux Tapestry
Travel Tip for Places To Visit In Normandy France:
You can’t book online and a limited amount of people are allowed in at a time so arrive early. The audio guide, available in 16 languages, is free with entry. Check the museum’s website here for dates, as it closes for a winter break.
Where To Stay in Bayeux: See above – Bayeux and the D-Day Beaches
12. Follow A Path And Walk The Beaches In Normandy France
Exploring in Normandy France is an absolute delight. There are many pathways through forests and down sandy, rocky trails that lead to the sea. There is nothing like emerging from a hidden pathway to find yourself on an expanse of sandy beach with soaring cliffs nearby.
Travel Tip What To Do In Normandy France:
Don’t be afraid to follow a little pathway but always be aware of the tides.
13. Relish Mussels With Norman Cream
It was in Trouville-sur-Mer at this legendary brasserie Les Vapeurs that I first tasted mussels with Norman cream. When in Normandy it seemed essential to savour this Norman cream for which the area is renowned.
Luckily I already knew how to tackle a steaming pot of mussels! This pot with its sauce of Norman cream was exquisite.
Travel Tip for Places To Visit In Normandy France:
Finish your huge pot of mussels and then explore the picturesque town of Trouville-sur-Mer. It has a lovely old centre and a fabulous beachfront.
Book An Organized Tour To Trouville-sur-Mer here.
14. Things To Do In Normandy France: Honour Memorials
Spending time in Normandy France, its history is never far from view. It is not only by visiting the large well-known memorials and cemeteries that we are reminded of the historical significance of Normandy. Reading the smaller plaques honouring heroic soldiers and their remarkable undertakings prompts one to remember the sacrifices made.
15. Flâner The Medieval Center of Rouen
Rouen, the capital city of Normandy France, has the most marvellous medieval centre to visit. Follow the soaring spires of Notre Dame Cathedral and explore the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses leaning this way and that. Leave time to stand and admire the unforgettable Renaissance gilded clock (Gros-Horloge). Visit the museum dedicated to the life of Joan of Arc, a national hero in France. She was tried and executed in Rouen.
Travel Tip What To Do In Normandy France:
Consider using Rouen as a base from which to explore parts of Normandy.
Book An Organized Tour To Rouen here.
Where To Stay in Rouen: Book your hotel here.
16. Dive Into Camembert, Cider, And Calvados In Normandy France
On a trip near Mont-Saint-Michel, I met a French couple that had been collecting shellfish at low tide. With smiles from ear to ear, they professed that living in Normandy the essentials of life were camembert and cider. Period. Just those two delights.
I couldn’t agree more.
Add to the list Calvados made from local apples and Normandy, you have my heart.
Travel Tip for Best Places To Visit In Normandy France:
In true French style, make sure the camembert is at room temperature before eating. Serve the gooey camembert with slices of baguette, after the main. Pair the camembert with cider, champagne or white wine.
17. Things To Do In Normandy France: Wade In The Salty Waters
Along the Normandy coast are plenty of beaches for swimming. Bring your beach umbrella and stay awhile. If you forget your bathing suit, don’t worry, no one will notice if you wade into the salty waters in your undies.
18. Spot The Haystacks and Norman Cows
Iconic Normandy France. White cows and haystacks! I love seeing the white cows of Normandy. Immediately I think of Norman cream and how it enhances dishes with depth and richness of flavour.
What about those haystacks? There are plenty of fields of hay in Normandy but these traditional mounds of hay, seen at Giverny, are a throwback to another time.
19. Normandy France: Visit Historical Dieppe
Dieppe, a port on the Alabaster Coast, has always had strong ties to Canada as many fishermen left from Dieppe to fish for cod off the coast of Newfoundland.
During WWII, Dieppe was the site of heavy Canadian casualties. The Square du Canada on the esplanade, commemorates the Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942, when so many “Canadian cousins” fell.
Visit Dieppe’s famed Saturday morning market, the long pebble beach and the quays.
Travel Tip What To Do In Normandy France:
The Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery is located 5 km south of Dieppe in Hautot-sur-Mer.
Where To Stay in Dieppe France: Book Your Hotel Here.
20. Be Amazed By Jumièges Abbey
The beautiful ruins of Jumièges Abbey are a highlight of visiting Normandy. The white-stone towers and soaring facade framed against green grass and blue skies are an invitation to imagine. Wander under archways and between ancient pillars and soak up the enchanting atmosphere.
The Abbaye de Jumièges was originally built in the 7th century but has a long history of being ruined and then rebuilt. Between the Vikings, the Hundred Years War, the Wars of Religion, and the French Revolution it is amazing that any piece of this abbey still stands.
Not far from Rouen, the Abbaye de Jumièges is easily accessed by car. I loved our approach. We took the small ferry boat (un bac) across the Seine River.
21. Best Towns To Visit In Normandy: Charming Le Bec-Hellouin
On the approach to Le Bec-Hellouin, the elegant tower of the abbey reaches skyward, stretching above the forest. This charming hidden gem is just so Norman with its ancient timber-framed houses lining narrow cobblestone streets. But what truly sets le Bec-Hellouin apart is its magnificent abbey – an architectural marvel that has stood proudly for over 1,000 years.
FAQ – Normandy France
Is Normandy worth going to?
This enchanting region of France boasts a rich history, world-renowned landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and a delectable culinary scene. Normandy is charming and well worth a visit. From the casual traveller to the history enthusiast, Normandy France is a captivating destination.
What is Normandy France best known for?
Normandy France is known for its world-renowned landmarks such as Mont St Michel and the D-Day Beaches. Normandy is also well-known for its calvados, camembert, cider, and Norman cream. The 4 C’s of Normandy are unforgettable!
How Many Days Do You Need In Normandy?
As with most travel destinations, the longer you linger the more profound the experience. In Normandy, three days would be a decent amount of time to see some highlights and enjoy the 4 C’s of Normandy!
How Do I Spend A Day In Normandy?
One day in Normandy. Take a guided tour from Paris to either Mont Saint Michel, Giverny, or the D-Day Beaches. If you want to go independently to Normandy for one day, take a train to Rouen or Deauville and explore to your heart’s content.
Have you been to Normandy France? What things to do in Normandy would top your list?
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
Another much-loved region of France is Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur. Read my articles on Provence to help you plan an itinerary through lavender fields and beyond.
Don’t miss Brittany France. Is it on your France Bucket List? Here are 13 Reasons to Fall for Brittany France.
The Dordogne Valley is another region of France that is full of villages and castles to explore.
The Loire Valley in France is dotted with magnificent châteaux (castles). Chaumont-sur-Loire is a great one to add to your itinerary.
If you spending some time in Paris, here are all my best insider tips on Paris, France. And if you are travelling to Paris alone, here is my advice on how to totally enjoy your trip to Paris and in all the seasons… Spring in Paris – A most glorious time to visit Paris when the magnolias and cherry blossoms are blooming. Have you ever thought of visiting Paris in the fall? Fewer crowds, sunny, crisp days (and rain) and leaves crunching underfoot…And then Christmas arrives. These French Christmas traditions make Paris and Normandy even more magical!
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Really enjoyed this read! Felt like I got to go on a little trip while reading it! I’m blown away by the photo of Mont-Saint-Michel. Absolutely breathtaking 🙂
So glad you enjoyed reading about Normandy. The next time in France, I think we should meet there!
I loved reading about all the places to visit in Normandy. I have been to Monet’s garden but that is about it!! Looks like I need to head back and explore some of these other gems.
Yes, Giverny is a real treat to visit and the rest of Normandy is wonderful to explore.
Such beautiful photos and a lovely place to explore! I was drooling over those mussels and oysters.
LOL! Yes, the seafood is AMAZING in Normandy!
I’ve done most of these! Loved Normandie. Used to live near Bayeux. Great place thanks for sharing that!
Lucky you living near Bayeux! I love Normandie too!
It’s been over 20 years since I’ve been to Normandy and your post makes me ache to go back. Oh, the oysters! The butter! The scenery! I’m ready…
Normandy really is a delight in every which way! I hope you get back soon!
What a great list! I just love your photos! France is so beautiful and I want to see more of it! Mont-Saint-Michel was on my bucket list and I have visited it, but that’s about it. Thanks for the tips for all other awesome places to see in Normandy!
Thank you! Normandy is such fun to explore culturally, historically and gastronomically. The scenery is breathtaking! I hope you get the chance to explore Normandy one day soon.
Another lovely post. I have pinned for future. I am scheduled to return to Paris and beyond in 2021. So this just might be my inspiration on where to go for my ‘beyond Paris’.
How exciting that you are returning in 2021. There are a lot of “beyond Paris” regions to explore but Normandy is one that should top the list!