The northwest region of Normandy is one of France’s many gems. This green and predominantly agricultural area draws visitors in with its rich history and historic towns and cities. Much of the region’s history is still alive and visible today, from the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066, as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, to the D-Day beaches of World War 2. However, it’s not just history that Normandy has to offer. The area has a spectacular coastline, dotted with pretty coastal towns and some excellent beaches. There are also several other attractions with real star appeal. Read on to find out more and to discover the best places to visit in Normandy.
Normandy’s most famous attraction and one of France’s most picturesque locations, Mont Saint Michel, is a must-see attraction for any visit to Normandy. Only connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, this tidal island is entirely surrounded by the sea during high tides of 14 meters or greater. Home to over 60 buildings, including the iconic abbey, which sits atop the island, its history dates back to the 8th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws over 3 million visitors annually. Try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the worst crowds.
Pretty Trouville is one of two twin seaside towns in the area. A long-established beach resort and fishing port, the town has drawn visitors since the 19th century. During this time, it also attracted many artists, bringing fame and money to the area. Much of the town and surrounding areas’ buildings and architecture belong to this halcyon era, which is a large part of the town’s draw. There’s also a fine 2-kilometre long sandy beach and boardwalk to enjoy. The town’s history as a fishing port makes it an excellent place to try some of the local seafood, which is landed daily.
The picturesque town of Deauville is Trouville’s wealthier neighbor. Dating back to the mid-19th century, it has a long history as a playground for the rich and famous. Even now, wealthy Parisians continue to flock to the town during weekends and summer vacations. To service the needs of its wealthy clientele, you’ll find luxury hotels, boutique shops, an immaculate beach, a casino, golf courses, and a racetrack in town. During the summer months, it’s a fun and bustling place to visit, while outside of peak season, its quaintness and character come to the fore.
The historic city of Rouen is another of Normandy’s star attractions. The capital of Normandy and the death place of Joan of Arc, the city is one of the most historic in France. Its history dates back to the 5th century when it was founded during the era of the Roman Empire. It subsequently rose to prominence, and much of the city’s historic center dates back to its medieval heyday. There’s also a host of Gothic-era buildings, including the hugely impressive Cathedral Notre Dame and Palais de Justice. It’s these historic buildings and the city center that are the main draw, along with some fine museums. You’ll also find a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the city, making it one of the best places in Normandy to eat out.
Caen is another of Normandy’s eccentric cities. Its history dates back to the 10th century, although it was the 11th century that saw the city come to real prominence. During this time, William the Conqueror built many historical buildings in Caen, including the Chateau de Caen, that gave the city its present-day character. These historic buildings are all the more prominent now in contrast to much of ‘new’ Caen, constructed in a modernist style during the 1950s. This followed the immense destruction inflicted on the city during World War 2. This destruction and the wider conflict are marked in several excellent museums and memorials in Caen. These museums and memorials are big draws for visitors and a must-see as part of any D-Day-based trip to Normandy.
The beautiful town of Honfleur is the pick of Normandy’s many picturesque seaside towns. It has a perfect old harbor in the center of town. Known as Les Vieux-Bassin, the area oozes character because of its colorful 16th-century townhouses, which surround the harbor on three sides. This character has drawn artists to the area for hundreds of years, including one of France’s favorite sons, Claude Monet. While the old harbor is no longer home to commercial boats, there’s no shortage of pleasure craft. There’s also no shortage of shops, bars, and cafes in the area, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy the view.
The other principal attractions in Honfleur are a number of excellent museums. From impressionist art to the area’s maritime history, there’s no shortage of things to see and learn. There’s also the impressive Église Sainte Catherine nearby, which dates back to the 15th century and is also well worth a visit.
Another of Normandy’s historic fishing ports, the city of Dieppe draws in visitors with its rich history and culture. Top amongst its many attractions is the Musée de Dieppe, housed in a 15th-century chateau on the cliff top overlooking the town. In town, there’s plenty of history to see, including several fine churches that date back hundreds of years. There are also several poignant memorials to the soldiers who lost their lives here during World War 2.
The harbourside in Dieppe is the social hub of town with many restaurants and cafes. It’s also another good spot to try the local seafood cuisine with fish landed daily. There’s also an excellent Saturday morning market in town. Running the length of the two main streets of the commercial district, it’s considered to be one of the best markets in France.
In June of 1944, the Allies launched the D-Day landings across five beaches in Normandy in an attempt to liberate France. Involving nearly 160,000 men and 7,000 vessels, it was one of the most significant events in history. The French have wonderfully preserved much of the history associated with the landings, befitting the sacrifices made by the men who died here. Along the 80-kilometer stretch of coastline where the soldiers landed, you’ll find numerous memorials and cemeteries. You can also see some of the original gun and bunker installations at Longues-sur-Mer, while Arromanches is home to the remnants of the temporary floating Mulberry Harbour. The museums in Caen and Bayeux provide an excellent overview of the D-Day landings and subsequent liberation of Normandy.
The small town of Bayeux is another of Normandy’s gems. This historic town is best known for the incredible Bayeux Tapestry. This intricate tapestry measures a startling 68 meters in length and features 58 scenes depicting the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066. If you’re close to the area, it is a must-see attraction. There’s also plenty more to enjoy in Bayeux, with its exquisite town center featuring numerous medieval and gothic buildings. The pick of the bunch is the Cathedral Notre Dame, which dates back to the 13th century. For history lovers, there’s also a World War 2 museum detailing the battle for Normandy in 1944.
The tiny village of Giverny draws countless visitors who come to see the home and gardens of the famous French artist Claude Monet. The founder of impressionist art, he maintains a cult following despite his death almost a century ago. His home and gardens, known as ‘Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet,’ were where he spent the last 43 years of his life and created many of his most famous works. The house and gardens now form a combined attraction, including a museum in the house, and a visit comes highly recommended. There’s also a fine Impressionism Museum in town, which looks at the wider movement and features artwork from a broad range of impressionists.
The riverside town of Les Andelys is more than just a one-trick pony, although it does have one big star attraction. Sitting atop a nearby hill with far-reaching views across the town, River Seine, and the surrounding countryside is Chateau Gaillard. Constructed in 1197 under the watchful eye of the English King, Richard the Lionheart, it stood for more than 400 years. Over its latter years, it fell into disrepair before being destroyed by Henry IV around the turn of the 17th century. What remains is still highly impressive, and the views from the top of the hill more than merit the entrance fee. Once you return to town, you’ll also discover some historic churches and buildings, plus several small museums that are worth a look.
The small village of Etretat in the Pays de Caux area is renowned for its spectacular coastline. Its towering chalk cliffs have been carved into many unique formations. These formations include three stunning arches and a pointed formation, endearingly named ‘the needle.’ The brilliant white of the cliffs, green countryside, and blue ocean create a picture-perfect setting, which has attracted artists and the wealthy for many years. It’s another busy coastal location during the summer months, but one that will take your breath away.
The city of Le Havre is an oddity in the Normandy region. It’s a distinctly 20th-century city with very little historical architecture and a big focus on modernism. Having been the site of fierce fighting during World War 2, the city center was destroyed entirely. What has been built in its place is a unique design that is as cutting-edge as it is divisive. Such is the unique nature of the center it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re a fan of the architecture or not, you can’t dispute the quality of the Musée d’Art Moderne, one of the country’s top impressionist museums, and Le Havre’s standout attraction.
Normandy is located in northwestern France. To the west is the region of Brittany, while to the south lies the Loire Valley. Paris is southeast of Normandy, with the region of Hauts de France to the east. To the north lays the English Channel and, eventually, Great Britain. It’s 150 kilometers or 2 hours by car from Paris to Rouen, Normandy’s capital and largest city. Ferries connect Normandy with Great Britain. The ferry connection from Great Britain takes an average of 4 hours, with direct connections to and from Cherbourg, Le Havre, and Dieppe.
Normandy’s location in northern France means it has a temperate climate with cooler summers but milder winters. While the region may avoid the worst of the snowfall during winter, it can still be bitterly cold, so it’s recommended that any visit is between spring and autumn. Many businesses also close down during the winter months.
The ideal time to visit Normandy is in the summer months between June and August. During this time, the weather is mainly warm and dry, while there are also many festivals plus the D-Day commemorations. Unfortunately, this is also peak season, meaning higher accommodation costs and less availability. The shoulder months of May and September are a good compromise and ensure you get the best of the weather but with fewer crowds and lower costs.
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