Need greenery? Breathing deep sea air? Follow the guide with these 19 must-do ideas in Normandy!
If you dream of bucolic landscapes, you've come to the right place! Facing both the sea and the land, the Normandy region, the cradle of seaside tourism, continues to attract crowds. It is difficult to resist its flowery hedgerows, its comforting gastronomy, and its historical heritage. Visiting Normandy is the promise of no longer paying attention to the passage of time, its cliff-side paths and picturesque ports bring it like an atmosphere of perpetual holidays.
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-sees in Normandy. Follow the guide !
1. Honfleur
Photo credit: Flickr - Patrick Müller
It is the legendary and unmissable port of Normandy! One whose tall houses are known to the whole world and whose village atmosphere still charms as much. After strolling around the harbor, take the time to climb the small alleys to gain height and enjoy a very pretty view.
2. The Deauville , Trouville, Houlgate, Cabourg quartet
Photo credit: Flickr - shogunangel
They are the flagship of the Côte Fleurie with their Belle Époque villas, which bear witness to their success from the end of the 19th century. A success that cannot be denied with their large sandy beaches and their climate known to be mild. Here, you just have to take the time to stroll around and read Proust again .
3. Mont Saint-Michel
Crédit photo : Shutterstock – 4Ma
Some claim to be Breton but it is indeed in Normandy that you have to go to see it. He first guesses himself far away before appearing in all his majesty. The view from the abbey terraces is simply magical! Before leaving, do not forget to contemplate it one last time in the light of the sunset.
4. Monet's gardens in Giverny
Crédit photo: Shutterstock / Oleg Bakhirev
Located on the border of the Ile de France, it is a site to visit in Normandy, preferably in the spring . It is in 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, in fact, to resist this palette of colors and the sweetness of living near the water lilies.
Also Read: The 18 Most Beautiful Beaches in Normandy
5. The Memorial and the landing beaches
Crédit Photo : Shutterstock / photoneye
Land of memory, you must see the Normandy landing beaches and visit the Memorial, a museum dedicated to the history of the 20th century with World War II as a backdrop. The museum, far from being academic, offers several scenographies to reflect on the challenges of peace while Les jardins du Souvenir commemorate the commitment of allied nations.
6. The Abbeys for Ladies and Men
Crédit Photo : Flickr / Melinda * Young
Still in Caen , make a big historical departure by leaving, this time, in the footsteps of William the Conqueror . The two abbeys were respectively founded by the duke for that of the Men and his wife, Mathilde de Flandres, for that of the Ladies. The buildings have been refurbished over the centuries, but they still house the tombs of the couple.
7. The Cotentin
Photo credit: Flickr / jean-daniel pauget
What will you choose to visit in the Normandy peninsula? Are you going to stroll in the Natural Park to observe migratory birds or else in the Vauville dune massif ? Unless you prefer the charm of the picturesque port of Barfleur at the time of landing? You choose !
8. The City of the Sea of Cherbourg
Photo credit: Flickr / Julien
Lovers of the sea, this space is a must to visit in Normandy. Located in the old transatlantic ferry station, this is where you discover what is hidden in the abyss, where you can visit the first French nuclear submarine or relive the history of the Titanic .
9. The Chausey Islands
Crédit Photo : Shutterstock / Jef Wodniack
It is time to take the broad direction this archipelago, less known than its Anglo-Norman neighbors, and yet! There is no word more appropriate than "paradise" to describe this little piece of Normandy 17km from the continent . We challenge you not to fall in love with granite rocks, turquoise waters and panoramas.
10. Granville
Photo credit: Flickr / Robert Lihou
Before embarking for the islands, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the charm of Granville. It is the first shell port in France, which will delight gourmets while its fortified upper town will appeal to aspiring historians. Finally, fashion lovers should not miss the house-museum of Christian Dior . For the most revelers, its famous carnival awaits you.
11. Rouen
Crédit photo: Wikipedia - Yoke
During a visit to Normandy, you have to go and see the city of a hundred bell towers, which is said to have around 2,000 medieval half-timbered houses. The Gothic cathedral with its highest spire in France is, of course, worth a look, without forgetting the belfry of the Gros-Horloge. If the crowd does not scare you, come and attend one of these days at the Armada.
12. Le Haras du Pin
Photo credit: Flickr / Karen
Nicknamed the Versailles of the horse , it is the oldest of the national stud farms, it was founded by Louis XIV . It is known today for promoting the Percheronne breed, it also hosts artists in residence and equestrian competitions. But it is above all a very interesting museum in a majestic setting.
13. The Pays d'Auge
Photo credit: Flickr / Odile Blanvillain
If visiting Normandy rhymes, for you, with hedgerow landscapes and half-timbered houses, it is in Pays d'Auge that you have to go. Located inland, south of Deauville , this Norman corner personifies charm to perfection. Do not miss the villages of:
14. The Camembert Route
Photo credit: Shutterstock - PHILIPIMAGE
It is the symbol of France in the world! It is therefore impossible to visit the region without tasting it and learning more about this must-see in Normandy. Let's go for a mini road-trip in the Orne in the footsteps of the famous cheese through superb bucolic landscapes. And, luckily, the cider route also goes around the corner.
15. The Bayeux tapestry
Photo credit: Flickr / Raidsvikings
69 meters of tapestry, it's starting to do! More precisely, it is an embroidery that traces the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy, Guillaume Le Conquérant. All with no less than 626 characters represented, over thirty buildings including Mont-Saint-Michel and perspective effects, as the museum dedicated to you explains.
16. Hiking in Norman Switzerland
Photo credit: Wikipedia / Roi.dagobert
The name makes you laugh but there are many mountains to see in Normandy, or rather reliefs 300 meters high drawn by the Gorges de l'Orne. Superb views and outdoor activities, which have nothing to envy in the Alps, await you. Among them, the Roche d'Oëtre or the Rochers des Parcs .
17. Château-Gaillard
Photo credit: Wikipedia / Osbern
Perched on a cliff above the Andelys , the ruins of the Richard-Coeur-de-Lion castle seem straight out of a tale, especially when they emerge from the fog. Built here for military considerations, visitors today admire its breathtaking view of the loops of the Seine .
18. The cliffs of Etretat
Photo credit: Flickr - Francois R THOMAS
Immortalized by Monet , the cliffs form the most essential landscape in Normandy. It must be said that the view, either from the sea or from the path that overlooks them, is most beautiful. Admiring the needle, the Manneporte and the Courtine in the light of the end of the day is the height of romanticism.
19. Le Havre
Crédit photo : Shutterstock / Picturereflex
Too often reduced to concrete and its industrial port, the city is nevertheless classified in UNESCO for its architectural heritage of the XXth century. Destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War, its reconstruction is the work of Auguste Perret and its flagship monument is the Saint-Joseph church. The Museum of Modern Art is also very famous.