Discover essential tips for planning your trip, explore the top activities, and uncover the must-see destinations in the picturesque region of Normandy.
Normandy, a captivating region steeped in history and vibrant culture, is situated in northern France. Easily accessible from Beauvais Tillé Airport or a two-hour drive from Charles De Gaulle Airport to Rouen, it offers a wealth of attractions for visitors.
There is one more reason to visit in 2024. In fact, the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings (June 6, 1944 – June 6, 2024) will be celebrated. Preparations for commemorating this important event have already begun throughout the region.
Normandy, a place of the heart!
If you belong to the “I always travel to new places” club, Normandy might just be your exception: a destination to cherish that will beckon you for a return visit. Here’s a brief overview to help you determine if this destination suits you.
What to see and experience in Normandy: the best places and activities
First and foremost, plan your trip ahead to secure the best accommodations and take advantage of lower prices. Check out the tips below for the top activities and must-see attractions in Normandy:
- Monet’s House Museum and the Water Lily Garden in Giverny
- Rouen, medieval town, capital of Normandy, and site of the burning of Joan of Arc
- Etretat and the cliffs of d’Aval and d’Amont
- The Alabaster Coast
- Honfleur
- Bayeux and Queen Matilda’s Tapestry
- Caen, the city of William the Conqueror
- Mont Saint Michel, the pearl of Normandy
- The Normandy Landings, the D-Day beaches
- Museums and other World War II sites
1. Monet’s House Museum and the Water Lily Garden in Giverny
Giverny is a quaint village nestled on the right bank of the Seine, renowned for being the home of the legendary artist Claude Monet. Monet resided here for 43 years, from 1883 to 1926.
The main attraction of Giverny is the Monet museum house with its Garden and, not far away, the park with the water lily pond.
For more information and buy tickets: https://fondation-monet.com/
2. Rouen, capital of Normandy and site of the burning of Joan of Arc
Rouen, the medieval capital of Normandy, has witnessed numerous pivotal historical events, from the Middle Ages and the Hundred Years’ War to the turmoil of World War II. Nestled along the banks of the Seine River, the city is home to over 113,000 residents. It is roughly a 2-hour drive from Paris and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Beauvais Tillé Airport.
The Old Town, a fully pedestrian area, ranks among the oldest in France. It is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets bustling with cafes, traditional restaurants, and shops, inviting you to explore and admire the charming half-timbered houses and picturesque squares. Notably, Place du Vieux-Marché stands out as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, following her trial for heresy.
3. Etretat and the cliffs of d’Aval and d’Amont
Etretat is a charming village with a population of 1,500, originally established by fishermen. Located in the Seine-Maritime department, it sits on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, offering stunning views of the English Channel.
The village is renowned for its stunning Amont and Aval cliffs, natural monuments that rank among the most photographed attractions in Normandy. It’s also celebrated for its delectable seafood. However, that’s just the beginning. The heart of Etretat is a hidden gem, featuring the intriguing house of Arsène Lupin.
4. The Alabaster Coast
The stunning Alabaster Coast in Normandy, known as Côte d’Albâtre, is a breathtaking 130-kilometer stretch of coastline facing the English Channel between the towns of Tréport and Dieppe. Renowned for its towering limestone cliffs that dive into the sea, these dramatic formations have been sculpted by the relentless wind and waves. These cliffs bear a striking resemblance to the famous White Cliffs of Dover in England, located across the sea to the northwest.
The allure of the Alabaster Coast has inspired countless Impressionist painters and continues to captivate photographers and nature enthusiasts today.
5. Honfleur
Honfleur is a charming coastal town situated near the Seine estuary and the renowned Normandy Bridge, visible from the pier of the new port.
6. Bayeux and Queen Matilda’s Tapestry
Bayeux, a quaint medieval town with a population of just over 13,000, draws half a million visitors annually. Many are captivated by the renowned Bayeux Tapestry, a globally celebrated work of art frequently featured in medieval history textbooks and replicated on various items like cushions, prints, and ceramics. This invaluable historical artifact is also recognized in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme.
7. Caen, the city of William the Conqueror
Caen, the capital of the Calvados department, stands as a key population center in Normandy. Founded by William the Conqueror, the Norman duke who famously defeated Saxon King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, it boasts a rich historical heritage.
William I dedicated many years of his life to Caen, leaving a significant mark with structures like the fortified castle and two notable abbeys: the Abbey of Men and the Abbey of Women.
For this reason, the tomb of William I is situated in the church of Saint-Etienne, in the abbey of Men.
8. Mont Saint Michel, the pearl of Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky outcrop straddling the border of Normandy and Brittany, stands as one of France’s most iconic and frequently visited landmarks. With a history spanning millennia, it has served as a significant religious pilgrimage site, a formidable fortress, and even a prison.
The Benedictine abbey dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michael stands on top of Mont Saint-Michel.
9. The Normandy Landings and the D-Day beaches
Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach. These five pivotal landing sites marked a significant moment in European history, serving as the entry points for Allied forces into France on June 6, 1944.
10. Museums and other World War II sites
Normandy is a paradise for military history buffs, featuring not just the famed D-Day beaches but also numerous other historic World War II battle sites. The region’s museums are brimming with information, detailed reconstructions, and military artifacts.