Normandy is a region rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you are an art lover, history buff or simply looking for an idyllic setting for a relaxing holiday, this region has it all. This article presents the best towns and tourist attractions in Normandy for a successful stay.
Deauville: the pearl of the Côte Fleurie
Located on the coast, Deauville is one of France’s most popular seaside resorts. It offers an elegant and refined setting with its picturesque town centre, iconic boardwalk and sandy beach. Among the activities on offer are:
- The American Film Festival at the Deauville International Centre
- Horse racing at the famous racecourse
- The Barrière Casino for gaming enthusiasts
Hotels, spas, beaches, golf courses and much more: Deauville is an unmissable destination on any trip to Normandy. The town enjoys international renown and is an ideal holiday destination for many celebrities from around the world. Don’t hesitate any longer, come and visit this sublime town in Calvados!
Étretat : an exceptional natural site
Located in Seine-Maritime, Étretat is best known for its spectacular cliffs, which have inspired many artists such as Monet and Maupassant. In addition to the cliffs, Étretat also offers:
- The charming little church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
- The Jardin d’Étretat, an original artistic and landscaped trail
- The fish market, where you can sample fresh seafood
Another must-see during your stay in Étretat is the pebble beach, which many consider to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy. As you can see, Étretat is the perfect Normandy town for a weekend by the sea.
Honfleur : a town of art and history
With its old port, half-timbered houses and narrow streets in the town centre, Honfleur is a town with undeniable charm. Among the places of interest not to be missed during your stay on the Normandy coast are:
- The Church of St. Catherine, with its roof structure shaped like an upturned boat hull
- The Eugène Boudin Museum, dedicated to the work of this pioneering Impressionist painter
- The many art galleries dotted around the town
Honfleur is one of the must-see destinations in Normandy during your holiday. Take the time to discover this beautiful town during a weekend break or your holiday.
Rouen : the city of a hundred bell towers
Rouen is located in north-western France, nestled along the Seine River. The city embodies a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, attracting many travellers seeking an authentic Normandy experience. Rich in history and heritage, Rouen is the birthplace of Joan of Arc and home to many remarkable monuments. These include:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
- The Gros-Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock
- The Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most important in France
The city of Rouen, less than two hours from Paris, offers a fascinating immersion in medieval history with its iconic sites, but also with its picturesque charm along the Seine.
Caen : a historic and dynamic city
Caen attracts travellers with its rich cultural atmosphere and diverse activities. The capital of Normandy, Caen has been shaped by history and offers many tourist attractions, including:
- The castle of William the Conqueror
- The Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames
- The Caen Memorial, a must-see museum about the Second World War
A visit to Caen allows you to discover a captivating blend of medieval history, cultural attractions and contemporary dynamism. It is an ideal destination for a trip offering diversity.
Other exceptional places in Normandy
In addition to these iconic cities, Normandy is also home to many fabulous tourist attractions that are well worth a visit. Here are a few places that are also among the best places to visit in Normandy
Mont-Saint-Michel: an architectural gem
Perched on a rocky island, Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see during your stay in Normandy. It offers breathtaking views of the bay and is home to an abbey with impressive architecture. If you are interested in visiting this magnificent place, don’t hesitate to hire a guide to fully enjoy this magical location. Mont-Saint-Michel is the most visited place in Normandy and one of the main tourist attractions in France.
Le Havre : city of art and industry
Rebuilt after the Second World War, the city of Le Havre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its bold, modern architecture. A visit to the André Malraux Museum of Modern Art (MuMa) is highly recommended. You can also explore the port of Le Havre, one of the largest in France.
The D-Day beaches: witnesses to history
Stretching for nearly 100 km, the D-Day beaches are an essential place of remembrance for understanding the significance of the Second World War. Numerous museums and memorials dot the coastline, allowing visitors to retrace the events that marked the region. You will also have the opportunity to visit military cemeteries not far from the D-Day beaches, such as the famous cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer, near Omaha Beach.
Take a cycling trip in Normandy
Leave your car behind and discover the different towns in this fabulous region by bike! Normandy is an ideal destination for cycle tourists, with its winding roads and bucolic landscapes. Several marked routes are available to explore the region at your own pace, such as:
- La Vélomaritime, which runs along the Normandy coast from Mont-Saint-Michel to Le Tréport
- La Véloscénie, connecting Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel through the Normandy countryside
- La Vélo Francette, which crosses Calvados and Orne between Ouistreham and La Rochelle
Want to spend a weekend or week on your bike exploring Normandy? Normandie Rando is here for you! Enjoy an all-inclusive stay with bikes to suit your needs. Choose from the many tours offered by our teams, to enjoy with your partner, friends or family. Don’t hesitate any longer and come and discover the Normandy region on a cycling trip!
Normandy offers a multitude of activities and tourist attractions to suit all tastes. All you have to do is plan your stay and enjoy the charm of this exceptional region. Make the most of your next holiday to discover the best towns in Normandy!