Normandy

Normandy is a vast region with a great deal to discover. So off we go! Next stop: the 8th leg of our regional road trip!

Its picturesque towns:

We begin our tour with a first stop in Honfleur. This is the must-see harbour of Normandy. Take the time to stroll along the quays and admire its beautiful houses. Then carry on towards the famous four: Deauville, Trouville, Cabourg and Houlgate. The first two are hugely well known and they certainly live up to their reputation. While you are there, why not stop off and try your luck at Deauville's very handsome casino! Continuing on your way, Grandville is an essential stop. Don't miss place Cambernon, la Grande Porte and a walk around the ramparts. But that's not all. Food lovers and party lovers alike will find plenty to enjoy here. Numerous restaurants and a well-known carnival also add to the charm of this lovely town. Of course, you must also stop in Caen to discover the Vaugueux quarter and the castle. A stop in Rouen is a must too. Yes, the big cities are always on our list. We suggest you go and see its medieval houses as well as the Gros-Horloge belfry. You won't be disappointed! Finally, to round off this tour of the towns and villages we love most, we'll let you in on our little secret: the village of Gouville-sur-Mer. You'll find lots of little huts with brightly coloured roofs and a superb walk into the bargain!

Its exceptional sites and its history:

The Bayeux Tapestry: does that ring a bell? Then take our advice and go and see it. It is 69 metres long, no less! Rather imposing, but we can assure you it's well worth the detour. To carry on down memory lane, you can also visit a great many museums and even the D-Day landing beaches. It's rather humbling, when you think about it, to stand in a place where so much happened; it's charged with emotion and memory. If that appeals to you, then make a stop there during your stay in Normandy. Next, let's move on to a few monuments. You'll tell me you already know them, but they simply have to have a place in this article. It would be sacrilege otherwise! First of all I'm talking about Mont Saint Michel, of course! Yes, some will tell me it belongs to Brittany. Well, no! Sorry to disappoint, but Mont Saint Michel is very much Norman, and unmissable at that! Take the time to explore its narrow lanes and its museum. And if you want the full experience, you can even walk out across the bay at low tide. Let's continue with another famous site, the cliffs of Étretat. I have to admit it's a place I'm particularly fond of. An exceptional landscape and a remarkable viewpoint await you. And to finish this culturally enriching section, we're off to discover two more natural destinations. First of all, not always well known yet quite exceptional: the Pays d'Auge. It's a Normandy essential and a lovely portrait of the region. Its cows, its half-timbered houses, its little thatched cottages. It's pretty much exactly what comes to mind when you think of Normandy. So if you want to recharge and take time to rest, this is definitely where you should head. And to end on a high note, let's talk about a little paradise off the Norman coast: the Chausey Islands. Discover their turquoise water, their breathtaking scenery and their granite shores. Let us know what you think!

Its activities:

For those looking more for activities, family ones in particular, don't worry: Normandy has just what you need! First of all, go and visit the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg. Between exploring the deep sea and touring France's very first nuclear submarine, you'll get an eyeful, guaranteed. For something closer to nature, you can visit the Perche nature park. It's the right destination for a good dose of fresh air. Plenty of walking trails are accessible there too. For those in search of a tropical experience, Normandy once again has what you need. Come and discover Biotropica. You'll see animal species we're definitely not used to seeing, all inside a heated 6,000 m² glasshouse. And to finish, for young (and old) foodies, come and discover la Maison du Biscuit in Sortosville-en-Beaumont in the Manche, or the caramels of the Château de Beaumesnil, and last but not least the Camembert Route! This article obviously doesn't cover all of Normandy's treasures, which is why I hope it has given you the urge to come and discover the ones mentioned here, and all the others too!

Do add all the places and local recommendations that could brighten up your guests' stay to your welcome book. See you very soon in another region of France!

Frequently asked questions

Is Mont-Saint-Michel in Brittany or in Normandy? It is in Normandy, and on that point we do not budge. Take the time to wander its narrow streets and visit the museum. For the full experience, the bay can be crossed at low tide.

Which towns should I see first in Normandy? Honfleur for its harbour and its handsome houses, then the cluster of Deauville, Trouville, Cabourg and Houlgate. Granville is worth a stop for place Cambernon, the Grande Porte and the walk around the ramparts, not to mention its carnival. Caen for the Vaugueux quarter and its castle, Rouen for its medieval houses and the Gros-Horloge belfry. And Gouville-sur-Mer, with its brightly roofed huts, which few people mention.

How long is the Bayeux Tapestry? Sixty-nine metres. It is imposing, and well worth the detour. In the same vein, the region has many museums and the D-Day landing beaches, a place heavy with emotion where you do not stop lightly.

What can you do in Normandy with children? La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg, between the deep-sea displays and France’s very first nuclear submarine. Biotropica and its 6,000 sq m heated greenhouse, where you meet species you rarely see here. And the Perche nature park for fresh air and accessible walks.

Where should I go in Normandy to unwind? The Pays d’Auge, with its cows, half-timbered houses and thatched cottages. It is exactly the picture people have of Normandy, and it is where you go to slow down. Add the cliffs of Étretat for the view, and the Chausey islands for turquoise water and granite shores.

Which food stops should I note down in Normandy? La Maison du Biscuit in Sortosville-en-Beaumont, in the Manche, the caramels of the Château de Beaumesnil, and the Camembert route. Granville rounds off the list with its many restaurants. These addresses belong in your property’s welcome book, alongside the sights: they are often the first thing guests look for.

Here are the main destinations and sites to remember when building a Normandy itinerary.

Destination	Main feature	Must-see
Honfleur	Picturesque harbour	Colourful waterfront houses
Coastal square	Famous seaside resorts	Deauville casino, beaches
Mont-Saint-Michel	Abbey on rocky islet	Medieval lanes, museum, bay at low tide
Étretat cliffs	Spectacular geological formation	Remarkable viewpoint and exceptional landscape
Bayeux Tapestry	Historical artefact	69 metres long, museum to visit
Pays d'Auge	Typical Norman countryside	Cattle, timber-framed houses, thatched cottages
Chausey Islands	Coastal archipelago	Turquoise water, granite coasts