Normandy Travel Guide (France/Europe)

Introduction to Normandy
List of Places to Visit in Normandy
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Normandy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Normandy
Best Things to Do in Normandy: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Normandy
Food and Drink Scene of Normandy
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Normandy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Normandy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Normandy
Best Time to Visit Normandy
Do’s and Don’ts of Normandy
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Normandy
- Health in Normandy
Getting to Normandy: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Normandy
Where to Go Next from Normandy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Normandy

Normandy, a region located in the northwestern part of France, is famous for its rich history, charming countryside, and dramatic coastline. It stretches over an area of 30,000 square kilometers and consists of five departments - Manche, Calvados, Orne, Seine-Maritime, and Eure. Normandy is a great destination for travelers interested in history, culture, food, and outdoor activities.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Normandy.

List of Places to Visit in Normandy

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Normandy has a rich history that is marked by a range of significant events. Visitors can explore some of the historically important sites and museums such as:

D-day landing beaches and museums (Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Arromanches 360, etc.) during World War II
Bayeux Tapestry Museum – that showcases the 70-meter long Bayeux Tapestry that depicts the story of the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Le Memorial de Caen - museum dedicated to World War II, the Cold War, and peacekeeping.
Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO world heritage site, this island offers views of a beautiful abbey.
Abbey Trail passing through historic cradle viticulture of Normandy with noteworthy abbeys including Jumieges (built during the 7th century), Bonport (built-in 1189), Saint Wandrille, Saint Martin de Fontenay (11th -13th centuries)

Natural Attractions of Normandy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Beyond its important historical background, Normandy has plenty of natural attractions worth exploring as well. The region boasts beautiful landscapes, idyllic fishing villages, and picturesque coastal cliffs. Some of the best places to visit include:

Etretat Cliffs - Surrounded by stunning bluffs and scenic beaches, the view from this site is breathtaking, and the perfect spot for a picnic during summer.
Jardins de Giverny – This garden was the beloved haven painter Claude Monet who lived in Giverny. The garden has since been turned into a museum and showcases the artworks of the artist.
Normandy Beaches – The coastline around Normandy is dotted with plenty of beaches perfect for a summer day out. Discover hidden beaches like Trouville-sur-Mer (Calvados), Honfleur (Calvados), Deauville (Calvados) and many others.
Marais Vernier – A nature reserve featuring marshlands and a variety of bird species. This spot is perfect for a hike or bike ride to escape the bustle of town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Normandy

Normandy is a perfect hiking and biking destination. With miles of rugged coastline, hilly landscapes, and nature reserves, fans of outdoor and adventure activities will be in paradise. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

La Vélo Francette - A 600km trail from Normandy to the Atlantic Ocean, through the beautiful countryside filled with quaint villages. The trails are designed for cycling, and hiking, so you can take your bike or walk on this trail.
GR21 - This hiking trail runs along the Alabaster Coast and offers stunning views of cliffs and the sea. This trail spans about 68 kilometers from Etretat to Le Havre, and you can complete it in 3-4 days.
The Greenway - This greenway path welcomes you through the Cotentin Marshes, a Nature Reserve featuring channels and agriculture land. The trail is ideal for cycling under the sun and admiring the countryside views.

Best Things to Do in Normandy: Activities and Tours

Take a guided tour of Mont Saint-Michel and explore the awe-inspiring architecture of this place.
Visit a local farmstead and cheese factory and sample authentic Normandy cheese.
Hit the Normandy beaches and enjoy some sunbathing or join in some watersports such as sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Visit local markets, such as the market of Cherbourg and immerse yourself in local culture.
Hike or bike any of the trails mentioned above.
Take the Cider Route and enjoy visiting local cideries.
Picnic by a river or in a scenic natural spot.
Take the ultimate road trip through Normandy’s countryside on the Wheels and Waves route.

Week-Long Itinerary for Normandy

Are you planning to visit Normandy for a week? Here’s an itinerary that will help you explore the region:

Day 1: Visit Bayeux’s Tapestry museum and the Bayeux Cathedral.
Day 2: Explore the historic town of Caen and visit Le Memorial de Caen.
Day 3 and 4: Spend two days in Mont Saint-Michel visiting the Bay and the Abbey.
Day 5: Visit the D-Day landing beaches and the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.
Day 6: Visit the Deauville boardwalk, Houlgate beach as well as the Dives-sur-Mer marina.
Day 7: Visit Rouen, and its Gothic cathedral, and then enjoy the evening of colorful lights show.

Food and Drink Scene of Normandy

Normandy has a rich culinary tradition, with plenty of great food options to sample, and a thriving drinks scene. These are the must-try dishes and beverages while in Normandy:

Must-Try Dishes

Camembert cheese - A local speciality that is considered one of the world’s best. Camembert cheese is produced using cow’s milk and has a rich buttery taste.
Tarte Tatin - This dish is a dessert made of caramelized apples that are served with whipped cream.
Teurgoule – A variety of rice pudding made of milk, sugar, and rice.
Calvados flambe - An apple brandy served with dessert.

Local Beverages

Cider - Normandy is renowned for producing some of the world’s best ciders, which can be obtained from any local store or cideries.
Pommeau – A blend of apple brandy and apple juice.
Bénédictine - A spirit originally produced by Benedictine Monks. Its production is concentrated in the city of Fecamp – where the palace where the alcohol fermented.
Cotentin beers - local craft beer.

Where to Stay in Normandy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Normandy offers various forms of accommodation from budget-friendly dorms to lavish hotels. Here are some of the best options for all budgets:

Dorms and Hostels - FUAJ offers hostel type of accommodations in Cherbourg, Caen and Le Havre.
Hotels - For luxury accommodation, choose the 4-star La Ferme Saint Simeon & Spa in Honfleur (Calvados), or the 3-star Hotel de Normandie in Cherbourg (Manche).
Guesthouses - guests can get the real feel of Normandy countryside waking up on a farmstead or book a bed and breakfast to enjoy rural surroundings.

What to Buy in Normandy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Normandy has a rich cultural heritage, and that heritage is reflected in the many products made here. To bring a part of Normandy history home, you can buy:

Camembert Cheese - It’s impossible to visit Normandy and not bring home some of this delicious cheese.
Local beverages - Take home cider, pommeau, or Bénédictine as a special drink souvenir.
Calvados – A unique twist to apple brandy, best served as an aperitif or digestive.
Handmade Products – Normandy boasts some of the best handmade products produced in typical artisan ways such as lace from Alençon, pottery from Bayeux, shawls, and so on.

Local Culture and Customs of Normandy

Normandy is synonymous with Viking heritage, Celtic cultures, and French influences. The region has a unique culture and customs that visitors can experience during their stay. Some things that you can experience while in Normandy are:

All-nighters – during the summer, inhabitants choose to entertain themselves with long-standing events that can stretch up to morning sunrises.
Folklore - As part of its rich culture, Normandy also has cornets blaring, wreaths with ribbons, and festive carnivals to enjoy.
Dining Etiquette – It’s customary to greet the cook before and after eating. While savoring local delicacies, “Bon Appétit!” must be mentioned.

Best Time to Visit Normandy

The best time to visit Normandy is during the spring and early fall seasons; these periods have mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation costs. The best months to visit are May, June, and September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Normandy

Do:

Learn basic French phrases – it’s always polite to learn a few phrases like “Bonjour,” “Merci,” and “Au revoir” to show respect.
Visit local cideries and cheese factories - this is where you can experience the true Normandy culture and sample their famous products.
Leave a tip – normally, people leave a tip of around 10% for waiters and restaurant staff.
Dress appropriately for religious sites and monuments.

Don’t:

Don’t litter – Littering is frowned upon, and you can get fined if caught.
Don’t forget to try Camembert cheese – It is one of the must-try dishes while in Normandy.
Don’t try to speak with hand gestures only – it’s considered rude.
Don’t underestimate the rain – Normandy is known for its abundant rainfall, so always be prepared with some rain gear.

Safety and Health

Safety in Normandy

Normandy is generally a safe region. However, be mindful of petty theft and be cautious in crowded areas.

Health in Normandy

Normandy has excellent medical care facilities. Travelers are required to take standard vaccinations like tetanus and measles before travel as a norm. Further information can be obtained from hospitals and medical centres in Normandy.

Getting to Normandy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Normandy using one of several transportation modes, such as:

By air - The main airport of the region is Caen Carpiquet Airport, which is situated at 12km from Caen city. Other common airports include Le Havre - Octeville Airport, Rouen Vallée de Seine Airport, and Deauville - Normandie Airport.
By train - The train service is efficient, and there are trains running direct from Paris, Rennes, and Le Mans to main train stations like Rouen, Caen or Le Havre.
By bus - Buses network are in common service in major cities of Normandy. It’s an efficient and budget-friendly means of transport.

Airports Near Normandy

Caen-Carpiquet Airport - Serves mostly domestic flights and international destinations such as London.
Deauville - Normandie Airport - From this airport, you can fly to Paris or London and back.
Le Havre - Octeville Airport – Serves mainly French regions, but flights may connect to other European states.

Bus Stations Near Normandy

Gare routière de Caen – Caen bus station
Gare Routière de Rouen – Rouen bus station.
Gare Routière de Cherbourg-octeville - Cherbourg bus station

Other Options

Driving – Rent a car or take your car and explore Normandy’s countryside at your leisure.
Ferry – There are regular ferry services between England and France, including from ports in Portsmouth to Le Havre.

How to Get Around in Normandy

Getting around in Normandy is easy with numerous transportation options. You can try:

Bus system- Hopping on and off regional fast bus lines is the easiest way to get around.
Trains - SNCF is the main train operator in Normandy.
Taxis – Taxi services are available in major towns and cities.
Car rental – An excellent way to explore the region at your pace.

Where to Go Next from Normandy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Normandy is in a great location that makes it easy to access some of the best attractions in France. Visitors can explore other nearby destinations such as:

Paris - A two-hour train ride will take you from Normandy to Paris.
Brittany – A perfect destination for seafood lovers and stunning coastal landscapes, a small drive from Normandy will take you to the heart of Brittany.
Loire Valley - Stunningly beautiful, with elegant castles and lush, green scenery, the Loire Valley is just a few hours’ drive from Normandy.
Pays De La Loire - This area is famous for beautiful countryside, vineyards, and world-class activities such as paddleboarding.

Conclusion

Normandy, a land of Vikings and buttery cheese, is a must-visit region in France. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culinary and cultural scenes, Normandy is a perfect destination for travelers of all interests. Plan your trip using our travel guide, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Normandy.