Normandy

Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor

As a travel expert who specializes in France, I am constantly amazed by the beauty, culture, and diversity of this incredible country. From the vibrant city of Paris to the stunning beaches of the French Riviera, there is something for everyone in France.

A Few Words about the Region

The French region of Normandy is a historic district situated in the northwest of France.

It consists of two regions: Upper Normandy and Lower Normandy. This locality is famous for its farms, apple trees and dairy industry, primarily different types of cheese including Camembert, Livarot, and Pont-l’Évêque.

The region’s main cities are: Caen, Cherbourg, Évreux, Rouen, Le Havre, and Dieppe. The French people associate the region of Normandy mostly with the sea, picturesque rural landscapes, and centuries-long history.

Best Places to Visit

Natural Landmarks and Lakes

Natural Landmarks and Lakes

Cherbourg Harbour

Cherbourg Harbour

Just imagine creating an artificial harbor in the open sea 4km from the shoreline in order to defend the city against the Englishmen! The construction started under Louis XVI and ended under Napoleon III. Several forts were also built upon the dam. Today, this engineering marvel serves as the port's efficient protection from the waves.

The Rocks of Étretat

The Rocks of Étretat

These rocks and the nearby resort have appealed to many famous artists including Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, and Vasily Polenov. The small resort with splendid gravel beaches on the Côte d'Albâtre of the English Channel is one of the main destinations in Normandy, the northern region of France. The resort is situated at the very beach where the waters of the English Channel form the fascinatingly beautiful cliffs with natural arches creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in France.

The Christian Dior Garden

The Christian Dior Garden

The iconic designer's garden is located in his home town of Granville. Here, one can walk along the shadowy alleys and delight in the roses that provide the essence for Dior perfumes. In the garden, there is a small house showcasing a collection of Christian Dior's creations. From here, one can enjoy a beautiful view of the English Channel.

The Beaches of Fécamp

The Beaches of Fécamp

Fécamp attracts many vacationers searching for relaxation. Founded in 1832, the city of Fécamp became one of the first French seaside resorts to attract a cultivated and high-ranking crowd. Today, socialites enjoy the sunshine and the refreshing oceanscapes. Writer Guy de Maupassant lived in Fécamp for a while, and some of his stories take place in this city.

Sights

Sights

The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

You will definitely enjoy strolling through the mysterious abbey during the summer night. Is there truly a peregrine lurking in the chapel spire, or is it your imagination playing tricks on you? On second thought, it it even important? The night stroll will help you see the majestic structure in a different light. During this time of day, everything looks more enigmatic than in the sunshine.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Évreux

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Évreux

This is a Catholic cathedral situated in the French commune of Évreux in Northern France. The building of the cathedral is designed in various architectural styles. The cathedral is one of the most outstanding buildings in Évreux; it has been classified as a national historic monument since 1862.

Le Gros-Horloge in Rouen

Le Gros-Horloge in Rouen

The Rouen clock was put in place in 1389. It gave a name to Rue du Gros-Horloge and became the signature destination in Rouen as well as the city's most visited monument. The tower stands across the street, with an arch for pedestrians beneath it. The arch is designed in the Renaissance style. Inside, it is decorated with sculpted bas-reliefs which look especially beautiful in the evening lights.

Port de Honfleur

Port de Honfleur

Honfleur is one of the most colorful and flamboyant towns of Normandy. The picturesque harbor is surrounded with old half-timbered houses. Once, it ensured active trade with the New World; today, there are numerous show-white yachts and fishing boats rocking leisurely on the waves.

Cities

Cities

Children's Entertainment

Children's Entertainment

Golf Club d'Étretat

Golf Club d'Étretat

The Golf Club in Étretat stands on the rocks high above the harbor. Over a span of 110 years, this golf course has been taking the players aback with its level of difficulty; this especially pertains to golf hole #10!

Festyland Parc

Festyland Parc

Festyland Parc, a small amusement park near Caen, appeals to children of any age. Five hours will be enough to enjoy all of its amusement rides.

Parc Ange Michel

Parc Ange Michel

Young auto enthusiasts will find delight in Parc Ange Michel where, amongst other things, one can ride toy cars, high-quality replicas of the real vehicles.

Chemin de Fer Miniature à Clécy

Chemin de Fer Miniature à Clécy

This will make a strong impression on any child. This is a miniature version of several French districts reconstructed with high accuracy. When lights in houses and in the streets go out, landscape lighting goes on; trains and cars scurry about here and there, and one can even watch a doll rock concert.

Museums

Museums

Claude Monet's Home in Giverny

Claude Monet's Home in Giverny

Claude Monet settled down in a house in Giverny, on the Right Bank of the Seine, in 1883. This is where he painted his famous "Water Lilies". The artist created this well-known collection of about 250 paintings having been inspired by the local gorgeous gardens. Thanks to the heritage of numerous artists, the village remains home to the spirit of the great Impressionists' epoch.

The André Malraux Museum of Modern Art

The André Malraux Museum of Modern Art

The André Malraux Museum of Modern Art established in 1961 is housed in a building of concrete and glass. Thanks to the donation of Hélène Senn-Foulds, the MuMa accommodates one of the richest collections of Impressionist paintings. This is an amazing place where special attention is given to the lighting. Here, one can discern the finest details of the paintings created by Renoir, Sisley, Pissarro, and Degas.

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Located on the fertile plain not far from the Atlantic Ocean coast, the historic city of Bayeux holds the famous Bayeux Tapestry (called "Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde" in French). This masterpiece of medieval art is, in fact, not a tapestry but an embroidery work. The elegant 70m-long cloth is a historic document that tells the story of William the Conqueror's (Mathilde's husband's) conquest of England in 1066 in Hastings. Due to its cultural value, the Bayeux Tapestry received a UNESCO World Heritage nomination.

The Normandy Museum

The Normandy Museum

The museum is dedicated to the history and the people of Normandy. It showcases splendid archaeological and ethnological collections depicting everyday life in Normandy. The central hall of the fortress houses temporary exhibitions and a souvenir shop.

Advice from the Expert

Jena Hovor

French Taxi

In France, it is not customary to catch taxis on the road; no one is going to stop. Taxis are found on special grounds. Another interesting fact: French taxi drivers do not let passengers occupy the front seat, and no one knows why 🙂

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A Beach Vacation in Caen May Not Be Very Convenient

Even though you can quickly reach the seaside from Caen, it’s unlikely that you will be able to swim. The nearest parts of the coast are framed with cliffs and thus are unsuitable for swimming.

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Watch the Evening Show on the Rouen Cathedral Façade

We simply recommend coming here not only in the daytime, but also in the evening. In summer, starting from 9 p.m., light performances are given every half an hour on the façade of the cathedral. This is a magnificent show!

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Take a Look at the Local Farms

Many farms in the vicinity are now also available for tours. You can not only watch the animals being cared for, but also sample high-quality produce.

Trip Funds

Couple (2 persons)

Couple/per day Cost (EUR)
Accommodation 120 EUR
Meals 120 EUR
Attractions 60 EUR
Car rental 45 EUR

Family of four/per day

Couple/per day Cost (EUR)
Accommodation 150 EUR
Meals 240 EUR
Attractions 120 EUR
Car rental 45 EUR

Flight Duration

01

Los Angeles - Paris

10 hours 50 minutes

02

Miami - Paris

7 hours 35 minutes

03

New York – Paris

8 hours 40 minutes

How Long Should the Trip Take?

01

Your first trip across Normandy

Goal: visiting main tourist destinations.

3-7 days

02

Entire Normandy

Goal: visiting all the areas of Normandy

12-20 days

03

3: Honeymoon: entire France

Goal: visiting all the regions of France.

10-20 days

Airports in the Region

Deauville – Normandy Airport

Deauville – Normandy Airport

Saint-Gatien-des-Bois

This airport in the region of Normandy is situated in the Saint-Gatien-des-Bois Municipality and mainly serves such cities as Deauville and Le Havre.

Caen-Carpiquet Airport

Caen-Carpiquet Airport

Carpiquet

Located in Carpiquet, just outside of Caen, this airport serves mainly domestic destinations within France, as well as a few international destinations.

Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport

Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport

Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande

Located in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, near Rennes, this airport is not technically in Normandy, but it is within easy driving distance of many destinations in the region and serves a variety of domestic and international destinations.

Best Hotels

Château du Boulay Morin

9 Rue de Normanville, 27930 Le Boulay-Morin
Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor

This is the chateau built for the last mistress and, since 1983, wife of Louis XIV, Françoise, Marquise de Maintenon. It is surrounded with a large, fenced-in park with deer and quietude. There is a heated swimming pool. Guests are welcomed very heartily by the owner himself. He tells the visitors about the castle's history and shows works of art left from the times of Versailles. I strongly recommend it to those who appreciate history far from the bustling cities.

Aile Château La Chapelle du Bois des Faulx

10 Rue de la Mairie, 27930 La Chapelle-du-Bois-des-Faulx
Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor

Charming, approachable and caring hosts. The park is in a very good condition; the gorgeous residence is spacious, convenient and well-equipped. The beds are made and the linen is provided; this is very noticeable. Perfect for a family weekend, for a quiet time in a splendid atmosphere. You can enjoy walking, or bicycle riding, or leisurely pastime in a chaise-longue shadowed by trees, being lulled to sleep by doves.

Les Grandes Vignes

8 rue de Brosville, 27920 Saint-Etienne-sous-Bailleul
Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor

A beautiful house and garden. We enjoyed the quietude and serenity in the garden with a glass of wine; watched the sunset and the garden. There are two separate rooms and a sitting room/kitchen. A nice bed and linen, comfy pillows. There is also a space to park the car.

Hôtel-Restaurant Bel Ami

1 Rue Edouard Isambard, 27120 Pacy-sur-Eure
Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor

The place was beautiful, right beside the river. The staff was very helpful and friendly. We had a table outdoors and enjoyed a very nice dinner, we all took great pleasure in the food. Can't find any fault with this hotel, and I'd like to stay for a bit longer.

An Approximate Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Paris

Car rental (price for 5 days: €317)

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay

Day 2

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel

11:00

Ride to Rouen

12:50

Arrival

13:00

Lunch at Tandem (average check: €20-30)

14:00

Stroll through the streets and visit to the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake

15:30

Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts

16:30

Tour of Abbatiale Saint-Ouen

17:15

Stroll along Quai de la Seine

18:30

Dinner at Simone (average check: €30-35)

19:30

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay

Day 3

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel (€12)

11:00

Ride to Dieppe

11:52

Arrival

12:00

Visit to the Musée de Dieppe

13:00

Lunch at Le Colombier (average check: €40-45)

14:00

Stroll through Marché de Dieppe

15:00

Tour of Église Saint Jacques

16:00

Ride to Étretat

17:23

Arrival, stroll through the town

18:00

Dinner at Restaurant Les Voiles d'Or (average check: €30-35)

19:00

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay

Day 4

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel (€20)

11:00

Beach recreation at the beach of Falaises d'Étretat

13:30

Lunch at La Marie Antoinette (average check: €20-25)

14:30

Enjoy the nature at Falaises d'Étretat

16:00

Ride to Honfleur

16:45

Arrival

17:00

Stroll through the port

18:00

Dinner at Lann-Bihoue (average check: €30-35)

19:00

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay

Day 5

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel

11:00

Ride to Deauville

11:30

Arrival

11:45

Tour of Les Franciscaines

12:45

Lunch at L'Essentiel (average check: €50-55)

14:00

Ride to Trouville

14:57

Arrival

15:00

Visit to Musée Villa Montebello

16:30

Ride to Caen

17:51

Arrival

18:00

Dinner at Mooky's (average check: €60-65)

19:00

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay

Day 6

Ride to Paris

Return of the rental car

Departure

The Normandy 5 Jewels

Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor

Normandy is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The Château de Crèvecoeur

The Château de Crèvecoeur

Chateau de Crevecoeur is a picturesque 15th-century castle located in the heart of Normandy.

The Chalk Cliffs of Étretat

The Chalk Cliffs of Étretat

The cliffs of Étretat rank among the most picturesque places in the Pays de Caux in France. Their height in the vicinity of Étretat exceeds 80 meters, and farther to the north, to Fécamp, it amounts to 100-120 meters. The cliffs here consist of chalk interspersed with layers of silicon.

The Village of Beuvron-en-Auge

The Village of Beuvron-en-Auge

The village of Beuvron en Auge is a charming medieval village in Normandy.

The Suisse Normande

The Suisse Normande

This area in the south of Normandy is known for its rugged landscapes and outdoor activities.

Cooking & Testing

Acres of Sun: wine testing

Acres of Sun: wine testing

Chemin des Vignes, Route de Grisy, 14170, France

Arpents du Soleil is a winery located in Vendeuvre, Normandy, that produces a range of organic wines. They offer wine tastings and tours of their vineyards and cellar by appointment. Their wines include white, red, and rosé varieties made from a mix of grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Chardonnay. The winery also produces sparkling wine made using the traditional method.

Lm Effervescence: wine testing

Lm Effervescence: wine testing

12 Rue du Bois, 76290 Fontaine-la-Mallet, France

Lm Effervescence is a winery located in Fontaine-La-Mallet, Normandy, France. They specialize in producing sparkling wines using the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The winery offers tours and tastings, during which visitors can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of their sparkling wines. The wines produced at Lm Effervescence include both white and rosé varieties, made from a blend of grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

Domaine Familial Louis Dupont: calvados testing

Domaine Familial Louis Dupont: calvados testing

Lieu-dit, La Vigannerie, 14430 Victot-Pontfol, France

Domaine Familial Louis Dupont is a family-owned distillery located in the heart of the Pays d'Auge region in Normandy, France. They specialize in producing a range of high-quality ciders, pommeau, and calvados. At their distillery, they offer guided tours and tastings, during which visitors can learn about the history and production of calvados and other apple-based

La Ferme Du Champ Secret: cheese testing

La Ferme Du Champ Secret: cheese testing

43 La Novere, 61700 Champsecret, France

La Ferme du Champ Secret is a farm located in Normandy, France. They specialize in producing a variety of cheeses. On their farm, they offer tours and cheese tastings, during which visitors can learn about the cheese-making process and sample a range of their cheeses. The tastings typically include several varieties of cheese made from cow's milk.

FAQs

01

Is there an authentic alcoholic drink in Normandy?

02

What are some famous landmarks in Normandy?

03

What is the climate like in Normandy?

04

What are some popular activities to do in Normandy?

Emergency telephones

Police: 112

Fire Service: 112

Consulate: +33143122222

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Jena Hovor

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