The Normandy region is one of the most touristic regions of France, known worldwide for the Mont Saint-Michel, its white chalk cliffs and its D-DAY landing beaches. It is also famous for its local products such as Camembert, Calvados, cider and tripe.
All in all, it’s the perfect destination to satisfy the desires of the whole family.
Grab a piece of paper, a pencil, a coffee, and I’ll take you on a personalized tour of this wonderful area of France.
Historical monuments and sites
First and foremost, Normandy is a land filled with history. With medieval monuments and military batteries of the second world war, this territory does not lack monuments and historical sites.
In addition to this, it is not uncommon to see buildings throughout the region that still bear the scars of the Second World War.
Here are some of them:
THE MONT SAINT MICHEL
Did you know? The Disney Castle was inspired by the Mont Saint-Michel.
The word Disney is the English transcription of Isigny (a town where Walt Disney spent a lot of time).
THE CASTLES OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR (of Caen [website in French], Falaise..)
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CATHEDRALS (Notre Dame de Rouen, Saint-Pierre de Lisieux, Notre Dame de Coutance, Notre Dame d’Évreux)
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A THOUSAND ABBEYS REGION (Abbaye aux Dames – Caen, Abbaye aux Hommes – Caen, Saint-Martin Abbey Church, Notre-Dame-du-Pré Abbey – Valmont, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, Saint-Sever-Calvados Abbey, Ardenne Abbey,Cerisy-la-Forêt Abbey [website in French], Saint-Ouen Abbey – Rouen [website in French])
Did you know? William the Conqueror had the Ladies’ Abbey and the Men’s Abbey built in memory of him and his wife Matilda. Both of them now rest in peace next to each other in their Norman duchy. (What a romantic one).
THE LANDING BEACHES (Sword Beach, Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach, Utah Beach)
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Did you know? All these English titles were actually a code word for the Normandy beaches during the D-Day landings. It was the British that came up with these names.
THE WORLD WAR II VESTIGES (Longues-sur-mer, Merville-Franceville-Plage, Colleville American Cemetery, Artificial harbor of Arromanches)
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Did you know? It is possible to visit some of these German batteries. Everything inside has been reconstructed faithfully.
For its breathtaking views and its ecosystem
Between the land and the sea, Normandy is a region with multiple facets which allows it to enjoy a rich and protected ecosystem.
THE CLIFFS OF ETRETAT
The Etretat cliffs are one of the most Instagrammed places in the world: 140km of chalky cliffs which had once been attached to those of the British.
They surprise us with their verticality and are confronted with a wild and austere beauty.
The Porte d’Aval (the most famous spot on the left when you look at the sea), a huge flint arcade, was carved by the waves beating the Aval cliff. The needle, 51 meters high, is a witness of the past.
Be careful: walks under the cliffs are forbidden because of landslides, and many tourists get stuck during the rising tides.
THE LARGE SAND BEACHES
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Normandy’s beaches are undoubtedly characterized by the tides which give rhythm to the landscape and offer large stretches of sand (except in Seine Maritime where you will have to deal with the pebbles).
On the Normandy beaches you can see many horses because Normandy is a real hub for the equestrian world, there are many prestigious stud farms and racecourses (Haras du Pin, Hippodrome de Clairefontaine [website in French]).
The equestrian communities meet there for congresses and other competitions with a worldwide influence.
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The beaches of Normandy also offer a wide range of sports: sand yachting, kitesurfing, paddling, catamaran, longe-côte…
Beaches in Normandy go along with well-being. There are many thalassotherapy centers:
- Thalasso Deauville
- Thalasso Ouistreham (website in French)
- Thalasso Trouville
- Thalasso Cabourg (website in French)
Near Etretat, you can also find Les Pins de César, a truly romantic spot combining countryside, sea, luxury and cocooning. This hotel is the ideal place for couples of Instagramers.
LE CHEMIN DES DOUANIERS
If you’re a hiker: take the customs officers’ path (video in French) that winds around the chalk cliffs of Etretat. These chalky cliffs are the same as those on the other side of the Channel in Dover, England.
Expect a 7km walk for the round trip. An effort that will be duly rewarded by unparalleled views of the sea and the cliffs.
You will be amazed by the fauna and flora of this idyllic and wild area.
THE SUISSE NORMANDE
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This area of Normandy is full of picturesque villages like Clécy, which look like post-war guinguettes.
In the Suisse Normande, you may think you are cut off from the world, the connection is weak but you can enjoy the panorama and the activities all the more.
Here, you can hike, climb the vias ferratas, go canoeing or pedal boating, or go bungee jumping.
For its rich and hearty cuisine
In Normandy, there are many gastronomic specialties. The region has been known since the dawn of time for its genuine and gourmet cuisine.
“Welcoming” and “sharing” are the keywords of this region. People like to get together to share a good time with their family and friends over (very rich) food and (very big) drinks.
Whether it is for those with a sweet or savory tooth, there is something for everyone.
Among others:
- The omelet of the Poulard mother
- The escalope normande
- Cheeses: Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel, Pont-l’Evêque
- The teurgoule
- The tarte tatin
- Cider
- Calvados
Find all the essential gourmet foods of Normandy in this article.
For the love it has for art and culture
Beware of appearances; behind its airs of old lady marked by time, Normandy did not lose anything of its dynamism.
Cradle of the arts (of all kinds) since the 19th century, this region has been able to maintain and magnify the seductive link it has maintained with artists for so long.
ARTS
One cannot speak of Normandy without evoking the name of Claude Monet. Located in the Eure, the garden of Giverny is a real firework for the eyes.
This is where impressionism was born through Claude Monet’s numerous flowery and colorful paintings.
Today, the Claude Monet Foundation is open to visitors and allows a full immersion in the colorful and fragrant world of this world-famous painter.
FASHION
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For fashionistas, there is no better activity in Normandy than a visit to the Christian Dior museum in Granville.
In addition to being a beautiful villa overlooking the beach of Granville, this house is none other than the one where the famous designer grew up.
Now a museum you can see unique pieces of the designer and many anecdotes about his life.
Our tip: we advise you to go there on a sunny day to enjoy the beautiful surrounding gardens.
CINEMA
Whether as an actress or a spectator, Normandy has always had a strong link with the great family of cinema.
WALT DISNEY MUSEUM
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The love between Normandy and the cinemas started with Mr. Walt Disney.
And yes, you may not know it but Disney is actually the deformation of Isigny and the Disney castle is a reproduction of Mont Saint Michel.
It is thus in the small town of Isigny that you will be able to plunge into the Mickey’s world through this museum (website in French) which traces the life and the know-how of Walt Disney.
AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
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Created in 1975 by the Barrière Group and Michel d’Ornano, this festival has given the region an international reputation and made Deauville the city of cinema par excellence.
You will be able to admire all the great names of American cinema on the boards.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
