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23 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Normandy

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Apr 25, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With its beautiful, varied scenery and rich history, Normandy has much to offer visitors. This distinctive region in northern France boasts a gorgeous countryside, coastline, and woodlands, as well as impressive castles, splendid churches, and picturesque ancient towns such as Rouen.

One of France's most emblematic tourist sights , Mont Saint-Michel, and the summertime seaside resorts of Honfleur and Deauville, are among the top attractions of the region.

Along the Channel coast, dramatic limestone cliffs drop off into the ocean, while Lower Normandy is characterized by verdant, peaceful valleys. An idyllic pastoral area known as the "Suisse Normande" ("Norman Switzerland") attracts nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

For WWII history buffs, visiting Normandy is essential. During the Second World War, Normandy was heavily affected by the German Occupation and was the site of Allied landings in 1944. Tourists can visit the military cemeteries; memorial museums; and the D-Day landing beaches , including Omaha Beach and Arromanches Beach.

From beach resorts and fishing villages to medieval towns and Gothic castles, this region offers countless things to do and appeals to all types of travelers. Plan your vacation with our list of the best attractions and places to visit in Normandy.

1. Mont Saint-Michel

3. honfleur, 4. caen memorial museum, 5. bayeux and the bayeux tapestry, 6. omaha d-day landing beach and museum, 7. deauville, 8. giverny: monet's house & gardens, 10. étretat, 11. suisse normande (norman switzerland), 12. château de fontaine-henry, 13. château de caen, 14. memorial museum of the battle of normandy in bayeux, 15. arromanches d-day museum, 18. trouville, 19. le havre, 20. le bec-hellouin, 21. jumièges, 22. barfleur, 23. côte fleurie, map of attractions & places to visit in normandy.

An important medieval pilgrimage destination, Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Both the Abbey of Saint-Michel and the Bay of Saint-Michel are protected under this designation.

Soaring more than 100 meters above the sea, the Abbey of Saint-Michel has a mythical quality. The awe-inspiring Gothic spires seem to reach towards heaven as the site beckons pilgrims to cross the foreboding Bay of Saint-Michel.

During low tide, it's possible to complete a " traditional crossing " (a pilgrimage by foot) to reach Mont Saint-Michel. Accredited licensed guides are available to accompany pilgrims across the bay. During high tide, Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island only accessible by one road.

One of the highlights of a visit to Mont Saint-Michel is the Abbey Church , reached by climbing a 200-meter pedestrian path and then 350 steps to the highest point of Mont Saint-Michel. Built in the 13th century, the Abbey Church has a serene Romanesque sanctuary and a glorious Gothic choir.

The " Escalier de Dentelle " (staircase) leads from the Abbey Church up to a terrace, which affords breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.

Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in France and ranks among the top day trips from Paris . For travelers based in Paris, the easiest way to see Mont Saint-Michel is by taking an organized tour , but there are other options. Some of the best ways to get to Mont Saint-Michel include driving and taking the bus or the train.

Wandering around the old town of Rouen, visitors will enjoy the historical ambience found in the winding cobblestone lanes, which are lined with maisons à colombages (half-timbered houses). Gothic churches are found at every turn, and many are gems of medieval architectural achievement.

The town's impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame was depicted by Claude Monet in a series of paintings that show the intricate details of the cathedral's facade at different times of day. Another iconic monument in Rouen is the Gros-Horloge clock tower in the center of town.

Among the top attractions of Rouen is the Musée des Beaux-Arts , which ranks among France's most outstanding museums of fine arts. The collection includes masterpieces of European painting, with an especially noteworthy assortment of Impressionist works.

Rouen is also well known as the location where Joan of Arc was brought to trial. Tourists can see the tower where this courageous young woman stood before her judges and the spot where she was burned at the stake. She later became a saint, and now there is a contemporary church (the Eglise Jeanne d'Arc ) dedicated to her invincible spirit, on the site where she was martyred.

With its picturesque old harbor on the Seine estuary, Honfleur is one of the most charming towns in Europe . About 25 kilometers away from Le Havre, the town has atmospheric cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and half-timbered houses.

This historic seafaring port was where travelers embarked on voyages to Canada in the 16th century. On the north side of the harbor is the 16th-century Lieutenancy Building , the old governor's house, built on the remains of the town's ancient walls.

One of Honfleur's most noteworthy attractions, the Musée de la Marine (Maritime Museum), is housed in the former Eglise Saint-Etienne, which dates back to the 14th century. The Maritime Museum tells the history of seafaring, fishing, and shipbuilding in Honfleur.

The Musée Eugène Boudin (Rue de l'Homme de Bois) is a must-see attraction for lovers of Impressionist art. Boudin's paintings and drawings represent nearly half of the collection; the rest includes pieces by other Impressionist artists such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Isabey, and Paul Huet who painted scenes of the Normandy coastline.

The Musée Eugène Boudin also has an annex devoted to religious art, located in the freestanding belfry of the Eglise Sainte-Catherine . An interesting tourist attraction in itself, this Late Gothic church was built by local shipwrights after the Hundred Years' War.

In Lower Normandy near the English Channel, Caen played a critical role during the Nazi Occupation of World War Two. Caen is an excellent starting point for a tour of the Normandy D-Day Beaches and Memorials .

Three-quarters of the town was destroyed during the Allied landings in June and July of 1944 (although its historic churches survived almost entirely unscathed).

Created as a tribute to Caen's suffering during the war, the Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial museum) tells the story of the Second World War, the D-Day Landings, and the Battle of Normandy.

Beneath the Caen Memorial museum is the site of General Richter's Headquarters , which was a command post during the German Occupation.

The Mémorial de Caen is also the Centre for History and Peace in Normandy , which aims to educate the public and promote the concept of reconciliation. The center hosts events such as temporary art exhibits and a Human Rights Competition.

Address: Esplanade Général Eisenhower, Caen

Official site: http://normandy.memorial-caen.com

The town of Bayeux is best known for the Bayeux Tapestry, on display at the Bayeux Museum (13 bis Rue de Nesmond). An 11th-century masterpiece of medieval art, the Bayeux Tapestry is actually a work of embroidery, woven from wool yarn in 10 different shades.

The 70-meter-long Bayeux Tapestry depicts the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by the Duke of Normandy (known as "William the Conqueror"), through the Battle of Hastings . The Bayeux Tapestry is also called the Toile de la Conquête ( Cloth of Conquest ) and the Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde ( Queen Matilda's Tapestry, in reference to William's wife).

Because of its cultural value as an artifact of historical documentation, the Bayeux Tapestry has been inscribed with a UNESCO "Mémoire du Monde" designation . Rendered in exquisite detail, the Bayeux Tapestry depicts 58 different scenes (in a format similar to a comic strip) in incredible detail, including 623 figures, 759 animals, and 37 buildings and ships, along with a running commentary in Latin.

Visitors should also take time to discover the old town of Bayeux, an enchanting medieval world of half-timbered houses, elegant mansions, and stately townhouses.

At the center of the old town is the well-preserved Cathédrale Notre-Dame , one of the finest examples of a Norman Gothic church. The cathedral was built over several centuries (from the 11th century to the 15th century), and as a result, blends Romanesque with Gothic architectural elements, including Early Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic styles.

Omaha Beach extends for more than 10 kilometers between Port-en-Bessin past Vierville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer to the mouth of the Vire River, a dramatic coastline along the English Channel made difficult to access by the sheer cliffs that rise 30 meters above the sea.

The largest and most famous of the five Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches , Omaha Beach is where the American 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions landed, along with other U.S., British, French, and Canadian troops on June 6th, 1944, which marked the beginning of Operation Overlord (also known as the "Battle of Normandy").

Visiting this site provides a chilling impression of the deadly battle, one of the bloodiest scenes of fighting during the D-Day Invasion, that took place here. Remnants of German bunkers and military piers can still be seen along the cliff-fringed coastline.

The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer overlooks Omaha Beach. The cemetery contains more than 9,000 perfectly aligned gravestones, which makes it the biggest American cemetery in Normandy.

Near Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery is the Overlord Museum , which chronicles the history of the Allied landings and the liberation of Paris. The museum's collection includes war vehicles, tanks, and guns, as well as soldiers' personal items.

Address: Overlord Museum, Rond-point d'accès du Cimetière Américain, Lotissement Omaha Center, Colleville-sur-Mer

Official site: www.overlordmuseum.com

Since the 19th century, Deauville has been a premier seaside resort in Normandy. This glamorous vacation spot is still considered one of the top beach destinations in France .

The seafront features two kilometers of sandy shoreline and a promenade (boardwalk) for seaside strolls. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the high season (July and August).

Fitting of a glamorous beach destination, amenities abound, including places to rent parasols, lounge chairs, and old-fashioned striped cabanas.

Holiday-goers can take a break from sunbathing at the beach to browse the stylish boutiques, get a spa treatment, or dine at one of the many gourmet restaurants. Other things to do include sailing, golfing, and attending equestrian competitions.

Deauville lives up to its reputation as an internationally renowned resort with its array of prestigious events, including the International Polo Championship, held at Deauville's modern nine-hectare equestrian complex, and the Deauville American Film Festival .

For lovers of Impressionist art, Monet's House & Gardens is an exciting place to visit, because the lush flowering property inspired so many of the artist's paintings. Claude Monet and his family settled at this charming location in Giverny (one hours' drive from Rouen) in 1883, and the artist spent the rest of his life here.

In front of the house is Le Clos Normand garden, which was created by Claude Monet. From springtime through autumn, this garden blooms with a profusion of colorful blossoms, including daffodils, pansies, tulips, irises, peonies, daisies, roses, poppies, hollyhocks, and dahlias, planted in a natural way so that they look like wildflowers.

On the other side of the property is Le J ardin d'Eau (Water Garden) featuring a Japanese bridge and waterlily pond fringed with weeping willow trees. The water garden was depicted in Monet's Water Lilies series of paintings. Monet devoted many years to painting different aspects of this garden, capturing its beauty in his delicate brushstrokes.

In the town of Giverny, the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (99 Rue Claude Monet) presents over 200 Impressionist paintings, as well as temporary exhibitions. The Impression Museum is surrounded by a meadow and also has a lovely garden with landscaping reminiscent of Monet's Garden.

Nearby in the town of Vernon (about a 10-minute drive), the Musée de Vernon showcases several masterpieces painted by Monet, along with works by other Impressionist artists (who belonged to the Giverny colony of painters).

Address: Monet's House & Gardens, Rue Claude Monet, Giverny

Official site: http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm

A favorite beach vacation destination on the Côte d'Albâtre, Fécamp is one of the best places to visit in Normandy for a relaxing holiday break. Established in 1832, Fécamp was one of France's first seaside resorts, known for attracting a high-society crowd. Today, sunbathers and socialites alike enjoy the refreshing ocean scenery .

Apart from the fishing harbor , the main tourist attraction here is the old abbey church of Sainte-Trinité , originally built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The interior is remarkably spacious with an exquisite choir and Renaissance altar.

The medieval pilgrimage chapel, Notre-Dame-du-Salut, stands on a steep chalk cliff to the north of town.

The writer Guy de Maupassant was born in Normandy and spent his early years in Fécamp, and some of his stories are set in the town.

About 11 kilometers away is the village of Valmont with an ancient castle and the ruins of a 12th-century abbey.

The seaside resort of Étretat is nestled at the foot of white limestone cliffs on Normandy's Côte d'Albâtre coastline. The cliffs reach 90 meters in height. From the viewpoint on top of the cliffs, the panoramic vistas are sensational.

The scenery of Étretat appealed to Claude Monet who spent a winter here in 1868. During his stay, Monet captured the dramatic landscapes and glistening waterfront in his paintings.

The beaches of Étretat delight sunbathers during the summer, and the ocean is a source of livelihood for fishermen who catch fresh seafood that is widely used in the local cuisine.

Étretat also has many attractive Belle Epoque villas , the most well-known is the Villa Orphée. The Villa La Guillette was built for the author Guy de Maupassant.

The name of Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland) is given to the stretch of countryside in the Orne Valley of Lower Normandy, extending between Thury-Harcourt (south of Caen) in the north, Flers-de-l'Orne in the south, and Falaise in the east.

An idyllic piece of rural landscape, the Suisse Normande is characterized by its gently rolling hills, densely wooded forests, wide open space, steep gorges, and pristine lakes. The winding river, rocky bluffs along its banks, and the intricate patchwork of hedges give the scenery a particular charm.

The most striking features are the Rocher d'Oëtre , in the hilliest part of the area, and the superb view from above the gorges of the Rouvre River. Other scenic areas include the Vère and Noireau valleys and the stretch of the Orne Valley between Thury-Harcourt and Pont-d'Ouilly.

This area includes two regional parks: the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine and the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche ; both have well-maintained trails for nature walks and hikes. The Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine also offers opportunities to go canoeing or kayaking.

The most spectacular château in Normandy, the Château de Fontaine-Henry enjoys a peaceful setting in the lush Mue Valley of Lower Normandy (about 14 kilometers from Caen). The château was built in the beginning of the 13th century and is classified as a Historical Monument .

The Château de Fontaine-Henry has been privately owned for generations, by an aristocratic family that traces their ancestry to the year 1200. The current owner, the Marquis d'Oilliamson, on occasion leads guided tours of the château.

This remarkable château is a notable example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture with an imposing stone facade. The lavish interior is filled with gorgeous furniture and exceptional paintings , including works by Titian, Correggio, Rubens, Mignard, and Rigaud. There is also a separate 13th-century chapel, which was renovated in the 16th century.

Surrounded by forests, the château has an expansive parkland with walking paths and traditional games for visitors to enjoy. Within the park are three distinct gardens: the Jardin Notre-Dame, a medieval garden planted with vegetables and medicinal herbs; the Hortus Conclusus, an enclosed garden designed for religious meditation and spiritual reflection; and the Gerbe du Parnasse, a garden with a theme of Greek mythology.

Tourists may visit the Château de Fontaine-Henry on guided tours, available mid-April through mid-September. Tours are available in French and English, and printed content about the tour is available in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, and Russian.

Address: Place du Château, Fontaine-Henry

Guillaume le Conquérant (William the Conqueror) built this castle in 1060 when he was the King of England. The Château de Caen is one of the largest medieval monuments in Europe and a quintessential symbol of Caen's heritage.

During the Middle Ages, the château was a royal fortress, and it later served as an English stronghold during the Hundred Years' War and as army barracks for an infantry regiment during the Second World War.

The ramparts of the Château de Caen are among the largest castle fortifications in Europe. The northern rampart of the castle has been restored; from this viewpoint , visitors can admire panoramas of the Caen cityscape.

Rooms within the ramparts house the Musée de Normandie , a museum focused on the Normandy region's culture and history, including the history of the castle.

The château also displays the collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen , which has an outstanding assortment of 16th- and 17th-century European paintings. The museum's treasures include masterpieces by Poussin, Rubens, Veronese, and Brueghel, as well as Impressionist paintings by Monet, Boudin, Corot, and Courbet.

The Château de Caen has a café, picnic area, and outdoor games on the grounds.

Address: Château de Caen, 14000 Caen

Bayeux has a British World War II cemetery as well as the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy. This museum explains Normandy's involvement during the Second World War by outlining an overview of the wartime events.

With 2,300-square-meters of exhibition space, the museum does an outstanding job of recounting the Normandy Campaign , from the advancement of the Allied troops to D-Day on June 6th, 1944 and the liberation of Paris on August 25th, 1944.

The museum has an auditorium that shows the film Normandy '44, Decisive Victory in the West , based on archival documents. Created by a World War II historian, the film explains the major operations involved in the Battle of Normandy.

The museum also displays military equipment used during fighting on the Landing beaches, such as bulldozers, jeeps, and guns. The main aim of the museum is to share World War II history with the public and to serve as a place of remembrance , while honoring the memory of fallen civilians and soldiers.

Address: Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux

Near Omaha Beach, the D-Day landing beach (Gold Beach) of Arromanches was successfully captured by the British 50th Northumberland Division on June 6th, 1944 in a surprise offensive.

Because Arromanches does not have a natural harbor, the Allied forces had installed artificial harbors, known as the Mulberry Harbors . The Arromanches D-Day Museum overlooks the beach, close to the spot where one of the harbors was constructed. Remnants of the artificial harbor can still be seen on the sandy shore and in the waters near Arromanches.

The Musée du Débarquement (Arromanches D-Day Museum) illustrates the remarkable logistics and technical aspects of " Operation Mulberry ," which involved the building of the Mulberry Harbors. Exhibits describe the logistics required to create and use the Mulberry Harbors, while working models demonstrate how the artificial ports operated.

Visitors can also watch a documentary film featuring World War II archival footage. Near the museum are many cafés and shops on the bustling Place du 6 Juin square.

Address: Place du 6 Juin, Arromanches

Historically a seafaring port, Dieppe became France's most stylish seaside resort in 1924 when the Duchesse de Berry came here to enjoy the ocean's fresh air and health benefits. The Duchess transformed the town (by having a ballroom and theater built) and made it a glamorous beach destination.

Today, visitors still come to enjoy Dieppe's beautiful broad seafront, an expansive space that includes a pebbly beach , promenade, children's playground , miniature golf course, and facilities for fishing and sailing. Unique to Dieppe, the seafront includes well-manicured lawns, where the International Kite Festival takes place every two years in September.

Above the beach, in a craggy cliff town, is the Château de Dieppe . This 14th-century castle contains the Musée de Dieppe , a multidisciplinary museum with an excellent assortment of European paintings from the 15th-century to the present day. Highlights include French Impressionist paintings, such as works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and Eugène Boudin.

Northwest of the castle, the Boulevard de la Mer offers stunning sea views. In the center of the town is the pleasant Place du Puits-Salé and nearby are many cafés and pastry shops.

Dieppe has two important churches: the Baroque Eglise Saint-Rémy , built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Eglise Saint-Jacques , a striking Gothic church with ornately sculpted doorways and a richly decorated interior.

With today's recreational ambience, it's hard to imagine that Dieppe was the site of a tragic WWII event. On August 19th, 1942, the Allied forces (mainly Canadian) attempted a Raid on Dieppe , but the offensive was met by the German army with unexpectedly strong reinforcements. Over 900 Canadian soldiers were killed. Memorials in Dieppe honor the Canadian troops who perished during the Raid on Dieppe in 1942.

About a one-hour drive south of Rouen, the town of Evreux is worth a detour. The main tourist attraction is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame built in the 10th century. The cathedral's monumental nave still has Romanesque-era arches, although it was rebuilt in the 13th century in Gothic style. Illuminating the sanctuary are 70 splendid stained-glass windows, created between the 13th and 16th centuries and considered masterpieces.

Evreux also has a noteworthy 15th-century Palais Episcopal , which now houses the Musée d'Art, Histoire et Archéologie displaying a diverse collection of ancient artifacts; historical objects; and European paintings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Other noteworthy sites in Evreux include the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), which dates from 1490, and the former Abbaye de Saint-Taurin (abbey church), which contains the 13th-century reliquary of Saint Taurin, an exemplary piece of goldsmith's work.

Although less upscale than the neighboring " Parisian Riviera " resort of Deauville (just two kilometers away), Trouville has a similar ambience. Like Deauville, Trouville was a fashionable seaside resort in the 19th century.

Trouville's broad sandy beach was once known as the " Queen of Beaches " and still attracts many visitors. Another tourist draw is the boating harbor for recreational sailing.

One highly recommended excursion from Trouville is a drive along the Corniche Normande , which skirts the coast high above the sea. This scenic drive offers extensive views all the way to Honfleur.

Built around the estuary of the Seine River, Le Havre is France's largest port after Marseilles. The town is surrounded by serene natural scenery: an expansive pebble beach and an attractive marina.

The setting appealed to Claude Monet. In 1872, he captured the landscape of Le Havre in his famous painting Impression, Soleil Levant ( Impression, Sunrise ) which is considered the first piece of Impressionist art.

Le Havre suffered much damage during the Second World War and was almost completely rebuilt with many buildings designed by the architect Auguste Perret. The modern city center offers interesting examples of 20th-century architecture, such as the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville with its functional tower blocks.

One of the prettiest of the villages that dot Normandy's rural landscape, Le Bec-Hellouin is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France). This little country village is tucked away in a peaceful valley and has plenty of open green space with leafy trees.

Brimming with old-world charm, Le Bec-Hellouin has quaint flower-bedecked half-timbered houses clustered around an old church, the Eglise Saint-André . Tourists will also appreciate the village's selection of small inviting hotels and casual restaurants.

The village is renowned for its abbey, the Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec founded in the 11th century and classified as a Historical Monument. Although the abbey was badly damaged in 1417 during the Hundred Years' War, the 15th-century Saint-Nicolas Tower remains intact. The main buildings exemplify Regency architecture, with unostentatious facades and harmonious classical proportions.

The Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec is still a working monastery run by a community of Benedictine monks. Besides fulfilling their religious obligations, the monks produce handcrafted ceramics and provide guided sightseeing tours of the abbey.

Guided tours are available every day except Tuesdays. The grounds and the Eglise Abbatiale (Abbey Church) of the Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec are open to the public, free of charge, every day except Tuesdays.

Another historic abbey is found 35 kilometers from Le Bec-Hellouin in Jumièges. Built in the 11th century, the Abbaye de Jumièges became an unsurpassed center of learning under the rule of William the Conqueror. In the 13th century, the church was enhanced in marvelous Gothic style, reflecting the grandeur of the abbey and its immense wealth.

Unfortunately, the abbey was mostly destroyed during the Hundred Years' War. However, the ruins reveal the prestigious past of a building that was once the most magnificent religious monument in Normandy.

Barfleur is a characteristic Norman fishing village with handsome granite-stone houses lined up along the harbor. The town's picture-perfect quality has earned it a place among the Plus Beaux Villages de France .

During the time of William the Conqueror, Barfleur was a principal seafaring port for the Anglo-Norman kingdom because of its advantageous position on the English Channel. Today, Barfleur still has a busy fishing harbor, with small boats unloading fresh catches daily at the quays. The town's traditional seafood restaurants offer a chance to sample the tempting local cuisine.

With nearby beaches and coastal paths for taking nature walks, Barfleur is a popular destination for seaside getaways.

Normandy is prized for its gorgeous coastline, particularly the stretch known as the Côte Fleurie , which extends from Honfleur for about 45 kilometers to Merville-Franceville.

The name "Coast of Flowers" hints at its natural splendor. This bucolic landscape features meadows and apple orchards, alongside the coastline of dramatic cliffs and fine-sand beaches.

One especially scenic driving route is the portion from the Deauville to Cabourg (20 kilometers).

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Normandy   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things To Do in Normandy

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

Normandy's attractions are spread across the region, so we suggest you either spend a few days in just one or two towns or you set aside a week or two, rent a car and see a cache. If you're a foodie, you'll enjoy the bounty in Trouville and Honfleur

• All Things To Do

D-Day Beaches D-Day Beaches free

World War II's successful Operation Overlord took place on the coast of France. Although there were heavy Allied casualties, this invasion turned the tide in the war and helped lead to the fall of Nazi Germany. Today this piece of coastline, which includes Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches, is collectively known as the D-Day Beaches.

Visitors can tour the approximately 50-mile stretch of sand and pop by a number of museums, memorials and cemeteries that are spread out alongside the coastline either with a tour or on their own. If you're driving yourself, start in the town of Arromanches, which hosts two museums that help provide context for the battle sites. The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the Pointe-du-Hoc bomb craters are also especially moving. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, recent visitors recommend going with a tour guide to fully appreciate the area's historic importance and receive a comprehensive overview. If you're visiting in June, you'll likely come across several ceremonies and reenactment groups commemorating the anniversary. Thanks to Normandy's unpredictable weather, you'll want to dress in layers (no matter the time of your visit) and bring rain gear, according to past visitors.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel) Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel)

Surrounded by sea in the high tide and sand in low, Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France's most-toured sites outside of the popular Parisian landmarks. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its first incarnation was raised on the 264-foot-high rock beginning in the 10th century, but additions were added well into the 19th century. Today, you can tour the abbey and the little village at its base, as well as several museums. Tours are offered year-round, but you can also traipse the massive structure on your own.

Guided tours – which are included in the cost of admission – do not require advance booking and are offered in French and English year-round. Tours are also offered in German, Italian and Spanish in July and August.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen free

Dating back to the 12th century, this Gothic cathedral was the world's tallest building for about five years – 1876 to 1880. But its beauty in changing light is what drew the impressionist artist, Claude Monet, whose work can be viewed at the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen , to paint it several times. Today, the cathedral is one of the defining pieces of architecture in this part of Normandy. Aside from its striking architecture, it's also famous for its tombs – one of which houses the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

Visitors recommend going inside to view the many parts of this working Roman Catholic cathedral, including the lovely stained glass in the Lady Chapel, the transepts and the ambulatory monuments. Others add that it is worth coming at night in the summer to see the free light shows displayed outside. Reviewers also recommended reading up on the history of the church before you visit to enhance your experience and develop a better understanding of the many architectural styles on display.

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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial free

Somewhere around 9,000 soldiers are buried in this Colleville-sur-Mer war cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach . Most of these lost their lives during the D-Day invasion. There's also a memorial that gives a narrative of the invasion, as well as a reflecting pool and a chapel. And about 1,500 soldiers who were missing-in-action are remembered on the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircle garden to the east of the memorial.

Recent visitors advised setting aside more time than you think you might need, as there is a lot to take in and you don't want to rush through such a moving place. Several others recommended visiting with a tour company to enjoy a more in-depth understanding of the site's significance. Companies like Normandy Sightseeing Tours , Bayeux Shuttle and Paris City Vision earn high praise from past visitors.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

The sprawling Museum of Fine Arts features paintings, sculptures, drawings and objets d'art that date back to the 15th century. Throughout the 19th century, generous donations made the museum home to one of the largest impressionist collections in France, with paintings by masters such as Monet, Sisley, Caillebotte, Pissarro, Degas and Renoir. Other highlights include works by Perugino, Veronese, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Ribera and Poussin.

Recent visitors praised the museum's collection of impressionist works and the impressive range of styles represented here. For many, viewing Monet's paintings of the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen was a particular highlight. However, reviewers advised going in with a plan, as the museum can be a little hard to navigate.

Claude Monet's House and Garden Claude Monet's House and Garden

Who doesn't love water lilies, haystacks and gardens? Claude Monet, one of the world's most famous impressionists, lived and painted many of these subjects in his home in Giverny. Today, Monet fans can tour his excellently preserved home, studio and gardens. Among the highlights are the water garden (home to his famous water lilies) and the artist's house (especially the kitchen and the blue sitting room), which has been meticulously restored.

Recent visitors raved about the house and gardens, but many expressed disappointment with the crowds. If you want to avoid the onslaught of visitors, heed the advice of reviewers and visit right when the attraction opens to avoid the tour buses that descend in the afternoon. Others suggested visiting the lily ponds first and saving your house visit until the end.

Bayeux War Cemetery Bayeux War Cemetery free

The Bayeux War Cemetery is one of the largest of 18 military cemeteries in Normandy, with more than 4,000 graves – many of which mark the plots of soldiers who were never identified. These headstones are inscribed with "A Soldier Known Unto God." Keep in mind that if you're an American looking for your ancestors, you'll most likely have more luck at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer . The Bayeux War Cemetery contains soldiers from the United Kingdom and "the Continent," including some from Germany.

Recent visitors found the cemetery to be quite moving and somber. Others said this is a "must-see," applauding the beautiful grounds.

Eglise Jeanne d'Arc Eglise Jeanne d'Arc free

This modern-looking church sits on the site of Jeanne d'Arc's (or Joan of Arc, to us Yanks) burning. The 19-year-old girl was burned at the stake for heresy in 1431. Today, you can tour this contemporary church built in 1979 (the exterior of which is reminiscent of fish scales) at Place du Vieux-Marche in Rouen. Pay attention to the building's design – the architect, Louis Arretche, wanted it to resemble the shape of an overturned boat.

Recent visitors loved the church's gorgeous stained-glass windows and say it was quite moving to be in the spot where Joan of Arc was killed.

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Etretat Cliffs Etretat Cliffs free

These stunning white chalk cliffs have drawn people, especially artists, such as Claude Monet and Guy de Maupassant, to the area for eons. The cliffs are often compared to the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Visitors can hike along the top of cliffs, as well as on the beach to check out the striking sight.

Recent visitors were astonished at the beauty of the cliffs and recommended visiting at sunrise and sunset for spectacular photo ops. Others suggested hiking to the top of the cliffs for unforgettable views. Reviewers also reported touring the town of Étretat.

Museum of Modern Art André Malraux Museum of Modern Art André Malraux

This Le Havre art museum, located in a bright 1960s glass-and-metal building, boasts enormous plate glass windows that perfectly allow in the famous light that has fascinated artists for decades. This museum was actually the first to be built after the war. Le Havre's original Museum of Fine Arts was destroyed by bombing in 1944. Two local painters who immortalized the Normandy coast are highlighted here. The collection of works by Raoul Dufy includes oils, watercolors and sketches. Works by Eugène Boudin include his Normandy beach scenes and landscapes. It also has a number of works by Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley and Degas. 

Past visitors raved about the museum's stunning coastal location and the collection of impressionist works. Others praised the friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Bayeux Tapestry Museum Bayeux Tapestry Museum

You might ask why on earth would you make a stop to see a tapestry when Camembert cheese, hard cider and the rolling Normandy hills are beckoning? Well, because the Bayeux Tapestry, an astonishingly long and beautifully made work of art, chronicles the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

The approximately 230-foot-long tapestry is displayed in a dark room with special lighting, so you can see every detail. Though it's described as a tapestry, it is actually linen cloth embroidered with wool thread. In another room of the museum, a permanent exhibition describes how it was made and gives an overview of the historical context and the Anglo-Norman kingdom in the 11th century. There is also a short 16-minute film, which details the making of the tapestry and includes reconstructions of scenes from the Battle of Hastings.

Mémorial de Caen Mémorial de Caen

This museum details events leading up to WWII as well as its decadeslong aftermath, with exhibits ranging from photos and documents charting the Nazi's rise to power in the 1930s, to life before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. A tabletop map shows the location of the D-Day landings and a split-screen presentation of the D-Day invasion from both the Allied and Nazi standpoints gives a good overview. A 17-minute film, called "Europe Our History," is shown in a 360-degree theater and included with admission. Outside, you'll find three gardens dedicated to the memory of the Resistance fighters and Allied soldiers who died in Normandy. 

Recent visitors appreciated the comprehensive and educational way the museum covers the war. Others said a visit here is a must before a trip to the D-Day Beaches as it provides important context to the sites. Reviewers said you should plan to spend half a day here to make the most of the museum's offerings and that the audio guide is essential. One particular highlight for travelers was the reconstructed underground bunker of a Nazi general.

Musée du Débarquement Musée du Débarquement

The Musée du Débarquement, located on the seafront where one of the most incredible achievements of WWII happened, shows how the prefabricated Mulberry Harbour was constructed. An engineering feat, the harbors were used to unload troops, vehicles and supplies during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. While not much is left of the floating harbors, you can still see some remnants of the concrete blocks that were towed across the English Channel. Museum exhibits include models, mock-ups, and photographs depicting its creation and the D-Day landings.

Recent visitors praised the small museum's models and explanations of how the harbor was conceived. However, some said its exhibits are a little dated.

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2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel

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Palais Bénédictine Palais Bénédictine

Bénédictine liqueur is a big deal in Normandy and if you want to learn more about it, as well as take in the Palais Bénédictine – a Gothic- and Renaissance-inspired building erected in the late 1800s – this is the spot. Le Palais Bénédictine was built in honor of the Bénédictine liqueur by Alexandre Le Grand, a wine merchant from Fécamp who discovered a lost recipe for a potent elixir dating back to 1510 created by a Bénédictine monk. Le Grand named the liqueur after the monks. He also stocked the palace with his art collection. 

Today, visitors can explore the museum on a guided tour, which features collections of sacred and ancient art related to the legacy of Bénédictine, as well as a room dedicated to its industrial history. After the museum tour, you head to the only Bénédictine distillery in the world and enjoy a tasting of the liqueur in the palace's Winter Garden. 

Chateau Gaillard Chateau Gaillard

This castle fortress was amazingly built in a mere two years, between 1196 and 1198, at the direction of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and the Duke of Normandy to protect Rouen against the French. It was captured by Philip II after a six-month siege; Henry IV later ordered that it be destroyed. Today, its clifftop ruins are a reminder of its dramatic past and a fascinating place to visit.

Recent visitors were fascinated by the complex history of the fortress. Others raved about the views and recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. According to recent travelers, there is a large free parking lot within walking distance.

Historial Jeanne d’Arc Historial Jeanne d’Arc

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Cité de la Mer Cité de la Mer

Airborne Museum Airborne Museum

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Normandy D-Day Beaches : Private Tour from Le Havre

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Mont St Michel Full Day Tour with a National Guide from Bayeux

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

42 Best things to do in Normandy (with pictures)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | August 2, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Are you planning a trip to Normandy? You ask: What to do in Normandy? Below you will find our 42 suggestions to satisfy everyone:

• nature destinations to see,
• architectural attractions to visit in Normandy,
• fun activities,
• of inspiring art,
• fascinating museums,
• intense memorial sites,
• good food and much more!

We love our home region and want to share all it has to offer!

Absolute best things to do in Normandy – Top 3

#1 – marvel at the cliffs of étretat (and look for arsène lupin’s treasure).

• Experience – Explore all the corners of Étretat. It is one of the most beautiful places of the Alabaster Coast. Here, the elements have splendidly sculpted the white chalk. And you can enjoy so many different angles: the top of the northern cliffs, the top of the southern cliffs, the bottom of both… Learn more about our article on Étretat. And it is here that the stories of the character of Arsène Lupin (written by Maurice Leblanc) took place. Where did he hide his treasure?
• Location – In the village / town of Étretat Department : Seine-Maritime 40min drive from Le Havre This place deserves at least one night: See the best rated accommodations in Étretat

#2 – Observe the tide around Mont-Saint-Michel

• Experience – No surprise here, the Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most famous attractions in France. And it’s understandable… It’s such an impressive place! The small island is covered with fortifications, medieval streets and an impressive abbey on top. Also, as the tide changes, so do the views. Be sure to see it at low tide and high tide! See our articles on What to do and tips for visiting .
• Location – West of Normandy, border with Brittany Department of La Manche 1h30 drive from Caen It deserves a stay nearby to visit it by night – see the best rated accommodations in the area / or see our suggestions on where to stay

#3 – Walk through history in Rouen

• Experience – Rouen is the most fascinating city in Normandy. This is what people imagine when they think of France. It has a high concentration of listed buildings and just walking around is fascinating. Important historical events took place in Rouen, for example around the cathedral, one of the most impressive in France.
• Location – Department of Seine-Maritime Paris to Rouen = 1h drive or 1h10 by train Discover the best rated accommodations in Rouen

A note on the Unesco sites / listings for Normandy

For some of you, all Unesco heritage listings are “must-sees”. In Normandy, they are :

• The Mont-Saint-Michel site – See above #2
• The Vauban Forts – you can see one on the island of Tatihou (see #27 in the list)
• The site of Le Havre and its reconstruction architecture by Perret (see n°20 in the list)
• The object of the Bayeux Tapestry (see n° 30 in the list)
• The lace of the Point d’Alençon classified and Intangible Cultural Heritage (see n°31 of the list)

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

• Experience – Honfleur is one of the most charming cities to visit in Normandy. The small port with its high and narrow houses is one of the most photographed places. In addition, you can explore the side streets to find beautiful old houses and a unique wooden church. To know more about Honfleur, read our article on Honfleur .
• Location – Near the Normandy bridge Department of Calvados From Caen to Honfleur = 1h drive See the best rated accommodations in Honfleur

#5 – Be charmed by Norman villages with half-timbered houses

• Experience – There are many charming villages to discover in Normandy. Some of them have rows of typical half-timbered houses of different colors. They are very photogenic! Among the best are Le Bec-Hellouin and Beuvron-en-Auge and Lyon-la-Forêt. To learn more, read my article on the most beautiful villages of Normandy .
• Location – Everywhere in Normandy, but especially in Calvados, east of Caen.

#6 – Take one of the most iconic Norman photos – Vernon Mill

• Experience – It is not big, but this mill is one of the most emblematic buildings of Normandy. Probably for the mix of history and place. The half-timbered mill house (from the 16th century) is installed on an old medieval bridge (from the 12th century). There were once many mills on the Seine. You can see this building from different angles, with the river in the background.
• Location – Eure District South of Rouen – 1 hour drive Near the famous village of Giverny with Monet’s garden. Discover the best rated accommodations in Vernon

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Normandy

All the information you need for your trip:

• 8 maps that make planning easier
• 160+ pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
• 300+ photos to help you choose

FOOD – 4 best things to eat and drink

One of the most important things to do in Normandy is to eat. After all, you are in France. Of course, you will have all the best French classics: French bread, cakes, delicious meals, croissants… But you will find below some of the Normandy specialties not to be missed: cheeses, cider, mussels and Benedictine liqueur.

#7 – Norman Cheese

There is no shortage of cheeses to taste in France. But when you are in Normandy, it is better to taste the Normandy cheeses. The best known are :

• Camembert, the most internationally known.
• The Livarot
• Le Pont-l’Évêque
• The Neufchatel

You can even visit the towns or villages from which they take their name. They often have small museums to learn more about them (and taste them!).

#8 – Cider or apple juice?

I know that when you travel to France, you probably want to drink wine. There are some wines in Normandy, but not many. The region is best known for its cider (and thus, also, its apple juice). There are many apple trees growing in the countryside and the bubbles in the cider are delicious!

#9 – Mussels

Normandy being a coastal region, the seafood is delicious. However, there is one particular treat that you should not miss: mussels. Especially with a camembert sauce! There is nothing more Norman. The best are those of the Barfleur region.

#10 – Benedictine Liqueur

• Experience – Visit of the Benedictine Palace in Fécamp . It’s a great combination: a beautiful building, fascinating objects, a tour of the distillery and a tasting at the end.
• Location – City of Fécamp Department of Seine-Maritime Rouen to Fécamp = 1h drive See the best rated accommodations in Fécamp

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

• Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
• 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
• The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

NATURE – 3 Best Destinations in Normandy

Normandy offers a wide variety of experiences: architecture, history, culture and nature! When one thinks of nature destinations in Normandy, one often thinks of the white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, but it actually offers many more picturesque areas. My other choices are the wild coast of the Cotentin Peninsula and the “Suisse Normande”.

#11 – Road trip along the Alabaster coast

• Experience – If you are limited in time, visit only Étretat. But if you have time, the whole Alabaster coast is worth a visit. It is one of our favorite destinations in Normandy. You can go to pebble beaches, walk in narrow valleys (called “valleuses”) and enjoy beautiful views like the one from Cap Fagnet above. The coast is about 130 km long and there are cliffs from 30 to 105 m high almost everywhere. Discover the most beautiful places in our article on the Alabaster Coast .
• Location – From Le Havre to Le Tréport Department : Seine-Maritime Saint-Valery-en-Caux is the most central city to explore the entire coast – Discover the best rated accommodations

#12 – Enjoy the wild side of the Cotentin Peninsula

• Experience – Explore the Cape Route with its beautiful cliffs, beaches and rock formations. It is there that we find the oldest rocks of France. The most famous place to see in the region is Nez de Jobourg . But take the time to explore further. For example, just north of Jobourg is the beautiful Ecalgrain Bay which you can see in the picture above.
• Location – Northwest coast of the Cotentin Peninsula Department of La Manche

#13 – Suisse Normande

• Experience – If you are tired of pretty villages, impressive cliffs or peaceful landscapes, go and see the “mini-mountains” of the Suisse Normande. It is difficult to imagine that we are in Normandy. I love the contrast of the rocky cliffs with all the trees. It is an ideal place for those who love climbing. But even if you just drive around, the small area is worth a visit.
• Location – Border of Calvados and Orne Around the village of Clécy. See the accommodations

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WORLD WAR II – What to visit in Normandy – Top 4

Another essential aspect of exploring Normandy is to discover the sites and relics of World War II. You may have read about it, but the experience is quite moving. We think there are at least four things to do to get a sense of World War II history in Normandy: visit the American cemetery, one of the war batteries, one of the landing sites, and one of the museums.

#14 – Feeling humbled at the American cemetery

• Experience – This is one of the most moving places of the Second World War in Normandy: the rows and rows of crosses representing the fallen soldiers against the background of the ocean. A powerful place. I didn’t expect to feel so moved because it wasn’t my generation. But to imagine all these young people who came here to help us, it’s incredible.
• Location – At Colleville-Sur-Mer, Calvados, nearOmaha Beach 45min drive west of Caen

#15 – Imagine life in one of the batteries

• Experience – All along the Normandy coast, you can find what remains of some of the German batteries from the Second World War. Some are quite well preserved. They help you understand the strategy and the way soldiers used to live.
• Location – There are many options. My 2 favorites are Longues-sur-Mer (35min west of Caen) and Merville (just east of Ouistreham).

#16 – Set foot on one of the landing sites

• Experience – It is then a question of understanding how the D-Day landings took place. Seeing the peaceful beaches of today, it can be hard to imagine what it was like. For some places, you can imagine how they landed, but for other places like Pointe du Hoc, it is crazy to imagine how they had to climb the cliffs.
• Location – The most famous are: Utah Beach (the best one to see representations of the landing), Omaha Beach (with the beautiful sculpture), Juno Beach (for the Canadians) and Sword Beach (for the British).

#17 – To find out more, visit one of the many museums, especially in Caen

• Experience – Finally, you should visit at least one of the World War II museums. There are many of them. Some small ones with specialties (like the story of a single battle) and some larger ones. The quality is overall very good, with lots of pictures and objects.
• Location – One of the most complete is the Caen Memorial Museum. It is very interactive but quite large. You can spend a whole day there. The other major museums are at Utah Beach and Juno Beach (for Canadian history). But some smaller ones are interesting, such as: Arromanches 360°, the Airborne museum (dedicated to the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions), the Overlord museum (about operation Overlord), the World War II museum in Bayeux… See the best rated accommodations in Caen.

MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites

• The best landing sites to visit
• Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
• Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
• The best D-Day museums in Normandy
• German batteries to visit
• Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
• Visit Omaha Beach
• Visit Utah Beach
• Visit Gold Beach
• Visit Sword Beach
• Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)

• Experience – Inaugurated in 1995, the Normandy Bridge is a magnificent architectural wonder. It is a 2143 m long cable-stayed road. When it was built, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. It is a toll highway, but you can also enjoy its view of the mouth of the Seine via a walking path.
• Location – On the Seine, at the border of Seine-Maritime, Eure and Calvados Rouen bridge in Normandy = 1 hour drive Caen Bridge in Normandy = 1 hour drive

#19 – Feeling small next to the Gatteville lighthouse

• Experience – The Gatteville lighthouse is one of the highest in the world. It reaches 75 m. It may not be the most iconic in shape and color, but the contrast with the flat rock bed that surrounds it is fascinating, in my opinion. To learn more, read this article .
• Location – In the Manche, Contentin peninsula Near the village of Barfleur. 35min drive west of Cherbourg Discover the best rated accommodations around Barfleur.

#20 – Be surprised by the architecture of Le Havre

• Experience – When one thinks of French architecture, the style of Le Havre does not come to mind. However, it is a Unesco site and deserves a visit. The architecture is protected (Unesco site) because it made a great leap forward when Auguste Perret imagined it for the reconstruction after the Second World War (Le Havre was almost entirely destroyed). But more than that, Le Havre is a city of contrast. Look at the picture below. You can see Perret’s square buildings in the background, and their contrast with the soft lines of architect Oscar Niemeyer’s work in the foreground. Read more about our article on Le Havre
• Location – Department of Seine-Maritime. Rouen to Le Havre = 1 hour drive Beginning of the Alabaster Coast See the best rated accommodations in Le Havre

CASTLES – 3 most beautiful castles of Normandy

Normandy has long been a border region with a tumultuous history. That’s why you can find in the region many castles of different periods and styles. It is very difficult to choose the best ones because they are so different. Below are three of my favorites, but you can see more in our article on the most beautiful castles in Normandy .

#21 – Château Saint-Germain-de-Livet

• Experience – This castle really impressed me. It’s not the oldest, it’s not the largest (it’s actually quite small) but it’s certainly the most unique. The half-timbered part of the manor house still has old frescoes on the wall because they had been protected by plaster. And the stone and brick part has some green elements in the exterior decor, which is very rare.
• Location – Calvados 10min drive south of Lisieux Official website

#22 – Carrouges Castle

Castle of Carrouges

• Experience – From the 14th and 17th centuries. I love the different shapes of the castle structure, the impressive front door and the road leading to it, and the color red. It was a place of conviviality that welcomed Louis XI and Catherine de Medici. Inside, you can see pieces of very different styles. I prefer the older ones with the carved wooden beams. And pay special attention to the stairs. I loved it because there was a lot to see but not too much. In some castles (like Versailles), the rooms seem very repetitive after a while. Not here.
• Location – City of Carrouges, Orne 30min drive west of Alençon Official website

#23 – Château d’Harcourt

Harcourt Castle

• Experience – From the 12th and 14th centuries, and modified in the 17th century This castle has one of the most beautiful parks to explore. The medieval castle of Harcourt is surrounded by two arboretums: a tree museum and specific areas for tree replanting studies. You will be able to see impressive specimens such as beech trees, giant cedars, cypresses, giant redwoods…
• Location – City of Harcourt, Eure 40min from Evreux Official website

Do not make THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE

On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi. So our trip began with a “card blocked” call … Not funny at all! Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry .

ART – 3 best things to enjoy in Normandy

The Normandy region has inspired many artists, especially the impressionists who developed their style thanks to the ever-changing lights and skies. You can visit places that were painted by Manet, Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, Henri Matisse, Raoul Dufy and many others.

I have not listed the museums here, but there are of course many possibilities: the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen, the MuMa in Le Havre, the Impressionist Museum in Giverny….

#24 – Feel the inspiration of Monet in Giverny

• Experience – The most famous artistic site in Normandy is the village of Giverny where you can visit Monet’s famous gardens that he painted so many times. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but be sure to book your ticket and prefer the opening hours for better light.
• Location – Village of Giverny, not far from the town of Vernon 1h20 drive from Paris You can book a day trip from Paris to explore the area. See the options See the best rated accommodations around Giverny.

#25 – Tracking down impressionists and comparing to reality

• Experience – As I wrote above, Normandy is the cradle of Impressionism. There are so many places that have been painted by famous artists. Many cities include copies of these paintings with explanations.
• Location – All over Normandy. Start with your favorite paintings and try to find the location.
• See our article on Impressionism in Normandy

#26 – Choosing modern art in Le Havre

• Experience – And we are back in Le Havre (it’s my hometown, so I chose to mention it twice LOL). Remember I told you that what I like is contrast. Well, that’s also due to the modern artworks that can be found throughout the city and on the beach. One of the most emblematic is “La Catène”, 2 arches made of colored containers. This is a work by Vincent Ganivet. Read more about our article on Le Havre

FUN – 3 best activities that are out of the ordinary

Looking for something fun that you can’t find everywhere? Well, I’ve found a few that you should consider. They are listed below.

#27 – The island of Tatihou, the oyster farms and the amphibious vehicle

• Experience – The visit of the island of Tatihou and its Vauban fort (Unesco site) is already a great experience. But what makes the visit even more fun is how you get there. The island is not far from the coast and at high tide it doesn’t look so special, you make the 10 minute boat trip. On the other hand, if you cross at low tide, the oyster farms start to appear everywhere and the boat gets on wheels to pass in the middle! Even if you are not on board, make sure you see it in action.
• Location – Departure from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue In the English Channel, in the Cotentin Peninsula 35min drive east of Cherbourg See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue

#28 – Salivate at the House of Biscuits

• Experience – This is no ordinary stop. Discover this series of stores with a “Disney world” look. Don’t forget to enter the House of Biscuits (founded in 1903) to discover many delicious products: cookies, jams, cakes, sweets… It is a paradise for food lovers (but beware, you can get lost in all the products for hours)
• Location – South of Cherbourg West coast of the Cotentin Peninsula, La Manche

#29 – Hunting hedge sculptures at the Champ de Bataille castle

• Experience – It is considered the “Versailles of Normandy”, but my favorite part is not the castle, it is the park. Landscapers are having a blast. I won’t spoil too much of the surprise, but plan on spending a few hours exploring the gardens and discovering the shapes they came up with with the hedges.
• Location – Sainte-Opportune-du-Bosc, Eure 35min from Evreux Official website

CULTURE – 3 best museums in Normandy (excluding war and art)

Want to discover more and expand your horizons? Normandy has a beautiful collection of museums on history, art and cultural specificities… I’ve already mentioned the World War II museums, and we’ve already talked about art. In this section, I have selected 3 other museums that will make you discover completely different worlds.

#30 – Bayeux Tapestry Museum

• Experience – The main attraction of the museum is the Bayeux Tapestry, a woolen thread embroidered on a linen canvas. It tells the story of William, Duke of Normandy, who became King of England in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings. It represents 58 scenes and includes 202 horses! Official website
• Location – Department of Calvados From Caen to Bayeux = 30min drive Discover the best rated accommodations in Bayeux

#31 – Museum of lace in Alençon

• Experience – The main attractions of the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace are the collections and the explanations about the culture of needlework, especially the prestigious “Point d’Alençon”. The lace making technique is registered on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list since 2010. Official website
• Location – City of Alençon Department of Orne From Caen to Alençon = 1h15 drive Discover the best rated accommodations in Alençon

#32 – Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg

• Experience – An impressive museum where you can spend several days – learning about the ocean, the underwater flora and fauna, and all the tools and machines used by men to explore its depths, including a giant submersible. Official website
• Location – City of Cherbourg North coast of the Manche department Discover the best rated accommodations in Cherbourg

RELIGIOUS HISTORY – Places not to be missed

We have already covered many aspects of history with the castles and the Second World War. But the long Norman history is also very much built around religion. The cathedrals and abbeys are keys to understanding the region through time. See more in my article on the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in Normandy .

#33 – Wondering how cathedrals were built in the past…

• Experience – As everywhere in France, the cathedrals are among the most impressive architectural pieces. Normandy is no exception to the rule. You can see many of them over the cities of Normandy. Take the time to enter and admire the grandiose vaulted ceilings, columns and stained glass windows. They all have an intriguing story.
• Location – All over Normandy: Rouen, Bayeux, Coutances (photo above), Évreux, Sées, Lisieux

#34 – Understand how powerful the abbeys were

• Experience – Normandy also has many abbeys. They ruled the region. Some are still in good condition, but most are in ruins. However, you can still see how impressive they were. All the visits bring very different experiences.
• Location – All around Normandy. The most famous is the abbey of Jumièges, not far from Rouen. Among my favorites, we find the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the abbey of Hambye, the abbey of Saint-Georges de Boscherville, the abbey of Lucerne… See my article on the most beautiful abbeys of Normandy .

#35 – Modern religious history in Lisieux

• Experience – If you’re looking for a bit of more modern history, go to Lisieux. It houses the Basilica of Therese of Lisieux, built for Therese who was canonized in 1925. The basilica was blessed in 1937. Official website
• Location – City of Lisieux, Calvados See the best rated accommodations in Lisieux.

COAST – Most beautiful beaches and more

The Normandy coastline is 603 km long, oriented to the north and west. It is extremely varied with high cliffs, lower cliffs, flat rocky areas dating back millions of years, sandy beaches, pebble beaches, sand dunes…

#36 – Start a beach hut photo collection

• Experience – Visit the many beaches of the Normandy coast and discover the variety of beach huts: all white, two-tone, multicolored or with colored roofs, they are always charming. The trend of sea bathing began in the middle of the 18th century. Everyone wanted to enjoy the benefits of swimming in the ocean. The Normandy coast was booming. Today, the beach huts are there for those who still like to swim in the sea. They are often family heirlooms. Our grandparents had one on the beach of Le Havre and one on the beach of Sainte-Adresse.
• Location – Gouville-sur-Mer – with the colored roofs Le Havre – with multicolored stripes (although there are rules about colors and width). Yport with a more elegant blue and white design …

#37 – Choose one of the seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie

• Experience – As I wrote above, sea bathing became popular in the 18th century, and seaside resorts flourished along the sandy beaches of Calvados. Large houses were built, and they still stand today. Walking around these cities looks like French glamour
• Location – Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer, Cabourg, Houlgate, Villers-sur-Mer… Choose your favorites My favorite is Cabourg, because of the long path along the beach and the sand dune at the mouth of the river. See the best rated accommodations in Cabourg

#38 – Visit secret beaches

• Experience – In the towns located on the Alabaster coast, you can see large beaches, but along the cliffs, there are more. Many are not within walking distance, but a few are, if you know where to look. In Étretat, some are accessible by a man-made staircase in the cliffs or by tunnels dug in the cliffs. In other places, you have to descend a narrow and steep valley, but you end up at the foot of high cliffs. It is fascinating!
• Location – Along the Alabaster Coast.

What to see in Normandy ? 4 additional ideas

And here are some other places I like in Normandy, but I couldn’t add them to one of the categories…

#39 – Château Gaillard and Les Andelys

• Experience – Chateau Gaillard is a combination of so many things that I can’t really fit it into one category. There is a castle with an important history. There is a charming old town. There is a breathtaking nature with a loop of the Seine…
• Location – Department of Eure South of Rouen = 1 hour drive Discover the accommodations in Andelys

#40 – Veules-les-Roses and the shortest river in France

• Experience – In the charming village of Veules-les-Rose, you can walk along the shortest river in France: 1149m long. During the walk, you will discover watercress fields, mills and typical houses of the region. More pictures in this article
• Location – Seine-Maritime, Alabaster coast Rouen to Veules-les-Roses = 1h drive Discover the best rated accommodations in the region

#41 – Saint-Cénéri-Le-Gérei

• Experience – Saint-Cénéri is another beautiful Norman village. But it is quite unique and impossible to classify. Nestled in a loop of the Sarthe, it offers houses with old buildings surrounded by greenery. It is a peaceful place that has inspired many artists for good reason. See more pictures in this article.
• Location – The Orne, in the Alpes Mancelles 20min south of Alençon

#42 – GR21 hike

If you like hiking, the Alabaster Coast region is also full of hiking trails, including the famous GR21 . It was elected in 2020 as the favorite hiking route of the French. You can walk the entire trail (190km), or enjoy small portions of it, like in Étretat.

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Must-see attractions in Normandy

Abbaye du Mont St-Michel

Mont St-Michel

Mont St-Michel's one main street, the Grande Rue, leads up the slope – past souvenir shops, eateries and a forest of elbows – to the star attraction of a…

Le Mémorial – Un Musée pour la Paix

For a very insightful and vivid account of the entire war, with special focus on the Battle of Normandy, Le Mémorial is unparalleled – it's one of Europe…

Bayeux Tapestry

The world’s most celebrated embroidery depicts the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 from an unashamedly Norman perspective…

Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet

Monet’s home for the last 43 years of his life is now a delightful house-museum. His pastel-pink house and Water Lily studio stand on the periphery of the…

Falaise d’Aval

It's impossible to miss this cliff, as the shingle beach bends around off to the southwest, with its natural arch and solitary needle. You will spy…

Les Maisons Satie

This unusual and intriguing complex captures the whimsical spirit of the eccentric avant-garde composer Erik Satie (1866–1925), who lived and worked in…

Château Gaillard

Under Richard the Lionheart's command, Château Gaillard was built with unbelievable dispatch between 1196 and 1198, securing the western border of English…

Musée Malraux

Near the waterfront, this luminous and tranquil space houses a fabulous collection of vivid impressionist works – the finest in France outside Paris – by…

Cité de la Mer

Cherbourg’s art-deco Gare Maritime Transatlantique (Transatlantic Ferry Terminal), built from 1928 to 1933, was designed so travellers could walk from…

Historial Jeanne d'Arc

For an introduction to the great 15th-century heroine and the events that earned her fame – and shortly thereafter condemnation – don't miss this…

Longues-sur-Mer Battery

D-Day Beaches

These mammoth German artillery pieces remain in their colossal concrete emplacements – the only in-situ large-calibre weapons in Normandy. The first…

Abbatiale St-Ouen

This largely empty 14th-century abbey is a gloriously sublime and quite stunning example of the Rayonnant Gothic style, with a colossal interior dappled…

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Baron Gérard

Make sure you drop by this museum – one of France’s most gorgeously presented provincial museums – where exhibitions cover everything from Gallo-Roman…

Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial

White marble crosses and Stars of David stretch off in seemingly endless rows at the Normandy American Cemetery, situated on a now-serene bluff…

Château de Caen

Looming above the centre of the city, Caen’s magnificent castle walls – massive battlements overlooking a now dry moat – were established by William the…

Cathédrale Notre Dame

Most of Bayeux’ spectacular Norman Gothic cathedral dates from the 13th century, though the crypt (take the stairs on the north side of the choir), the…

Rouen’s stunning Gothic cathedral, built between the late 12th and 16th centuries, was famously the subject of a series of canvases painted by Monet at…

Abbatiale de la Ste-Trinité

Built from 1175 to 1220 by Richard the Lionheart, towering Abbatiale de la Ste-Trinité was the most important pilgrimage site in Normandy until the…

Panorama XXL

In a large, circular column on the waterfront, Panorama XXL is a massive 360-degree exhibition offering in-depth exploring of one astonishing landscape,…

Église St-Joseph

Perret’s masterful, 107m-high Église St-Joseph, visible from all over town, was built using bare concrete from 1951 to 1959. Some 13,000 panels of…

Musée Eugène Boudin

This museum features superb 19th- and 20th-century paintings of Normandy’s towns and coast, including works by Dubourg, Dufy and Monet. One room is…

Falaise d’Amont

To your right and along off to the northwest as you walk onto the beach, the cliff of Falaise d’Amont is dotted with reclining or tottering figures taking…

Overlord Museum

This excellent museum has an astonishing collection of restored WWII military equipment from both sides; the human dimension of the war is brought…

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Housed in a very grand structure flung up in 1870, Rouen’s simply outstanding fine-arts museum features canvases by Rubens, Modigliani, Pissarro, Renoir,…

Jardins Suspendus

The Jardins Suspendus (Hanging Gardens) is an old hilltop fortress transformed into a beautiful set of gardens, whose greenhouses and outdoor spaces…

Abbaye de Jumièges

With its ghostly white-stone ruins glowing against bright green grass and dark green trees, the Abbaye de Jumièges is one of Normandy’s most evocative…

Église St-Maclou

This supreme example of the Flamboyant Gothic–style church was built between 1437 and 1521, but much of the decoration dates from the Renaissance. The…

Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin

Inland from Utah Beach, to the south and southwest, is the 1480-sq-km Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin, a vast expanse of…

Le Havre’s most conspicuous landmark, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1982, is also the city’s premier cultural venue. One…

Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial

At 7.10am on 6 June 1944, 225 US Army Rangers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder scaled the impossibly steep, 30m-high cliffs of…

Abbaye-aux-Hommes

Caen’s most important medieval site is the Men’s Abbey – now city hall – and, right next door, the magnificent, multi-turreted Église St-Étienne (St…

Église Ste-Catherine

Initially intended as a temporary structure, this extraordinary wooden church was built by local shipwrights during the late 15th and early 16th centuries…

La Merveille

The buildings on the northern side of the Mont are known as ‘The Marvel’. The famous cloître (cloister) is surrounded by a double row of delicately carved…

Palais de Justice

The ornately Gothic Law Courts, little more than a shell at the end of WWII, have been restored to their early-16th-century glory. On rue Jeanne d'Arc,…

Vieux Bassin

The old harbour, with its bobbing pleasure boats, is Honfleur’s focal point. On the west side, quai Ste-Catherine is lined with tall, taper-thin houses –…

Musée Villa Montabello

In a grand mansion dating to 1865, this municipal museum recounts Trouville's history and features works by Charles Mozin, Eugène Isabey and Charles…

Memorial du 19 Août 1942

This museum commemorates the Dieppe Raid of 1942, in which a mostly Canadian force of over 6000 men, backed up by 300 ships and 800 aircraft, landed on…

Civilians in Wartime Memorial

This new, highly informative and timely (for the 75th anniversary of D-Day) museum in the town of Falaise, 41km southeast of Caen, gets you under the skin…

Juno Beach Centre

Juno Beach’s only specifically Canadian museum, the nonprofit Juno Beach Centre, has multimedia exhibits on Canada’s role in the war effort and the…

Musée du Débarquement

Down in Arromanches itself and right on the beach, the Musée du Débarquement makes for a very informative stop before visiting the beaches. Dioramas,…

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Normandy

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Normandy is one of France ’s most fascinating destinations, and we know you’re going to love exploring colorful seaside towns overlooking the English Channel, ancient cities packed with Norman history, and beautiful villages that have inspired generations of artists and painters. 

We love Normandy for its rural idylls, its excellent Calvados brandy, and for its breathtaking sights like Mont-Saint-Michel and Rouen Cathedral. Normandy is the land of William the Conqueror, and there are medieval abbeys in every town square and castles on every hilltop!

And, of course, Normandy is well known for its role in World War II, the events of which still scar the landscape today. For a poignant look at this 20th-century history, then head to Utah or Omaha beach before visiting the excellent Memorial de Caen to learn more. 

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we decided to compile our list of the best things to do in Normandy for you. Stick to these fun and unique Normandy bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’re going to have an incredible time exploring this gorgeous French region!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to Do in Normandy

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Normandy

1. cross the causeway to visit mont-saint-michel.

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most famous Normandy sightseeing attractions, and you won’t want to miss out on crossing the infamous causeway leading to this incredible tidal island.

Mont-Saint-Michel is located just off the coast of Normandy, and this extraordinary island is home to an abbey, fortress, and small but historic town that sits in the bay. 

Mont-Saint-Michel has always been famed for its isolation, and the only way to reach the island is by crossing the raised, cobblestone causeway leading across the tidal mud flats. Be careful, though, because when the tide is too high, the causeway is completely inundated by water. 

Mont-Saint-Michel’s history dates back to the 6th century AD, when Armoricans used the island as a fortress, although the Franks ultimately managed to take it some centuries later. The abbey that now rises so dramatically above the island was built from the 11th century onwards, while below the abbey are townhouses, towers, and walls that are so much fun to explore on foot. 

Few other sights match Mont-Saint-Michel for its beauty, and we recommend saving time to watch the sunset (or sunrise) over the island from the mainland. You’ll love the view as you watch nature do its thing in one of France’s most spectacular sightseeing spots!

Book a Mont-Saint-Michel Walking Tour

2. Visit the Bayeux Tapestry and see how England was conquered

In 1066, William of Normandy set out across the English Channel and landed on the south coast of England. Shortly after, a fierce battle was fought at Hastings, where the Normans defeated King Harold and his Anglo-Saxon defenders. Soon enough, William’s army had taken London, and he was crowned King of England. 

William the Conqueror, as he came to be known, was also Duke of Normandy, and to celebrate his victory over the English, he had an elaborate tapestry commissioned. The tapestry depicted William’s campaign to defeat the English and later found a permanent home in Bayeux Cathedral in Normandy.

The Bayeux Tapestry is remarkable. It was embroidered and woven by hand and features 53 separate scenes that contain minuscule details of the medieval era. It’s a rich historical source, and you can see it in all its glory when you visit Bayeux Museum in Bayeux, where the tapestry is now held.

Book a Normandy History Tour

3. Visit the birthplace of William the Conqueror

Normandy’s history is irrevocably tied to that of William the Conqueror, so why not visit the Duke and King’s birthplace when you’re in the region? 

William the Conqueror was born around the year 1028 AD in Falaise, where the Dukes of Normandy had made their seat some years before. Norman history actually begins with the Vikings (the name Norman is derived from the word Northman), and William was descended from the powerful Norse raiders who had conquered the area in the 8th century AD.

The Normans were a war-like people, and you’ll see this immediately when you visit the ruins of Falaise Castle. Unlike the quaint chateaux and manor houses that masqueraded as “castles” in later centuries, the Normans built towering defensive structures in strategic locations. 

Falaise Castle consists of a tall stone tower and a large stone keep. Neither are aesthetic, but both are authentic pieces of medieval history that we highly recommend seeing!

4. Marvel at Rouen’s glorious cathedral

Rouen is the ancient capital of Normandy, so it should come as no surprise that the city is home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in France. Rouen Cathedral is a magnificent work of architecture, and you’ll love exploring its unique history when you’re in the city.

The first thing you’ll notice from a distance is that the three spires that rise above Rouen’s rooftops are all different. It’s unusual for a cathedral to have three spires, and each of them represents a different architectural style commissioned in a different era.

Rouen Cathedral’s history goes back a long way, and there are layers of heritage to uncover here. Christianity first arrived in the region as early as the 3rd century AD, and successive cathedrals were built in Rouen that became more and more elaborate, with each bishop and king wanting to add their touch.

William of Normandy (the same William who went on to later conquer England) had the cathedral consecrated in 1063 after major revamps, but additions, repairs, and redesigns continued over a thousand years later – even into the 20th century!

Book a Rouen Castles and Abbeys Tour

5. Visit the house and gardens of Claude Monet

As you explore Normandy, you’ll soon come to understand how the region has produced such an impressive artistic legacy. After all, this is the home of the fabled Impressionists, who were inspired by the rural idylls and beautiful landscapes that you’ll see for yourself.

If you’re looking for your own inspiration, then we recommend visiting the house and gardens of Claude Monet, who is perhaps the most famous of the Impressionist painters. Monet’s landscapes and works are studied in classrooms across the world, and you can see where he painted many of his best at the Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny.

The Fondation Claude Monet protects Monet’s home and gardens, and it’s here where he lived and painted for some 40 years. You may recognize the gardens from his paintings, as he drew inspiration from the pond, the lilies, and the willow tree that is still found here today. 

Monet’s presence in Giverny from 1883 onwards turned the small village in the Norman countryside into an artistic hub. The creative traditions continue today, and you’ll love the picturesque houses and streets that have provided so much inspiration for generations of painters.

Book a Monet’s House and Gardens Tour

6. Enjoy a beach day at Deauville

One of the best sights in Normandy is its long and spectacular coastline, so we highly recommend enjoying a beach day when you need a break from visiting museums and castles. 

You’ll be spoiled for choice, so if you’re having trouble choosing, then it might be helpful to know that one of our favorite coastal destinations in Normandy is Deauville. This small coastal town is located in Calvados, and the area is perhaps better known in France as the Parisian Riviera. 

This is one of France’s pre-eminent coastal resorts, and since the 1800s, the seafront has attracted wealthy Parisians looking to escape the capital. Deauville is the closest resort town to Paris, and in the summer, it gets predictably busy. There are casinos, high-end resorts, and beachfront hotels catering to the rich and famous, as well as film festivals and cultural events that draw in the crowds.

But don’t let its popularity put you off, because Deauville is busy for a reason. The long, sandy beach is considered one of the best in Normandy (if not one of the best sandy beaches in France), and there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the sand and sea here!

Book a Deauville & Trouville Bike Tour

7. Admire the white cliffs of the Alabaster Coast

The most well-known white cliffs in the world might sit across the English Channel in Dover, but did you know that Normandy has its own dramatic white cliffs to rival those in England? 

The Alabaster Coast stretches from Le Treport to Le Havre, and it covers a long stretch of coastline overlooking the English Channel. The coast is famed for its white, chalky cliffs, which mimic those on the other side of the Channel.

The dramatic landscape has been shaped by millennia of coastal erosion, and you’ll love the arches and high cliffs that are found here. One of the most impressive sights to visit is the Etretat Cliffs, which are located just to the northeast of Le Havre. At Etretat, you’ll find tall sea cliffs and magnificent natural archways that have been hollowed out by the waves of the English Channel.

Book a Étretat & Le Havre Day Trip

8. See the scars of war at Omaha Beach

Normandy played a pivotal role in World War II when the coastline was selected by the Allied forces as the landing area for the invasion of Europe in 1944. 

There were five different landing sites in total, with the Allies launching attacks on D-Day at Omaha, Utah, Juno, Sword, and Gold beaches. The following campaign in Normandy was bloody and brutal, and the area has since become an important destination for those with a keen interest in military history. 

One of the most poignant military history destinations in Normandy is Omaha Beach, which became the scene of an infamous battle between American forces and German defenders. The battle was, of course, recreated in the movie Saving Private Ryan , which tried to remain faithful to the actual events of the day.

Much of the battlefield remains, and a visit to the beach – even many decades later – is a moving experience. You’ll be surprised at just how beautiful the beach is, where a long stretch of sand meets the English Channel. But you’ll also find the juxtaposition is stark when you visit the ruins of bunkers and gun emplacements that were fought over on D-Day.

Book a Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour

9. Uncover 20th-century history at the Memorial de Caen

Caen is one of Normandy’s most important cities. Given its strategic location just a few miles inland from the D-Day landing sites, it’s no surprise that the city was fiercely fought over in 1944 as the Allies attempted to break out of Normandy and retake France.

The Memorial de Caen is a moving tribute to those soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the conflict. But this isn’t just a memorial, it’s also a comprehensive museum, and it’s a must-see attraction if you’re interested in World War II history.

The museum is housed within a large purpose-built structure surrounded by green grass in the peaceful suburbs of Caen. The museum tells the story of the Normandy landings and Caen’s role in the battle, offering detailed blow-by-blow accounts of the campaign that raged here.

But the museum also delves back much further than the events of June 1944. In an effort to prevent conflicts from arising again, the museum depicts the events leading up to World War II, exploring the many causes and reasons why conflict erupted across Europe. The story then moves on to tell the visitors of the dark years of German occupation before the Normandy landings liberated the country. 

The story doesn’t end there, though, and you’ll also learn how Europe was plunged into a Cold War even as World War II ended.

10. Marvel at Rouen’s fine art collection in the Musee des Beaux-Arts

If you’re a lover of fine arts, there’s no better place to visit in Normandy than the Musee des Beaux-Arts . This beautiful institution is located in Rouen, where for over two centuries, art connoisseurs have been visiting one of the finest collections in Europe. 

The Musee des Beaux-Arts was founded in 1801 by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. After his invasions of Europe, he needed somewhere to store all of the art his armies had brought back to France. 

The museum moved to a new location in the 1870s and since then has grown its collection to hold thousands of works from across the continent. The collection is primarily dedicated to European fine art, of course, beginning in the 16th century and leading us to the present day. 

You’ll find many famous works by famous artists in the corridors of the Musee des Beaux-Arts. There are paintings, sculptures, drawings, and artwork from the likes of Rubens, Velazquez, and Caravaggio. This being Normandy, there’s also an impressive body of work from the Impressionists, including several of Monet’s most popular works.

11. Be amazed by the Romanesque architecture of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes

In the historic city of Caen, you’ll find one of the best sights in Normandy. Caen is home to the stunning Abbaye-aux-Hommes, an 11th-century abbey that’s well-regarded for its spectacular Romanesque-style architecture!

Abbaye-aux-Hommes means “Abbey of the Men,” although this is more of a moniker given the official name is Abbey of Saint-Etienne. The informal name distinguishes the abbey from the Abbaye-aux-Dames, or the “Abbey of the Women,” another religious institution also found in Caen.

Abbaye-aux-Hommes is a Benedictine monastery, and it was founded by Normandy’s most infamous Duke, William the Conqueror. Construction began in 1066, the same year that William conquered England, although it wasn’t completed and consecrated until 1077. 

Abbaye-aux-Hommes was built in a grand Romanesque style as William the Conqueror attempted to demonstrate his wealth and power to the Pope. Today, it’s still one of the most impressive buildings in Caen, and you’ll love walking through the high vaulted interiors and admiring the resplendent religious artifacts inside. 

History buffs will love visiting Abbaye-aux-Hommes for another William the Conqueror-related reason, too. This is where William the Conqueror was laid to rest, and you can see his tomb inside the abbey to this day.

12. Explore Honfleur’s artistic legacy

Honfleur is one of our favorite Normandy destinations, and we know you’re going to love the charming harbor, the views of the River Seine, and the colorful townhouses that this popular tourist town is known for.

Honfleur is located in a prime position on the Seine Estuary, and the town’s old port has provided shelter from the waves and currents of the English Channel for centuries. You’ll love walking along the harborfront, where slate-fronted buildings dating back to the medieval era rise high above the fishing boats in the marina.

It’s a quaint place to visit, and as you walk around the cobblestone streets, you may begin to recognize many of the scenes from the often famous works of the Impressionists. Honfleur was a favorite spot for painters, including Eugène Boudin, who became better known as Claude Monet’s inspiration and mentor.

You might even find your own source of inspiration in Honfleur, be it from the sea breeze that drifts along the estuary or the wonderful history and heritage preserved in the buildings and architecture. Honfleur is also home to some of Normandy’s best restaurants, where there’s a particular emphasis, of course, on fresh seafood!

Book a Honfleur & Cote Fleurie Tour

13. Take an amphibious craft to Tatihou Island

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Normandy, then why not take an amphibious craft to Tatihou Island? This small outcrop of land is located opposite the seaside town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hogue, and you’re going to love the sense of splendid isolation you’ll feel when you arrive.

Tatihou Island is small and it’s tidal. There are just 29 hectares of land here, and some of that gets submerged when the tides are high. You can join an amphibious tour from the mainland to reach the island, where you’ll find beautiful vistas, excellent scenery, and a few old military fortifications built to defend Normandy against English ships. 

There’s no permanent population on the island because the area is a dedicated nature preserve. The island is a regular stopping-off point for migratory birds, so it’s a popular place for birdwatchers. Visitor numbers are limited in order to protect nature, but that just adds to that feeling of solitude that’s so difficult to find these days!

14. Cycle La Veloscenie from Normandy to Paris

France is the true home of cycling, and if you love traveling on two wheels, then you’ll find that Normandy is a wonderfully accommodating destination for cyclists. 

There are countless routes you can tackle, from coastal roads along the English Channel to rural lanes leading deep into the countryside. One route, though, stands out above them all, and that’s the almost 300-mile-long route of La Veloscenie.

Loosely translated as the “scenic bicycle route,” this epic long-distance journey starts by Mont-Saint-Michel, one of Normandy’s most iconic tourist attractions. From here, you cycle east through the Norman countryside and onto the city of Chartres in central France.

The route then leads through the suburbs of Paris, and you can join many more cycle routes that branch off to other regions of France and Europe. Continue further if you’ve got the time and energy, or you can end your journey in style on the Champs-Élysées, just like they do in the Tour de France!

15. Enjoy a tipple of Norman Calvados

France is known for its wine production, a craft in which the country has excelled since time immemorial. But here in Normandy, they do things differently. While the rest of the country is busy growing grapes and fermenting wine, the Normans are more likely to be found growing apples and distilling Calvados.

Calvados is a brandy-like beverage that is distilled from apples. It’s named for the Calvados region in Normandy, where production has occurred since the days when Charlemagne ruled France in the 8th century AD.

Visit the town of Pont L’Eveque, and you can learn more about the rich history of Calvados with a trip to the Calvados Experience . This tourist attraction offers a detailed insight into the origins of the drink, its popularity, and the production processes. 

Due to the large quantities of apples grown in orchards across Normandy, the region is also well known for its cider. This is another tangent from the traditional winemaking activities of the French, and it connects the region more to the orchards and cider lovers over the Channel in England than it does to France’s wine-producing regions nearby!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Normandy. What’s your favorite thing to do in Normandy?

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Normandy (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Normandy (France)

Visiting Normandy’s sights means seeing monuments and scenery that we’ve known since childhood, first-hand.

This goes for Mont-Saint-Michel and the Bayeaux Tapestry, or all the scenes depicted in Claude Monet’s paintings, like the cliffs at Étretat, the harbour at Honfleur and the artist’s own gardens.

The impressionist movement was born in Normandy, inspired by Monet’s “Impression” of the sunrise at Le Havre.

Normandy was also famously the site of one of the most pivotal battles in the Second World War, and the coast is peppered with memorials, museums, bunkers and beaches .

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Normandy :

1. Étretat Cliffs

Étretat, in the Seine-Maritime department, is a small coastal commune in the middle of a pretty big seascape.

On both sides of the town and its pebble beach are gigantic white limestone cliffs with three natural arches and a 55-metre needle.

On the beach you can look east to La Porte d’Amont, the smallest of the arches, or west to the colossal L’Arche et l’Aiguille, an image immortalised by Monet and Gustave Courbet.

Past these landmarks is Étretat’s widest arch, La Manneporte, which you can get to with a brief but very scenic stroll along the top of the cliffs on the GR21 trail.

2. Mont-Saint-Michel

One of the world’s iconic man-made sights, UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island at the mouth of the Couesnon River where Normandy and Brittany meet.

The island’s steep slopes have been crowned by a monastery since the 700s, but the whole ensemble really took shape in Norman times, when ducal patronage funded the sublime abbey at the top, as well as the tough fortifications below.

Mont-Saint-Michel had great strategic value and was almost impregnable, never succumbing to British attacks in the Hundred Years’ War.

The zigzagging path up to the majestic abbey at the crest will feel like something out of a fantasy adventure, provided there aren’t too many tourists around!

3. Honfleur

Another of the scenes in Normandy that inspired the impressionists is this endearing old port in the Calvados department, just across the Seine from Le Havre.

The view of the harbour from the Quai Saint-Etienne is heart-achingly pretty, looking across to the tall, narrow slate-clad houses behind the masts of moored sailboats.

This is just the starting point, as you have to see Saint-Catherine’s Church, a timber construction built by shipbuilders in the 15th century and resembling the hull of a boat.

The bell-tower, also made of wood,  was built some way from the church in case of fire.

4. Tapisserie de Bayeaux

This world-renowned Anglo-Saxon embroidery is 70 metres long and half a metre high, depicting the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England.

The tapestry is on display in its entirety in a glass case at this museum in Bayeaux.

A multilingual audio-guide clarifies every section as you go, from the visit of Harold Godwinson to Normandy  to his demise at the hands of William the Conqueror’s forces on the battlefield in Hastings in 1066. Upstairs there’s also a short film to fill you in on the details and context, as well as an exhibition of contemporary artefacts.

5. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens

Monet lived at this elegant house in Giverny from 1883 to 1926. It’s now a museum, maintaining the artist’s home and studio as if he were alive.

It’s equally eerie and stirring to peruse the kitchen, bedroom, dining room, sitting room of one of the great artists, all very tasteful and colourful and not conforming to the dark tones in fashion in the late-19th century.

Lovers of Monet’s art will cherish the grounds, where the sunflowers, wisteria, Japanese footbridge and water lily pond appear can be clearly recognised from some his most famous works.

6. Tatihou Island

Like Mont-Saint-Michel Tatihou is a tidal island, opposite Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.

At low tide you can walk across the oyster beds to get there, and when the sea’s up you can catch an amphibious craft.

It’s a site with lots of stories to tell, having witnessed a climactic naval battle between the Anglo-Dutch fleet and French in 1692 (12 French ships were sunk), and events during the Napoleonic war, when a British gun frigate grounded on the island.

It’s a peaceful place now, with a little maritime museum showcasing the finds recovered from the naval battles, a botanical garden and the bastion of the old sea fortress.

7. Notre-Dame de Rouen

This solemn cathedral is unique in France because its original 13th-century Episcopal palace is still part of the complex.

The cathedral itself is from the 11th century, a marvellous Norman gothic construction that was also the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet.

After renovations were made to the main spire in the 19th century, the cathedral, at 151 metres, was the tallest building in the world until 1880. Among the wealth of historical curiosities inside is the tomb of Rollo, a Viking noble who became the first ruler of Normandy in the early 10th century, and a tomb containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

8. Old Rouen

The historic centre of Rouen is one of the most delightful in France, with some 2,000 half-timbered houses, many of which are charmingly askew.

Nearly all of them date to before the 1500s, when this kind of building was deemed a fire hazard.

You can view these old buildings along pedestrianised cobblestone streets that also lead you past a host of gothic churches and sights like the Gros Horloge.

This is a marvellous astronomical clock, one of the oldest in the country, dating to the 1300s and installed above a renaissance archway from 1529. The Church of Saint-Ouen is also essential, a majestic piece of 14th-century Flamboyant Gothic architecture with an organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, considered one of the finest in the world.

9. Le Havre

While some bomb-damaged cities elected to restore their old architecture after the war, Le Havre took a bold approach, embracing the possibilities of concrete.

This radical redesign, spearheaded by Auguste Perret, has earned the centre of the city UNESCO status and will definitely catch your eye if you appreciate modern architecture.

This is typified by the Église Saint-Joseph, completed in 1956, which has a slightly classical appearance, but takes advantage of the great self-supporting strength of its building material by containing not a single column in its central section.

The André Malraux Museum of Modern Art should not be missed, as it contains the second-largest collection of French Impressionist painting in the country: Degas, Renoir, Manet, Gauguin and Monet are all here.

10. Gastronomic Experiences

Plenty of French delicacies are native to Normandy, two of the tastiest of which are the cheeses, Livarot and Camembert.

At the town of Livarot, in the Calvados countryside, you can take a free tour around the Fromagerie Graindorge to see how four Normandy AOP cheeses are made: Neufchâtel, Livarot, Pont l’Evêque and Camembert, heaven for anyone with a taste for great cheese.

This part of Normandy is also lush with apple orchards, producing cider (there are four museum devoted to this drink), and calvados, an apple brandy.

Hit the Route du Cidre for an itinerary of presses and distilleries.

11. Airborne Museum

In the commune of Sainte-Mère-Église is a museum for the paratroopers who landed in the Normandy countryside beyond the beaches on the 5th and 6th of June 1944. This location was chosen because it was the first village to be liberated by American troops, and because of one John Steele, whose parachute got caught on the belfry of the church leaving him stuck for two hours.

It’s on the site of a house that was burnt down in the fighting and displays a large amount of documentary footage and photographs, as well as weapons, tanks, planes and a WACO glider.

One part puts you in the very boots of a paratrooper, as you get to enter a C-47 that was used in the Battle of Normandy.

12. Omaha Beach

You don’t need to be a military historian to appreciate the poignancy of this historic battlefield between Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and Vierville-sur-Mer.

It’s the site one of the defining events of the Second World War, and saw the bloodiest fighting of any of the D-Day beachheads on June 6 1944. There’s a monument by the road, and you can drop by at the Memorial Museum, which has first-hand accounts of life during the occupation and then testimonies by veterans about the attack in 1944. There are also exhibits of personal items belonging to soldiers from both sides.

13. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

This art museum in Rouen is also vital if you love impressionism.

This has a lot to do with François Depeaux, a turn of the century industrialist and art patron, who donated his massive collection to the museum in 1909. Renoir, Degas and Monet all feature, but the museum also has galleries with works dating back to the 1400s.

In fact, every major movement is covered, and renaissance and baroque masters like Veronese, van Dyck, Rubens, Caravaggio and Velázquez are all represented.

There’s also a set of rare Russian icons spanning the 1400s and 1800s.

14. Abbaye aux Hommes

The finest romanesque building in Normandy, made from Caen’s characteristic butter-yellow limestone, is home to the tomb of William the Conqueror.

When you see his final resting place you may be surprised by the modern-looking tomb: This is because it has been opened, moved and even destroyed over the last millennium.

So now there’s a relatively understated 19th-century marker made of white marble.

The abbey’s tranquil cloister was rebuilt in the mid-18th century in the Tuscan style, and outside you can find small remnants from when it was fortified for the Hundred Years’ War: There are two towers on Rue du Carel and Rue Lebailly.

15. Château Gaillard

This forbidding fortress is on a spur next to a kink in the River Seine  and dominates the commune of Les Andelys.

It was built by Richard the Lionheart in just two years at the end of the 12th century, and fell to Philip II in 1204. In the centuries that followed it was contested by the English and French, but has been in French hands permanently since 1449. It was then demolished in the 16th century, but despite this there’s a lot to see, including most of the keep and inner bailey and large parts of the outer walls.

The panoramas of the river and the green countryside around Les Andelys are also hauntingly picturesque.

15 Best Things to Do in Normandy (France):

• Étretat Cliffs
• Mont-Saint-Michel
• Tapisserie de Bayeaux
• Claude Monet's House and Gardens
• Tatihou Island
• Notre-Dame de Rouen
• Gastronomic Experiences
• Airborne Museum
• Omaha Beach
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
• Abbaye aux Hommes
• Château Gaillard

Best Things to Do in Normandy, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Normandy (Normandie in French) is a French Region located in Northern France , bordered by La Manche (the English Channel) and facing the United Kingdom. Normandy offers visitors a stunning coastline, picturesque harbors, and elegant seaside resorts.  

Normandy’s countryside is also lovely to visit, dotted with châteaux, manors, picturesque villages, and the delightful reliefs of Norman Switzerland.

Normandy is also the land of Impressionism, a movement inspired by Monet’s ‘impression’ of the sunrise at Le Havre.

History lovers will be fascinated by Normandy’s history, exploring the D-Day Landing Sites, the medieval streets and cathedral of Rouen, and Mont Saint-Michel, the wonder of the western world. Normandy is also the land of King Richard the Lionheart, William the Conqueror, or Jeanne d’Arc.

Normandy is divided into five departments:  Calvados (14), Eure  (27), Manche  (50), Orne  (61), and Seine-Maritime  (76). The main cities in Normandy are  Le Havre, Caen,  and  Rouen. There are so many things to do in Normandy that you cannot miss this wonderful region when visiting France! 

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Normandy Travel

BY FERRY: Normandy is well connected with the UK and Ireland through the ports of Cherbourg, Le Havre, Caen, and Dieppe.

Book your ferry to Normandy

BY TRAIN: Traveling in France by train is straightforward. Four national train lines serve Normandy. Three lines connect Normandy to Paris, and there’s a fourth one that connects Caen to Tours:

• Paris – Rouen – Le Havre;
• Paris –  Caen – Cherbourg;
• Paris  –  Argentan –  Granville;
• Caen –  Alençon –  Le Mans – Tours.

You can explore many other places in Normandy by regional trains (TER Normandy).

Book your train tickets to Normandy

Normandy by Car

For extended trips in the region of Normandy, the best way to get around is by car. This region is a great place for memorable French road trips . With a car, some good tunes, and the best company, you are set for one of the best adventures in your life. Driving in France is very easy, and with the car, you can go off the beaten path to visit the best of Normandy.

Recommended road trips in Normandy:

• Road trip Normandy D-Day Sites
• Road trip to Normandy from Paris

If you don’t have your car, we recommend booking in advance through platforms like RentalCar . This site takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and compares prices for you. Check out our best tips for renting a car in France .

Browse Car Rental Companies Available in Normandy

Best Places to Visit in Normandy

Where to go in Normandy? Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Normandy. The list of best things to do in Normandy, France, includes sightseeing, sea towns, lots of architecture, history, and gastronomy.

1. Mont Saint-Michel

Be moved by the Mont Saint-Michel , Wonder of the Western World. This amazing Benedictine Abbey is one of the main attractions in Normandy. If you can spend only one day in Normandy, then choose to visit Mont Saint-Michel – Click here to buy your tickets .

Mont Saint-Michel is located on a rocky island at the Couesnon River’s mouth, where Normandy and the Brittany region meet. The area is known for its high tides, making the Abbey inaccessible for some hours.

The first structures of this religious site were built in the 10th century. Since then, magnificent monastic buildings were added through medieval times. The spectacular Gothic architecture that we can see today is from Norman times thanks to the ducal patronage.

The Abbey dedicated to Saint-Michel became in Medieval times a renowned center of pilgrimage and learning, attracting some of the greatest minds and manuscript illuminators in Europe. Mont Saint-Michel also had great strategic value and was almost impregnable, never succumbing to British attacks in the Hundred Years’ War.

DID YOU KNOW? Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most popular day trips out of Paris . Visit the Abbey at your own pace or with an audio guide with this top-rated tour to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris , with transportation included.

For a memorable experience, however, spend one night on-site in one of the hotels in Mont Saint-Michel . Wander around the medieval streets when the crowds are gone and watch the waters rise to inundate the entrance to the island.

2. Côte d’Albâtre (The Alabaster Coast)

From Dieppe to Étretat , the Alabaster Coast is a land of majestic cliffs, extraordinary  valleuses  (natural depressions in the cliffs), beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.

Enjoy amazing landscapes bathed by the changing light; this is the land of Impressionists! Painters like Monet, Turner, Courbet, Pissarro, and Renoir put their easel outdoors in this land to capture its beauty.  

Stimulated by the beauty of this Norman setting, Monet painted more than 100 pictures along this coast between Dieppe and Varengeville. Then, he fell in love with the cliffs at Etretat , which he captured in some of his masterworks. With its extraordinary rock formations, this picturesque seaside town also captured Eugène Boudin and Gustave Courbet’s attention, who painted more than fifty views of its coastline and sea.

TIP: If you are looking for a romantic getaway in Normandy, book your stay in one of these wonderful hotels in Étretat .

3. Jumièges Abbey

Jumièges Abbey is one of the best things to see in Normandy for history lovers. The abbey was founded in the 7th century, and it was one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Normandy and France.

The first building was destroyed during the Viking invasions in the 9th century. As these Norsemen settled in Normandy and turned to Christianity, one of their early leaders, William Longsword, reinstituted a monastery from the mid 10th century.

In 1040, construction began on the vast Abbey – often described as the first major Romanesque building in northern France -, and it was consecrated in 1067 with the assistance of William the Conqueror. In the 13th century, when Jumièges was at the height of its power, the abbey church was given a Gothic choir.

Jumièges established itself as a great center of medieval learning. Although the Abbey was a wealthy institution, it was renowned for its care for the poor.

From the 16th century and due to the French Wars of Religion, Jumièges went into rapid decline. The monks ran from fanatical Protestants who looted the place, wreaking devastation. After a small-scale revival, the Abbey was badly damaged during the Revolution, and it became a stone quarry for a time before it became state property. The ruins that remain to this day recall the greatness of the Abbey.

THE ABBEY ROUTE. Jumièges Abbey is part of a string of Norman religious buildings along the Seine, between Rouen and Le Havre. You can find more information on the Seine Abbey Route here.

4. Honfleur

Honfleur is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in France and one of the best places in Normandy. Located in the department of Calvados, on the Seine’s estuary, this old Norman port-city of more than 1,000 years is today a place full of charm and the perfect base camp to explore the Pays d’Auge and the Côte Fleurie in Normandy.

Honfleur was essentially built for commerce. During the Ancien Régime, Honfleur’s shipowners made fortunes from trade, notably with North America. Samuel de Champlain, one of the most famous explorers associated with Honfleur, sailed from this port to found Quebec (Canada).

Honfleur offers visitors a rich historical and artistic past. Beyond the picture-perfect Old Bassin , with its old and charming facades, there are also alleys with old, picturesque houses, the splendid wooden church of Sainte-Catherine, two salt granaries from the 17th century, and much more.

Click here to book your stay in Honfleur

5. The D-Day Landing Sites

People visiting Normandy can still see many of the historical WW2 sites related to the D-day in Normandy on a day trip or, even better, on a Normandy road trip. The trip to visit the WW2 sites in Normandy can be emotionally exhausting, but it is essential to keep this chapter of our history alive in our memories, so it will never be repeated.

The Normandy Landing operation was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The invasion took place on Normandy’s beaches on Tuesday, 6 June 1944, by the Allies. The operation, known as D-Day, was the beginning of the liberation of German-occupied France (and later Europe) from Nazi control and laid the Allied victory foundations on the Western Front.

The road trip to explore the D-day Landing sites is one of our favorite road trips in France . You can also visit some of these sites on a (long) day trip from Paris. The best D-Day Landing Sites road trip itinerary includes the D-Day Landing Beaches ( Omaha, Utah, Sword Gold , and Juno Beach ), picturesque towns, and some war cemeteries and memorials.

TIP: Everybody loves this Normandy Tour of D-Day Landing Beaches starting from Paris!

6. Château Gaillard and Les Andelys

Les Andelys is a picturesque town located in one of the most beautiful sites in the Seine Valley, nestled between the river and a high cliff. The town has different religious buildings from the 13th century and beautiful family houses from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Les Andelys is a great stop on your way to Rouen or Giverny. It is surveyed by the splendid ruins of  Château-Gaillard , a medieval fortress built in the 12th century by King Richard the Lionheart (who was also Duke of Normandy) to protect his lands against the French King Philippe Auguste.

Early in 1314, Château Gaillard became the prison of Queen Margaret of France. The French Queen was allegedly caught in the act of adultery in the Tour de Nesle Affair , and she was imprisoned for the last two years of her life, along with her sister-in-law Blanche of Burgundy in this château where she died.

Today, the castle is in ruins, but despite this, there’s a lot to see, including most of the keep and inner bailey and large parts of the outer walls. The view from the castle, over Les Andelys and the Seine’s meanders, is terrific.

7. Medieval City of Rouen

Rouen is one of the two capitals of the Region of Normandy. Because of its numerous churches, abbeys, and other religious buildings, Rouen is nicknamed the ‘city of a hundred bell towers.’ Rouen was the capital of the Duchy of Normandy from 911 to 1204.

Since the 13th century, this city bisected by the Seine River has undergone remarkable economic expansion thanks, in particular, to maritime and river trade.

Disputed by the French and the English throughout the Hundred Years War , it was here that the English imprisoned Joan of Arc and burned her alive on 30 May 1431.

Apart from its rich past, Rouen has an incredible and well-kept medieval heritage. Its cathedral, world-famous thanks to Monet, is one of the highest in the world. The city also has many well-known museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts , the museum Secq des Tournelles, and the National Museum of Education.

The city can easily be reached by direct train from Paris, and it is a popular day-trip destination for people who want to see other than the French capital. However, we recommend spending at least one night on-site to get the most out of this interesting city.

Click here to book your stay in Rouen

8. The Cider Route

In addition to the numerous sites and things to see in Normandy, the region proposes many interesting circuits, often related to Normandy’s gourmet treasures.

In Normandy, apples abound, and the region produces some famous French drinks based on apples, like cider , Pommeau, or the apple liquor called Calvados .

If you are wondering what to do in Normandy to know more about these drinks, the Cider Trail is worth considering. The Cider Trail is a well-marked 40km tourist circuit through the region of Pays d’Auge in Lower Normandy. The Pays d’Auge is popular for its typical Normandy villages , stud farms, and apple orchards. Some of the orchards are more than 200 years old! Today, Calvados, Cider, and Pommeau are the main products of these orchards.

Get ready to unfold the journey of apples from farms to the table. Some twenty cider producers and distillers of ‘Cambremer Vintage’ Calvados open their cellars and pressing sheds to visitors and encourage them to taste their products along this circuit.

Caen is one of the best cities in Normandy. It is a city with a vibrant history and an attractive place to visit, with plenty of museums, shops, restaurants, gardens, plus the liveliness of a university town. Its strategic position, well connected with Paris and Portsmouth in the UK, makes Caen a great place to start your Normandy wanderings.

During the 11th century, Caen grew into a great city beside the Orne river thanks to William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda of Flanders.

King William built Caen’s Citadel and the impressive Abbaye aux Hommes in Norman Romanesque style. Today the remains of the citadel ramparts are the perfect place for locals to relax when the weather is good, while the Abbaye aux Hommes hosts the tomb of this Duke of Normandy, who later became William I King of France.

One of the latest additions in the city is the Caen Memorial and Museum . This is an excellent museum about WW2, the French occupation, the holocaust, and the post-war era. The museum has a room dedicated to the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy, located not far from Caen.

Book your stay in Caen

10. Monet’s Garden & House in Giverny

Monet’s Garden in Giverny is another of the top places on our list of what to see in Normandy. Due to its proximity to the French capital, Giverny is also one of Paris’s most popular day trips.

After his success in Paris, Monet had enough money to buy an old construction in the tiny town of Giverny, where he believed he could work better on the light and color. For 40 years and until his death, Monet arranged, rearranged, and enlarged this house and the surrounding gardens, where he died in 1926.

Monet’s gardens are famous for the water lily pond, where Monet painted his world-famous water-lilies series. The house and the attached workshop are also worth the visit, and it is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of Monet’s life and work in Giverny.

Monet’s estate opens its doors with the spring, from 1 April to 1 November 2021. This is one of our favorite places to visit in France in spring , to see the first blossoms, but it is also great to visit under the fall colors. However, June is when the famous water-lilies start to wake up to reach their full blossom in July.

In Giverny, there’s also a small museum dedicated to Impressionism, which is well worth visiting if you have an extra hour in the village.

TIP: This half-day trip to Giverny from Paris is a best seller!

11. Castles of Normandy

Normandy boasts so many beautiful castles that you could easily justify making a trip to nearly all of them.

During the Hundred Years’ War, many castles were built and fortified in Normandy, ensuring they could serve as strongholds during battles. But there are also beautiful castles built for their owners’ glory that could rival famous castles in France like Versailles or Chantilly .

Our list of best castles in Normandy includes the already mentioned Castle of Caen and Château Gaillard , plus Château of Gisors and Château d’Harcourt (on the picture).

Château d’Harcourt is considered to be one of the best-preserved castles in Normandy. Over the years, enhancements and additions were added, including a curtain wall and nine round towers in the 13th century. Château d’Harcourt is also famous for its arboretum, the oldest arboretum in all of France.

TIP: if you ever dreamed of sleeping in an authentic French château, you will love this list of best château-hotels in Normandy ! The fairy-tale Château de Canisy , in the Manche department, and many others make the perfect shelter for a romantic getaway.

Food & Drinks in Normandy

Normandy’s cuisine is determined by its excellent geographical position between fertile lands and the sea. Also, the Norman cows are well known for their milk quality, hence the variety and good quality of the cheese and other milky products.

Normans eat a lot of meat, and if you are around Mont Saint-Michel, you should taste the famous agneau des prés salés . These sheep graze around the Abbey when the tides are low, and the salty taste of this grass gives a unique taste to this tender meat.

Normandy is also the leading producer of oysters, mussels, and scallops in France, so you are in the right place if you like this kind of food!

Apples also play an essential role in Norman cuisine, both in desserts and cider making. The trou normand (Norman hole) is a small glass of calvados, swallowed at once in the middle of the meal, to stimulate the appetite… you should definitely try that!

We cannot finish this chapter on food in Normandy without mentioning the cheese. The list of great Norman cheeses includes famous names like Camembert, Pont-l’évêque, Neufchâtel, or Livarot (all A.O.C), but we invite you to taste and discover other names.

We hope that you enjoyed this list of best things to do in Normandy. If you want to learn about other regions, head to this article about the Regions of France , where we have summarized each region’s highlights.

Click here to explore other French regions

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10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Normandy, France

If you're new to France, Normandy is an excellent place to start your journey. Known as the historical Duchy of Normandy, this northern French region is famous for its D-Day beaches.

However, Normandy has much more to offer, such as the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel, the lovely Monet Garden, and the stunning Bayeux Tapestry.

This comprehensive guide highlights ten must-see attractions, including charming villages, picturesque gardens, beautiful chateaus, and delicious cider.

Additionally, we'll provide helpful tips for exploring the region in a campervan and finding the best aires in Normandy.

Bookings: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank You!

Top 10 things to do in Normandy - a mini guide

We have spent a glorious month in Normandy and have created a valuable guide for you. Our trip included exploring charming towns, cities, and the picturesque French countryside.

We travelled around the region in our van conversion and discovered some great places to stay with the help of resources we will share later in this guide.

Here are our top 10 recommendations for things to do in Normandy.

1. Soak up Impressionism at Claude Monet’s Garden

One of the best things to do in Normandy is to visit the Monet House and Garden , a highlight of the area. It is located in the charming village of Giverny, and it is easy to take a day trip from Paris.

The house, flower garden and famous water lily garden have been lovingly restored after suffering severe damage during WWII, making them a delight to explore.

While Monet's garden is beautiful throughout the year, spring is the best time to visit. In April, you can see tulips, forget-me-nots, and daffodils; in May, you'll be greeted by pink rhododendrons and violet wisteria. If you love roses, plan your visit in the summertime. Monet's two-story artist's house overlooking Clos Normand is also worth exploring.

Don't miss the Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny church and Claude Monet's modest grave in the small cemetery beside it.

We suggest exploring Giverny before or after the garden's opening hours to experience the peacefulness of the village and appreciate its beauty. This way, you are more likely to have the small church and cemetery to yourself.

2. Catch the sunset at Saint Mount Michael

Pictured in the one-thousand-year-old Bayeux Tapestry, Saint Mount Michael (Mont-Saint-Michel) is one of the most extraordinary places in Normandy, France.

Founded by an Irish hermit, Saint Michael's Mount has seen centuries of change since it was first constructed here in the 8th century.

Located on the tidal island where Brittany and Normandy merge, it's a mesmerising UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eternally popular with visitors year-round, it's the second most-visited site in Normandy and France after the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Thanks to the newly constructed bridge connecting the island to the mainland, this Normandy attraction welcomes over three million visitors annually. And although the inside of the fortress can feel a bit like Disneyland, the views from the top are worth the climb.

One of the biggest attractions inside the walls is the La Mère Poulard restaurant opened in 1888. Annette Poulard, the founder of the original Inn, devoted her life to feeding pilgrims and visitors at the Mont Saint Michel.

Alongside many other French dishes, Annette invented the famous puff omelette she cooked over the fire in the fireplace. If you have a spare €39, you too can try it at the restaurant.

But the best part of Mont Saint Michel is the location itself and the external walls reflecting in the water surrounding the mount. The reflection and sometimes spooky fog encircling the peak make for fantastic photography conditions.

If you can time your visit with low tide at sunset, you can take a smashing shot of the iconic fortress in all its glory from the beach.

How to get to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris

It’s easy to reach Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy by car, train or campervan.

The closest train station to Mont-Saint-Michel is Pontorson and can be accessed from Paris Saint-Lazare and Paris Montparnasse train stations.

From Saint-Lazare - take a train going to Caen. From Caen, change for the TER (Transport Express Régional) train to Pontorson and then catch a shuttle bus to the mount.

From Paris Montparnasse , you’ll need to take a train to Granville and change at Folligny. From here, you can get a shuttle bus as above.

Alternatively, you can book a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris to take the hassle out of your day.

Accessing Mont Saint Michel

The parking lot is located around 1.5 miles away from the mount to preserve the natural surroundings. But you can walk or take a modern shuttle bus, Passeurs , for easy access.

Top tips for visiting Mont Saint Michel in a campervan

If you are touring Normandy in a campervan, seek out Maison Jehan Michel , a little cider shop along the main road towards Mont Saint Michel. From here, you are within walking distance of the famous Normandy attraction.

In exchange for buying their delicious local produce, you can park your motorhome behind the shop with a view of the mount! Be sure to pick up their excellent pear cider, mouth-watering chocolate, and pear spread, Confiture de Poire au Chocolat .

Otherwise, a designated campervan stop near Mont Saint Michel called Aire du Mont Saint Michel costs €16.50 per night, including all facilities.

Is it worth going to Mont St Michel?

Yes, it’s worth ticking off one of the world-renowned places to visit in Normandy. If not for the history and puff omelette, then for the brilliant photo opportunities at any time of day.

3. Tour Honfleur like a local

Characterised by the Vieux-Bassin lined with 16-18 century colourful townhouses, Honfleur is a busy medieval harbour town on the estuary where the Seine river meets the English Channel. The old port is the most picturesque part of the town and therefore crammed with restaurants, galleries, and other tourist attractions.

Despite the business, the seaside town is charming and worth a visit. Once you've taken in the beauty of the old port, take the path leading towards the beach through Jardine des Personalites . You'll find the park brimming with stone busts of various personalities, making strolling fun and educational.

Other things to do in Honfleur include exploring medieval churches such as Saint Catherine's Church and Notre Dame de Grace . Also, pop into the Eugene Boudin museum to learn more about the famous French painter and Monet's friend.

To go beyond the touristy spots, explore Honfleur with a local , who'll show you Honfleur's best-kept secrets and take you to the best food spots.

Tips for motorhome travellers staying overnight in Honfleur

Aire de Camping-car Honfleur, a large motorhome camping site is right next to the fairground, around 800 m from the old harbour.

It has some 200 motorhome spaces with limited facilities and costs around €11 per campervan per night—max stay - 12 hours.

We stayed there overnight when visiting Honfleur, and despite the site being quite busy with campervans, we had a peaceful night's sleep.

4. Discover Christian Dior’s childhood home

For more unusual things to do in Normandy, visit the former Dior family home in Granville. Unless you love everything Dior, we're not recommending going out of your way to see it. But if you are nearby, pop in for a quick visit. The location is fabulous.

For €7, you can enter the Belle Epoque era house and enjoy the small but tasteful museum displaying haute couture and photos celebrating Dior's life.

The best part here is the outdoors. Free of charge, you can wander around Dior's childhood home's elegant gardens and enjoy views stretching across the sea to Jersey on a clear day. There's also a delightful tea room serving delicious French patisserie.

5. Admire the ancient Bayeux Tapestry

You can't leave Normandy without seeing Bayeux Tapestry. It's the one-thousand-year-old and 68-meter-long embroidered cloth depicting the conquest of England by William, the Duke of Normandy, in 1066.

It's pretty unbelievable that embroidery as old as this is still intact despite being used as a cover for military wagons during the French revolution.

Seeing the embroidery displayed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux is one of the absolute must-do things in Normandy.

As you slowly move along the glass display, listening to the audio guide, scene after scene, stitched exquisitely with the colourful wool yarn, unfolds in front of your eyes (you're not allowed to take pictures of the tapestry).

In total, 70 scenes tell the most famous story in British history, the battle of Hastings and the events leading up to the legendary battle.

Arriving at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux as early as possible gives you the best chance of beating the crowds, so plan an early morning visit.

Other things to do in Bayeux include visiting the magnificent gothic-style Cathedrale Notre-Dame , especially the atmospheric crypts. They look pretty spooky in the evening light.

For a relaxing stroll, head to Bayeux Botanical Garden , home to 400 trees and the natural monument, 'weeping beech'. The park is free to enter.

The Memorial Museum of Battle of Normandy is home to numerous military memorabilia from the largest seaborne invasion in history if you're up for learning more about D-Day.

If you have enough time, visit Bayeux War Cemetery with its 4,500 graves, mostly British soldiers. It's also just a short drive from Bayeux to Normandy landing beaches.

Top tips for arriving to Bayeux in a campervan

Just outside the centre, across the park from the cathedral, there’s a parking lot where you can park overnight.

We arrived at Bayeux the night before and were first in line to enjoy an unobstructed and uninterrupted view of the tapestry.

6. Visit the Landing Beaches in Normandy

Often referred to as the D-Day beaches, Omaha, Sword, Utah, Gold , and Juno are the main landings in Normandy used for the biggest and bloodiest Allied seaborne invasion into Nazi-occupied territory.

On 6 June 1944, British, Canadian and American troops landed on the shores here, initiating operation Overlord. Being close to England, easy to reach and less well-defended, these five beaches were perfect for the allied operation.

According to the history books, Omaha beach witnessed the goriest of all the fights. Over 2,000 American troops died or went missing due to an underestimation of the number of German soldiers on the beach at the time of the attack.

Overlooking the beach, you can now visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial , created to honour the US troops who lost their lives during World War II—more on that below.

Most of the beaches today have some form of memorabilia or visitor centres to commemorate the D-Day landings in Normandy.

Gold Beach has excellent panoramic views, while Sword Beach is lined with beautiful villas built in Anglo-Norman architecture right on the beach.

You can get access to museums and have a full day exploring the Normandy D-Day landing beaches with this top-rated tour.

7. Honour the troops at the American Cemetery and Memorial

As you explore the picture-perfect French villages along the coast of Normandy, schedule a quick stop at Colleville-Sur-Mer. Here, overlooking Omaha Beach , you’ll find a heart-clenching yet stunning cemetery honouring American troops who lost their lives during WWII.

The cemetery is home to 9,388 graves marked with identical white marble crosses and Stars of David for the Jewish soldiers. Walking along the cemetery is one of the most peaceful things to do in Normandy.

The main memorial building in the cemetery displays maps of landings on the Normandy beaches and military operations. You’ll also see an American flag which, at certain times, gets folded away as a sign of respect to all the people who fought in the war.

The cemetery, run by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) , is a lovely place to visit, especially because you can see the beach from the top of the site. The symmetrical rows of marble headstones look even more impressive against the backdrop of the deep blue sea.

Tips for visiting the memorial in a campervan

A large free car park By the main entrance can accommodate even the largest motorhomes if you are touring Normandy in one.

8. Explore Rouen’s best-kept secrets

There's so much to see and do in Rouen , with some sights more unusual than others. It's where you can find the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, look for King Richard's Mummified Heart, sip coffee, and enjoy French food.

With the fine arts museum and the spires of Notre Dame of Rouen , the capital of Normandy is often referred to as mini Paris.

Alongside its charming old town, gothic churches and Parisian-like cafes, you'll also find some rather unusual attractions in the city, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Normandy in one day.

During your visit, pop into Musée Le Secq des Tournelles . Housed in an abandoned church, the atmospheric museum showcases a collection of over 1,400 art pieces, all made from wrought iron.

One of the last examples of a medieval cemetery, the Medieval Plague Cemetery , is another unusual place to see in Rouen. But if you want to wander outside the pristine touristy streets of old Rouen, head to Jardin des Plantes on the city's south side.

Located an hour away from the French capital and easily accessible by train, Rouen makes a relaxed day trip from Paris.

9. Go back in time at Château Gaillard

On the way to Monet Garden, stop at the commune of Les Andelys , home of classical French Baroque painter Nicolas Poussin. While the town is not the most inspiring, the nature surrounding it is truly picturesque.

Overlooking the river Seine, the imposing Château Gaillard is said to have been built in just two years by Richard the Lion-Heart, King of England and the Duke of Normandy.

Considered a military masterpiece, the 12th-century ruined medieval castle was originally constructed to guard Normandy against Philippe Auguste, the King of France.

However, a year after the castle was built, the Duke of Normandy was shot by a crossbow and died from the infected wound. The Château was passed on to King John, who was too weak to stand against King Philippe. From then on, the castle passed between various owners until it eventually fell into ruin.

Surrounded by a large moat, visiting Château Gaillard is undoubtedly one of the most impressive things to do in Normandy. It's worth a quick detour if you are after some good travel photo opportunities.

10. Drink apple cider on the picturesque cider trail

With so many things to do in Normandy, you'll need a break to catch your breath and quench your thirst. One thing is for sure; you won't be short of cider-tasting opportunities when travelling around Normandy.

We've learnt during our explorations - not many things can be as refreshing as a glass of crisp apple or pear cider when touring around the picturesque French countryside.

To try some, pop into a supermarket and buy whatever catches your eye or visit one of the numerous calvados distilleries.

East of Caen, you'll find a circular cider walk called The Cider Trail , which takes you through delightful countryside roads leading to many distilleries which welcome visitors.

Start with Cambremer village and see how many more you can visit. There are over twenty distilleries along the trail to enjoy, so take it easy and pace yourself!

Tips for travelling around Normandy

Where to stay in Normandy

There is no shortage of fantastic accommodation in Normandy. Whether you prefer a city apartment, luxury hotel or countryside villa, you’ll find many options to suit your budget via the trusted Booking.com.

The best way to tour Normandy

France is well set up for campervans; therefore, one of the best ways to tour Normandy is in a campervan or motorhome. There are many Aires around the region where you can park your campervan for free or for a small charge. Some luxurious private aires may charge a small fee for water and showers.

The best thing about exploring France in a campervan is seeing how beautiful the French countryside is. Plus, you can stop at the many little villages with top-class boulangeries and patisseries whenever you feel peckish.

Throughout our travels around Normandy in our van conversion, we stayed in many cute villages, making our trip memorable. We used the All the Aires France guidebook and the Park4night mobile app to find the best camping car spots.

Avoiding the toll roads

One thing you need to be aware of when touring Normandy is the toll roads which can soon get expensive if you have a busy itinerary.

We used Google maps navigation to avoid the toll roads and selected the ‘avoid tolls’ option. This can increase your total journey time a little, but the savings can be substantial if you are in Normandy for several days.

Tourism in Normandy

Guide, holidays & weekends in normandy, unmissable attractions.

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Normandy   -   an inside guide

A short guide to the normandy region of france.

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The areas of Normandy 

Towns and cities in Normandy

Getting to normandy :.

• By train from Paris Gare Saint Lazare. Buy tickets online at Trainline.com
• Direct access by ferry from the UK, to Cherbourg, Caen (Ouistreham), Le Havre or Dieppe.
• By air:   access by plane to Paris or (for western Normandy) to Rennes, Caen or Deauville See Fly to France

Main tourist attractions in Normandy

• Giverny : (near Vernon, 27) Visit the home of the greatest Impressionist, Claude Monet, and the Giverny Museum of Impressionism - formerly the Museum of American art. There are more works by the major Impressionists in the museums at Rouen and Le Havre (see below).
• Caen (14), a large part of which was destroyed in the Second World War, has a Memorial museum of the Normandy Landings and the Liberation
• The Normandy Beaches (14) - the site of the D-Day Landings in World War 2 - Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Utah Beach and the others. The  landings are commemorated in monuments, museums and the war graves of the thousands who gave their lives.  Normandy beach Coach tours depart from Bayeux .
• Bayeux (14),  attractive old Norman town where the historic Bayeux tapestry was made, and is still preserved, 900 years after it was made. The museum is open 7/7. Departure point of coach tours of the Normandy beaches.
• Falaise (14) -  impressive Medieval fortress with museum, museum of Civilian life during the War,  birthplace of William the Conqueror.
• The Lower Normandy seaside  (14) Between the Seine and Caen, the coast of lower Normandy offers a succession of genteel seaside resorts, including  Trouville, Houlgate and  Cabourg, etc. - resorts that flourished in the ninetenth century, as the closest to Paris.
• Honfleur (14) Attractive small port at the mouth of the Seine. Old harbour with picturesque quayside; Eugène Boudin museum. St Catherine's church, from the 15th century, is the largest historic wooden church in France.
• Rouen (76), with its quays on the river Seine, its picturesque historic centre, with half-timbered houses, an ancient clock, and a magnificent gothic cathedral, one of the finest in France. The Rouen Fine Arts museum - musée des beaux arts - has the best collection of works by the Impressionists outside Paris, plus a broad collection of old masters from 15th century to the 20th century, including Rubens, Velasquez, Poussin and many more. There is also the Joan of Arc museum .
• Le Havre  (76)   -In the 1950's, the old town, destroyed in the war, was rebuilt in concrete by architect Auguste Perret, to the wishes of the Communist city council. This example of postwar urban planning is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Le Havre: (76) Musée Malraux : one of the best museums outside Paris for impressionism & fauvism. Large collection of 19th & 20th century masters including Monet, Renoir, Boudin, Marquet, Pissaro and many others
• The White Cliffs of Etretat (76) - the most famous cliffs in France. 
• Pays d'Auge (14, 61) - the archetypal Norman countryside, with its small villages and traditional half-timbered cottages.
• La Suisse Normande (14, 61) - the highest hills in Normandy, around 1000 ft., loved by hikers and ramblers - though they are a long way from being mountains.
• Le Mont Saint Michel , (50)  the world famous medieval abbey built on a rock in the bay - a UNESCO world heritage site. One of France's most visited historic monuments.
• Le Cotentin: (50) countryside, cliffs and sandy beaches, on this granite  promontory jutting out into the English Channel. The Cotentin coastline, from Juno beach up to Cherbourg, and then down again to Mont Saint Michel, has numerous attractive beaches and small seaside towns, many of them free from crowds even in high summer.
• Granville : (50) - small town on the west coast of the Cotentin peninsula, standing on a fortified promontory overlooking the bay of Mont Saint Michel. Fishing and pleasure port, modern art museum, aquarium, attractive old town and a Christian Dior museum of fashion.
• Le Cité de la Mer, Cherbourg : (50) Devoted to underwater exploration, the museum includes a visit of the Redoutable, the biggest visitable sub in the world, plus the deepest aquarium in Europe.

Accommodation choices in Normandy

10 Most Historic Attractions In France and the Amazing Stories Associated With Them

A s the most visited country in the world , France boasts many historic locations, some of which date back to the 5th century and still remain well-preserved. France was once under the Roman Empire and most of the constructions that were built during this period can still be seen today. And there's even more.

From the incredibly stunning Eiffel Tower to the stunning Mont Saint Michel, here are some of the most historic attractions in Paris and the amazing stories associated with them.

Palace Of Versailles, Versaille

The history of the Palace of Versailles is tied to King Louis XIV of France, who ruled France for 72 years. Located in the French city of Versailles, the site where the palace is now located first hosted a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in the early 1660s.

Then came King Louis XIV who lavishly built the royal residential palace on the same site and made it one of the country's finest structures.

The edifice is also a genuine representation of true royalty, and it has rightly been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
• Admission: €19.50 (about $21.30 USD)

Related: Versailles: A World Heritage Site No One Wants To Miss In France

Nimes Arena, Nimes

The Romans loved building amphitheaters which is why they are found in places they once ruled. The Arena of Nimes is France's version of these Roman entertainment venues, and it is one of the more impressive in the world.

The structure was first established around 70 CE and even though it was destroyed, it was eventually restored in the 19th century and is now used as a venue for filming, music festivals, and other entertainment events.

• Address: Boulevard des Arenas, 30000 Nimes, France
• Admission: €10 (about $11 USD)

The Arena of Nimes is one of the four Roman Amphitheaters still in use today which even makes it more fascinating.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Gustave Eiffel erected the Eiffel Tower to be the main attraction of the 1889 world fair. While it was first criticized for its designs, the structure remains the most popular attraction in France more than 130 years later.

The 330-meter-tall tower was built by 150 workers and can be seen from hundreds of miles away from anywhere in Paris. It was also said that the landmark opened to the public the same year it was built (1889), and it drew over one million visits that year.

The Parisian government has now transformed it into a big technical venue where many cosmic and exciting events take place each year.

• Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
• Admission: From €11.30 (just over $12.30 USD), Visit the Eiffel Tower ticket website for more information

Related: The Eiffel Tower Has A 'Secret' Underground Military Bunker (& Here's What We Know About It)

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Far away in Southwestern France lie Roman-planted vineyards and a medieval city known as Saint Emilion. The region has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its long history of winemaking.

The region was once known as the Ascumbas, and it was here that the Romans planted their vineyards. The name of the location was later amended to add Emilia's name, the bread-maker who always provided bread to the Roman workers and townspeople.

Today, this medieval city is one of the most impressive places in France with Roman history, and it is buzzing with activities.

• Address: 2 Bis Rue de la Porte Brunet, 33330 Saint-Emilion, France
• Admission: Free

Carcassonne, Languedoc

Carcassonne comes with an interesting history and impressive architecture. Until the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the fortified city was populated by Romans.

After many years of historic battles, it eventually became part of France and is now one of the country's most famous tourist attractions.

• Address : Aude department, Occitanie region, Southwestern France

Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint Michel is a lovely tidal island located on the Couesnon River near Avranches in France's northwestern region.

The site is said to have been founded by the then-Bishop of Avranches, St. Aubert , who according to the legend, was instructed by Archangel Michael in a dream to carry out the assignment. The actual construction of the mighty collection of structures was started by Abbot Hildebert II.

Throughout its existence, the site has been used as a sanctuary, prison, and now it is a national monument that holds great importance to the French people.

• Location: Normandy, France

Sainte Chapelle, Paris

The Sainte Chapelle is a royal chapel established in the 13th century by King Louis IX of France. The structure was constructed to house holy relics and to date, it is considered one of the finest structures ever erected in France, and it contains more than a thousand stained-glass windows.

Although destroyed during the French Revolution in the 18th century, the chapel was rebuilt in the early nineteenth century, and it is now even more magnificent than it was before the destruction.

• Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
• Admission: €11.50 (about $12.55 USD), free on the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December

Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris

Pere Lachaise Cemetery has long been the burial ground for many aristocrats in France, including Oscar Wilde, Victor Nair, and others. It is the largest and oldest cemetery in Paris and with more than 3.5 annual visitors, it is the most visited cemetery in the world.

The cemetery was first established in 1804 and by 1830, it already had more than 33,000 graves. Since then, it has been expanded and today, it is home to more than a million bodies and that just makes it feel like a city of the dead.

• Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France

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RCAF Sets Guinness World Record for Most Landmarks Illuminated in 24 Hours

From: National Defence

News release

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is proud to announce that, with the support of communities, businesses, and citizens in Canada and around the world, it has set a new Guinness World Record for the most landmarks lit in 24 hours.

26 June 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is proud to announce that, with the support of communities, businesses, and citizens in Canada and around the world, it has set a new Guinness World Record for the most landmarks lit in 24 hours . This feat was accomplished on April 1, 2024 , as part of the RCAF's Centennial Celebrations, highlighting a century of service and dedication to Canada.

Guinness World Records had strict requirements as to what constituted a landmark, and after reviewing the evidence, the Guinness World Records officials confirmed that the RCAF set a new World Record, with 56 landmarks illuminated in 24 hours , breaking the previous record of 38 landmarks set in 2010. To be considered a landmark by Guinness World Records, a location must be recognized by UNESCO, national governmental registers, or significant third-party registers. For this record, pre-confirmed locations were verified and approved by Guinness, with evidence including a 10-minute timestamped video, a photo of the landmark illuminated in blue on April 1, 2024 , and two witness statements.

The Guinness World Records certificate was presented to Lieutenant- General Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF, Chief Warrant Officer John Hall, Command Chief Warrant Officer of the RCAF, and Captain Aaron Niles, Strategic Planner for the RCAF Centennial Team and lead for the illumination campaign, during the RCAF Centennial Ball on June 1, 2024 , in Ottawa.

The initiative illuminated over 350 sites across Canada, including landmarks, government buildings, museums, and private residences. A display of blue light, the colour of the RCAF, marked the event, symbolizing national pride and gratitude for the RCAF's contributions over the past 100 years.

The celebration of this record-breaking achievement extended beyond Canada's borders. RCAF supporters worldwide joined together to honour the RCAF's legacy and achievements, from Canadian embassies lighting up their buildings to landmarks across the globe. This global participation underscores the international respect and admiration for the RCAF's century-long history of excellence and service.

In partnership with communities and cities nationwide, the event saw iconic landmarks like the CN Tower in Toronto and Parliament Hill in Ottawa illuminated, creating a nationwide display of unity and celebration.

The RCAF Centennial celebrations, a year-long tribute to our rich history and heritage, will continue with exciting events and activities. This significant milestone in our nation's history invites all Canadians to join the celebrations and learn more about the RCAF's contributions to national and global peace and security efforts.

Additional multimedia

“We are incredibly proud to have set this Guinness World Record. This illumination event was a visual spectacle and a heartfelt tribute to RCAF personnel, past and present, who have served our country with distinction. We are grateful to all Canadians and our global partners who participated and helped us light up the nation and the world in celebration of our Centennial.” Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff

“To see so many people come together to celebrate the Centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force was truly remarkable. Over the past century, the RCAF has achieved incredible feats thanks to the dedication and talent of its amazing personnel. This milestone is a testament to all who participated at home and abroad, whose unwavering support has made such achievements possible.” Colonel Margaret Jacula, Campaign Manager, RCAF 2024

Quick facts

Over 350 locations in Canada, across all 10 provinces in Canada participated in the illumination event.

In total, over 500 locations illuminated worldwide in 26 countries .

Internationally, locations in Australia, Austria, Bermuda, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Peru, Poland, Scotland, Slovenia, South Korea, and the United States participated.

The full list of participating locations from the illumination campaign can be found on the RCAF Centennial Website .

The RCAF had landmarks which counted towards the Guinness World Record in the following countries: Canada, Scotland, South Korea, New Zealand, France, Austria, Estonia, and Ireland. Out of the 56 landmarks , 42 sites were in Canada:

• Bradford Heritage Clock Tower – Bradford East Gwillimbury
• Calgary Jack Singer Concert Hall – Calgary
• Telus Sky – Calgary
• Calgary Plus 15 – Calgary
• Calgary Tower – Calgary
• Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg
• Canadian Warplane Museum – Mount Hope
• Diamond Valley – Diamon Valley
• Innisfil Legion – Innisfil
• Missisauga Clock Tower – Missisauga
• Ottawa Peace Tower – Ottawa
• Radome – Clinton
• Rogers Centre – Toronto
• Thunder Bay Battle of Britain Monument – Thunder Bay
• Vancouver City Hall – Vancouver
• Alberta Legislature – Edmonton
• Vancouver Lookout – Vancouver
• Bloedel Conservatory – Vancouver
• Saanich Municipal Hall – Saanich
• Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver
• New Westminster City Hall – New Westminster
• BC Place – Vancouver
• Signal Hill – St John’s
• Government House (Newfoundland and Labrador) – St John’s
• Selkirk Water Tower – Selkirk
• Government House (Nova Scotia) – Halifax
• Halifax City Hall – Halifax
• Camp Hill – Halifax
• CN Tower – Toronto
• Guelph City Hall – Guelph
• Brockville Rail tunnel – Brockville
• North Bay City Hall – North Bay
• Gummer Building – Guelph
• The Post Office – Guelph
• Meaford Water Tower – Meaford
• M.L McConaghy Seniors Centre Cenotaph – Richmond Hill
• Aurora War Memorial Peace Park – Aurora
• The Armoury – Aurora
• Belleville Town Hall – Belleville
• Estevan Water Tower – Estevan
• Charlottetown City Hall – Charlottetown
• Pearson Airport – Toronto

Outside Canada

•  Christchurch Airport – Christchurch
•  Queens Park Feldwick Gates  Invercargill
•  Queens Park Fountain – Invercargill
•  Falkirk Wheel – Falkirk
•  The Town House Hamilton – Hamilton
•  Marischal College – Aberdeen
•  Scullion Law – Hamilton
•  St Andrews House – Edinburgh
•  Allan Church – Bannockburn
•  Cork City Hall – Cork City
•  Seoul Tower – Seoul
•  Danube Tower – Vienna
•  Tallinn Tower – Tallinn
•  Juno Bach Centre – Normandy

Associated links

• RCAF Centennial Website
• RCAF Facebook
• RCAF Instagram
• RCAF Twitter/X

Major Brad Young Senior Public Affairs Officer RCAF 2024 Phone: 403-317-3883 Email: [email protected] Captain Aaron Niles Strategic Planner RCAF 2024 Phone: 647-991-6750 Email: [email protected]

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Tourist map of Normandy

Normandy Tourism, France

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Updated on 11 April 2024

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Planning to visit Normandy ? Download your Normandy Tourist Map complete with all sites and attractions, beaches, châteaux, parks & gardens…as well as top tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your trip. As well as providing a printable version, we advise you to download it on your smart phone so you can easily get around Normandy!

Download your digital map  here or pick up a free copy at locations across Normandy.

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A fabulous weekend on the Mont-Saint-Michel

Updated on 19 July 2023

Étretat in all seasons

Updated on 17 July 2023

An immersive D-Day experience for kids at Juno Beach

Updated on 17 January 2024

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Are you already in Normandy?

Plan what to see and do while you’re here by visiting normandy-secrets.com, which lets you in on all of the local secrets and hidden gems in the immediate vicinity!

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