Normandy

What to do in Normandy:

Normandy is home to one of the true wonders of the Western world, the breathtaking **Mont-Saint-Michel**, a jewel of French heritage perched on a rocky island in an expansive bay. But Normandy offers so much more than just this iconic site. It’s a region filled with charming villages, cobbled streets, and Gothic churches, which inspired the great Impressionist painter Claude Monet. While embracing its rich history, Normandy is also forward-looking, with modern hubs like Le Havre leading the way in technology and design. Ready to explore?

Must-See Visits in Normandy

• Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay  

Originally a small church on a rock in 709, Mont-Saint-Michel evolved over the centuries into an abbey, surrounded by convent buildings, defensive walls, and a picturesque village. Emerging from the bay between sea and sky, this iconic site captivates with its majestic beauty.

• The Deauville Boardwalk  

This legendary wooden boardwalk, built in 1923, runs alongside Deauville’s beach and its famous Art Deco bathing cabins. Many stars, from Joséphine Baker to Jean-Louis Trintignant, have strolled along its 643 meters. Today, it remains a hotspot for those looking to see and be seen, especially during the American Film Festival.

• Normandy's D-Day Landing Beaches  

On June 6, 1944, Normandy’s beaches witnessed the pivotal Allied landings that marked the beginning of the liberation of France. Museums, cemeteries, and monuments line the coastline, from Sword Beach to Utah Beach, offering solemn and unforgettable reminders of the events of WWII.

• Caen Memorial Museum  

This museum dives deep into the history of the 20th century, covering D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, WWII, and the Cold War. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.

• Cliffs of Étretat

These towering limestone formations along the Alabaster Coast, including the iconic Manneporte and Aiguille, have inspired countless painters. They are best admired from the beach, a boat, or the hiking paths above.

• Le Havre’s Post-War Architecture 

After being largely destroyed in WWII, Le Havre was rebuilt under the direction of architect Auguste Perret, a master of reinforced concrete. Landmarks like the town hall and St. Joseph’s Church are now UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflecting modernist design.

​

• Notre-Dame Cathedral in Évreux  

A stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, this cathedral is adorned with 70 radiant stained glass windows, some made with the famous silver-yellow salt technique unique to Évreux.

• Gros Horloge and Rouen Cathedral

The Gros Horloge is an exquisite Renaissance clock tower offering panoramic views of Rouen's old town, while Rouen Cathedral, with its Gothic spires, houses the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

• Dieppe’s Picturesque Port 

Wander through the lively port of Dieppe, where the reflections of colorful houses in the water evoke the works of Impressionist masters like Turner, Pissarro, and Gauguin.

• Veules-les-Roses  

Nestled along France’s smallest river, the village of Veules-les-Roses charms with its mills, quaint cottages, and scenic countryside. Famous artists like Victor Hugo and Camille Marchand once found inspiration here.

​​​​

• Monet’s Gardens in Giverny 

Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, where he painted his famous water lilies. The village retains its artistic allure, with many contemporary artists still calling it home.

• Nighttime Mysteries of Mont-Saint-Michel 

Explore the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel at night, where shadows and light play tricks on your senses, revealing the mysterious beauty of the site in a new way.

• Golf with a View in Étretat

Perched on the cliffs above the sea, Étretat’s golf course offers a challenging round with stunning ocean views, particularly from the iconic 10th hole.

• Horse Racing in Deauville or Cabourg

Normandy is a horse lover’s paradise. Experience the thrill of a horse race at the tracks of Deauville or Cabourg, where the best thoroughbreds and jockeys in the world compete.

• Mussels and Fries in Honfleur 

Stroll around Honfleur’s picturesque old harbor, with its tall, slate-roofed houses, and enjoy a classic meal of mussels and fries at one of the local eateries.

• Cherbourg’s Historic Harbor 

Imagine the grand engineering feat of creating a 4-kilometer pier to defend against naval attacks, started under Louis XVI and completed by Napoleon III. Today, Cherbourg’s harbor is a marvel to explore.

• Bayeux War Cemetery 

The largest British war cemetery in France, it holds over 4,600 graves of soldiers from 11 different nationalities, a powerful tribute to those who fought during the Battle of Normandy.

• Evening Out in Deauville 

Deauville has long been a glamorous seaside resort. Begin your evening at a seafood bistro or grand hotel bar, try your luck at the casino, and dance the night away at one of Deauville’s renowned nightclubs.

• MUMA – André Malraux Modern Art Museum in Le Havre  

Opened in 1961, this striking building houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist art, thanks to a generous donation from Hélène Senn-Foulds. It’s a treasure trove of works by Renoir, Sisley, Pissarro, and Degas, among others.