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Normandy Travel Guide

Updated 18 May 2024 by Leyla Alyanak — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Two back-to-back trips to Normandy in the space of a month made me fall in love with this region – and I have plenty of stories to tell, which I'll add below as I write them.

Next to Brittany and close enough to Paris for a weekend trip, Normandy has called people to it for centuries for its dramatic coastlines, profound history, and a delectable culinary scene. The Vikings may be long gone, but their presence is still here, subtly. 

Practical matters

  • Region: Normandy, France
  • Departments: Calvados, Eure, Manche, Orne, Seine-Maritime
  • Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is peak season with lively festivals and beach activities.

Map of Normandy

Map of Normandy, FranceClick map above to enlarge ⇪⇪

Must-see experiences in Normandy

  • D-Day Landing Beaches, and associated World War II memorials and museums, like the one in Caen
  • Medieval marvels like the towns of Bayeux (famous for the Bayeux Tapestry) and Rouen (Gothic cathedral)
  • Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique history
  • Rugged coastlines known for their beauty, great for hiking and sightseeing
  • Picturesque villages, harbor towns and historical homes
  • Swiss Normandy and its rolling hills, lush pastures, and traditional half-timbered houses
  • Enjoy the highlights of Impressionism, which was born here
Thumbnail for Rouen, things to do12 Things To Do In Rouen, Normandy That Will Enrich Your Culture
Thumbnail for Joan of Arc execution storyIn the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen
Thumbnail of destroyed piece of Rouen Cathedral7 Thematic Ways To Explore Rouen Cathedral, A Gothic Masterpiece
MSM thumbnailHow To Get To Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy: The Ultimate Hassle-Free Guide
D-day thumbnailVisiting The D Day Beaches? This Is The Only Guide You'll Need
Thumbnail of Rouen Impressionists pageRouen, Capital Of Impressionism? Light, Shadow, And The River Seine
Water lilies thumbnailThe Best Giverny Day Trip From Paris (+ Orsay)

The foods of Normandy

  • Fresh seafood takes center stage with specialties like moules (mussels) and oysters enjoyed in charming harbor towns along the coast
  • Normandy's four classified cheeses: Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont l'Évêque – all delicious!
  • Cider, the region's signature beverage, and Calvados, a powerful  apple brandy, best enjoyed as a digestif

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