Discover some of the best things to do in one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world!
A vacation in Normandy can be fulfilling; you can see and experience all good and beautiful things you’ve always heard of. Castles, cathedrals, memorials, museums, cafes and champagne – Normandy has it all!
Did you know ...
... that many specialty cheeses are produced in Normandy, out of which Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel, and Pont-l’Évêque were invented in the region?
Curious about what all to do in Normandy this vacation season? Keep going!
Pay a Visit to Mont Saint-Michel
Perhaps the most iconic tourist spots in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is literally located on an island in the middle of the sea.
Quick Fact: This 12th century Abbey is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climb up to its terrace on the west façade of Mont Saint-Michel for a 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean!
Wander Along the Cliffs of Étretat
In the middle of a big seascape lies the town of Étretat that has white limestone cliffs on both its sides.
Quick Fact: Also known for its picturesque white pebble beach, which the French Impressionist Claude Monet proudly painted in his 1883 work, “The Cliff, Étretat, Sunset”
What beautifies these cliffs even further are the three natural arches that have formed due to constant erosion due to wave action. Take a walk along the cliffs and see for yourself!
Take a Slice of History on the D-Day Beaches
World War II’s Operation Overlord took place on the French coast. On June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces attacked German troops on the coast of Normandy, and their victory proved to be the turning point for World War II.
Quick Fact: Today, Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches on Normandy’s coast are collectively called D-Day Beaches.
Visit the museums, memorials, and cemeteries, which are spread along the coastline. What you’ll see and learn here will leave you awestruck!
Revere the Calm of Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
This 12th century Gothic cathedral is indeed the crowning glory of Normandy.
Quick Fact: Since the Middle Ages, the cathedral has been known for its strong musical tradition. In fact, until the French revolution, its choir had no written original work, but used to sing from memory.
Besides its majestic architecture, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is also known for the tombs it houses, including the one with the heart of Richard the Lionheart.
Pay Homage at the Normandy American Cemetery
The Normandy American Cemetery has graves of 9,380 American soldiers who lost their lives freeing Europe from the Nazi occupation during WWII.
Quick Fact: Among the most notable people buried at the cemetery are Quentin and Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., sons of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Don’t miss the Visitor Center in the cemetery where, personal stories of the dead soldiers are shared with tourists, it is a particularly touching experience!
See the Bayeux Tapestry Up Close
The 70 meter-long, 11th century artefact, the Bayeux Tapestry, narrates the story of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy.
Quick Fact: The Bayeux Tapestry was not, in fact, made in Bayeux, France, but in Kent, England. It is only called so as it has been kept in Bayeux for all these years.
Among others, the first ever known depiction of Halley’s Comet can be seen on this artifact. The vivid and colorful embroidery on the tapestry will steal your breath away!
Take a Stroll in Claude Monet's Garden
Delve into the creative world of the impressionist master artist Claude Monet by paying a visit to his finely crafted garden!
Quick Fact: Although his gardens are heavily influenced by Japanese gardens, Claude Monet never traveled to Japan himself.
Visit between April and October to see the garden in full bloom!
Explore the Pretty Town of Rouen
With cobblestone lanes and a few architectural gems, the quaint town of Ronen is definitely worth a visit.
Quick Fact: Rouen is the capital of the Normandy region and an important port city on the river Seine. It was also an important port during the Roman period and the Middle Ages.
If you like antiques, spend some time in the quartier of Saint-Maclou that has several antique shops you’ll want to stop by.
Admire the Beauty of Le Havre
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Normandy, the port city of Le Havre was bombed very heavily during WWII.
Quick Fact: Le Havre has the 2nd largest collection of impressionist paintings in France.
The Hanging Gardens, which lie inside the ancient fortress of Le Havre are also very impressive. You have to see them to believe!
Indulge Your Taste Buds – Take a Food Tour in Normandy
From world-class cheeses to the tastiest tarte tatins, Normandy has it all.
Quick Fact: Normandy is famous throughout the world for its apples, seafood, and dairy products. Norman desserts, especially made of apples and cream are particularly world-famous.
If you’ re a foodie, you’ll never run out of options while in Normandy. From small cafes to local distilleries, every stop you make while food hopping will be equally exciting!