From Great Britain, across the English Channel, lies Normandy, France’s northwest region. If you’re familiar with your English and French history, this location proved to be vital during the age of conquest, when the Dukes of Normandy constantly crossed the channel in order to crown themselves as rulers of England. In more recent history, Normandy’s location came in handy once again for the Allied D-Day operations during the World War II.
But enough history (there’s more of that later), what’s with Normandy? A lot! Normandy has beaches, romantic towns and communes (both inland and coastal), plenty of UNESCO World Heritage sites, great seafood and cheese, and a whole lot of art and music in between. If you’re unsure of where to begin, we picked the top things to do in Normandy, France so scroll down to find out more.
1. Be amazed by nature's beauty at Étretat Cliffs
The small town of Étretat in Normandy’s north coast is most famous for a natural formation; the cliffs of Étretat. Made of chalk, the cliffs of Étretat cut quite an image in the landscape, its white color shining bright against the blues of the English Channel and the carpet of green that covers some parts of the landscape. There are four highlights to the cliffs: the three arches, two of which you can see from various points in the Étretat coast. The biggest, Manneporte, is best seen from the water. Another formation, the L'Aiguille or the needle, juts out from the water and rises to about 90 meters (or 230 feet).
Cliffs of Étretat
Address: Étretat, Seine-Maritime, Normandy, France
Website: Cliffs of Étretat
2. Visit Caen Memorial Museum
Caen Memorial Museum was built to serve as a reminder of the true costs of war, whether you’re on the good or the bad side. The museum takes visitors down memory lane, from old European wars and into the world stage. Check out the life-sized dioramas on the Cold War exhibit, the Second World War exhibit, and the recreation of General Richter’s headquarters (part of the D-Day landings exhibit). Outside, there’s the Souvenir Gardens, divided into three (the American, the British, and the Canadian gardens) as a memorial to Resistance fighters and Allied troops who fell in Normandy.
Caen Memorial Museum
Address: Esplanade Général Eisenhower, 14050 Caen, France
Website: Caen Memorial Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 22.26 USD (full rate); 19.67 USD (kids ages 10 to 18, seniors, students)
3. Explore Tatihou Island
Tatihou Island off the coast of Normandy in the Cotentin Peninsula is a nice, quiet retreat from the usual hustle and bustle of Normandy’s communes. It’s largely uninhabited, but during the peak season, it thrives with activity. Depending on the time you visit, it can be overrun with tourists or it can be empty, save for you and your group. Tatihou Island is a tidal land- most tours and trips come through amphibian craft. During the low tide, you can check out the oyster beds. If you’re an avid birder, Tatihou Island is a jackpot, with its large population of coastal birds and its ornithological museum. There’s a shipbuilding workshop which you can check out, as well as a botanical garden. There’s also the remains of a bastion fort.
Tatihou Island
Address: Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, France
Website: Tatihou Island
Price: Starts at 4.50 USD
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4. Admire the Norman Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame de Rouen (from USD 377.0)
Notre-Dame de Paris may be more famous, but no other gothic cathedral can come close to the Notre-Dame de Rouen. Built in 1603 and only completed in 1880, this two-towered, two-spired Gothic masterpiece is one of Normandy’s most storied landmarks. The sheer intricacy of its facade’s design alone will leave anyone breathless. Notre-Dame de Rouen also houses the religious relic of Saint Romain, who once served as the bishop of Rouen, as well as the tombs of various Dukes of Normandy. The most notable tomb here belongs to the heart of Richard the Lionheart, the legendary Duke of Normandy who went on to become King of England until his death. Did we mention that Notre-Dame de Rouen is also considered the tallest cathedral in France?
Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip from Paris
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
5. Rediscover your inner fashionista at Musée Christian Dior
Normandy has historic and religious pilgrimage sites, but there are also attractions for the fashion lover. In Granville, you’ll find Musée Christian Dior. Housed in a pink, 19th-century Belle Epoque-style villa with views of the sea, this used to be Christian Dior’s childhood home. And what a great place to spend your growing days! Musée Christian Dior is spread through three floors, all of which feature exhibits dedicated to the legendary French couturier. You’ll follow his ascent to fame and see key pieces designed by Christian Dior throughout the property. The garden outside is worth exploring. Designed by Christian Dior’s mother, Madeleine Dior, Musée Christian Dior’s garden is one of the few remaining artist’s gardens in the country.
Musée Christian Dior
Address: 1 Rue d'Estouteville, 50400 Granville, France
Website: Musée Christian Dior
Opening hours: 10am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 10.12 USD (full rate); 5.62 USD (students, disabled people, jobseekers); free for kids ages 12 and under
6. Step back in time at Le Havre
Severely destroyed during World War II, Le Havre is one of the poster children for city reconstruction and preservation. It’s amazing how Le Havre turned around from a war-torn city into one of Normandy’s most urban communes. Established in 1517 by King Francis, Le Havre (the harbour in English) is jam-packed with activities, whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a history buff. Sights to see and attractions to experience include the Museum of Modern Art, St. Joseph’s Church, Le Havre Beach, and City Hall.
Le Havre
Address: Le Havre, Normandy, France
Website: Le Havre
7. Sunbathe at Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach isn’t your ordinary beach. Back in the height of World War II, this beach was one of the landing points for the Allied D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. It’s actually not called Omaha, but we know it today as Omaha Beach because it was the given code name for this sector of the planned Normandy landings. This long stretch of beach is a great spot for sunbathing, but also for learning about war history. There are several monuments and memorials scattered here. There are also several museums you can access from here, such as Overlord Museum and the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach.
Omaha Beach
Address: Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Vierville-sur-Mer, France
Website: Omaha Beach
Price: Free
8. Listen to the tales of American paratroopers at Airbourne Museum (from USD 10.0)
France played a vital role as part of the Allied forces during World War II. The French welcomed American troops to their country in their efforts to put a stop to the war (the Allied D-day operations). You can learn more about the American paratroopers’ stories at the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Marie-Eglise. To this day, Airborne Museum holds an impressive collection of over 10,000 wartime artifacts, which include the C-47 Skytrain and even German military equipment. The best part of this museum, however, is the histopad guide which features augmented reality, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Airborne Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 hours
9. Tour the fascinating Abbaye aux Hommes (from USD 1.0)
Remember the Abbey of Saint-Etienne from earlier (we mentioned it when we talked of the Bayeux Tapestry)? It’s also called Abbaye aux Hommes or Men’s Abbey in English, a partner of the Abbaye aux Dames’ (Ladies’ Abbey), formerly known as Abbeye Sainte-Trinite. Anyway, back to the men.
Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen used to be a Benedictine monastery and is recognized as one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Normandy. This is where you’ll find the tomb of William the Conqueror, while his wife, Matilda, is buried in Abbaye aux Dames. Construction of Abbaye aux Hommes began in 1066 using the local Caen stone. In 1120, for the first time in French history, a ribbed vault was added to the abbey. Several other additions were made in the 13th century, resulting in the magnificent Romanesque site we know today.
Private Tour: Rouen, Bayeux, and Falaise Day Trip from Rouen
Duration: 8 hours
10. Appreciate the blooms at The Hanging Gardens
The French love gardens and the botanical arts, and the Hanging Gardens at Le Havre are a testament to this great love. Spread across 10 hectares (25 acres), Le Havre’s Hanging Gardens is divided into several parts, each with their own distinct character. The upper level, where you can find four gardens, showcases botanical finds from different parts of the globe. There is a tropical house dedicated to plants tropical areas, and even a dry grasslands area. Inside the glasshouses, you’ll find an array of colorful orchids and other gems. In the northern side of the Hanging Gardens, you’ll find the rose garden, where there are over 2,000 different kinds, all descendants of “La France.”
The Hanging Gardens
Address: 84 Rue du Fort, 76620 Le Havre, France
Website: The Hanging Gardens
Opening hours: 10:30am - 12:30pm, 1:45pm - 6pm (daily)
11. Admire the artwork at Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen (from USD 264.0)
When you’re in France, art is inescapable. Every city boasts an art museum worth exploring, and Rouen is no exception. The Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen has exhibits that are mainly focused on Renaissance art and sculptures, as well as drawings and other art objects. Some of the notable exhibitions include the Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen’s incredible collection of Russian art from the 15th to the 19th centuries and the Depeaux collection, which injects some Impressionism into the museum’s halls. The Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen also features more contemporary works of art if that’s your cup of tea.
Rouen Small Group Day Trip from Paris
Duration: 9 hours
12. Enjoy shopping in Espace Coty Shopping Center
Don’t think we forgot retail therapy! While you’re in Le Havre, drop by Espace Coty Shopping Center to get some gifts and other souvenirs to take home with you (as well as snacks for your Normandy adventures). Espace Coty Shopping Center is located in Downtown Le Havre. It is home to a variety of shops, from homegrown French brands as well as international chains. If you’re a sucker for French skincare, don’t forget to check out the pharmacy to buy some of the essential skincare products French women love.
Espace Coty Shopping Center
Address: 22 Rue Casimir Périer, 76600 Le Havre, France
Website: Espace Coty Shopping Center
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
13. Catch a performance at Cornelius Chapel - Auditorium Normandy
Experience high culture by watching a show or a concert at Cornelius Chapel - Auditorium Normandy in Rouen. A former church, Cornelius Chapel can seat up to 700 people. This is the place to watch chamber music, as the natural acoustics of the chapel can allow the music to reverberate throughout the entire place. Once in a while, this destination also features live contemporary music. Opera performances also take place here. Take a look at their events calendar to see which show is up on the date of your visit.
Cornelius Chapel - Auditorium Normandy
Address: 30 Rue Bourg l'Abbé, 76000 Rouen, France
14. Watch a war movie at Arromanches 360
History and culture continue at Arromanches 360, a circular cinema located at the Arromanches hilltop, that screens war movies and documentaries, most predominantly the short film “Normandy’s 100 Days.” The film, which runs for 19 minutes, features several war footages taken during the Battle of Normandy. Arromanches 360 is also located close to one of the two artificial harbors that were used in the Allied invasion of German-occupied France.
Arromanches 360
Address: Rue du Calvaire, 14117 Arromanches-les-Bains, France
Website: Arromanches 360
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 7.31 USD (full rate); 6.18 USD (reduced rate)
15. Stop by the beautifully kept Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Located in Colleville-sur-Mer, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is where the American troops who perished in the European war efforts during World War II were laid to rest. There are about 9,388 burial plots here, where you can pay your respects to the brave war heroes. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is also home to a bronze statue called “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves,” as well as maps that detail the Normandy landings. You can also check out the Normandy Visitors Center, which has an exhibit space featuring the personal stories of the men and women who fought in the war.
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Address: 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France
Website: Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (Apr - Sep); 9am - 5pm (Oct - May)
Price: Free
16. Sample authentic French cuisine at La Rapière
Before you move on to explore other parts of France, experience fine dining at La Rapière, a small and intimate restaurant in Bayeux. Housed in a building that dates back to the 16th century, La Rapière is an incredibly romantic spot that serves traditional French cuisine, all the while highlighting the best seasonal products that Normandy has to offer. There are raw oysters to try, as well as langoustines and other seafood, foie gras, lamb, and digestifs. Ask their sommelier for the wine that will pair well with your order, then cap off the entire meal with something from their dessert collection.
La Rapière
Address: 53 Rue Saint-Jean, 14400 Bayeux, France
Website: La Rapière
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:30pm - 9:15pm (closed on Sun)
17. Explore the site of extensive Canadian casualties at Dieppe
Now that you’re well-acquainted with the French and American war efforts during World War II, it’s now time to appreciate the work the Canadians did to help with the overall effort. Dieppe was occupied by the Germans after the Fall of France, and then freed from their clutches by the second Canadian Infantry Division. It’s not without great cost, however, as the invasion suffered a total of 1,400 casualties, 907 of which were Canadian. Furthermore, almost 2,000 Canadian soldiers were captured. The Allied forces finally succeeded in taking Dieppe on September 1, 1944. To honor the fallen Canadian troops, there’s a Canadian military cemetery in Dieppe.
Dieppe
Address: Normandy, France
Website: Dieppe
18. Stroll through the ruins of Jumieges Abbey
Normandy has an extensive collection of abbeys scattered across the region. There’s a high concentration of abbeys built between Rouen and Le Havre, and one of them is Jumieges Abbey. Built in 654, Jumieges Abbey has gone through a lot. It withstood the Dark Ages, the invasion of the Vikings, and the Wars of Religion. What put Jumieges Abbey down, however, was the French Revolution, ending centuries of existence. Today, you can still see the magnificent ruins of Jumieges Abbey. Explore the ruins and find the 500-year-old yew tree growing in the heart of the former cloister.
Jumieges Abbey
Address: 24 Rue Guillaume le Conquérant, 76480 Jumièges, France
Website: Jumieges Abbey
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6:30pm (Apr 15 - Sep 15); 9:30am - 1pm, 2:30pm - 5:30pm (Sep 16 - Apr 14)
Price: 7.31 USD (full rate); 4.50 USD (students, seniors, etc)
19. Wander around the beautiful Le Bec-Hellouin
Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Le Bec-Hellouin deserves its reputation. This picturesque commune in the Eure department in Normandy sprung around the Bec Abbey, which dates back to 1034. Le Bec-Hellouin looks like you stepped into a clean and bright theater set of a William Shakespeare production, with its well-preserved Tudor buildings, rolling pastoral landscape, carefully trimmed hedges and landscaping, and lavenders filling the air with their aroma. Aside from the Bec Abbey, places you should check out in and around Le Bec-Hellouin include the chateaus (Harcourt, Champ de Bataille, and Beaumesnil), and Brionne, which has a dungeon that dates back to the 11th century.
Le Bec-Hellouin
Address: Normandy, France
Website: Le Bec-Hellouin
20. Taste the regional cider along the Cider Route
There are many experiences revolving around food and drink in Normandy, but if there’s one we highly, highly recommend, it would be the Cider Trail. When in Normandy, specifically Calvados and the surrounding areas, it would be remiss not to have a glass or two of the local cider. Cider is a big deal here, and the Cider Route will take you all around the best places in the region to taste the best brews.
Cider Route
Address: Normandy, France
Website: Cider Route
21. Sample vintage cheese at Camembert
You’ve spent some time in northern Normandy, drank the cider, tasted the shellfish. Now it’s time to make your way south to a charming little town that will make a cheese lover out of you. Welcome to Camembert, the namesake and home of the camembert cheese. You’ll be surrounded by traditional farms and orchards, offering you a glimpse of what true rural Normandy is like. But of course, we’re here for the cheese. Some of the spots you should visit include La Maison du Camembert, a museum dedicated to camembert cheese, Le Manoir du Beaumoncel, a historic farm, and the La Heronniere Farm, which produces authentic A.O.C camembert using raw milk and the traditional methods.
Camembert
Address: Normandy, France
Website: Camembert
22. Tour the famous Palais Benedictine
When in Normandy, one of the must-visit destinations to include on your list is Palais Benedictine, (also called the Benedictine Palace). Palais Benedictine was once shrouded in mystery. As legends have it, it was the site of a miracle. In the 16th century, a Benedictine monk by the name of Dom Bernardo Vincelli concocted an elixir, which was produced until the French Revolution. The recipe for the elixir was lost until Alexander Le Grand, a wine trader, chanced upon the liqueur’s recipe. If he hadn’t found it, Palais Benedictine wouldn’t still be producing this famed elixir. For the ultimate experience, take an in-depth look at the old distillery, learn more about the history of this Benedictine elixir at the museum, and finally, sample the top-secret blend.
Palais Benedictine Tour with Cognac Tasting or Workshop - Klook Philippines
23. Appreciate the intricate Bayeux Tapestry
From Honfleur, travel to nearby Bayeux for a chance to see the famous and historic Bayeux Tapestry with your very own eyes. An impressive embroidered wool cloth that measures 50 centimeters (20 inches) in height and 70 meters (230 feet) in length, the Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Conquest of England in 1066. Prominent characters of the Bayeux Tapestry include William the Conqueror, Odo de Conteville, Bishop of Bayeux, and Edward the Confessor, who ruled England at the time of the conquest. There are 623 more characters embroidered in the Bayeux Tapestry, along with 37 buildings, and a whole lot of horses. You can find the Bayeux Tapestry at Bayeux Museum.
Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
Address: 13B Rue de Nesmond, 14400 Bayeux, France
Website: Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
Opening hours: 9:30am - 12:30pm and 2pm - 6pm (daily)
Price: 9 EUR or 9.85 USD
24. Discover the fascinating Trouville
Normandy sure is home to a great number of delightful towns and cities, all worth exploring. Take Trouville, for example. Formerly known as Trouville-sur-Mer, Trouville transformed from a fisherman’s village into a glamorous resort town. Known as the Queen of the Beaches, Trouville is home to an idyllic fishing port. You can sample all the fresh catch at the covered market nearby, prepared in traditional Trouville recipes. By the beach are lovely 19th-century buildings that make Trouville befitting of its nickname. Sit back, relax in a seaside villa, and check out the casinos while you’re in Trouville.
25. Offer prayers at Saint Catherine's Catholic Church
Built in the second half of the 15th century, Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church stands in place of a stone church that was devastated during the Hundred Years War. This time around, the replacement church was made with timber- Saint Catherine’s, the largest of its kind in France. The principal raw material that locals used to construct Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church was wood from the nearby Touques forest. They then used what they know from shipbuilding, resulting in Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church’s unique architecture.
Saint Catherine's Catholic Church
Address: Place Sainte-Catherine, 14600 Honfleur, France
Price: Free
26. Explore Mont Saint-Michel (from USD 14.1)
The stuff of legends and fairy tales, the island commune of Mont Saint-Michel is unlike any other place in the world. Before, this destination was disconnected from the rest of mainland France by the tide. You can only walk from the mainland to Mont Saint-Michel when the tide is low. Today, thanks to engineering, there’s now a bridge connecting Mont Saint-Michel, making it even more accessible. On a year-round basis, this hamlet only has a total of 60 residents, but it overflows with tourists who are out there to check out the abbey and its winding cobblestone streets. A UNESCO World Heritage site truly worth visiting.
Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
27. Pose for photographs at Honfleur (from USD 250.0)
Still not over your French Impressionist experience? Make your way to Honfleur in northern Normandy and see the sights and townscape that inspired Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin, Gustave Corbet, and Johan Jongkind, who all started the Honfleur school. One minute here and you’ll understand why these painters were so taken by this coastal commune.
Honfleur has several sights to see. There’s Sainte-Catherine Church, which is the largest wooden church in the country. Port d'Honfleur is like the French version of Amsterdam. Erik Satie, a famous French pianist and composer, lived in Honfleur- you can visit his houses while you’re on a walking tour. From the Satie houses, you can make your way to Naturoscape, a greenhouse filled with butterflies.
From Paris: Day Trip to Rouen and Honfleur
Duration: 12 hour
28. Wander in Claude Monet’s House and Gardens (from USD 320.0)
It’s no secret that France has birthed some of the art world’s most revered names. That includes impressionist master Claude Monet. Lovers of his work (and even those who are just mildly curious) are welcome to visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, northwest of Paris. At this attraction, you’ll get the chance to visit many integral spots, such as his workshop, where he finished Water Lilies. There is also the Japanese-style footbridge in his garden– the star of his other painting, so aptly named The Japanese Footbridge.
For the complete Monet experience, hop on this Viator tour, then make your way to the Museum of Impressionism, where you can also get acquainted with other famous Impressionists.
Monet's House and the Museum of Impressionism from Le Havre
Duration: 9 hours
See you in Normandy
There are probably hundreds or even thousands more of things to do in Normandy, whether you’re by the coast for further inland. This region is just oozing with history, culture, art, and an incredible array of food and drink experiences. For a glimpse of the other things that Normandy can offer, browse our website for our Normandy travel guides. And so, as the French say, “À bientôt!” See you in Normandy!
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