History and gastronomy go hand-in-hand in Normandy, making it a great choice if culture and fine dining are what you’re looking for in a holiday! There’s still plenty on offer besides the food and tales of yesteryear, however – you can take a tour around some of the beautiful inland towns and villages or head to the coast, where you’ll find a mixture of wide sandy beaches and rugged, romantic cliffs. If you’re not already convinced to head to one of our luxury villas and chateaux in Normandy (or maybe if you’ve already booked) you’ll find a wealth of great things to do, see and eat in our ultimate Normandy travel guide!
Why Visit?
Normandy has always been at the heart of European history. From William the Conqueror pinching the English throne to Allied troops storming the beaches, this region has helped to shape the politics and geography of the continent. Rich history is on every corner in Normandy, from the amazing Bayeux Tapestry to the haunting World War II cemeteries, yet the region’s appeal goes even further. The fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel, the dramatic façade of Rouen Cathedral and the delectable cheese of Camembert are just three more reasons why Normandy is one of France’s loveliest spots.
Typical Sights
- Mont Saint-Michel – Explore the brooding Romanesque abbey perched atop a tiny island.
- The Bayeux Tapestry – See Norman (and English) history come to life in this famous artwork.
- Château de Caen – Stroll along the pretty ramparts of this dominating 12th century castle.
- Normandy Battlefields – Uncover the tragedy of WWII and pay your respects to the fallen.
- Rouen Cathedral – Go Gothic at a soaring House of God that took seven centuries to build.
When to Visit?
There’s never a bad time to visit Normandy, but most visitors descend during the hottest months of June to August. The sun is shining more often than not, with average highs of 23 degrees Celsius. Yet just like England, rain can appear at any time. Summer is also popular because it has the region’s two most significant events: the D-Day commemorations on the landing beaches at the start of June and the Fêtes Médiévales de Bayeux (featuring enthusiastic historical re-enactments of Viking, Saxon and Norman goings-on) in early July. There are also outdoor summertime concerts in Mont Saint-Michel.
For those who want to avoid the crowds, late spring and early autumn can also be tempting times to visit. Attractions and shops remain open, while several festivals, from May’s Joan of Arc celebrations in Rouen to September’s American Film Festival in Deauville, make these off-peak trips extra special. Winter (December to February) is best avoided, as a number of key sights and attractions are closed.
Getting Around
- Airport: Caen airport has direct flights from Southend and Luton Airport. Otherwise fly to Paris from London, then Train or Drive to Bayeux . You can also fly to Dinard with Ryanair from several UK airports, then hire a car to drive to Bayeux .
- Public transport: The regional rail network connects all of the major towns in Normandy, while long-distance train routes in and out of Paris regularly stop at tourist spots like Bayeux, Le Havre, Dieppe and Caen. However, no trains run along the coast so you’ll need to catch a bus to the D-Day beaches.
- By bike and by foot: With more than 310 miles of cycle paths, pedal-pushing is a memorable way to see Normandy. The long coastal footpath also allows ramblers to enjoy the views at a leisurely pace.
- Hiring a car: Having a car is by far the easiest way to see Normandy; the region’s wonderfully winding coastal and country roads also make driving an absolute joy. You can rent cars in all regional airports and city centres from companies like Hertz.
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