The 20 Best Things to Do in Normandy, France

1. Soak in Mont Saint Michel

The Abbey of Saint Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in France. Dating back to the 8th Century, this beautiful monastery is where Saint Michael told the Bishop of Avranches to build a church in 708 and was a popular pilgrimage destination in medieval times.

The monastery is built on the steep slopes of a skinny strip of land in the English Channel, where Normandy and Brittany meet.

In high tide, it isolates itself as an island from mainland France, entirely surrounded by the sea. In low tide, it’s possible to complete a “traditional crossing” like the medieval pilgrims once took. 

Monks have lived here for over a thousand years, even during the tumultuous Hundred Years War. Climb 300 steps to the highest point on Mont-Saint-Michel to see the peaceful Abbey Church. Don’t miss the beautiful panoramic views on the abbey’s west side.

2. See the White Cliffs of Étretat

Étretat, on Normandy’s Côte d’Albâtre coastline, is famous for its white limestone cliffs. The natural arch formation has inspired French painters through the ages, from Gustave Courbet to Claude Monet. 

Reaching 90 meters high, the cliffs flank both sides of the seaside resort town Étretat and look quite similar to the English town of Dover. 

You can stroll along the top of the cliffs by taking the GR21 trail. For a gravity defying view, climb the steps and over the grass to see the Needle, or L’Aiguille, a 70 meter high rock jutting out of the ocean. 

Prefer to lounge on the beach?

Étretat has beautiful beaches and villas dating from the Belle Epoque era. Two of the most famous include Villa Orphée and Villa La Guillette, the latter of which was built for the French author Guy de Maupassant. There is also the haunting French Château du Tilleul, which isn’t open to the public but worth a look from the outside.

3. D-Day Beaches

Normandy played a key role in World War II. The Allied powers chose 5 landing beaches along the coast to invade Normandy and drive out the Nazis.

This is one of the most memorable things to do in Normandy. With countless museums and memorials spread across 50 miles, your best bet is to hire a tour guide who can provide transportation and insight into the events of D-Day. 

Our guide provided both from a historical perspective and a local point of view. We visited the D-Day beaches twice, once with and once without a guide, and appreciated it much more the second time.

Remnants of German bunkers, military machinery and harbor equipment can still be seen today. For the complete guide to visiting Normandy for WWII, check out my post on the Normandy beaches here.

4. Pay Respects at the Normandy American Cemetery

Over 9,000 soldiers are buried in perfectly aligned white gravestones at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-mer. 

The memorial overlooks Omaha Beach and comprises a reflecting pool and chapel. There is also a semicircle garden dedicated to those missing in action. If you wish to visit a particular grave, you can look up the plot on the memorial website and staff will help you when you arrive. 

Don’t forget to visit the museum right outside the cemetery. It’s a recent addition, and chronicles the history of the Allied landings, prolonged fighting and eventual liberation of Paris. We spent a couple of hours on the overall site, as part of our Viking river cruise. Viking even organized a small ceremony for the veterans on board.

If you are interested in learning more about the D-Day invasion and only have time to visit one place, the American Cemetery is incredibly moving. 

5. Explore Caen

William the Conqueror built the Château de Caen in 1060, once he was the King of England. The Romanesque building is made from Caen’s butter yellow limestone and is one of the largest medieval monuments in Europe. 

Walk through the ramparts, visit the 12th century chapel and discover more of Normandy’s long history. In the Middle Ages, the castle was a royal fortress. During the Hundred Years War, the English used it as their base and built additional fortifications. Later in World War II, the Chateau served as an army barrack for infantrymen.

Today, the Museum of Normandy and Caen Museum of Fine Arts are housed in the castle. The Fine Arts Museum is one of the best in France. 

Don’t miss the modern looking tomb of William the Conqueror and the Jardin des Simples, a medicinal herb garden filled with plants common during the Middle Ages.

6. Marvel at the Bayeux Tapestry

Another relic of the Medieval Ages? The historic Bayeux Tapestry.

Over 1,000 years old, the ornate tapestry depicts the Norman conquest of England through the Battle of Hastings, where William, Duke of Normandy, crossed the English Channel to fight his cousin Harold, Earl of Wessex for the English throne.

William’s wife Matilda is said to have created it. Surprisingly well-preserved, the 230 feet long tapestry shows 58 different scenes in exquisite (and sometimes gory) detail, with fierce battle scenes, religious allegories, and even bawdy depictions of 11th century life.

It’s a miracle this survived intact to present day! 

Back in the Middle Ages, the tapestry was brought out a couple of times a year to show people their history – almost like a Medieval comic strip. If you visit the museum, it’s worth getting the audio guide to understand all the nuances.

7. Get Lost in Charming Bayeux

While you’re in Bayeux, take a stroll through the old city center. A quaint, well-preserved town of half-timbered houses, Gothic architecture and elegant mansions, Bayeux is one of Normandy’s most beautiful and charming small towns.

In the center of the Old Town is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which originally housed the Bayeux Tapestry. Built over several centuries, it blends various architectural styles – from Romanesque to Gothic and is worth a visit.

You can also explore the crypt, with its stained glass windows and vivid frescoes. 

8. Soak in Rouen’s History

Rouen is a larger version of Bayeux, with over 2,000 charming half-timbered homes in the old historic center. Many of them stand higgly piggly next to each other in color coordinating shades of pastel.

Spot the Gros-Horolodge clock tower, an astrological clock in the center of town with a beautiful gilded clock face, and the Church of St Joan of Arc, built on the spot where she was martyred. 

Also, don’t miss Rouen’s church. Notre Dame Cathedral is an iconic landmark that can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Its spires reach 151 meters into the sky and for years it was the tallest building in the world (until Cologne’s cathedral stole the spotlight). Richard the Lionheart, who ruled both as King of England and Duke of Normandy, is buried inside the church.

Make sure to stay overnight in Rouen. Each summer, the city puts on a light show illuminating the facade with dazzling lights.

9. Relax in Claude Monet’s House & Garden

Claude Monet’s house makes for a great day trip from either Rouen or Paris. His former residence is located in the quaint Normandy town of Giverny, and includes a country house and sprawling gardens.

From spring to fall, the garden comes alive with vibrant colors. Monet carefully planted his garden to bloom with different flowers for each month of the season, and designed them to look like natural wildflowers. 

Our favorite part of the garden is the famous water garden, where Monet painted his ‘Water Lilies’ series. Walk over the Japanese bridge and stare at the weeping willows and serene lily pads. You can also tour his home. The manor house has been preserved, with his living quarters and studio kept as it was when he lived there. 

If you have time, it’s worth driving to the nearby towns of Vernon and Auvers-sur-Oise, where many Impressionist artists painted some of their most famous works.

11. Try Tasty Norman Cuisine

Normandy offers some mouthwatering regional specialties that you can’t miss.

First, the cheeses. Creamy Camembert is the most famous, but there are also Neufchâtel cream cheese, stinky Livarot and milky Pont l’Evêque. The best way to try them all is on a food focused tour in the Norman countryside.

Second, the apples. From apple cider to apple donuts, you’ll love Normandy’s fantastic sweet apples. Don’t miss Normandy’s most famous export, calvados, a brandy made from fermented and distilled apples, which is often served with ice cream as a palate cleanser.

Finally, Normandy’s long stretch of coastline means great seafood. Try the oysters, fish stews and scallops along its port towns. Don’t expect to go on a diet here! Normandy cuisine is often cooked in butter and cream, thanks to the dairy cows who graze on its green pastures.

12. Admire Pretty Honfleur

Honfleur, located in Normandy’s Calvados department, is a charming old port town just across the Seine from Le Havre.

The old sea port was once a popular departure point for Canada, and its charming harbor was quite the inspiration for the Impressionists. You can find an extensive collection of Impressionist art in town at Musée Eugène Boudin.

Today, Honfleur remains one of the most charming towns in Europe, with cobblestone streets, colorful slate houses and tons of moored sailboats. For the best view in town, head to Quai Saint-Etienne!

Also check out:

• Saint Catherine’s Church
• Lieutenance building
• Maritime Musuem 

15. Wander Trendy Trouville

Neighboring Trouville-Sur-Mer is Deauville’s twin. Together, they’re frequently called the Parisian Riviera but in fact, Trouville is just a bit older and slightly less upscale. It’s also more family friendly.

Trouville has the same glamorous villas, beautiful boardwalk and glitzy casino as Deauville, but it also offers a thriving fishing port. The classic fish market stocks all the seafood restaurants in town so don’t forget to try some traditional Norman seafood specialties while you’re here!

Trouville first became trendy in the 19th century, when aristocrats from Napoleon III’s court came to the sea to promenade. Monet and his Norman mentor Boudin painted many picturesque scenes of the 19th century elite strolling on the broad boardwalk. 

pc: @michele_mp

17. Visit Château de Fontaine-Henry

Castle lovers won’t want to miss Normandy’s most stunning chateau.

Château de Fontaine-Henry is located in lush Lower Normandy, near Caen. Built in the 13th century, the building was enhanced over the centuries with Renaissance and Gothic embellishments. Inside, you’ll find beautiful antique furniture and paintings.

Don’t forget to explore the grounds as well. The castle is surrounded by thick forest and has three beautiful gardens: 

• the medieval Jardin Notre Dame
• the meditative Hortus Conclusus
• the Greek themed Herbe du Pranasse 

18. See the Ruins of Château Gaillard

The small commune of Les Andelys is home to the ruined castle of Château Gaillard. The fortress was built at the end of the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart.

It changed hands several times over the Hundred Years War and eventually was plundered by local villagers for its valuable stone building materials. Today, it’s definitely a ruin, but the remains of the inner bailey, upper court and dungeon are available to tour.

If you climb up the steep hill to the castle, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the Seine and Andelys village. Afterwards, head into town for a coffee and browse the antique shops for a fun deal! 

19. Walk the Ghostly Ruins of Jumièges

The Abbey of Jumièges was a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 7th century, and was once the most religious monument in Normandy. Under William the Conqueror, the abbey was revered as an international center for learning.

Unfortunately, it slowly declined in the Hundred Years War and came to a final end in the French Revolution. It was ultimately ransacked for valuable building material and today stands in ruins.

But that’s not to say the historic abbey isn’t worth a look! Head here to see ghostly arches and glowing white stone of the abbey outline. It looks a bit eerie against all the green grass!