Normandy is a region of France that is famous because of the World Wars. But Normandy has much more than this. There are not only a lot of things to do but remarkable sites and beautiful landscapes to see. Here we save you time so you can plan your ultimate trip to beautiful Normandy.
Best things to do in Normandy
Mont-Saint-Michel
The history of Mont-Saint Michel
The Mont-Saint-Michel might be the most famous place in Normandy. The name came after the archangel Michel appeared to Saint- Aubert in 708 on this rocky island. For this reason, monks and pilgrims from different cities decided to build a basilica to honor the archangel.
The Mon-Saint-Michel survived the 100 years’ war with England, from 1337 to 1453. After the French revolution, monks left the church, and the place was used as a jail. Because of tides and quicksand, prisoners could not escape.
In 1863, the prison closed, and the Historical Monument Service restored the monument. After that, in 1979, this Service opened the Mont-Saint-Michel as a public place.
Currently, Mont-Saint-Michel had a friendship relation with Miyajima Island (Japan) and Monte Sant’Angelo (Italy).
Best parts of the Mont-Saint-Michel
Reasons for visiting Mont-Sain-Michel are plentiful. First, it is an excellent place for discovering a historical place with many cultural elements. All encompassed by a beautiful landscape.
Second, Mont-Saint-Michel is open 362 days/year and free for everyone under 26 years old. So, no reason to not come.
It is a real treasure of history and architecture. Unesco recognized the Mont-Saint-Michel as the world’s heritage in 1979. As a result, the Mont-Saint-Michel became the first monument registered by Unesco. 1300 years of history was waiting to be discovered. Everyone who loves architecture will be truly impressed by the beauty of the place.
Mont-Saint-Michel Museums
Maritime Museum
This Museum is dedicated to the tides’ phenomenons. Mont-Saint-Michel is the place that has the most powerful tides in Europe. The museum also has an exhibition of 250 boat models.
The price of an adult ticket is starting at 9€. Visitors cannot buy tickets on the internet, you should buy them on the spot.
Historical Museum
The Mont-Saint-Michel had 1300 years of story. All this story is present in this museum through many reconstitutions. The museum has a huge collection of old objects since medieval times.
The price starts at 9€ for adults, free for all children. Visitors cannot buy tickets on the internet, you should buy them on the spot.
Tiphaine’s house
Logis Tiphaine is a historical house from the 14th century that will present you with a century-old house style with all its furniture. The name of this house came from the lady Tiphaine de Raguenel, wife of the officer Bertrand du Guesclin. This man was an important soldier during the 100 years’ war. He built this house and sent his wife to protect her. At that time, the Mont-Saint-Michel was the safest place.
The price of an adult ticket starts at 9€.
Eat an Omelet at the Mère Poulard Lodges.
The Mère Poulard Lodge (Poulard Mother) is the most famous in the Mont-Saint-Michel. Established in 1888, the restaurant became famous thanks to the omelet, made by Annette Poulard. Her omelet had a unique taste, the secret of the Poulard chef. Curious, customers come from all over France and all around the world to discover it. The taste is special, but the preparation is unique. Cooks who prepare this omelet have to whip at the same time. That’s let’s us imagine they are playing music.
Famous people had a meal in this restaurant and gave a letter or a picture to Annette Poulard. In the most popular names, there were Pablo Picasso or Coco Chanel.
In fact, there are a lot of other things to visit in the Mont-Saint-Michel. Do not hesitate to discover them by yourself. You can and book your visit on the official website. You can also book an itinerary guide and an audiobook (not mandatory). Some professional guides have their services, you can find them here.
D-Day: The Battle of Normandy
Summer 1944 is an important period for Normandy and the world. Men from all around the world came to Normandy to fight the Nazi tyranny and restore freedom. To date, the Normandy region and people kept memorizing this story and shared it with everyone. But this is not just a memory. Every year, Normandy pays tribute to all soldiers who were part of this war and those who are still alive.
If you are interested in this story of Humanity, there are places to visit to understand and honor the bravery of the soldiers.
Be ready for a real moment of emotion…
Military cemeteries
During World War, men came fighting for freedom. French, American, Canadian, British, Poles, New Zealanders, Australians, and also Belgians, these men came from all around the world. To honor their memory, Normandy has cemeteries where soldiers are resting. You can visit all these cemeteries for free.
The British military cemetery. Located in Bayeux city, near the Battle of Normandy Museum. This cemetery has 4,648 graves.
Located in Colleville-Sur-Mer, The American cemetery is a huge cemetery with 9,386 graves. The visitors center located in the cemetery pays tribute to all combatants through an exhibition and movie. The exhibition introduces you to the personal stories of soldiers. They are illustrated by documents or personal objects. The museum access is free. With 1 million visitors per year, this is the American cemetery the most visited in the world.
The German cemetery located in La Cambe city counted 21,200 graves of German soldiers. This cemetery has a peace garden. Composed of 1,200 maple trees, the symbol of peace, and German-French reconciliation.
Other cemeteries are available to visit but don’t have any museums or exhibitions. The Polish military cemetery, located in Grainville-Langannerie, contains 696 graves. The Canadian Military cemeteries are divided into two. The first one consecrated to all Canadian soldiers killed during the first part of the war. This cemetery located in Bény-Sur-Mer contains 2,048 graves. The second cemetery, located in Bretteville-sur-Laize, contains 2,958 graves. Among these grave, the youngest soldier who was killed during the war at only 16 years.
D-Day Experience
The American parachutists were the first to land at Normandy’s Beach. Their mission was to link the Utah and Omaha Beaches. That was a necessity. But Germany also understood that and sent paratroopers to attack the American soldiers.
This incredible museum has 2 parts. The American and the German’s Parts help you discover D-Day history.
This museum offers permanent exhibitions and incredible experiences. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to experience a 4D flight simulation. The incredible immersion is on board the C-47 flight. It’s a real military flight, creates in 1943 and used by parachutists.
Located at Carentan-les-Marais, the D-Day Experience access needs a ticket. The adult ticket price starts at 13€.
D-Day Museum
The D-Day Museum is an inescapable place to go for understanding the D-Day history. This Museum introduces you to the different Allied landing processes through various 3D animations, maquettes, and archive movies.
Visiting time: 1h15. Guided visits or unaccompanied.
6 languages are available in this museum (9 for the movies), and the visitor’s aids are available in 19 languages.
Tickets prices: 8,20€ for adults, and 6,00€ for children & students. Visitors should buy their tickets on the spot. More information about the location on the official website.
The Landing Beaches
It is here. On the 80km of Normandy Beach, it is here where everything started. Through the Calvados and La Manche department, you can discover the war places of what is surnamed today “The place of the World peace”. Download the free activities map here.
There are the main phases of the event for discovering Normandy’s beaches by yourself.
Discovering the landing beaches alone…
First step
Start at Dieppe, where the allies were preparing the D-Day. The Dieppe Raid, called Jubilee, caused heavy losses for the troops. Despite that, the raid brought to the intelligence services of the Allies a lot of information. It was the first operation of Allie’s troops, mainly composed of Canadian forces. The goal was to test the German defense. Around the beach, museums shared this part of History. Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, the Kahl-Bürg (located 60 meters under the sea, free access), or the Memorial of the 19th August 1942.
Second step
Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach, were the D-Day landing Beaches. There was a large and complex organization of military operations. This is the main part of D-Day’s history and attracts millions of visitors every year. Museums and reconstitutions here offer you the best experience.
Third step
Thirdly could be the last step: Firsts Towns to be liberated.
Discover the first liberated city, Bayeux. The strategic port of Cherbourg for the “Overlord” Mission. This port received big ships with soldiers, or munitions, shipped from the United-States. Lastly, the liberation of Caen city after 6 weeks of fights.
Guided Tours
D-Day is a long and complex story of the Humanity liberation and the world’s peace. There are some recommended visits but there are a lot of extra activities to do.
The Caen-Normandie Memorial offers visits and day trips. Guided visits are the chance to explore the UK- US landing beaches with a professional guide. Memorial Museum presents Europe’s war History. A consequent part is about the Battle of Normandy.
Many guided tours are on the Internet. But we recommend you book offers by Normandy Discovery Tours. Here, you can find a lot of private tours about Normandy’s history with Norman professionals. Moreover, a private Jeep Tours in an authentic Jeep’s model used during World War will be a memorable experience.
Heritage and Architecture
Castles in Normandy
Normandy is a medieval region. Consequently, and as in all medieval places, there are many castles in Normandy. There are three of them :
Harcourt Domain
The Harcourt Domain is a beautiful castle built in medieval military style with a feudal aspect from the 12th and 14th centuries. Later, this Castle became the Harcourt family’s house. Additionally, the domain possessed a magnificent arboretum with over 500 varieties of trees. The most remarkable of this collection are the ancient trees.
The Harcourt Domain
Opened every day, except on Tuesday.
Prices : Adult: 5,00 €
Young 13 – 17 years old: 3,00 €
Children 6 – 12 years old: 2,00 €
Children 0 – 5 years old: free
More details on the official website.
Pirou Castle
The Pirou Castle is a 12th-century castle built in the center of an artificial pond. In the heart of this Fort, all essential shops such as chapel, bakery, or stables are there. According to the myth, the occupants of the castle were transformed into geese.
Pirou Castle
Opened every day, except on Tuesday.
Prices : Adult : 6,00€ // Child (7-17 years) : 3,50€. Tickets should be bought on the sport.
Gisors Castle
Gisors Castle had a long and important story in Fench History. Strategic place in the 10th century, this castle will be occupied and transformed by kings of France. It will be important during the Hundred Years’ War. During that time, it changed hands many times but finally being returned to the French Monarch.
Additionally, a legend said that the Knights Templar’s treasure was forgotten here …
Gisors Castle
Opened every day. Annual closure in December and on public holidays (more information on the official website).
Duration of the guided visit: 1 hour
Prices: Adult 5 €.
The reduced price is 4 € (for children between 6 and 17 years old, and disabled persons. Check the official website for more information).
Children under 6 years old: Free (however, access is not permitted to the donjon).
Gaillard Castle
Chateau-Gaillard, castle erected in just 1 year by Richard The Lion Heart, King of England, Duke of Normandy. The ruins of this significantly powerful link between England and France is located near the Seine river.
Opened every day, except on Tuesday.
Duration of the guided visit: 1 hour
Prices: Adult 3.50€ (+1€ for a guided visit)
Children, disabled persons, students, job seekers, and people over 60 years old: 3€ (+1 € for a guided visit)
Children under 7 years old: free
Please call +00 33 2 32 54 41 93 or send an email to the Andelys Tourist office at this email: [email protected] for booking a guided tour.
Rouen
Capital of the region of Normandy, Rouen had a plural heritage from the Medieval Ages. Rich of histories, Rouen is also an artistic city. The legendary painter Claude Monet appreciated it. Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spiers” by Victor Hugo. The reason for that is a large number of churches present on the site, more than 40. Among them, the most well-known of them is the Notre-Dame of Rouen. The highest gothic Cathedral in France. From the start of July to the end of September, illuminations are projected on the facades. Rouen is also the birthplace of Joan of Arc. Warlord and saint of the Catholic Church, this young woman became an heroïne. She recovered France from English domination during the Hundred Years’ War. Visitors can discover her story in the Historial- Jeanne d’Arc. If you come to Rouen, don’t miss the Gros Horloge, a splendid gothic clock.
Normandy’s Haras du Pin National Stud
Formerly, the construction of this place was for satisfying the needs of the Royal court. The king needs horses for transportation, farm work, and the royal cavalry. At the present time, the Haras du Pin offers guided visits and professional formations. Every Thursday, from June to September, cavalier staff provided occasionally a magnificent equestrian show. They show dressage, vaulting, and jumping over obstacles, that will take you back a century. Definitely, an impressive way to discover the excellence of French craftsmanship.
Please check the opening dates on the official website.
Guided visits
Prices: Depending on the performance
Adult: From 8€
Students: From 7€
Children: From 5€
Equestrian show
Prices:
Adult: 12€
Students: 10€
Children 5-9 years old: 8€
Cultural Places
Museum of past Life and Professions
Located in Breteuil city, this museum purposes an introduction of the past life through 7,000 old tools and objects. Visitors will therefore discover our ancestor’s life and their 35 crafts from the 19th and start of the 20th century. This exhibition will definitely surprise you!
Prices: Adult 4€
Children 2.50 €
Tickets should be bought on the spot.
Ecomuseum of Apples and Cider
In fact, Normandy is the main producer of cider. And, as they said on the museum website: “Cider is far more than just a thirst-quenching drink − it is a tradition.” (Vincent & Marie-Claire Godefroy, owners of the Ecomuseum of Apples and Cider).
After a walk around the farm for finding the cider apple-trees, you will discover all about the artisanal cider-making process and try the traditional products. That will be the opportunity to buy some homemade products from Normandy.
Ecomuseum of Apples and Cider
Duration of the visit: 1 hour
Prices: Adult 5€
Children 10−18 years old 4€
Groups of 10 or more people 4€
Family pass ( 2 adults + 2 children) 15 €
Bayeux Tapestry
Registred on Unesco’s Memory of the World in 2007, the Bayeux Tapestry museum offers an illustrated narration of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror also known as the Duke of Normandy. Surely a unique museum about the History of Europe in the Middle Ages.
Bayeux Tapestry
Unaccompanied tour time: 45 mins to 1h30.
Audio guided tour (available in 16 languages): 25 mins.
Single tariff: 5€. (No online reservation)
Historic Park: ORNAVIK, From Vikings to Normans
Before being Normans, the Normandy’s population was Vikings. The Ornavik Historic Park reproduced a Norman village during the 10th-11th century. That is the place for discovering the birth history of Normandy. A unique opportunity to learn history but principally relive it in total immersion with a hundred volunteers who wear traditional clothes.
Additionally, the park purpose an escape game in which you are a prisoner in the year 911! Your mission: Going back to the 21st century!
ORNAVIK
Opening times: From Wednesday to Saturday. Depending on the activity.
Prices: depending on the selected tour
Adult: From 8€
Children 7 – 15 years old: From 6€
Children under 7: Free
Package (2 adults and children under 16): From 22€
Vernon-Giverny
Giverny was the home of Claude Monet. Renowned painter and gardener, he created a lot of beautiful art in the city. The Monet Foundation‘s purpose to discover the story of Monet and the history of his art through a unique atmosphere. Every year, 500 000 visitors come for discovering the art of which is the King of the impressionism style.
Also, the Giverny Museum of impressionism is the best place to learn the impressionism art.
An incredible house built above the Seine river is the symbol of the city. Despite what we think, it is not a house but an old part of a water mill. Originally bigger and built on a bridge above the Seine river, World War II destroyed a big part of the mill. Claude Monet painted the mill as we know now. The name of the paint is “House on the Old Bridge at Vernon“.
Normandy’s Forest
The Monumental Forest
An unusual exhibition established in the forest named the Foret Verte. On the 20km long path, discover the 13 art installations. French and foreign artists provided these creations. The sculptures, besides being beautiful and photogenic, carry an important environmental protection message. An exhibition that will be loved by everyone. Especially children who can enjoy climbing inside a 28m long snake.
Located in the north of Rouen city, the entrance is free. More information on the official website. Unfortunately, information is not available in English but you can find the address with the map.
Lyons Forest
The largest forest in Normandy with 10 700 hectares, mainly composed of beech trees. Lyon Forest is renowned for being one of the most beautiful beech groves in Europe. Therefore, the Forest attracts a lot of visitors. Around 300 km of forest paths composed this clear forest. There meet trekking lovers and horse riding practitioners. Because of the remarkable beauty, Lyon Forest is registered as a “Natural zone of ecological interest, fauna and flora”.
Where to find it: LYONS FOREST, 76220 LA FEUILLIE.
Along the Sea of Normandy
Etretat
Etretat is a city located near the sea. The city is especially known for the beach, Cliffs, and extraordinary rock formations. Maurice Leblanc and Maupassant, famous writers, appreciated this city. Maurice Leblanc, the creator of Arsèle Lupin and lived here. His charming house called “Le Clos Lupin” has turned into a den of a gentleman thief from who you have to escape in eight stages.
Etretat is also a good place for leisure activities and aquatic sports. Catamaran, windsurf board, and kayaking are activities to do on this beautiful turquoise water. At night, visitors could enjoy some of the Casino’s activities.
Honfleur
Already mentioned in the 11th century, Honfleur was an important town of Normandy. The location is excellent, with access to the sea and to the Seine Estuary.
Honfleur was the house of Charles Baudelaire. Which one said, “My establishment in Honfleur has always been my dearest dream.”
Nowadays, Honfleur is a city of leisure. There are a lot of activities to do. Such as bike riding, labyrinth, mini-golf, karting, boat trip, Do not miss seeing the old basin surrounded by picturesque houses. That made a magnificent point of view. This is also the occasion to savor a delicious Normandy’s specialty. Also, a variety of restaurants are in the city and some of them offer a view of the port. Specifically French brasserie or gastronomic restaurants, that purpose some delicious meal.
Food & Drink: Traditionnal Normandy Dishes
Normandy has a lot of food and drink specialties. Here are some recommendations:
Seafood: With the Normandy coastlines, it is the best place for trying seafood, shellfish, clams, oysters, mussels, etc… and much more variety of seafood. If you have the opportunity, try the mussels “sauce à la crème” (cream sauce), or “sauce au camembert” (Camembert cheese sauce). Another famous recommendation is the scallops called in French “coquilles Saint-Jacques”.
Escalope à la Normande: veal cutlet cooked with cream sauce and mushroom. The meat is usually served with rice.
Andouillette d’Alençon: A big size sausage. Originally only made with pork meat, these days it is possible to find it made with other meats.
Joue de bœuf: This meal is made with cow meat and served with carrot, onion, and potatoes. This meal is a traditional meal that needs a lengthy preparation, 2 days process needed.
Tripes à la mode de Caen: This food is not for everyone because it is made with cow’s offals, stomach, bones, and a part of the large intestine that is needed for the recipe. All meat parts and vegetables are cooked for many hours into a stew.
Desserts
Teurgoule: A local dessert made with rice pudding and cinnamon.
Apple Pie or Tarte Normande: Normandy is the country of apple and, by the way, makes a lot of apple dessert.
Sucre de Pommes: It is a candy made in Rouen with sugar and apples from the region.
Caramel de pomme: A sweet dessert made with local and noble products: sugar, butter, and stewed apple.
Come to Normandy !
As can be seen above, Normandy is a region rich in stories, heritage, culture, the arts, and much more. Despite being famous for war history, the territory of Normandy is an exceptional place for everyone for every season. There will definitely be an activity that you will love.
Normans and Normandy are waiting for you!
