NORMANDY
This region is a land of dramatic history and breathtaking beauty, from rugged coastlines and pastoral landscapes to poignant war memorials. This guide will help you discover the rich legacy and unique charm of Northern France.
Why Visit Normandy?
D-Day Landing Beaches: Explore the historic beaches, museums, and memorials that commemorate the pivotal events of World War II.
Iconic Mont Saint-Michel: Discover one of Europe’s most spectacular landmarks, a medieval abbey perched on a tidal island.
Impressionist Masterpieces: Walk in the footsteps of masters like Monet and soak in the same landscapes that inspired their famous paintings.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather for exploring the coast and countryside, fewer crowds, and lower prices than the peak season.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodations and a peaceful atmosphere. It is also the perfect season for exploring museums and historic cities.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is warm, and the region is at its most vibrant. Be prepared for crowds, especially at major sites like Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The D-Day Landing Beaches
Stretching along the Normandy coast, these beaches are a must-visit for history buffs. From Omaha Beach, with its sobering American cemetery, to the preserved German bunkers at Pointe du Hoc, you can spend days retracing the events of June 6, 1944.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the crowds at popular sites like Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Mont Saint-Michel
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a magnificent sight, especially as the tides rise and it becomes an island again. The abbey at its peak is an architectural marvel, and the narrow, winding streets of the village below are filled with shops and restaurants.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the island without the tourist rush, visit in the shoulder season. Book your tickets to the abbey online in advance.
Giverny and the Impressionist Trail
Walk through the water lily gardens and Japanese bridge that inspired Claude Monet’s masterpieces. The village of Giverny and the surrounding areas are a paradise for art lovers, offering a chance to see the landscapes of famous paintings firsthand.
Your Smart Tip: Buy a combined ticket for Monet’s house and gardens online to skip the long lines and give yourself more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Rouen
The historic capital of Normandy, Rouen is a city of half-timbered houses and Gothic churches. It is a city of art, history, and delicious food, with a rich culinary scene. It is also famous as the city where Joan of Arc was tried and executed.
Your Smart Tip: Take time to explore the city’s hidden courtyards and narrow streets, away from the main tourist areas.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is temperate and variable. Winters are mild and wet, while summers are generally pleasant and can be rainy. Be prepared for all four seasons in one day!
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, a few basic French phrases will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
Dining: Food is a huge part of the culture. Taking the time to enjoy a long, multi-course meal is a common custom. It is considered polite to wait for your host to say “bon appétit” before you start eating.
Tipping: While not mandatory, it is customary to leave a small tip (around 5–10%) for good service at restaurants.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are higher in coastal areas and major cities during peak season.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$50 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (regional).
Activities: D-Day museum entrance ($12+), Mont Saint-Michel Abbey entrance ($13+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, small plate food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $220+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the best way to explore the region at your own pace, especially for visiting the rural countryside and D-Day sites.
By Train: The train network connects major cities like Rouen and Le Havre. You can also take a train from Paris to most major towns.
By Bus: The bus network is well-developed for travel between smaller towns and cities.
Must-Try Food
Marmite Dieppoise: A fish and shellfish stew with a creamy sauce.
Moules Marinières: Mussels cooked in a simple white wine, garlic, and parsley broth.
Agneau de Pré-Salé: Salt marsh lamb, a specialty from the Mont Saint-Michel Bay area.
Tripes à la Mode de Caen: Tripe (cow’s stomach) cooked slowly in cider and Calvados.
Teurgoule: A rice pudding baked slowly for a long time, a traditional Normandy dessert.
Camembert de Normandie: The world-famous soft cheese with a bloomy rind.
Tarte Normande: A classic apple tart made with a rich pastry and a creamy filling.
Crêpes and Galettes: Thin pancakes, sweet crêpes with various toppings, and savory galettes with ham, cheese, and egg.
Sole à la Normande: Sole fish cooked with mushrooms, mussels, and a creamy sauce.
Huîtres (Oysters): Normandy is known for its fresh oysters, a delicacy often served with a splash of lemon.
Must-Try Drinks
Cider (Cidre): A dry or sweet fermented apple beverage. It is the most popular drink in the region.
Calvados: A famous apple brandy produced in the region. It can be aged for many years and is often served as a digestif.
Pommeau de Normandie: A blend of unfermented apple juice and Calvados, a sweet aperitif.
Bénédictine: A herbal liqueur created by Benedictine monks in Fécamp.
Poire (Pear Cider): A pear-based equivalent to apple cider, lighter and sweeter.