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Things to do in Normandy

Known for its stunning coastline, rustic landscapes, and rich culture and heritage, Normandy is the perfect destination if you are looking for a diverse trip and a great self-drive holiday option.

With lots of links to World War II, plenty of well-known towns to explore, and some popular landmarks to discover, there’s a whole range of things to do in Normandy no matter what you enjoy doing during your time away.

You can reach the area that Normandy covers in around two hours from the port in Calais via the beautiful city of Le Mans, so when you take your car to France you can start your adventure in no time at all and go to all the places to visit in Normandy straight away.

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Things to do in Normandy

Drive Along the Alabaster Coast

One of the best places to visit in Normandy involves taking a drive along the Alabaster Coast, as this 80 mile long stretch offers the chance to view some stunning scenery, and will take you through great towns and villages too.

Lovely Étretat is famous for its rock formations, including arches and the Needle which have been formed over time by erosion, and views across the English Channel. As one of the prettiest places in Normandy It was also a popular subject among the Impressionists so has been included in many different works of art over the years.

Add a bit of luxury to your drive with a trip to Deauville, as this fashionable seaside resort is home to amazing architecture, sea bathing facilities, an equestrian centre, a casino, horse racing and polo events, and a number of elegant hotels, boutiques and eateries too. As one of the best places to see in Normandy, you could also choose to visit Dieppe where you can see the Château de Dieppe which sits on the cliff overlooking the beach, or simply watch a variety of boats and ships head into the town’s four ports.

Places to go in Normandy - Visit Bayeux

One of the top places to visit in Normandy is 10km inland from the coast and you will find the fascinating town of Bayeux where you can wander its cobbled streets and discover all of the great things to do there.

Mostly famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, a 70 metre long and 50cm wide wall-hanging showing the events leading up to William the Conqueror seizing England in 1066, Bayeux also has its own Notre-Dame Cathedral which was consecrated in 1077 and was the original home of the tapestry before it was moved. Here the tapestry is a worldwide attraction for all visitors making it one of the most famous places in Normandy.

Once you have taken in some of Bayeux’s history, discover the town from a different perspective with a walk or bike ride along the River Aure. A trip along the trail will give you the opportunity to see old restored mills and wash houses from years gone by. Here a bike ride along the river can be a fun thing to do in Normandy with families. At P&O Ferries we like to make sure all our passengers can enjoy their trips away. That's why we make it even easier to travel with bicycles and also provide endless onboard kid’s entertainment so no child will ever get bored on our Dover to Calais ferry.

Places to see in Normandy - Normandy’s Wartime History

Many visitors use their holiday to do and see all the things in Normandy relating to the war to learn all about the monumental D-Day landings. During these tours of Normandy's beaches, visitors can view the beautiful coastline and one of the prettiest places in Normandy whilst learning about the dramatic events of the largest seaborne invasion in history which are vividly brought to life by expert guides.

You can discover even more about this era by visiting the Mémorial de Caen, a war museum and memorial covering historical events between the end of World War I to the end of the Cold War, located in the historical city of Caen. This is a must see place in Normandy to allow you to fully immerse yourself in Normandy’s history and culture and also a great thing to do in Normandy with kids as the experts truly make interactive as well as informative.

Must see places in Normandy - Mont-Saint-Michel

A trip to Normandy is not complete without setting your eyes on Mont-Saint-Michel, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site set on a granite island. This 8th century monastery is one of France’s most recognisable landmarks and can be spotted from miles around, making it the most famous place in Normandy, so you won’t be able to miss it!

Although the mount has been of religious importance since 708, the abbey was not built until the 10th century and has been a place of pilgrimage ever since. To get to the top you will need to walk up the steep, winding street which is now lined with shops, restaurants and museums, but you will be rewarded with amazing views to see the prettiest places in Normandy and beyond when you reach the end.

Explore the fascinating town of Bayeux, where you can wander the cobbled streets and discover its history

Mont Saint Michel Cathedral in Normandy, France

Places to stay in Normandy

There are lots of places to stay in Normandy depending on what you require. Some of the best places to stay in Normandy include Honfleur, a picturesque location perfect for exploring the harbour and nearby beaches, Caen full of history, offers perfect places to stay in Normandy.

For a more rural retreat, Étretat has scenic cliffside accommodations with stunning views of the famous arches. In Mont Saint-Michel, there are unique hotels offering views of the island and its abbey offering some of the most beautiful places in Normandy to stay. What makes Normandy a great place to also visit is that there are also lots of family friendly places to stay as well as pet friendly places too. Book your Dover to Calais ferry now to start your Normandy adventure and ensure your furry friend has ultimate comfort by booking our pet lounge today.

Top 10 things to do in Normandy

With so many great things to do in Normandy here is our list of some of the top places to visit that you don’t want to miss:

1. Visit Mont Saint-Michel
2. Explore D-Day Landing Beaches
3. Tour the Normandy American Cemetery
4. Visit Rouen Cathedral
5. Discover the Cliffs of Étretat
6. Explore the medieval town of Honfleur
7. Visit Château de Caen
8. Wander through Giverny
9. Tour the Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux
10. Visit The Pays d'Auge

FAQs:

1. Where is Normandy?

Normandy is located in the northern part of France, along the English Channel. It is bordered by the regions of Brittany to the west, the Île-de-France to the east, and the Pays de la Loire to the south. Located approximately 250 kilometers from our Calais port depending on the specific destination you are travelling to, with plenty of things to do in Normandy suitable for all ages it is a great place to visit any time of the year.

2. What are some of the unusual things to do in Normandy?

There are lots of unique and unusual things to do in Normandy. You can visit the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-meter-long embroidered cloth depicting the Norman Conquest of England. You could explore the Basilique Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux, a striking pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. For something quirky, visit the Cider Route, where you can tour traditional cider farms and taste local calvados.

3. What are the most famous places in Normandy to visit?

Some of the most famous places in Normandy include Mont Saint-Michel, the historic D-Day Landing Beaches like Omaha and Utah. The Normandy American Cemetery that honours fallen soldiers is also a famous place to go in Normandy and Rouen Cathedral showcases its Gothic architecture. Étretat is known for its dramatic cliffs, and Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Norman Conquest. Another must see is the Château de Caen, Giverny (Monet’s gardens) where you can fully immerse in French arts and culture. Whatever you decide to do there are plenty of things to do with families or as a solo traveller or when you travel in a group. Book your ferry to France today and let’s get planning your trip to France now.

4. What are the best free things to do in Normandy?

There are lots of fantastic free things to do in Normandy for everyone of all ages to enjoy. You can explore the D-Day Landing Beaches, like Omaha and Utah Beach, and visit the Normandy American Cemetery, which are both deeply moving historical sites. Stroll through the charming streets of Honfleur or Rouen, with their beautiful architecture and picturesque views. Enjoy a walk along the stunning Cliffs of Étretat or explore the peaceful Jardin Public in Caen. Finally, visit Mont Saint-Michel from the outside and take in its breathtaking views without entering the abbey.

With a stunning coastline, picture perfect towns and villages, and plenty of history to uncover, there are so many things to do in Normandy that it must be time for you to take a trip here to see it for yourself. So book your Dover to Calais crossing today and start planning your French adventure.

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