Discover Normandy

Normandy’s coast and landscapes

The coastline stretches for 640 kilometres and includes sandy beaches, dunes, rocky shores, pebble beaches and white chalk cliffs. The chalk cliffs of Seine-Maritime are considered Europe’s highest; at Étretat, they form large arches and a rock needle. Inland, the Seine Valley, Marais Vernier, Cap de la Hague, Perche and Suisse normande are among the distinctive landscapes.

Four regional nature parks add to this picture: Boucles de la Seine normande, Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin, Normandie-Maine and Perche. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between coastal landscapes, river and wetland areas, and nature park regions, rather than viewing Normandy as a single uniform landscape.

Cultural heritage and historic sites

Mont-Saint-Michel regained its maritime character in 2015 and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO describes it as an ensemble of an abbey and fortified village on a small island, as well as an important site of medieval Christian civilisation. The region’s UNESCO heritage also includes the centre of Le Havre and the Vauban towers of La Hougue and Tatihou.

The forts, castles, abbeys, basilicas and cathedrals that are open to visitors also offer cultural points of interest for your trip. Examples include Château-Gaillard, Falaise, Jumièges, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux and Sées. Normandy is also associated with Impressionism, as the entire region served as a source of inspiration for Impressionist painters.

The region’s cultural heritage spans more than 500 years of history and includes links to the Vikings, William the Conqueror and the Duchy of Normandy, as well as the Hundred Years’ War. The D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 are also part of its commemorative heritage. In Bayeux, a section of the VéloWestNormandy route connects the medieval town with its cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry and Mondaye Abbey.

Routes, nature and activities

For cycling trips, Normandy has five véloroutes, with a network covering 1,600 kilometres, including 700 kilometres of greenways. The VéloWestNormandy is a four-day, 185-kilometre route from Bayeux to Pontorson; possible starting points include Bayeux and Carentan. It follows greenways and country roads and connects natural, cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage. The route is marked with its own signs. Check route conditions before setting off.

There are also four regional visitor routes showcasing cider, poiré, fruit and landscapes with thatched cottages. They range from 28 to 70 kilometres in length. For riders, four major riding routes and signposted local circuits are the main options; the region’s equestrian tourism offer also includes stud farms in Le Pin and Saint-Lô, events, racecourses and equestrian tourism clubs.

Individual nature and leisure spots offer a range of different activities. At Lac de la Dathée, activities include pedal boating, kayaking and golf; there is also an ornithological reserve with more than 80 bird species. As facilities may change, check their current availability before visiting. The Grande Cascade near Mortain-Bocage plunges 25 metres into a rocky setting with remarkable fauna and flora.

On the D-Day coast near Asnelles, a watersports centre offers land sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and boat trips. Availability depends on the provider and conditions. The Viaduc de la Souleuvre, also on the VéloWestNormandy route, offers bungee jumping; this activity may vary.

Regional cuisine and finding a hotel

Regional food culture includes cream and butter from Isigny, as well as Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont-l’Évêque cheeses. Apples and pears are used to make drinks such as Calvados, cider, poiré and Pommeau de Normandie. Coastal specialities include scallops, lobster, whelks and bouchot mussels. The four named oyster-growing areas are Côte Ouest, Isigny, Saint-Vaast and Côte de Nacre. Meat specialities such as Agneau de prés-salés, Andouille de Vire and Tripes à la mode de Caen also contribute to the region’s culinary diversity.

If you are looking for a hotel in Normandy, first decide whether the coast, cultural heritage, nature, a route or regional cuisine should shape your stay. This focus gives your search a clear direction. Then compare the specific details of the hotels with your personal requirements.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Calvados, Eure, Manche, Orne, Seine-Maritime.

Discover more destinations: Alsace, Picardy, Saint Pierre.

Go to the main travel overview: France.