Geography
600 km of English Channel coastline, white cliffs of Étretat, picturesque valleys and apple orchards
Wine region · France
Normandy
A region of contrasts: from majestic white cliffs to historic Allied landing beaches, from apple orchards to medieval abbeys
29,906 km²area
3.3 millionpopulation
5departments
Rouencapital
Region
About the region
Normandy is a region in northwestern France where history meets nature. Here you'll find dramatic white cliffs that inspired the Impressionists, historic Allied landing beaches, the majestic Mont Saint-Michel Abbey and a rich gastronomic culture.
From medieval towns with half-timbered houses to modern ports, from apple orchards to oyster farms, Normandy offers a unique combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty and culinary traditions.
History
From the Vikings to the 1944 Allied landings, medieval abbeys and castles, home of William the Conqueror
Gastronomy
Camembert, Calvados, cider, oysters, seafood and traditional Norman cuisine with cream
Culture
Monet's Impressionism, half-timbered houses, Gothic cathedrals, WWII museums
What to see
Main attractions
From majestic natural wonders to historical monuments, discover Normandy's most iconic sites
Click a marker or card: they are linked.
ArchitectureMont-Saint-Michel
Majestic abbey on a rocky island, one of the most recognizable places in France
- Medieval Abbey
- High and low tides
- Panoramic views
NatureCliffs of Etretat
White chalk cliffs with natural arches that inspired Claude Monet
- Natural arches
- Walking routes
- Sunsets over the sea
HistoryLanding Beaches
Historic beaches of Operation Overlord June 6, 1944
- Omaha Beach
- American Cemetery
- WWII Museums
ArchitectureRouen Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece captured by Monet in a series of paintings
- Gothic architecture
- Stained glass
- Historical Center
CultureHonfleur
Picturesque port city with art galleries
- Old Port
- Art galleries
- Wooden church
NatureGiverny
Claude Monet's House and Gardens, Impressionist Inspiration
- Water Lily Garden
- Monet House Museum
- Japanese bridge
HistoryBayeux
Medieval town with famous 11th century tapestry
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Cathedral
- Medieval Center
ArchitectureDeauville
Elegant seaside resort with casino and boardwalk
- Les Planches promenade
- Casino
- Beach cabanas
NatureSuisse Normande
Picturesque Orne Valley with opportunities for active recreation
- Kayaking
- Climbing
- Walking routes
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of Normandy
From medieval towns to picturesque villages, each location has its own unique history
Town
Rouen
Normandy’s capital, the city of a hundred bell towers, with a magnificent Gothic cathedral and medieval centre.
130 km from Paris
- Rouen Cathedral
- Old Market
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Rue Gros-Horloge
Town
Honfleur
A picturesque port city that inspired the Impressionists with its beauty and atmosphere.
200 km from Paris
- Old Harbor
- Sainte-Catherine wooden church
- Eugène Boudin Museum
- Quai Sainte-Catherine
Village
Étretat
Famous village with white chalk cliffs and natural arches, praised by artists.
210 km from Paris
- Cliffs of Etretat
- Étretat Gardens
- Notre Dame Chapel
- Beach and boardwalk
Town
Deauville
Elegant seaside resort with casino, racetrack and famous boardwalks.
200 km from Paris
- Promenade des Planches
- Casino Barrière
- Racecourse
- Beach and cabins
Town
Bayeux
A medieval town renowned for its 11th-century tapestry and Gothic cathedral.
270 km from Paris
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Museum of the Battle of Normandy
- Old Town
Village
Giverny
Claude Monet's village with his house, gardens and the famous water lily pond.
75 km from Paris
- Monet's House and Gardens
- Water Lily Pond
- Museum of Impressionism
- Church of Sainte-Radegonde
Traditions
Traditions and culture
Normandy carefully preserves its traditions, passing them on from generation to generation
Apple Festival
Fall festivals celebrating apple harvest and cider production.
- Cider and Calvados tastings
- Traditional fairs
- Producers’ competitions
- Cooking classes
Maritime Traditions
Fishing holidays and blessing of the fleet in coastal cities.
- Blessing of Fishing Boats
- Sailors' parades
- Marine fairs
- Seafood tastings
Lace art
Traditional lace making, passed down from generation to generation.
- Lacemakers' workshops
- Lace Museums
- Training courses
- Exhibitions and fairs
Cheese traditions
Production of famous Norman cheeses according to ancient recipes.
- Visit to cheese factories
- Cheese tastings
- Cheese fairs
- Master classes
Equestrian traditions
Horse breeding and equestrian competitions are the pride of the region.
- Stud farms
- Horse racing and competitions
- Horse shows
- Horse riding training
Vikings and history
Festivals dedicated to the Vikings and medieval history of the region.
- Historical re-enactments
- Medieval fairs
- Knight Tournaments
- Viking Museums
Gastronomy
Gastronomy of Normandy
Discover the richness of Norman cuisine - from seafood to famous cheeses and apple delicacies
Producers
Producers and workshops
Visit traditional Normandy factories and learn the secrets of creating legendary products
Cheese factory
Fromagerie Graindorge
Production of the famous Livarot cheese since 1910. Excursions with tasting.
WhereLivarotExcursionsDaily 10:00-17:00PriceFrom 8€
Calvados Distillery
Château du Breuil
Production of premium Calvados in a 17th century castle. Tasting of aged spirits.
WhereLe Breuil-en-AugeExcursionsApril-October, dailyPriceFrom 12€
Cider house
Cidrerie Traditionnelle
Family produced cider using traditional recipes. Apple orchards and cellars.
WhereCambremerExcursionsYear-roundPriceFrom 6€
Oyster Farm
Ferme Marine de Cancale
Oyster farming in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Excursions during low tide.
WhereCancaleExcursionsAccording to the tide schedulePriceFrom 10€
Confectionery factory
Confiserie des Hautes Falaises
Production of traditional Norman sweets. Master classes on making caramel.
WhereFécampExcursionsTue-Sat 14:00-18:00PriceFrom 7€
Dairy farm
Ferme Président
Historic farm where Camembert was born. Cheese production according to the original recipe.
WhereCamembertExcursionsDaily 9:00-18:00PriceFrom 9€
What to bring home
What to bring from Normandy
The best souvenirs and gifts from the region of apple orchards, sea and ancient crafts
Food · From €8
Camembert AOP
Real Norman cheese in a wooden box
Tip: Choose the AOP label for a guarantee of quality
Cheesemakers, markets
Apple brandy · From €25
Calvados
Aged apple spirit in gift box
Tip: VSOP or XO is the best gift choice
Distilleries, specialty stores
Food · From €6
Salted Butter Caramel
Traditional handmade Norman sweets
Tip: Keeps and travels very well
Confectionery shops, markets
Crafts · From €15
Pottery from Rouen
Traditional style painted tableware
Tip: Look for the maker’s mark on the base
Rouen workshops, souvenir shops
Crafts · From €30
Alençon lace
Handmade lace listed by UNESCO
Tip: Genuine lace takes months to make by hand
Lace Museum, specialty shops
Clothing · From €35
Striped sailor’s shirt
Classic striped sailor shirt
Tip: Look for original French brands
Boutiques in port cities
For the home · From €20
Linen products
Norman linen tablecloths and towels
Tip: Normandy linen is considered Europe's finest
Textile shops, markets
Food · From €5
Cider and poiré
Traditional apple and pear drinks
Tip: Choose bottles with a cork and wire cage
Cider makers, supermarkets
Home · From €40
Ship model
Handmade in nautical style
Tip: Viking longship models are popular
Maritime museums, souvenir shops
Crafts · From €3
Cards and Prints
Artistic depictions of Normandy
Tip: Look for work by local artists
Museums, bookstores
Food · From €7
Honey and apple jam
Local sweets made from natural products
Tip: Try buckwheat honey, a Normandy speciality
Farmers markets, stalls
Clothing · From €45
Wool products
Lambswool sweaters and scarves
Tip: Norman wool is known for its quality
Boutiques, craft fairs
Where to stay
Where to Stay in Normandy
The region's best hotels - from historic castles to modern boutique hotels
Luxury · Honfleur ★★★★★
La Ferme Saint-Siméon
Legendary hotel in a historic 17th-century building overlooking the Seine estuary
- Michelin starred restaurant
- SPA center
- Indoor pool
- Garden 2 hectares
From 350€4.8 · 892 reviews
Château · Bayeux ★★★★
Château de Sully
Romantic 18th century castle in a park with ancient trees
- Historical interiors
- Park 3 hectares
- Wine cellar
- Fireplaces
From 220€4.7 · 456 reviews
Seaside · Cabourg ★★★★★
Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg
Famous Belle Époque hotel on the promenade with direct access to the beach
- Sea view
- Casino
- Thalassotherapy
- Gastronomic restaurant
From 280€4.6 · 1,203 reviews
Boutique · Honfleur ★★★★
Hôtel des Loges
Cozy boutique hotel in the heart of the old port
- Designer rooms
- Terrace with a view
- Library
- Chef's Breakfast
From 180€4.9 ·324 reviews
Boutique · Cricqueboeuf ★★★★
Manoir de la Poterie
Charming 16th century mansion with authentic interiors
- Antique furniture
- Garden with apple trees
- Fireplace
- Home cooking
From 160€4.8 · 267 reviews
Luxury · Guainville ★★★★★
Domaine de Primard
Luxurious estate with golf course and stables
- Golf 18 holes
- Equestrian Club
- Michelin starred restaurant
- SPA Sisley
From 450€4.9 · 178 reviews
Seaside · Étretat ★★★★
Hôtel Dormy House
Hotel on a cliff with panoramic views of the famous cliffs
- View of the rocks
- Gastronomy
- Terrace
- Direct access to the beach
From 240€4.7 · 634 reviews
Château · Audrieu ★★★★★
Château d'Audrieu
Majestic castle with park in English style
- Park 25 hectares
- Indoor pool
- Tennis court
- Gastronomy
From 320€4.8 ·412 reviews
Boutique · Saint-Gatien-des-Bois ★★★★
Le Clos Deauville Saint-Gatien
Stylish Norman hotel with modern comforts
- Interior design
- Heated pool
- Sauna
- Organic breakfasts
From 190€4.7 · 289 reviews
Route Examples
Route Examples
Ready-made routes for independent travel around Normandy. Select the duration and follow our recommendations.
- Day 1
Rouen - the capital of Normandy
Arrival in Rouen, walk through the old town, visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, lunch in a traditional restaurant, evening walk along the Seine embankment.
- Day 2
Alabaster Coast
Trip to Etretat, famous white cliffs and arches, lunch overlooking the sea, visit to Honfleur - a picturesque port city, evening at a hotel by the sea.
- Day 3
Landing Beaches
Visit to Allied landing beaches, American cemetery, D-Day museum, lunch in Bayeux, return.
Don't want to plan it yourself?
Join our organized tour with an expert guide, comfortable transportation and a thoughtful program.
Normandy food tourExperiences
Experiences and activities
Choose experiences that will make your trip unforgettable
Gastronomy
Cheese and cider tasting
Visit traditional farms producing Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Évêque. Learn the secrets of producing Normandy cider and Calvados.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 85€
History
Allied landing beaches
Tour of Operation Overlord sites including visits to museums, bunkers and an American cemetery. Dive into the history of D-Day.
Duration8 hoursPricefrom 120€
Nature
Walk along the cliffs of Etretat
Hiking route along the famous white cliffs, glorified by the Impressionists. Spectacular views of the English Channel and natural arches.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 45€
Culture
Mont-Saint-Michel at sunset
Evening excursion to the abbey with a visit to the monastery halls. Tide watching and dining overlooking the bay.
Duration5 hoursPricefrom 95€
Gastronomy
Oysters and seafood
Visit to oyster farms in Cancale, tasting fresh oysters of different varieties. Seafood lunch at a coastal restaurant.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 75€
Culture
Rouen: City of Joan of Arc
Walking tour of the medieval center of Rouen. Visit the cathedral, the old market and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 55€
Signature tour
Gastronomic tour to Normandy
7 days · from €1,100 per day
Gastronomic tour to Normandy
Cider, calvados, Camembert, oysters and paintings on the cliffs
Tour programmeFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to popular questions about tours to Normandy
When is the best time to visit Normandy?
The best time to visit Normandy is from May to September. During this period the weather is warm, ideal for walks along the coast and excursions. June is especially popular because of the anniversary of the Allied landings. In autumn (September-October) there are fewer tourists, but the weather can be changeable.
How many days does it take to explore Normandy?
Minimum 3-4 days for main attractions: Rouen, Etretat, landing beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel. To fully explore the region, including gastronomic experiences and leisurely walks, we recommend 5-7 days.
How to get from Paris to Normandy?
You can travel from Paris to Normandy by train (two hours to Rouen), hire car (two to three hours) or organised tour. We offer a comfortable transfer with an English-speaking guide who will collect you from your hotel in Paris.
What is included in the tour price?
Tastings, visits and additional services are agreed when preparing your personal proposal. Accommodation is not included.
Do I need a visa to visit Normandy?
Check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality.
What dining experiences are included?
Tastings, visits and additional services are agreed when preparing your personal proposal. Accommodation is not included.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, our tours are suitable for families with children aged 8 years and older. The program is quite intense, but we make regular rest stops. Particularly interesting for children are visits to Mont Saint-Michel, walks along the cliffs of Étretat and the landing museums with interactive exhibits.
Is it possible to change the tour program?
Yes, especially on private tours. We can adapt the programme to your interests, adding more food experiences, historical visits or nature routes. Contact us to discuss a personalised programme.
What's the weather like in Normandy?
Normandy has a temperate maritime climate. In summer the temperature is +18-25°C, but it can be windy on the coast. We recommend taking a light jacket even in summer. Rain is possible all year round, so don't forget an umbrella or raincoat.
Cancellation Policy?
More than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.
Art Wine Guide
Ready to discover Normandy?
Book your tour now and enjoy an unforgettable travel experience in one of the most beautiful regions of France
- Professional guiding500+ guests
- 24/7 supportAlways in touch during the tour
- Flexible cancellationMore than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.