Things to do in  Normandy

Normandy is one of France’s most visited regions, famous for the magnificent island monastery of Mont Saint-Michel, D-Day beaches and WWII memorials, Bayeux Tapestry, and white chalk cliffs of Etretat. Norman gastronomy is equally world-renowned—Camembert, cider, Calvados, and the French apple tart known as tarte Normande hail from here.

With only one day in Normandy, it’s best to choose just one or two attractions. Combine a tour of the Mont Saint-Michel with a cider tasting, a visit to Bayeux Tapestry with D-Day beaches, or a day trip to Honfleur and Deauville with the white cliffs of Etretat.

The island monastery of Mont Saint-Michel is the most visited attraction in Normandy, with more than 2.5 million annual visitors. Other popular sites include the D-Day beaches and Caen Memorial Museum, the Bayeux Tapestry museum, and the coastal towns of Honfleur and Deauville.

Give yourself at least three days in Normandy to cover the highlights—Mont Saint-Michel, Bayeux Tapestry, and D-Day beaches and memorials. With a full week, you could include the historic cities of Caen and Rouen, the coastal towns of Honfleur and Deauville, and the famous white cliffs of Etretat.

Yes, it’s also possible to swim along the Channel coast—if you don’t mind the cold. Normandy’s golden beaches are better known for their D-Day memorials and soaring white chalk cliffs. The best time to swim is in July and August, when water temperatures average 65°F (18°C).

Yes, Normandy is easy to explore on your own with a vehicle, and traveling independently gives you flexibility. Day trips to Normandy’s cities and towns can also be made by train or bus, but to explore the D-Day beaches, it’s best to hire a car.