Between land and sea, Normandy offers a wide diversity of landscapes and activities. Easily accessible by train, this is the perfect weekend getaway for friends, couples and families. You can visit the D-Day beaches, the Mont Saint-Michel, or even the stunning green countryside: there is truly something for everyone! So here are 10 ideas that will win you over.
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10 things to do in Normandy on a weekend:
Mont Saint Michel
With close to 2.5 million visitors each year, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most visited places in France. And it’s not hard to see why! This rock, surrounded by the sea, was a place of pilgrimage from the 9th century before its abbey, ramparts, and timber-framed houses were built.
A spectacular sight unfolds before your eyes when the tide covers the bay. A wide range of activities offer a unique way to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site: A tourist train, horse rides, guided tours..…
A city break in Le Havre
Forget all the clichés of grey industrial cities: Le Havre is also a UNESCO world heritage. The Perret district, built after the war, makes it a unique city due to its modern architecture. But you should also visit the Malraux Museum to see its impressive collection of works by Boudin and other Impressionists.
Then walk along the docks to discover the swimming pool and spa recently built by Jean Nouvel. Thanks to its clean lines, the architecture becomes a real showstopper! You can also go to restaurants located on the beach in summer, visit the heights of Sainte-Adresse...all promising an unforgettable weekend!
Following in the Impressionists’ footsteps
The Impressionist painterswere crazy for Normandy. It is often said that this artistic trend was born in the region. In any case, its flowery fields were a great source of inspiration for those artists. First stop for a weekend following in their footsteps: Giverny: home of the Musée des Impressionnismes (Impressionist Museum) and Monet's house (known worldwide for its gardens and Japanese bridge)!
Next, head to Rouen. The Musée des Beaux-Arts has a large collection of Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Pissaro, Sisley and Renoir.
A city break in Rouen
In Rouen, the first thing you should do is visit its historic centre with its cobbled streets, cathedral, andGreat Clock. Afterward, be sure to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a stunning collection of Impressionist paintings. Later on, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the city's many fine restaurants.
Rouen also has new attractions such as the Jeanne d’Arc Museum and the Panorama XXL. Located on the renovated docks, this installation will take you into a completely different world!
Remembrance of D-Day
On the 6th of June 1944, the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate France from Nazi occupation. This major event of the 20th century can be relived thanks to the Caen Memorial. Here, many archives witness the preparation and execution of the landing.
The D-Day beaches still have visible traces of the conflict. Many sites will enable you to go back in time in an educational way: Omaha beach, Utah beach, Gold beach, Juno beach... You can rent a bike and ride along the coast, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the sea.
Nature walks
Along the coast, the Sentier des Douaniers offers plenty of beautiful hikes. Immersed in nature, the hiker never strays far from the sea, can breathe in the sea air, and witness the changing landscape without much of a climb...You will always be amazed whether you’re in the Cotentin or in the rest of the Channel area.
Inland, Normandy has kept an authentic style through its charming timber-framed houses, charming villages, and unspoiled countryside. For a walk in nature, head to agricultural lands in the Pays d’Auge. In the vicinity of Lisieux, one-day hikes will take you along paths going through apple trees and past stud farms..…
Up-close encounters with animals
TheCerza zoo, located between Deauville and Lisieux, is fun for everyone. You will be among giraffes, rhinos, and other animals of the savannah. The next day you can spend the day in Villerville, located between the beach and the Bois de Breuil.
Another suggestion for your family weekend: Biotropica at the Léry-Poses amusement park, where you can make the most out of anexotic greenhouse, its excellent restaurant, and plenty of organised activities at the recreation area. Water-skiing, sailing, cycling and mini-golf, you can do them all here!
Normandy’s heritage
Have you heard of William the Conqueror? Set off on a journey to learn more about him, starting with the tale of his Norman conquest, illustrated on the famous medieval Bayeux tapestry. In Falaise, visit the castle in which he was born. In Caen, you will find the castle and two abbeys he had built, as well asthe Saint-Etienne church where he is buried. Then head for the remains of the Jumièges Abbey, a bucolic and romantic site where William placed his abbey church.
Our second suggestion for a weekend exploring Normandy's heritage. From Granville and its upper town, visit Coutances, its incredible cathedral, and the Pirou castle. You will find another tapestry (in the same style as the one in Bayeux but made in the 20th century!) in the village of Villedieu-Les-Poêles.
A romantic trip
If you are in love, Normandy is the perfect destination for you! Both bucolic and unique, its villages are sure to thrill you. Set out for the Perche countryside. Here, you can ride a horse hand in hand.
Or discover the charming French town of Honfleur by the sea. Unless you prefer the quiet authentic village of Lyons-la-Forêt..…
Relaxing at the beach
Whether it's Deauville, Cabourg, or Fécamp, you can enjoy the beach all year round in Normandy. In winter, you can go hiking or even land-sailing.
In summer, put on your swimming costumeand jump into the water! Unless you would rather laze about on the sand?