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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NORMANDY
The best things to do in Normandy
Artists will love the stunning medieval towns and chateaux of this rustic region. The incredible natural beauty of the Alabaster Coast, inspired Impressionist painters such as Monet. You can also visit his house and garden in Giverny, where Monet painted some of his most famous works.
Wherever you visit across Normandy, you'll find quaint crêperies selling crêpes with a cup of local cidre, as well as restaurant menus filled with creamy à la Normand dishes.
Seafood fans will be spoiled for choice with all the freshly caught shellfish on offer.
Our favourite Normandy attractions
Tapisserie de Bayeux
One of the most famous sights in all of France, the Bayeux Tapestry is today displayed in its own museum. On display in its entirety, the nearly 70m long tapestry depicts the events of the Norman Conquest of England by William the Conqueror and the English defeat at the Battle of Hastings.
This tapestry is of major historical significance and a must-see when in Normandy!
Claude Monet's garden
Booking in advance is recommended to ensure you can see the scenes that inspired some of the world's most famous paintings.
It was in these spectacular gardens that Monet painted some of his best-known works including the Water Lilies series. Wander across the Japanese bridge and admire the natural beauty that inspired a master.
A lovely thing to do in Normandy for art lovers and nature lovers alike! Located in the beautiful village of Giverny, make sure you add a trip here to your holiday itinerary!
Monet's garden in Giverny
Mémorial de Caen
This incredible, modern museum follows Europe's descent into war from the rise of Hitler in Germany to VE Day. Whilst also looking at the impact of war around the world ever since.
Illuminating, educational and always interesting, the museum really is a unique experience. An unmissable Normandy attraction and one that you should set a whole day aside for in order to really explore.
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
If you are interested in visiting the D-Day sights, you have to include this D-Day memorial on your itinerary.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the scale of this D-Day cemetery where over 9,000 white marble crosses mark the names of the fallen American soldiers who died during D-Day itself and it's ensuing operations in Normandy.
A profound and humbling experience, located close to one of the most famous D-Day landing beaches, Omaha beach.
Normandy American Cemetery
Mont St Michel
Mont St Michel attracts over three million visitors every year. This pretty tidal island is topped by a magnificent abbey and sits in one of the 'most beautiful bays in the world'.
This is without a doubt a must see attraction when visiting Normandy.
You can stroll along the steep cobbled streets, filled with quaint shops, crêperies and restaurants. Don’t forget to climb up the 900 steps to reach the beautiful Benedictine abbey at the top for spectacular views.
Cité de la Mer
Discover what life is like both on and under the seas at the Cité de la Mer. Home to La Redoubtable, the largest submarine open to the public in the world, and a stunning exhibition about the Titanic (which docked here in Cherbourg on its fateful voyage), it also has 17 aquariums including the deepest aquarium in Europe.
La Redoubtable submarine outside the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg
Abbaye aux Hommes
This striking Romanesque abbey is one of two built in Caen by William the Conqueror.
This, the men's abbey, and the Abbaye aux Dames, the women's abbey, were built in penance to the Church for William's unsanctioned marriage to his wife Mathilda.
Famed for its beautiful spires, the Abbaye aux Hommes also contains William the Conqueror's tomb.
Château de Caen
William the Conqueror's castle and one of the largest and best-preserved mediaeval fortresses in Europe.
The Château de Caen is a fantastic example of Norman defensive architecture from the Middle Ages. Standing high on the hill overlooking Caen, today, it is home to the Museum of Normandy and a Fine Arts Museum.
Chateau de Caen
Jumièges Abbey
The remains of one of the oldest abbeys in the Western world, the abbey at Jumièges near Rouen was originally built in the 7th century.
In 1067, after it was rebuilt following destruction by the Vikings, William the Conqueror consecrated the abbey and it became a great centre of learning, renowned for its help to the poor, until the Wars of Religion in the 16th century.
Another beautiful historical attraction that should be paid a visit on your next holiday to Normandy.
Cliffs of Etretat
Another sight in Normandy that inspired Monet, the cliffs of Etretat are a unique and picturesque natural phenomenon.
The three archways hewn from the rock by the sea and the jutting spire of the Needle are a sensational backdrop to a paddle in the sea or a walk along the cliff top hiking trails.
They are the perfect thing to visit in Normandy for some outdoor time!
The dramatic cliffs at Etretat
Festyland
Located just outside of Caen, this historically-themed amusement park is brilliant fun for younger kids.
With rollercoasters, water slides, bumper boats, a medieval castle and more, it's a perfect family day out. And, you can feel better about letting the kids play all day because they'll be learning a little about Vikings, the Battle of Hastings and even the Belle Epoque too.
Zoo de Champrepus
Not just your usual zoo, the Zoo de Champrepus also focuses on plant life from around the world with its botanical garden.
See the lions and tigers, gibbons and lemurs, giraffes, penguins and many other animals but in the botanical gardens you'll also find bright macaws and elegant flamingos amongst the exotic plants from around the globe. A must visit when in Normandy!
Château de Guillaume de Conquérant
Built by William the Conqueror and improved by his ancestors, this castle was the family seat and is an impressive military structure.
An imposing sight on the hilltop, there are three keeps which have all been restored, a great hall and high enclosing walls that offer a great view and plenty of space to run around. Inside you can explore with augmented reality and videos.
Château de Falaise, William the Conqueror's birthplace
Zoo de Jurques
Zoo de Jurques features a Wild West themed petting zoo, where children can get up close with donkeys, goats and more. You can try your hand at being a farmer, there's a lot for kids and adults alike who like to get their hands dirty to do here.
In the main zoo there are lots of animals to see including rare white lions, giraffes, wallabies, parrots and spider monkeys.
Pegasus Memorial
One of the many D-Day sites to visit in Normandy. This was one of the first sites taken by Allied paratroopers in the early hours of D-Day. Pegasus Bridge was a vital point in securing the success of the Allied advancement.
The original bridge was removed and replaced and is now on display in the grounds of the museum alongside a replica Horsa glider, which would have dropped the paratroopers.
Tank outside Pegasus Memorial
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