Ten good reasons to visit Normandy in 2026 

2026 marks the centennial of Claude Monet’s passing on December 5, 1926, in Giverny. From Impression, Sunrise – the painting that gave Impressionism its name – to Poppies, the Rouen Cathedral series, and the legendary Water Lilies, Monet’s masterpieces are inseparable from the landscapes of Normandy. In 2026, the Impressionist Destination will invite the public to walk in Monet’s footsteps, with a vibrant program of events and itineraries. Major exhibitions, tours, concerts, talks, and gastronomic events will take place across the region.

In addition to these commemorations and major exhibitions, the Festival Normandie Impressionniste will feature around sixty contemporary events of international scope in tribute to Monet’s garden. Conceived as a genuine work of art, the garden marked the artist’s transition toward abstraction and became a turning point in modern art history. From 29 May to 27 September, around 60 contemporary art projects by international artists will reinterpret the theme of the garden through a modern lens.

Normandy never forgets! 2026 marks the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, another occasion to celebrate peace, liberty, and reconciliation. The D-Day Festival takes place from end May to mid-June, and numerous commemorations are held across the region. The 82nd anniversary will see increased collaboration with international partners and veterans’ organisations, fostering a shared commitment to preserving its memory.

Work has now begun on the new Bayeux Tapestry Museum, which will open end 2027, to mark the millennium of the birth of William the Conqueror. While the museum is being built, the Tapestry will be lent to the UK for the first time in almost 1000 years. The 70-metre-long masterpiece, which tells the story of the 1066 Norman invasion of Britain by William the Conqueror, is set to attract swathes of visitors to the British Museum from September 2026. In return, the British Museum will loan the Sutton Hoo and Lewis Chessmen collections to Normandy.

In a context of major geopolitical upheavals in Europe and around the world, the Normandy Region reaffirms its dedication to fostering understanding of global geopolitical issues and promoting a culture of peace. Held on 9 and 10 April at the Abbaye aux Dames (Women’s Abbey) in Caen, the 8th edition of the Forum will feature conferences, debates and meetings with prominent figures from around the world, as well as activities within the Peace Village – a space for dialogue with international organisations and partner NGOs.

The Normandy Low-Carbon Rate is a unique initiative offering reduced fares for visitors travelling by train, coach or bike. With 101 train stations and nearly 2,100 km of cycling routes across the region, most sites in Normandy are accessible by low-emission transportation options. To make sustainable travel experiences even more rewarding, visitors can now benefit from exclusive discounts offered by a growing network of committed sites participating in the scheme, which rewards travellers who choose to do their part to protect Normandy’s natural beauty.

Readers of Wanderlust, the UK’s leading travel magazine, have crowned Normandy as the ‘most desirable region’ in Europe! The announcement was made during the 24th edition of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, which was held on 5 November at London’s National Gallery. The awards saw more than 4.8 million votes cast by 208,000 people, with Normandy winning gold in the ‘Most Desirable Region in Europe’ category. This is the second time that our beautiful region has won the title, previously receiving the award in 2022.

Explore Normandy in a different way! Discover our selection of unforgettable experiences found only in Normandy. Each experience is a vibrant celebration of authenticity, freedom, sharing and connection, showcasing the true essence of the region. Meet the passionate locals who breathe life into this stunning part of France, and let their stories inspire your adventure. New experiences include a horse-drawn carriage ride with Percheron horses in the Orne, a sailing adventure off the coast of Le Havre and cow rides in Norman Switzerland!

When it comes to the question, “When is the best time to visit Normandy?” there really is no right or wrong answer. Each season brings its own unique charm and character, and we love them all! Come in the spring to enjoy the beautiful gardens in bloom and to explore our world-famous sites before the crowds arrive. Make the most of the warm summer months by attending our many medieval fairs or music festivals. Savour our mouth-watering food festivals in the autumn and watch the medieval streets twinkle with lights in December.

Visit more and spend less with the Explore Normandy Pass! Enrich your visit to Normandy’s many D-Day or medieval sites with the exclusive content provided at the partnering sites, while taking advantage of numerous discounts. The Explore Normandy Pass allows you to visit and explore Normandy throughout all seasons.

The time has come! We believe it is time to remind ourselves of shared history and shared values, time for a unique cross-border European project and time to give Europe something to celebrate! 2027 will mark the 1000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth, and will be a fabulous pretext to imagine a year-long series of events, not just in Normandy but across Europe! This historic anniversary will be a year of large-scale celebrations and will also herald a groundbreaking and lasting cooperation between our region and the European territories with which Normandy has historical links.