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Discover Normandy’s Abbeys and Priories
Normandy’s medieval, monastic and architectural heritage is waiting to be rediscovered by the whole family. From ancient ruins set in the open countryside to spectacular restoration projects, these educational, fun, mystical and even magical trails will spark the imagination of visitors of all ages. Hambye Abbey, Manche Founded in the 12th century by William Painel,...
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Normandy’s lesser-known medieval castles
Exploring medieval Normandy means immersing yourself in an exceptional cultural and historical heritage, home to some of France’s most remarkable landmarks. Today, we invite you to venture beyond the usual tourist routes and discover a selection of lesser-known castles.
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Summer light shows in Normandy
It’s that time of year when the sun sets later, temperatures are milder, and people gather to watch what France does so well, an evening light show! Every summer, hundreds of thousands of spectators line the square in front of Rouen cathedral to watch its facade come to life. Once painted by Claude Monet at...
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David Hockney’s Normandy
David Hockney is undoubtedly one of the most famous and multidisciplinary artists of his generation. He now lives and works in Normandy, where he spent much of 2020 creating The Arrival of Spring and picturing the ever-changing lights of the Normandy countryside. Let’s take a tour of all the places associated with the modern master of colour…...
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A Year in Normandy: A journey through four seasons
The new film from Normandy Tourism, A Year in Normandy, invites you to experience our beautiful part of France like never before. It portrays a vibrant region to be explored throughout the seasons, showcasing its landscapes, history, local crafts, and the people who make it unique. The story of a notebook It all begins in...
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Ten good reasons to visit Normandy in 2026
Brimming with history, culture, stunning natural scenery, remembrance sites and great food & drink, Normandy truly has it all! We invite you to enjoy and to explore all that our beautiful part of France has to offer. Just in case you need convincing, here is a list of ten good reasons to visit Normandy this...
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Ten films you may not know were shot in Normandy
France enjoys a rich filmmaking tradition dating back to the golden age of cinema, with countless films shot in Paris and on the French Riviera. However, you may not know that Normandy has also seen its fair share of filming over the years! Here are ten films shot in our region that are well worth a watch…...
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Secrets of the Bayeux Tapestry
The town of Bayeux is home to one of the most famous tapestries in the world: the Bayeux Tapestry. Here we reveal some of the secrets of this venerable tapestry, which for almost a thousand years now has told the epic story of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who set out to conquer England...
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Normandy’s top medieval fairs
With the coming of fine weather, a number of medieval fairs take place in Normandy, the birthplace of William the Conqueror. We have taken a selection of the main dancing, jousting, theatrical and ‘fantasy’ festivals that are being held throughout the season across the Duchy.
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Fun for all the family in feudal Normandy
The Middle Ages, a period that conjures up knights in armour, damsels in distress, princesses, minstrels, troubadours and the occasional dragon, is a time that never fails to fascinate the young and young at heart. Let Normandy be your playground where you can set out on your journey back in time! Castles, majestic ruins, cobbled...
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Who was Arsène Lupin, the gentleman burglar?
Netflix’s Lupin was the streaming platform’s first French-language series to crack the US and UK Top 10, with our very own Etretat featuring prominently in the part 1 finale, but who exactly was the famous fictional gentleman burglar, who created him, and why were several of his stories set in Normandy? Lupin and Normandy You’ve watched the...
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Medieval myths and legends in Normandy
The myths and legends of Normandy are rich in mystery and magic. They were peddled by story tellers imbued with the ancient oral traditions found in a heady mix of Celtic imagination, Viking paganism and the Christian faith. The geese of Pirou Castle After a long seige of Pirou castle, the victorious Normans burst into...
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Gustave Flaubert’s Normandy
Originally from Rouen, Gustave Flaubert is known around the world for his 1857 novel Madame Bovary. During his life, Flaubert rarely left his native Normandy, apart from occasional trips to Paris, southern Europe and the Middle East. He published only a few novels and short stories and one play in his lifetime, and it was only after...
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Sleep in a medieval castle or mansion
It’s possible to sleep in a fortified castle in Normandy! A land of medieval epics, our region has preserved a wealth of castles with their typical style and architecture. Some of them, particularly well preserved or renovated, now offer unique accommodation.
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Medieval games and active visits in Normandy
Do visits tire out your kids? Are they getting fractious? Surely there’s no better way to learn about the medieval period than by play. We suggest heading off to a number of escape games across Normandy, in Rouen, Verneuil-sur-Avre, Falaise and Jumièges. 1. Adrenaline in the dungeon You’ll find in the Joan of Arc Tower...
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The Middle Ages with a modern twist: five ideas for outings
The rich history of Normandy in the Middle Ages has not only made its mark on the landscape, but also inspired local people to adapt it in imaginative ways in keeping with the spirit of the times. It’s hardly surprising that certain places lend themselves to an immersive experience of a distant past that thereby...
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Explore Giverny by bike
Combine your fascination for art with your love of the great outdoors on a two-wheeled adventure to Giverny. This picturesque village in the Seine Valley is famously known for being where Claude Monet, the Master of Impressionism, lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Today the Seine Valley is one of the most cycle-friendly...
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5 surprising anecdotes about Richard the Lionheart
Richard the Lionheart is a historical and legendary figure, famous for his reign as King of England and his exploits in the Holy Land at the end of the 12th century. He also left his mark on the history of the Duchy of Normandy. His life is marked by surprising and remarkable events. Richard the...
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D-Day: 10 unexplored sites of remembrance
If you’ve already visited Normandy and believe you’ve seen all the sites related to D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, think again! There are confidential, intimate, and lesser-known sites, memorials and museums that might have slipped under your radar. Venture off the tourist trail and prepare to be surprised and moved as you delve into...
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Tours, excursions and tools adapted for visitors with disabilities
It’s not always easy to plan an accessible day out . We hope this selection will give you the inspiration you need to spend some quality time alone, with family or friends. A 3D map at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen Since the beginning of 2023, Rouen‘s Fine Arts Museum has been offering a...
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D-Day: short stories about the big day
While the great events of 6th June 1944 are world-famous, D-Day is also full of equally fascinating stories of life. Here are 10 of them. Joseph Arruda and his brother Manuel One of 12 children, Joseph Arruda landed on Utah Beach with the 4th Infantry Division on 6 June 1944. His brother Manuel was with...
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Explore the Past in Motion: History & Sports on D-Day Beaches
From Cotentin’s eastern coast to the Côte de Nacre, through the beaches of the Bessin, the Normandy coastline resonates with the poignant echoes of the D-Day landings. The memory of the summer of 1944 endures on the edges of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, as well as inland. Today, in all seasons, visitors...
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Rouen (Unesco Creative City for Gastronomy) and its top restaurants
End 2021, Rouen’s culinary creativity and sustainable development efforts were rewarded. Rouen received the ultimate accolade: it became the first French city to be recognised by UNESCO for its gastronomy. Follow us on a tour of some of Rouen’s best restaurants. What exactly is the ‘UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy’ label? To date, Rouen is...
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The most beautiful panoramic views in Normandy
If you’re visiting a city for the first time or want a change of perspective, there’s nothing like seeing the sights from above. You’ll discover a different face of the city, a panorama that is often very photogenic. Follow us and we’ll show you the best spots in Rouen, Caen, Le Havre and the whole...
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The D-Day Landing Beaches with a dog
The D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy were the setting for Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944. It was a battleground and a place of slaughter. Today they are a place to enjoy, including with your dog. This is no more than what the veterans wanted and fought for – enjoying in freedom what had been taken away...
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The Alabaster Coast by campervan
To celebrate the first day of my retirement, my significant other and I decided to rent a campervan for four days so we could explore the Alabaster Coast in Normandy. Equipped with just a small suitcase, a camping table and some bedding, we headed off on the first of what we hope will be many...
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The Villa du Temps Retrouvé in Cabourg
Situated in the romantic seaside resort of Cabourg, this brand new museum offers visitors the unique chance to travel back in time to the Belle Époque era. So step inside the Villa du Temps Retrouvé, immerse yourself in that early 20th century atmosphere and follow in the footsteps of Marcel Proust! Travel back in time A stone’s throw from...
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Who really was William the Conqueror?
Of all the Dukes of Normandy, William the Conqueror is undoubtedly the most famous and fascinating. His figure is firmly rooted in our medieval imagination. But apart from his greatest military achievement, the conquest of England in 1066, do we really know him? William the Bastard: why such a nickname? Descended from a line of...
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Belle Époque architecture in Normandy
In the artistic ferment of the late 19th century, Normandy became the favourite playground of architects who wanted to give free rein to their creativity. Today, spa towns and seaside resorts bear architectural witness to the Belle Époque. The Belle Époque At the end of the 19th century, French society entered a period of peace,...
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10 must-see Impressionist masterpieces in Normandy museums
In the heart of Normandy and Ile-de-France (Paris Region), Impressionism came to life and created cultural treasures that are exhibited all over the world. Don’t miss the chance to discover these Impressionist masterpieces in Normandy’s world-class museums. We’ve listed a few places to help you enjoy this unique artistic experience. Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series...
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Touring the D-Day Landing Beaches in 4 days
From Pegasus Bridge to the artificial port of Arromanches, from the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer to the Pointe du Hoc, via Sainte-Mère-Église, this 4-day tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches takes you to the main sites of remembrance and must-see museums. And don’t forget to stop off for a bite to eat or a relaxing...
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Touring Normandy’s Impressionist Sites Car-Free
Normandy, alongside Paris and its surroundings, stands as the very cradle of Impressionism: a realm where countless painters and visionaries converged to create the masterpieces that would redefine the artistic landscape of the late 19th century. From Monet to Pissarro, Morisot to Renoir, and the pioneers like Boudin and Millet, these luminaries etched the essence...
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Artists’ gardens
The “garden painter” Claude Monet explored how gardens could inspire art. In such crafted idylls as Giverny, poetry is everywhere, bringing together paint and plant. Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny At Giverny, Monet had an army of gardeners to hone his garden in the ways he sought to perfect his art. Let’s imagine it’s 1920...
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The finest lighthouses to see and visit in Normandy
Although lighthouses are not operated in the ways of our forefathers, they nevertheless still have the capacity to make us dream and to open up new horizons. Normandy has some very fine specimens and we invite you – where possible – to spiral your way up inside and take in some fantastic views. Gatteville lighthouse...
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Camembert in Normandy
Normandy boasts many different landscapes and local cuisine accompanies each one. We’re off to find out about traditional cheese-making at the Durand cheese dairy, and try out their Camembert of course! Artisanal ladle-served Camembert We strive to keep to the paths of righteousness, but temptation is all around in Normandy, so we have to give...
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Modern architecture in Normandy
Normandy is best known for its historic architecture and traditional building materials. Over recent years however a number of outstanding examples of contemporary architecture have been built to give a modern and forward looking face to the region! Take a look.
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Secrets of the distillery
En France et au-delà de nos frontières, le cidre, le poiré, le Calvados ou encore la Bénédictine sont réputés et très appréciés. On vous emmène faire un tour dans les grandes distilleries de Normandie, pour percer à jour les secrets de fabrication.
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Uncover the secrets of apple brandy at the Calvados Experience Museum
Discover one of Normandy’s latest major attractions in Pont-l’Évêque. Opened in 2018, this immersive museum is devoted to calvados apple brandy and the secrets of its production. It brilliantly combines audio, visual and multi-sensory effects to allow all visitors, young and old, an educational, enlightening glimpse into the culture of this traditional spirit, and Normandy’s...
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Learning, understanding and honouring D-Day with your family
The Normandy coast, an emblematic site of the Allied landings on 6 June 1944, offers a unique opportunity to dive into the past and pay tribute to the bravery of the soldiers. How can you create a visit that suits you and helps younger visitors better understand the significance of the historic events that shaped...
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Visiting the real umbrellas of Cherbourg
In the spotlight of the popular movie Les Parapluies de Cherbourgfeaturing the famous French actress Catherine Deneuve, a young entrepreneur, aged 22 at the time, embraced the trend. In 1986, Jean-Pierre Yvon founded a factory in the centre of Cherbourg to produce a key item of any wardrobe – a trusty umbrella. Le Parapluie de Cherbourg brand now thrives under the management of his son, Charles Yvon. Quality guaranteed ‘My father’s ambition...
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The Normandy Cider Route
To the east of Caen, the Cider Route is a 25 mile signposted trail that criss-crosses the Pays d’Auge down picturesque country lanes connecting the villages of Beuvron-en-Auge (one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’), Cambremer, Bonnebosq and Beaufour-Druval. Along the way, you have the choice of stopping off at over twenty cider farms!...
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Normandy through the eyes of Thomas Pesquet
He is undoubtedly the most Norman of all the astronauts. Seven days a week, the man who grew up between Rouen and Dieppe saw the Earth evolve before his eyes, but never lost sight of Normandy. Orbiting at an altitude of 400 km, Thomas Pesquet took advantage of the unique views from the ISS (International...
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Music festivals in Normandy
Normandy has a thriving music festival season catering for all genres. No matter what you’re looking for – rock ’n’ roll headliners, pop music favourites, French and international artists, or house and techno bangers – there’s something for you somewhere in a field next spring and summer! Here’s our round-up of some of the best...
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Linen, a Norman treasure
Since ancient times, linen (or flax) has found in Normandy the clay soil and climate it needs to thrive. With 80,000 hectares spread over Eure, Seine-Maritime and part of Calvados, Normandy produces almost 50% of the world’s flax! Centuries-old expertise Sown in March and April at a rate of 1,800 to 2,000 seeds per square...
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Top exotic gardens in Normandy
A trip to the ends of the earth in Normandy? If you love the scents and colours of faraway places, these beautiful plant havens are the place to be. Vauville’s extraordinary garden Take a trip to the distant lands of the southern hemisphere! At the end of the Cotentin Peninsula, 300 metres from the sea,...
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Victor Hugo’s Normandy
Victor Hugo was a great writer but also a great traveller, who visited Normandy from 1835 onwards. His letters and sketches give a precise idea of how he studied the landscapes and heritage of our beautiful region. Between romance and tragedy, this itinerary takes us from the loops of the River Seine to the Channel...
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Who was Rollo, the very first Norman?
Coming from Norway via England, Rollo landed in France in 876 to plunder. He ended up ruling over a land given to him by King Charles III during negotiations: Normandy. Nor/man/die or the land of the Northmen! Although the exact dates of his birth and death are not known, history records him as the first...
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D-Day & the Battle of Normandy: 10 offbeat sites to explore
June 6, 1944 marks the historic landing of the Allies in Normandy, but the echoes of war continue to reverberate far beyond our shores. For three relentless months, the flames of battle continue to engulf our lands. Immerse yourself in the untold stories of Normandy, wander beyond conventional D-Day trails and embark on an extraordinary...
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Performing arts festivals in Normandy
Looking for some performing arts during your stay in Normandy? Here’s an overview of all the festivals taking place across Normandy over the summer where you can enjoy all kinds of street performers, jugglers, comedians and dancers! Viva Cité in Sotteville-lès-Rouen, near Rouen (Seine-Maritime) More than 90,000 spectators are expected to attend international festival Viva...
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The ‘bacs’ ferries on the River Seine: how do they work?
These are crossings like no other. They’re practical, economical and unusual! Along the loops of the Seine, eight links allow motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to cross the river by bac. What exactly is a bac? A bac is a flat-bottomed boat typical of Normandy. It allows locals and passing visitors to cross the River Seine...
