All the latest news from Normandy, including updates on travel, events, openings, visitor attractions, exhibitions, festivals, general interest pieces and more!
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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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Road trip in Normandy with an electric car
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of setting out on a driving adventure to discover a new destination. With an electric vehicle (EV), road trips require a little more planning and mapping out the route beforehand. Normandy – arguably one of France’s most picturesque region to drive – is also one of the country’s most...
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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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Top evening markets in Normandy
In summer, we love to stay out late! The markets we’ve chosen all have that holiday flavour in common. They all showcase local crafts and produce. Located by the sea or in coastal towns, these night markets often feature concerts and entertainment. Summer Evening Markets in La Manche A few kilometers from Coutances and its...
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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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The best places to eat oysters on the coast of Normandy
As coastal Normandy is home to some of the finest oyster beds in France, the region is brimming with raw bars, seafood restaurants and oyster farms that serve these local delicacies in style! So where are the best places in Normandy to eat oysters, you may ask? We’ve hand-picked our favourite hot spots to taste...
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Food festivals in Normandy
We’re all foodies in Normandy, so it’s no surprise our vast variety of food festivals are some of the best in France! Join us for mouth-watering regional cuisine, street food, artisanal produce, chef demos, tastings, live music and entertainment. Here are all our favourite food festivals taking place throughout the year. Mortagne-au-Perche’s Black Pudding Festival...
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Normandy’s finest hotels with sea views
How about spending a night or more in a dream hotel? It doesn’t have to be luxurious, just have that special something that makes all the difference: a breathtaking view that makes you want to get up at the crack of dawn to gaze at the horizon and the ever-changing reflections on the water for...
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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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Cycling trips around the D-Day Landing Beaches
The D-Day and Battle of Normandy routes and circuits we offer range from 10 to 49 km. This gives you plenty of time to stop and explore the sites relating to this pivotal chapter of modern history. The 3 ‘prologue D-Day’ loops of VéloWestNormandy The VéloWestNormandy is one of the great cycling routes in Normandy....
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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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Where to try aqua walking in Normandy?
Fancy exploring Normandy’s coastline in a more sporty, more unusual way? Try aqua walking – hiking along the beach partially immersed in the sea! Known as longe-côte in French, aqua walking is a fantastic way to burn calories in an exceptional coastal setting. Here are the best three spots in Normandy to try out this increasingly popular...
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The most beautiful greenways for the whole family
With over 700 km of safe cycle routes and greenways, Normandy truly has it all! With easy routes, beautiful surroundings and landscapes, educational or fun stops in villages or heritage sites, find out more about the most beautiful routes to enjoy with your family. On yer bike and follow the guide! The clifftop path offers...
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An overnight stay in historic D-Day accommodation
On 6 June 1944, soldiers from all over the world landed on the Normandy coast. A number of hotels and farmhouses were liberated from the Occupation and sometimes even hosted emblematic figures of the D-Day Landings. You too can stay in a selection of these places marked by the history of the D-DAY.
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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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Restaurants by the sea
Convivial, connected, chic. The restaurants that we have picked out for you have one thing in common, they all have wonderful views of the sea – or are sited right over the sea. The perfect places to savour the moment. 1. The epitome of cool, opposite an island Have you ever dreamt of eating right...
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Beautiful 5-star hotels in Normandy
From the Mont-Saint-Michel to Rouen, via Caen, Cabourg, Honfleur and Deauville, follow us on a tour of some of Normandy’s finest 5-star hotels. With a special mention for those you can treat yourself to with a Secret Box gift. Hôtel Barrière – Le Normandy Deauville Deauville us undoubtedly the most glamorous destination in Normandy. Roll...
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The Seine à Vélo: follow in the wheels of the Impressionists
Get on your bike and follow in the footsteps of the outdoor painters. Along the banks of the River Seine, discover the landscapes that inspired Monet, Renoir and Sisley and stop off at the museums that display their best works. Giverny, the first stop on your trip The first few kilometres of this Impressionist route...
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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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The most beautiful beaches in Normandy
Whether it’s the endless sand beaches of Manche, the Chausey Islands, the rugged coastline of the Cotentin, the chic or family-friendly seaside resorts of Calvados or the cliff-lined pebble beaches of Seine-Maritime, Normandy’s beaches are some of the most wonderfully diverse you’ll find in France. Beaches in Normandy With over 620km of coastline, Normandy boasts...
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The return of scallop fishing boats to Port-en-Bessin
The picturesque fishing port of Port-en-Bessin in the Calvados département is built around a sheltered natural harbour between two cliffs. The town has an unmatched reputation for providing some of the area’s best scallops, and visiting between 1 October and 15 May is the perfect time to experience the ultimate local spectacle, the return of...
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Normandy biscuit makers and factories
What would a trip to Normandy be without a few gourmet stops? We all know Normandy for its apple and dairy products, but did you know that we also make yummy biscuits? Discover our selection of Norman biscuit makers, ideal for a sweet break. La Biscuiterie de l’Abbaye Do you know where the sablé biscuit...
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The Normandy Cheese Route
In Normandy, all four of the cheeses boasting the coveted PDO certification (‘AOC’ in French) quality label are also villages – Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Evêque and Neufchâtel. Visit these villages on the Normandy Cheese Route, find out how those French famous cheeses are made and enjoy some tastings along the way! Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont-L’Evêque...
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A weekend on the Normandy Cheese Route
Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Evêque and Neufchâtel – the four famous PDO-certified Normandy cheeses. You may have tasted them, but have you ever visited the towns and villages they were named after? Why not do it this year? To make life as cheesy as possible for you, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary complete with some (optional)...
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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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5 fun family-friendly activities
Normandy is filled with countless family-friendly attractions sure to be a hit with kids of all ages, and parents too. We’re talking breathtaking coasts, golden sandy beaches, fascinating historic sites and lush rolling hills full of adventure. If you want to skip the touristy stuff in favour of new experiences that connect your kids with...
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Where to go trail running in Normandy
Do you like walking and running, rugged terrain and the great outdoors? We’ve put together a selection of the best trail routes in Normandy. A great way to discover the region and its natural landscapes, but also to train for your next race. The Station de Trail® Bagnoles Normandie Bagnoles de l’Orne is the only...
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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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Normandy’s top antiques fairs
Normandy’s antique fairs always promise exciting treasure hunts, where professional antiques buyers and enthusiasts are spoilt for choice! We’ve compiled our favourite five antiques fairs to visit during your trip to Normandy, whether you love antiques and vintage shopping or just enjoy a good old rummage. Rouen Place Saint-Marc antiques fair Along with the Rouen...
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Zoos and animal parks to visit in Normandy
It’s possible to travel far while staying in Normandy! We invite you to discover the region’s zoos and the animals that live there. You’ll also be able to better understand the commitment of these zoos to the protection and conservation of endangered species. Ready for a trip around the world?
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Veggie restaurants in Normandy: our selection
It can be a challenge finding a veggie restaurant in France, but here in Normandy, we’ve done all the research to save you the hassle! Here are our five favourite restaurants across the region that specialise in vegetarian and/or vegan cuisine – bon appétit ! Greedy Guts in Caen Greedy Guts has established itself as...
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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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Top spas in Normandy
You deserve to be pampered, so why not treat yourself to a spa day during your holiday in Normandy? Dip into our selection of simply stunning spas across the region and find the perfect retreat to relax, unwind and escape from the busy humdrum of daily life. Thalasso Deauville by Algotherm (Calvados) In order to...
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A dog-friendly stay on the Côte de Nacre
Normandy is known for its wonderfully pristine beaches. Some of the best can be found in Calvados, between Ouistreham and Courseulles-sur-mer and what’s better still is that a number of them allow dogs to stretch their legs and get a swim in too. This emblematic coastal destination known as the “ Côte de Nacre” is the...
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Food courts and covered markets
Visitors and locals come to do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat or have a drink with friends. Inspired by American food courts and food halls, gourmet food halls are becoming increasingly popular in Normandy. Les Halles Agrivin – Biltoki in Rouen Inaugurated in Rouen in November 2022, the Halles Agrivin – Biltoki...
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The GR® ‘Tour de la Suisse Normande’, voted ‘France’s Favourite Hiking Trail’
The sixth edition of the ‘GR Préféré des Français’ competition, organised by the French Hiking Federation, crowned the GR foothpath ’Pays Tour de la Suisse Normande’, a 113-km loop straddling the departments of Calvados and Orne, in the heart of the sumptuous hilly landscapes of the Suisse Normande. The GR® ‘Tour de la Suisse Normande’, which...
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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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Sleep in a château in Normandy!
Have you ever dreamed of spending a night or more in a beautiful chateau? Follow us on a tour of some of Normandy’s best hotels and rooms located in beautiful historic buildings. They all have that special something, with traditional or contemporary décor, a royal breakfast or even a swimming pool. Perfect for an unforgettable...
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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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Saint James, a timeless favourite
Saint James is named after the little Norman village where it is located. And it’s an institution here. Since 1889, it has been home to a woollen navy knitwear and cotton sailor suits factory. And you can visit it! Step inside one of the largest knitting parks in Europe. The meticulous skills of master knitters...
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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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Calvados tasting at the Busnel distillery
Mention Normandy and its food springs to mind, alongside calvados apple brandy, one of the region’s best-known products. The region’s oldest calvados distillery, Busnel in the town of Cormeilles, celebrates its 200th birthday this year so we went along to to see what all the fuss was about! A family affair Two hundred years of...
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Dieppe Market, France’s finest!
In 2020, Dieppe market was officially voted France’s finest market on French national television! Held every Saturday morning, this market’s vast array of tempting treats, whether hoisted from the sea or harvested from the land, is an absolute must for any lover of fresh local produce. Crowned ‘France’s most beautiful market’ in 2020 More than...
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The best equestrian events in Normandy
Normandy’s equestrian calendar is packed with events throughout the year, but which are the best? Here’s our selection of the finest equestrian events to enjoy with friends or family, whether you’re horse crazy or just along for the ride.
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Top golf club restaurants in Normandy
Normandy boasts some world-class golf courses, though some golfers might be more looking forward to the post-round meal than the golf itself in a region so renowned for its food! If you’re a golfer and a foodie, here’s our selection of Normandy’s best golf club restaurants guaranteeing delicious cuisine, beautiful views and unforgettable dining experiences. Restaurant at the Golf d’Etretat Whether...
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Meet Honorin Hamard, France’s paragliding champion
Honorin Hamard is a world-class paraglider. World champion in 2015, he won the French championships in both 2018 and 2019. From the sky, he gets to see Normandy like no-one else. Meet the man and the mind behind all that paragliding passion. Where did you grow up in Normandy? I was lucky to grow up...
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Best places to have a picnic in Normandy
Sure, you could have a picnic at a motorway service station, but we can go one better! Here are all of our favourite places where you can enjoy breathtaking views while you eat! 1. A view of the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay You’ve bought some local fresh products from a local village in the Bay...
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Our top tips for your romantic weekend in Normandy
How about a break with your loved-one, right now, without further ado? We’ll whisk you away to a chateau, barge or thatched cottage in Normandy for a romantic weekend. Where to go for a weekend away? You’ll be spoilt for choice!If you want to be by the seaside, the Flowered Coast (Côte Fleurie) is a...
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Cycling Normandy’s flax trail with a dog
Did you know that Normandy was one of the world’s leading producers of flax, also called linseed? To combine the joys of a cycling trip and the discovery of flax fields, a cycling trail “la Véloroute du Lin” was created in 2018, stretching from Hautot-sur-Mer near Dieppe to Fécamp. I decided to embark on this...
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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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Ten tremendous treehouses to try
Have you ever wanted to spend the night in a treehouse? Well, in Normandy you can, and what’s more, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or a partner, you’re in for an unforgettable stay in any of these ten tremendous treehouses (or cabanes dans les arbres as they’re known in French).
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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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A special New Year’s Eve in Normandy
Looking for a perfect New Year’s Eve getaway? Avoid over-crowded New Year’s Eve parties and try something a little different. Normandy offers plenty of alternatives to the stereotypical end of year bash, so read on if you’re after a new way to see in the new year! Unusual places to stay for an original New...
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10 places to have fun with the family
Sometimes there’s just one thing you want to do: get some fresh air and let off steam! Theme parks, summer sledging, bungee jumping… Here’s our selection of the best places to have fun with the family! Viaduc de la Souleuvre (Calvados) The Viaduc de la Souleuvre is quite a piece of architecture (built between 1887...
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Watersports with kids in Normandy
With 600km of coastline, lakes and rivers, Normandy is rife with opportunities to head outdoors and get a taste of water sports! To help you find the perfect spot to get active on the water with your kids, here’s our pick of fun, safe places to get started. Granville Regional Boating Centre Find the perfect...
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Normandy’s most beautiful sunsets
Whether you’re taking a romantic evening stroll, enjoying a drink with friends or are out and about with the family, no-one can resist a beautiful sunset by the seaside or in the countryside. Here are some of our finest for you to factor into your holiday to Normandy, including sunrises too! Sunrise in La Manche...
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Learn to play golf in Normandy
Normandy is the perfect place to take your first swing! If you’ve never played golf before, some of our golf clubs offer free coaching to get you started. Here are the best places for beginners to get a little bit of practice before hitting those white balls with ease and style! Jumièges Golf Course Set in the Meanders of the Seine Regional...
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Mushroom foraging weekends in the Orne
In the Orne département, we love the good life, reaping the fruits of the earth and enjoying them! Discover the autumn tradition of foraging for mushrooms in this part of Normandy, which goes back many generations. If you go down in the woods today… All booted up with baskets and ready to go, head off...
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Things to do on a hot summer’s day in Normandy
There’s nothing like Normandy in summertime. Warm weather is one thing but every so often we do get a heatwave! So how can you beat the heat and enjoy your time in Normandy during a heatwave on your holidays? Here are our top ideas for activities that will keep you cool as the temperatures soar....
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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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Fashion in Normandy
Colourful favorites coupled with seasonal core shades come together to create a palette of beautiful colours in Normandy that has inspired great Impressionist painters and world-famous fashion designers alike. Fashion lovers are in for a treat walking in the footsteps of the finest fashion designers on planet earth. Coco Chanel and Deauville’s boardwalk Take a...
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Top beaches for horse-riding in Normandy
Our many magical beaches make Normandy an ideal destination for horse-riding, providing freedom for horses and an exhilarating experience for riders. Here are five of the best spots to saddle up for seaside equestrian adventures. Deauville, the place to be One of the most idyllic places for exploring on horseback is the chic seaside resort...
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Top markets in Normandy
To experience Normandy at its most authentic, look no further than the local market, the earlier the better, whatever the day. Once, sometimes twice a week. Meet the people, try out your French, purchase fresh local produce or get a buzz from just browsing! Every town and village will have a website with information on...
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6 places for top shopping in Normandy
Love shopping? Want to know where the best places are to shop in Normandy? From modern shopping centres and high street names to narrow lanes lined with beautiful boutiques and independent shops, Normandy has it all. Deauville, Rouen, Le Havre and Caen are some of best places to shop til you drop, not forgetting our designer outlets! 1. Deauville, a shopper’s paradise It’s...
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Playing golf in Normandy
From links to forest courses, Normandy has established itself as a fantastic destination when it comes to offering top quality golf. From the panoramic sea views of the Golf d’Etretat to the prestigious setting of the Golf Barrière Deauville, here’s a round-up of Normandy’s most beautiful and scenic golf courses.
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Top golf events in Normandy
With plenty of world-class courses and resorts to choose from, Normandy has built its reputation as an exceptional golf destination in France. Every year, the region hosts many golf events and tournaments, both for professional and amateur players. Here’s a selection of golf events for your bucket list. The Vaudreuil Golf Challenge Part of the Challenge Tour tournament, the Vaudreuil Golf Challenge is held end June or...
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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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The best beach bars in Normandy
In Normandy, bars and beaches go together! Here’s a selection of some of our favourite watering holes. The Goéland Plage It’s hardly surprising that this bar has been classified by the Guardian newpaper as one of the top ten beach bars in France! The Goéland Plage is in Réville, and is a former German bunker...
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The best homemade ice cream and where to find it
You’re in Normandy in the heat of summer, and that urgent and inevitable question arises: where can you find the best ice cream? Let us help! The crème de la crème in Honfleur! This story began when Philippe et Isabelle Cocagne, milk producers based in the Eure, started coming to Honfleur (Calvados) to sell their...
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Best swimming pools in Normandy
For most of us, there is nothing more refreshing on holidays than taking a dip in the cooling waters of a beautiful swimming pool. We’ve put together a collection of the most spectacular pools across Normandy to inspire you to start planning your next getaway. Enjoy! Granville’s sea water swimming pool Don’t miss the chance...
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Accommodation that’s out of the ordinary
Want to stay somewhere a bit different? Enjoy a stay at some of the most unique and extraordinary places in Normandy! From a safari lodge in a zoo and a calvados barrel on the Cider Route to an ancient fort overlooking the sea, there’s so many unusual accommodation options just waiting to be discovered.
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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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Bohin France: a Norman company between tradition and modernity
Mr Didier Vrac has recently announced his retirement after more than a quarter century with the company: 27 years precisely, of which 20 years as a CEO. He is ready to pass the management on to the next generation. His successors, Audrey Régnier, currently director of the museum and her husband are very proud to take on the challenge of leading the business and perpetuate the success story of the last sewing needle and...
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Cluizel: a Norman artisan chocolatier famed for excellence
Holidays are meant to be a time for indulgence. Well, you’ve heard of wine tours and culinary travel, why not chocolate tourism? Meet Marc Cluizel, the manager of the chocolate factory he opened with his wife Marcelle back in 1947, in Damville in the Eure department of Normandy. A must for chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. What makes the Cluizel chocolate factory so special? “Contrary to popular belief, chocolatiers do not make their own...
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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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Fish markets in Normandy
Normandy is France’s second sea fishing region and is even first for shellfish. This status is due not only to its 600 km of coastline, but also to its 2,000 fishermen and its fleet of 600 boats. Follow us to the quaysides of Normandy’s fishing ports in search of the freshest fish, shellfish and seafood....
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Accessible beaches
From the Mont-Saint-Michel to Le Tréport, the Normandy coast stretches for almost 600 kilometres. 12 beaches have now been awarded the Handiplage label and developments will continue over the coming years to better meet the criteria for accessible tourism. The Handiplage Label in Normandy The Handiplage Label is awarded to beaches with equipment and facilities...
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Restaurants with a view!
We all dream of having lunch or dinner in a magical setting. From the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel to Etretat, from the Chausey Islands to Dieppe, we will take you on a tour of our selection of restaurants with a real Wow factor! Overlooking the Bay Let’s begin with one of the most beautiful places...
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Normandy cooking classes
The kitchen is where flavours and ideas come together, a place for sharing and conviviality. What about taking a few cooking lessons in Normandy to impress the crowds? We’ve come up with seven regional addresses where you can discover the secrets of Norman cuisine. Je cuisine mon Jardin (Eure) Let’s start our journey in Conches-en-Ouche,...
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Unveiling the secrets of the Trou Normand
Originating from the verdant countryside of Normandy, le Trou Normand (literally, “a Norman hole”) is a delightful custom that embodies the rich cultural heritage and gastronomic pleasures that France is renowned for! This french culinary tradition involves serving a small glass of Calvados, local apple brandy, or Calvados-soaked apple sorbet between courses. More than a...
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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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Top dog-friendly hotels
What could be more fun than letting your dog loose on the beach or chilling out on a terrace with man’s best friend? Here’s our section of hotels where you and your canine companion will both receive a warm welcome, safe in the knowledge that you can enjoy each other’s company in peace and tranquillity....
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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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Top dog-friendly restaurants
Fancy eating out but don’t want to leave your dog at the gîte? No problem – we’ve put together a list of restaurants that LOVE dogs. No need to thank us, it’s just what we do…. 1. Ferme de la Rançonnière Behind a gateway lies the magnificent square courtyard around which sit the beautiful buildings...
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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...
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Rail biking in Normandy
Normandy’s a bit of an expert when it comes to repurposing disused railway tracks, having already turned several into popular rail biking routes. Explore our region in a new way by rail biking in a group through some of its most scenic natural landscapes. Suitable for all ages, this activity is great for the whole...
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Walking and cycling along the Alabaster Coast in Normandy
To explore the 45 km of coastline between Le Havre and Fécamp, I set off on a slow adventure combining cycling and walking. Instead of breathlessly dashing from one sight to the next, I decide to ride my bicycle at my own pace along a section of the Vélomaritime® and then continue on the GR®21...
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Dog-friendly holidays in Seine-Eure, the land between two rivers
Searching for the pawfect dog-friendly destination for your next trip to France? Look no further! With stunning natural landscapes, beautiful walks and abundance of pet friendly accommodation, a holiday in the Seine-Eure county of Normandy means you don’t have to leave anyone behind. Located between the cities of Rouen and Evreux, not far from Paris,...
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A journey back through time with TimeTravel!
Timetravel Corp is the first travel agency in the solar system to take you on a journey through time! Seen from the year 2069 it accompanies you in a voyage of discovery through different eras, from the most ancient to the most recent, thanks to the best that current technologies can offer. With the help...
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The secrets of a real farmhouse Camembert
Deep in the heart of the Domfront bocage (hedgerow country), you’ll find Champ Secret cheese farm, ready and raring to teach you how to make some of the best farmhouse camembert in Normandy. Cheesy know-how So far, three generations have worked at Champ Secret, which was set up in 1990. In 2000, owners Patrick and Francine’s mission to...
