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 of the Mont-Saint-Michel and you picked up that wonderful freshly baked bread where they make it like they used to! Now you’re looking for somewhere perfect to settle down for a picnic lunch. How about Saint-Jean-le-Thomas? The spot known as la place de Pignochet is right by the dunes and has plenty of room for picnickers. Before you is the vastness of the bay, the famous sheep on the salt-marshes, and the majestic silhouette of the Mont-Saint-Michel and Mont-Tombe.
2. Next to the highest waterfall in western France
Mortain is famous for its waterfall, the largest in western France, and is a perfect place to set up your picnic. By the little Chapel of Saint-Michel there’s a picnic area ready for you, and from there, on a clear day, you can even see the Mont-Saint-Michel in the distance.
3. A spectacular view over Rouen
The hill of Sainte-Catherine was where Claude Monet painted his panoramic view of Rouen. It’s quite a climb – some 525 steps to the top, but you can see why he loved it – the view is splendid. And after all that work, you will feel fully justified in enjoying a high-carb lunch with a glass of wine to boot!
4. Panoramic views over the Seine estuary
We recommend a pleasant walk by the Saint-Samson-de-la-Roque lighthouse and there you can set up your picnic at one of the picnic tables provided. Take in the view of the Normandy Bridge linking Honfleur and Le Havre, Marais Vernier marshes and Pont de Tancarville bridge upstream.
5. Lunch in the shade of apple trees
Near Honfleur, on the edge of the Pays d’Auge, the Manoir d’Apreval offers you an enhanced picnic in July and August. The baskets are made exclusively from local produce. The place invites you to relax. Some even fall asleep in the shade of the apple trees! Take the opportunity to visit the distillery on the family estate.
6. In Honfleur, with a view of the Pont de Normandie
Along the estuary, the Jardin des Personnalités offers large expanses of lawn, ideal for a lunch on the grass. All around are busts of famous people who were either born in the region or have lived here. Ana is enchanted: ‘Situated just outside Honfleur, next to the nature reserve, this large, beautiful garden is very well maintained. An added bonus is the view of the Pont de Normandie.
7. 118 metres above sea level at the Roche d’Oëtre
The Roche d’Oëtre nature reserve offers an impressive view of the Gorges of the Rouvre. People are often surprised to discover such landscapes here in Normandy, far from the clichés. The site is full of sporting activities. Although it doesn’t open directly onto the viewpoint, the picnic area is well thought out, with several tables and toilets nearby. Fancy an improved picnic? Buy some chips from the restaurant. And if you’re not afraid of heights, you can sit on a rock and eat your sandwich while taking in the view.
8. The Marais-Vernier
The little country road that takes in the thatched cottages and unique landscapes of the Marais Vernier marshes (a meander of the Seine that dried up millennia ago) is perfect for a family day out, whether on foot, by bike or even in a car. The Observatory of the Grand’ Mare, which overlooks the lake of the same name, is a good spot to have a picnic. With ducks and wild geese for company and picnic tables provided, what could be better?
A different way to discover Normandy
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Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
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